Business Details
Your Trusted Dance School in Corte Madera, CA
Poise Ballet is a premier dance institution dedicated to empowering students through the transformative power of dance. Founded on the principles of excellence, discipline, and artistic expression, we offer a comprehensive curriculum rooted in the internationally acclaimed Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) program. Our mission is to cultivate poise, grace, and technical mastery in students of all ages, fostering resilience, self-discipline, and confidence that extends beyond the studio. With small class sizes and a focus on individualized attention, our team of professionally trained instructors ensures each student achieves their highest potential. We prioritize a nurturing environment where creativity thrives, and students develop a lifelong appreciation for dance.As the only official RAD school in San Francisco and Marin, we uphold rigorous global standards while fostering community engagement through performances and masterclasses. Our commitment to quality is reflected in our state-of-the-art facilities, experienced faculty, and partnerships with international dance organizations. By integrating ballet, contemporary, and lyrical jazz, we provide a holistic dance education that challenges the body, mind, and soul. Parents consistently praise our ability to build confidence and technical skill, as evidenced by our students' success in RAD exams and community performances. Through dedication to both tradition and innovation, Poise Ballet remains a trusted leader in dance education.
Services
Ballet
Contemporary
Lyrical Jazz
Hip Hop
Master Classes
RAD Exams Preparation
Performance Training
Highlights and features
- We are the only official Royal Academy of Dance school in San Francisco and Marin County
- Our small class sizes ensure personalized attention and technical development
- Instructors include RAD-registered teachers and professional dancers with global experience
- Students gain access to international RAD examinations evaluated by certified examiners
- We cultivate holistic growth through dance, building confidence and life skills
Associations and certifications
- Royal Academy of Dance
What people say
Increased confidence
Excellent job
Wonderful teacher
Beautifully choreographed
Tireless teaching
Services
Ballet
Our Royal Academy of Dance program offers structured ballet training for ages 3 to adult. Students develop technical precision, musicality, and artistic expression through RAD's progressive curriculum. Classes emphasize proper alignment, strength, and grace while preparing dancers for international examinations.
Contemporary
This dynamic style blends ballet, jazz, and modern techniques with current choreographic trends. Classes focus on fluid movement, emotional expression, and versatility through diverse musical selections. Students learn combinations inspired by popular dance competitions and professional repertoires.
Lyrical Jazz
Combining ballet foundations with jazz technique, this style emphasizes storytelling through movement. Classes use lyrical music to develop emotional expression, fluid transitions, and performance quality while maintaining technical precision in jumps, turns, and extensions.
RAD Exams Preparation
We prepare students for Royal Academy of Dance examinations evaluated by international examiners. Our curriculum follows RAD's standardized syllabus while providing individualized coaching to meet examination requirements for grades Pre-Primary through Intermediate Foundation.
Master Classes
Periodic masterclasses with guest instructors offer exposure to diverse teaching methods and styles. These workshops provide technical refinement opportunities and artistic inspiration through focused sessions on specific dance disciplines or performance techniques.
People
Terry Wong-McDonnell
Artistic Director
Royal Academy of Dance Registered Teacher with over 20 years of professional dance experience. Holds ARAD certification and Gold Medal in Tap from ISTD. Combines British training with global expertise in teaching ballet, flamenco, and jazz.
Daniel Arizmendi
Assistant Artistic Director
Former principal dancer with Redding City Ballet and founder of Belariz Ballet School. Brings extensive performance and choreography experience across multiple dance companies. Specializes in contemporary technique and indigenous dance forms.
Stephen Mello
Pianist
Professional accompanist with six years of experience supporting ballet instruction. Provides live musical accompaniment for classes and rehearsals, enhancing dancers' musicality and performance quality through tailored piano arrangements.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We offer Royal Academy of Dance ballet, contemporary, lyrical jazz, hip hop, and masterclasses. All programs follow RAD's structured curriculum.
Do you accept beginners?
Yes! Our Pre-School Dance class starts at age 3 with no experience required. Instructors adapt techniques to each student's skill level.
Are there performance opportunities?
We present two annual community performances and prepare students for RAD examinations with international examiners visiting our studio.
What are class sizes?
Minimum 3 and maximum 12 students per class. Small sizes ensure individual attention while maintaining collaborative learning environments.
What qualifications do instructors have?
Our teachers hold Royal Academy of Dance certifications and professional performance experience. All staff maintain current training in child safety and dance pedagogy.
Videos
Reviews (1)
Ted Ted McDonnell
Jul 09, 2016
Report
A wonderful place to bring your childern; Boys and Girls of all ages for dance; a wonderful RAD Teacher from England/Hong Kong, Ms. Terry Wong. The children all seem to love the time at Poise Ballet
