Ballet Schools in the East Bay of SF, CA

[kleighfer]

Hi All,

 

It's been quite a while since I've posted. It's been a whirlwind! Anywho, I've moved from Houston, Texas where I used to study at Allegro Ballet to the East Bay Area of San Francisco, CA. Needless to say, I'm in search of a ballet school that has good Adult classes. So, all of you wonderful Californians, or anyone who happens to be in the know, fill me in!

 

Thanks,

Kathy

[Redstorm]

I have never personally been to any, but I do know that Contra Costa Ballet has a good adult program. They are located in Walnut Creek.

[kleighfer]

Thanks Redstorm. I'll look into Contra Costa.

[dancepig]

What town are you living in? There are many schools in that area. Also, what type of class or classes are you looking for? i.e., what style of ballet, how serious the class, how large the class, ballet only? etc. I grew up in Lafayette and then lived in Walnut Creek for many years. Another option would be to enroll in Diablo Valley College (depending on where you live). They have an excellent ballet class. My favorite place to take class when I go to visit my family is:

 

BALLET SCHOOL

1357 N Main St

Walnut Creek, CA 94596

(925) 934-2133

[LMCtech]

There's also the Shawl-Anderson studio in Oakland. They have all kinds of dance classes there. the ballet classes on Sat. mornings tend to be very good.

[kleighfer]

Thanks Dancepig and LMC tech,

 

I live in Pleasant Hill and work in Walnut Creek. Diablo Valley College is not too far from where I live. I'll have to check them out. I didn't even think of them...duh.

 

It's been about 8 mos. since I've taken class so I'll need a refresher course to get my brain and body wrapped around it again. I'm sure I'll be able to locate a studio closeby. Also, I've checked out Contra Costa Ballet here in Walnut Creek. They have a pretty flexible adult schedule.

 

Thanks for all of your help!

[dancepig]

I didn't think to look at your posted location. The program at DVC is excellent (especially if Wanda is still teaching), only drawback is you won't be able to start until the next Semester (January) and the hours classes are offered, but perhaps they have a night class now, or perhaps you work at night! However, you have a plethora of options in your area!

[calidancer]

I also know of The BALLET School in Walnut Creek, and think they're WONDERFUL!! Contra Costa is nice--but a little more "pricey" than the Ballet School. . .Either way, both are great choices!

[kleighfer]

Thanks Dancepig and Calidancer! I'll look up Wanda at DVC as well as the Ballet School in Walnut Creek. You're right on Contra Costa being on the pricey side!

 

I'll let you know where I end up. It will probably be in January. Trying to get my feet under me since I've moved out here (no pun intended). Also, trying to keep my flexibility up to par doing Pilates at home.

 

Thanks,

Kathy

[diane]

Does anyone know anything about the Oakland Ballet Academy on MacArthur (sp?) Blvd.?

 

Do they have open classes - or are they even there in the summer, such as July /August?

 

Or any others in Oakland and vicinity which have open classes?

(this thread is a little old, that's why I'm asking again)

 

Thanks!

 

-d-

[ballaurena]

Berkeley Ballet Theater has a great adult open program, with a performance opportunity in May. The class schedule is on the website, and you can PM me if you want some insight into which classes to take.

[diane]

Thanks! I will check out the website and get back to you if I need more advice!

 

-d-

[LMCtech]

There are lots of open classes at Shawl-Anderson Dance Center near Rockridge area in Oakland. There are some really good adult ballet classes on Saturday mornings. If I lived over there I'd be in those classes all the time.

[diane]

Thanks, LMCtech!

 

I see that one of the teachers is Debbie Issacson.

She was one of the young dancers at Oakland Ballet back when I was still training there...... eons ago.

She was a lovely dancer.

 

Do you know if there is training there all summer?

(I could not find anything about that on the website)

 

-d-

[LMCtech]

There is, but I think the schedule changes a bit.

 

Many pro modern dancers in the East Bay their classes at Shawl-Anderson, so they teach mostly year-round. They have a high quality product and have been around forever. They know what they're doing.