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Terpsichora Ballet School (TBS)
4.8 ★★★★★ 24 Google reviews · Ballet school in San Francisco, California
Plan your first class
- Ages classes for ages 4–7 — check the schedule for the right level for your dancer
- 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
- 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
- Phone +1 415-800-6553
- Website & schedule terpsballet.com — enroll and see the live class schedule
The programs they offer
“This was very important to me as an adult who's had multiple injuries in the past (stress fractures, knee strains, etc.”
“If you're an absolute beginner, I highly recommend their Level 1 workshop on Saturdays.”
How they train
“She teaches the Vaganova syllabus with a strict but caring style, and her passion and enthusiasm keeps the classes fun.”
What families & students say
“She is an amazing teacher, and she keeps an extremely friendly and inclusive community in her classes.”
“Yet, she balances encouragement with constructive feedback, and provides plenty of helpful corrections to ensure each student progresses and develops proper technique.”
“This is the highest quality ballet school in San Francisco for both complete beginners and experienced dancers of any age.”
“She is very kind but firm - she knows each of her students' strengths and areas needing improvement, and she will (gently) push and encourage students to surpass their prior goals.”
“This was very important to me as an adult who's had multiple injuries in the past (stress fractures, knee strains, etc.”
“There’s a great sense of community among the students and the studio is clean and in a convenient location.”
From the reviews
I had known Liezl Austria before she received certificates from Vaganova Ballet Academy. I remember her annual trips to St. Petersburg, Russia. Naturally I was excited when she opened her own studio in 2020. Her classes are challenging but not intimidating because of her warm personality.
Classes with Liezl are a joy! I’ve been dancing in the adult beginner workshop series for years now and I highly recommend them for both a novice who’s never tried ballet before, or an experienced dancer who wants to sharpen their technique.
I love attending classes at Terpsichora Ballet School! Ms. Liezl is incredibly approachable and supportive, making every student feel valued and seen. Yet, she balances encouragement with constructive feedback, and provides plenty of helpful corrections to ensure each student progresses and develops proper technique.
I love coming to Ms. Liezl’s classes. She teaches the Vaganova syllabus with a strict but caring style, and her passion and enthusiasm keeps the classes fun. Her classes are small and she is attentive to every student with her corrections.
Adult ballet at Terpsichora Ballet School (TBS)
Terpsichora Ballet School (TBS) 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 Terpsichora Ballet School (TBS)
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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