Home › California › Santa Monica › Westside School of Ballet
Westside School of Ballet
4.5 ★★★★★ 48 Google reviews · Ballet school in Santa Monica, California
Established dance center offering training in classical ballet for all levels & ages.
Plan your first class
- Ages classes for ages 8–18 — 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
- 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 +1 310-828-2018
- Website & schedule westsideballet.com — enroll and see the live class schedule
Hours
| Monday | 8 am–8:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 7:45 am–8:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 8 am–8:30 pm |
| Thursday | 7:45 am–8:30 pm |
| Friday | 8 am–8:30 pm |
| Saturday | 7:30 am–2:30 pm |
| Sunday | 9 am–2:30 pm |
The programs they offer
“Adult classes are very convenient on weekends and evenings.”
“Both adult and children's classes are excellent, and the teachers are friendly, disciplined, highly experienced and love dance.”
“If you want serious training in Balanchine technique in LA this is your place.”
“We take summer intensive ballet program for the second year here and my daughter loves it.”
How they train
“If you want serious training in Balanchine technique in LA this is your place.”
What families & students say
“The instructor was wonderful, the class was challenging and diverse, the front desk folks were welcoming!”
“This studio is great for beginner and intermediate adult students who are looking for fundamental dance technique.”
“This studio is great for beginner and intermediate adult students who are looking for fundamental dance technique.”
“Focusing on both enjoyment, improvement of skills and confidence building for kids of all ages.”
“Adult classes are very convenient on weekends and evenings.”
“Front desk stuff are nice but not always helpful, I think they should be more organized.”
From the reviews
Far more qualified teachers than other schools. Focusing on both enjoyment, improvement of skills and confidence building for kids of all ages. My child became an independent thinker and yet also learned to work within a team / group at the same time.
The woman who runs the little shop here is really lovely! She help me pick out new pair of shoes after years of not dancing. I took at the studio many years ago. I am so happy that there is a real deal oldschool ballet school on the west side! They are fighting the good fight for the arts!
Great school. We take summer intensive ballet program for the second year here and my daughter loves it. The teachers are very pleasant and knowable. Front desk stuff are nice but not always helpful, I think they should be more organized. Overall great ballet school.
This school is far superior to other dance schools on the Westside. Both adult and children's classes are excellent, and the teachers are friendly, disciplined, highly experienced and love dance.
Adult ballet at Westside School of Ballet
Westside School of 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.
Your first ballet class at Westside School of 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.
More ballet studios near Santa Monica
Santa Monica School of Dance and Music
5 ★★★★★ 9 reviews
West LA Academy of Dance
5 ★★★★★ 14 reviews
🩰 Free trial class — check their site
Los Angeles Ballet
4.4 ★★★★☆ 41 reviews