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San Diego Academy of Ballet & Ballet Theatre
4.6 ★★★★★ 130 Google reviews · Ballet school in San Diego, California
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
- Summer intensive holiday and summer intensive programs — these fill early, so ask about dates and auditions
- Private lessons one-on-one coaching available — ask about rates and availability
- Today see hours ·
- Phone (858) 215-1511
- Website & schedule sandiegoacademyofballet.org — enroll and see the live class schedule
Hours
| Monday | 9:30 AM–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 9:30 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 9:30 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 9:30 AM–8 PM |
| Friday | 9:30 AM–8 PM |
| Saturday | 8:30 AM–6 PM |
| Sunday | 10:30 AM–3 PM |
The programs they offer
“The classes are challenging because of the nature of the art form and the instructors take you seriously, which can be hard to find in adult ballet.”
“I've been going to SDAB Adult Absolute Beginner Classes on Tuesday & Thursday nights and the newly added Sunday morning for over 6 months.”
“Her teacher, Kelsey, was patient, kind, and incredibly attentive, creating a calm and encouraging environment where young children could learn and grow with confidence.”
“I took adult ballet classes here along with private lessons from Katya after a decade long break from ballet.”
“She prepared my son for ABT ballet intensive and brought back the joy of ballet in my 7yo.”
How they train
What families & students say
“What I love most is the combination of sisterhood, caring volunteer moms, and amazing Miss Kelsey who runs the lower school with so much heart and professionalism.”
“I was not disappointed, as I felt my strength and technique improve after every class.”
“I've even been able to participate in certain activities, despite having no ballet experience, a fact that speaks to the welcoming and inclusive atmosphere here.”
“Her teacher, Kelsey, was patient, kind, and incredibly attentive, creating a calm and encouraging environment where young children could learn and grow with confidence.”
“I joined SDAB for their recent Nutcracker production and was absolutely blown away by the quality of training and genuine love and support the leadership has for their students.”
“The classes are challenging because of the nature of the art form and the instructors take you seriously, which can be hard to find in adult ballet.”
From the reviews
I have been attending SDAB for about 5 years and I can honestly say it feels like home to me. As a local professional ballet dancer, I was excited to hear about a challenging class taught by the owner Sylvia. I was not disappointed, as I felt my strength and technique improve after every class.
As a parent of three daughters who attend San Diego Academy of Ballet, I cannot recommend this studio highly enough. Over the time we’ve been part of this community, I’ve been continuously impressed by the quality of instruction, the joyful atmosphere, and the safe, encouraging environment they provide for children.
I’m a dad that knows next to nothing about the intricacies of ballet. So all credit goes to my wife for enrolling our daughters into this amazing studio. From day one it was apparent that the facility was well kept and the quality of instruction would be a focal point.
SDAB has changed my life both in and outside of ballet. Never have I danced in a more supportive, encouraging, and challenging environment. All of the teachers have your best interest in mind and pay so much attention to each student. The classes are hard, but with a purpose.
Adult ballet at San Diego Academy of Ballet & Ballet Theatre
San Diego Academy of Ballet & Ballet Theatre runs classes for grown-ups, going by their listing and students’ reviews. 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 San Diego Academy of Ballet & Ballet Theatre
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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