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Motion Pacific Dance
5 ★★★★★ 22 Google reviews · Ballet school in Santa Cruz, California
Studio offering ballet, hip hop, jazz, fusion & modern dance classes, plus programs for kids.
Plan your first class
- Adult classes classes for grown-ups, including absolute beginners — it's never too late to start at the barre
- Recitals end-of-year performances and shows — ask about costume and performance fees when you enroll
- Phone +1 408-508-5125
- Website & schedule motionpacific.com — enroll and see the live class schedule
The programs they offer
“Offering more adult classes in various styles than any other studio in the Santa Cruz area you have Motion Pacific.”
“Let’s say you’ve never danced before OR you’ve not danced in years OR you’re a gosh darn pro who can pop out 17million pirouettes in a row.”
“I love it here; whether for myself or my daughter the classes are super fun and all the instructors are so kind and wonderful.”
“Overall a very positive and inclusive dance community.”
What families & students say
“I love it here; whether for myself or my daughter the classes are super fun and all the instructors are so kind and wonderful.”
“Rife with technique, while also abundant in somatics.”
“The studio environment is incredibly supportive; both the staff and the dancers are very welcoming.”
“I love it here; whether for myself or my daughter the classes are super fun and all the instructors are so kind and wonderful.”
“I was there for the Majesty drag show and had the best time enjoying amazing performers!”
“Offering more adult classes in various styles than any other studio in the Santa Cruz area you have Motion Pacific.”
From the reviews
Motion Pacific is my home away from home!! They have the best variety of adult classes with amazing instructors. The studio is a highly inclusive space which strives to reach all corners of our community to offer dance to all. Motion Pacific has created a beautiful dance community for all ages.
Lean-to Productions (Rachael Lincoln and Leslie Seiters) had the great pleasure of being presented as part of Motion Pacific's 2013 season. I can't say more positive things about our week-long experience of being in the space.
I’ve danced at Motion Pacific off and on since I was a little girl. I’ve always had wonderful experiences with motion. The studio environment is incredibly supportive; both the staff and the dancers are very welcoming. The events are super fun as well and definitely my favorite way to spend a Saturday.
I've been dancing at Motion Pacific for almost four years. The teachers are engaging, welcoming, and supportive. The class offerings are diverse with lots of options for adults. The performances are so popular they almost always sell out. I would highly recommend the studio to anyone interested in solo dance genres.
Adult ballet at Motion Pacific Dance
Motion Pacific Dance runs classes for grown-ups — confirmed on their own site. If you've never taken ballet, or you're coming back to it after years away, this is for you — and a good studio genuinely welcomes a nervous first-timer. A few things worth asking before you go. First, which class to start in — look for one labeled "absolute beginner" or "adult beginner" rather than an open or "all levels" class, so you learn the fundamentals at the right pace. Second, drop-in or term — many adult programs let you pay per class to try it, then move to a term or monthly package once you're hooked. Third, what to wear — comfortable clothes you can move in, plus socks or bare feet, are plenty for a first class; you won't need a leotard or ballet shoes to walk in the door. It's never too late for first position.
Your first ballet class at Motion Pacific Dance
Nervous about walking into your first class? Almost everyone is — and a good studio expects beginners, whether your dancer is five or you're returning at fifty. Here's what to know. What to wear: comfortable clothes you can move in, with socks or bare feet; a leotard and tights are nice if you have them, but not required, and pointe shoes are years down the road — never day one. What to expect: class usually starts at the barre with slow, simple movements to warm up, then moves to the center — follow along, copy the teacher, and don't worry about getting it "right" the first time. Arrive early: come 10–15 minutes ahead to change, find a spot, and let the teacher know it's a first class so they can keep an eye out. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.
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