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San Francisco Ballet

4.5 ★★★★★ 118 Google reviews · Ballet school in San Francisco, California

Ballet school Adult classes Kids & teens 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
  • 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 +1 415-865-2000
  • Website & schedule sfballet.org — enroll and see the live class schedule

Hours

Monday 9 am–5 pm
Tuesday 9 am–5 pm
Wednesday 9 am–5 pm
Thursday 9 am–5 pm
Friday 9 am–5 pm
Saturday 9 am–5 pm
Sunday 9 am–5 pm

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 San Francisco Ballet, confirmed in families' own reviews and the studio's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

💃 Adult Ballet 2 mentions

“I had a wonderful experience in the adult classes at SF Ballet.”

All studios with adult ballet →

🌸 Kids Ballet 2 mentions

“I attended the 2012 Nutcracker recently with my children.”

All studios with kids ballet →

☀️ 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 118 Google reviews — with their own words as proof.

🌱 welcoming to beginners 5 mentions

“The beginner class is welcoming to newcomers, but as it says on the website, if you are a complete beginner, it's recommended to first attend the four-day boot camp.”

💛 nurturing, non-competitive 5 mentions

“It was a joy to see once again and has in the past been a Family Tradition which we will continue again.”

🎭 beautiful recitals & performances 26 mentions

“I experienced an awesome performance of Swan Lake this past year and was inspired to take an online “gentle ballet” class through SF Ballet.”

serious pre-professional training 4 mentions

“The company explores new realms of creativity through their productions.”

💃 great for adults 2 mentions

“I had a wonderful experience in the adult classes at SF Ballet.”

🗓️ well-run & communicative 2 mentions

“She is clear, precise, and uses helpful metaphors to communicate dance moves.”

From the reviews

Great experience. We had 2 seats on Grand tier ($150 each). Show started at 7pm, we arrived at the Performing Arts Garage(across the street from Ballet) @ 4:40pm grab event parking for $20. Doors at Ballet opened at 5pm. Had dinner at the Prelude @ the opera house.

★★★★★ — Manny, Dec 2021

I have gone to the San Francisco ballet, many times over the years. I have never left there without feeling so blessed to have seen such talented dancers and such a beautiful place. Of course, every year they dance the iconic Nutcracker. Going to the San Francisco ballet is a gift !

★★★★★ — Jam, Jan 2025

I had a wonderful experience in the adult classes at SF Ballet. Cecelia and Emily, who teach the adult classes, are wonderful teachers. Their teaching is very thorough, and you can really improve your skills.

★★★★★ — E, Oct 2024

We watched the Nutcracker at the war memorial on 12/27. This was an interesting and entertaining adaptation of the Nutcracker. Having watched another version in the West End several years ago, we were disappointed with aspects of the performance.

★★★★☆ — Jatinder, Dec 2024

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 118 reviews →

Adult ballet at San Francisco Ballet

San Francisco Ballet 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.

Check adult classes on their site

Your first ballet class at San Francisco Ballet

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 San Francisco Ballet

455 Franklin St, San Francisco, CA94102

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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.