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Upswing Aerial Dance Company
5 ★★★★★ 13 Google reviews · Ballet school in Berkeley, California
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 +1 510-388-2489
- Website & schedule upswingaerialdance.org — enroll and see the live class schedule
Hours
| Monday | 4–7:30 pm |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 3–9 pm |
| Thursday | Closed |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 11 am–12:30 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The programs they offer
“Upswing offers intimate class sizes and teachers are trained to teach all student levels for adult and youth classes.”
“I’ve taken the adult classes here and the sessions are kept small and intimate for lots of 1:1 learning and support.”
How they train
What families & students say
“I’ve gained so much strength in such a short amount of time, and they give opportunities to perform on stage for both youth and adults.”
“Love this company so much; I fell in love with aerials and it’s all thanks to them ^^”
From the reviews
After years of dreaming, I bravely joined Sam Mallory’s intro to mixed apparatus class and was so pleased with how much fun I was able to have despite being the very least “acrobatic” student in the class. Sam is an incredible teacher and very skilled at meeting the needs of various students at the same time.
I remember the first time I was watching this enormously talented and artistically skilled dance company -- they were able to transport me into a feeling and even a knowing of the essence of the piece.
A truly special studio with a very talented and skilled group of aerial instructors. I’ve loved my experience here. Upswing offers intimate class sizes and teachers are trained to teach all student levels for adult and youth classes.
Upswing is full of fun. This is not just your everyday aerial experience, it's a delightful blend of dance technique and personal expression, making your dance your own. There's lots of personalized instruction, a supportive community, and opportunities for performance. A wonderful and incredible place to play!
Adult ballet at Upswing Aerial Dance Company
Upswing Aerial Dance Company 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 Upswing Aerial Dance Company
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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