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Oakland Ballet School

4.3 ★★★★☆ 17 Google reviews · Ballet school in Oakland, California

Ballet school Adult classes Kids & teens Pointe Pre-professional

Plan your first class

  • Adult classes classes for grown-ups, including absolute beginners — it's never too late to start at the barre
  • Pointe pointe and pre-pointe work for dancers who are ready — the pre-pointe strengthening comes first
  • Pre-professional a serious, conservatory-style track for committed students aiming high
  • Recitals end-of-year performances and shows — ask about costume and performance fees when you enroll
  • Summer intensive holiday and summer intensive programs — these fill early, so ask about dates and auditions
  • Today see hours ·
  • Phone (510) 530-7516
  • Website & schedule oaklandballetschool.com — enroll and see the live class schedule

Hours

Monday 4–8:30 PM
Tuesday 4–8:30 PM
Wednesday 3:30–8:30 PM
Thursday 4–8:30 PM
Friday 4:30–7:30 PM
Saturday 9 AM–3 PM
Sunday Closed

Studio hours shift for holidays, recitals, and term schedules — worth a quick check before a special trip.

The programs they offer

Ballet programs on the schedule at Oakland Ballet School, confirmed in families' own reviews and the studio's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

💃 Adult Ballet 3 mentions

“I've been taking adult ballet classes here for about a year now - would highly recommend for any adults looking to start their ballet journey!”

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🌸 Kids Ballet 3 mentions

“I was en pointe as a kid, and found that after 20 years the beginning ballet class was a perfect place for me to start again.”

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🩰 Pointe

“I was en pointe as a kid, and found that after 20 years the beginning ballet class was a perfect place for me to start again.”

All studios with pointe →

☀️ Summer Intensives

All studios with summer intensives →

🧸 Toddler & Pre-Ballet

All studios with toddler & pre-ballet →

What families & students say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 17 Google reviews — with their own words as proof.

💛 nurturing, non-competitive 5 mentions

“this is an awesome place where i made great bonds with people, connected with my teachers, and overall created a very tight-knit and kind community.”

🎭 beautiful recitals & performances 2 mentions

“First, for the kids - Denise & Joral are excellent teachers and do a great job preparing students for the end of season performances.”

💃 great for adults 2 mentions

“I've been taking adult ballet classes here for about a year now - would highly recommend for any adults looking to start their ballet journey!”

From the reviews

I have been coming to this school since kindergarten. I've learned so much in the years and have made many life long friends. The environment is wonderful and the teachers are very nice. I have never had a problem here with a teacher or student and wish class never ended

★★★★★ — Nico, May 2018

Both my kids and I love OBS! First, for the kids - Denise & Joral are excellent teachers and do a great job preparing students for the end of season performances. I also really appreciate the diversity and variety of body types, as not all dance studios have that.

★★★★★ — Alexandra, Jun 2025

I've been taking adult ballet classes here for about a year now - would highly recommend for any adults looking to start their ballet journey! The atmosphere is supportive and welcoming - very friendly to complete beginners - and Denise are Joral are excellent instructors.

★★★★★ — Iris, Feb 2025

Love this studio. It's challenging and I feel like I'm part of a community. I was en pointe as a kid, and found that after 20 years the beginning ballet class was a perfect place for me to start again.

★★★★★ — Olivia, Aug 2023

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 17 reviews →

Adult ballet at Oakland Ballet School

Oakland Ballet School 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.

See their adult schedule

Your first ballet class at Oakland Ballet School

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.

Ballet is for every age and every body. If you're returning from an injury or have a health concern, mention it to the teacher before class so they can offer modifications.

Where to find Oakland Ballet School

3966 Piedmont Ave, Oakland, CA94611

Get directions

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Listing verified July 2026 from public business records and student reviews. Something out of date? Report a correction. Own this studio? Claim your listing — it's free.