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The Beat

4.7 ★★★★★ 43 Google reviews · Ballet school in Berkeley, California

Kids & teens Private lessons

Plan your first class

  • Private lessons one-on-one coaching available — ask about rates and availability
  • Today see hours ·
  • Phone (510) 843-2328
  • Website & schedule theberkeleyperformingarts.org — enroll and see the live class schedule

Hours

Monday 11 AM–8 PM
Tuesday 12–8:30 PM
Wednesday 3–8:30 PM
Thursday 10:30 AM–7 PM
Friday 12:30–8 PM
Saturday 9 AM–3 PM
Sunday 10 AM–2 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 The Beat, confirmed in families' own reviews and the studio's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

👤 Private Lessons

“My partner and I had a private lesson in Lindy/swing basics with Irina.”

All studios with private lessons →

What families & students say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 43 Google reviews — with their own words as proof.

🧑‍🏫 caring, skilled teachers 6 mentions

“Great teachers, warm, friendly environment, and the teachers I’ve experienced have all been great.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 9 mentions

“Bonjour, Everyone 👀 I went to the beat in Berkeley and the Haitian live music and dance class was great 👍 the teacher is Haitian and very kind and welcoming lady:)”

🗓️ well-run & communicative 2 mentions

“She is organized, comes prepared with an agenda but works with where you are in the moment experientially, and with your present capabilities.”

From the reviews

Many people teach, few are gifted. Gregg Geoffroy has the gift! I live in Santa Rosa and have been enrolled in his Intro to Tap for nearly a year. Shortly after taking that class, I dropped all my local classes, added his Basic Tap class, and take both on Sundays, back-to-back.

★★★★★ — Jane, Aug 2016

This dance studio has some of the Bay Areas best Salsa and Tango teachers..I have so much fun when ever I take one of the classes..You would love it too!

★★★★★ — Chauncey, Feb 2015

The Beat has a diversity of dance classes for a diverse student population. I love that there are classes for people of all ages and ethnicities. I don’t know about the online deals people are complaining they bought and couldn’t redeem, but I think the best way is to just pay the studio directly.

★★★★★ — Ladan, May 2018

This place is a gem! The community is sweet, I love the plants in the courtyard, and the dance teachers are amazing! I took 2 classes with Susana Arenas and they were both great! The studio has great air circulation with pretty windows giving nice light and a welcome breeze when you are sweating—bc u will def sweat!

★★★★★ — Alejandra, Apr 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 43 reviews →

Your first ballet class at The Beat

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 The Beat

2560 Ninth St #119, Berkeley, CA94710

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.