Business Details
City Ballet of Los Angeles - Dance Education & Performances
City Ballet of Los Angeles was founded to address inequities in dance education by providing accessible training to students from diverse economic and social backgrounds. Our programs emphasize classical ballet techniques combined with modern influences, offering structured curricula for children and young adults. Through scholarships, community outreach initiatives, and partnerships with local schools, we strive to cultivate a new generation of dancers who reflect Los Angeles' cultural diversity. Our faculty includes internationally trained instructors with professional performance experience, and we maintain affiliations with prestigious dance institutions.The organization produces theatrical performances that blend classical and contemporary styles, aiming to engage broader audiences while preserving artistic integrity. We operate under the Vaganova method with American influences, focusing on technical precision and expressive movement. Community engagement remains central to our mission, with workshops and performances designed to inspire both participants and spectators.
Services
Ballet Classes
Modern Dance Instruction
Community Outreach Programs
Youth Performances
Dance Workshops
Highlights and features
- We offer need-based scholarships for economically disadvantaged students
- Our faculty includes former American Ballet Theater and Cleveland Ballet dancers
- We implement a Vaganova-based curriculum with American artistic influences
- Our outreach programs serve elementary schools across Los Angeles County
- We provide performance opportunities for emerging artists through professional productions
Associations and certifications
- 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization
What people say
Exceptional instructors
Affordable pricing
Community-focused programs
Professional performances
Scholarship opportunities
Services
Ballet Classes
Structured ballet instruction following the Vaganova method with American influences. Classes focus on technical precision, clean lines, and expressive movement. Students receive training in variations, pointe work, and performance techniques.
Modern Dance
Modern dance classes based on Horton technique emphasizing anatomical studies and diverse movement styles. Curriculum includes flat backs, pelvic hinges, and lateral Ts with influences from African dance traditions.
Community Outreach
School partnerships and workshops bringing dance education to underserved communities. Programs include six-week workshops, semester-long classes, and one-hour performances with Q&A sessions for elementary school students.
Performance Programs
Professional dance productions combining classical and contemporary works. Features theatrical performances with live music collaborations and narrative storytelling through dance, including annual Nutcracker productions.
Youth Development
Emerging Artist Program for ages 6-16 with audition-based placement. Includes progressive training levels from introductory classes to advanced performance opportunities with professional choreographers and guest artists.
People
Robyn Gardenhire
Founder & Artistic Director
Former American Ballet Theater dancer and SAB alumna with 20+ years experience. Developed diversity initiatives for ABT and SAB. Featured in Misty Copeland's documentary and book. Established CBLA to provide equitable dance access.
Yuka Fukuda
Instructor
Certified Horton instructor with Alvin Ailey and Dallas Black Dance Theater experience. Trained at Ailey School and taught internationally. Specializes in modern technique and youth dance education.
Daniella Escamilla
Instructor
CBLA alumna with El Camino College education. Develops young dancers program with focus on technique and leadership. Teaches ballet and performance classes for emerging artists.
Nola Gibson
Program Administrator
Manages school operations and public relations. Coordinates community partnerships and outreach initiatives. Ensures program accessibility for diverse student populations.
Questions
What dance styles do you teach?
We teach classical ballet using the Vaganova method, modern dance with Horton technique, and offer pointe and variation classes for advanced students.
Are scholarships available?
Yes, we offer need-based scholarships and financial assistance for economically disadvantaged students through our nonprofit programs.
Do you offer adult classes?
Yes, we provide adult dance classes focusing on technique maintenance and recreational dance opportunities for all skill levels.
What performance opportunities exist?
Students participate in annual productions like 'The Nutcracker Swings' and receive training for professional stage performances with live music accompaniment.
Reviews (4)
Sl O.
Apr 08, 2018
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I am thankful for this gem of a ballet school nessled in the heart of Downtown. It is a safe, welcoming, genuine atmosphere. The City of Angels is full of diversity, but classical ballet holds on to its images of beauty, that is impossible for children of color to attain.
Mrs. Gradenhire smaches that stereotype with her compassion and professional teaching thecniques. She leads by example and the ballet school is incredible becsuse of it. Her students have beauty and grace that comes from devoted teaching. Even more important. The kids love CBLA. I highly recommend this ballet school.
Mrs. Gradenhire smaches that stereotype with her compassion and professional teaching thecniques. She leads by example and the ballet school is incredible becsuse of it. Her students have beauty and grace that comes from devoted teaching. Even more important. The kids love CBLA. I highly recommend this ballet school.
Terry A.
Dec 26, 2017
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I saw the CBLA at the Dorothy chandler this Xmas eve. I was unpleasantly surprised. The majority of the dancers could not dance. I know that diversity is an LA thing but the lack of talent from the black dancers was astounding in this particular dance troop. I have seen a lot of diverse dance groups and they do a great job. Diversity is fine as long as there is talent to back it up. Watching them made me cringe more than once. They should all themselves the ballet with African American clodhoppers. I went to a very local show a week prior to attending the Dorothy Chandler event at a small
Jane D.
Dec 18, 2012
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Would recommend never giving your money to this organization. This is not a review of their ballet but rather the way they treat their customers. I accidentally purchased tickets from them and within moments called to ask to reverse my mistake, was received with a curt hello and rude attitude from someone who couldn't help me. Then had to email them 3-4 times and leave numerous messages with getting another curt rude response back. They refused to get on the phone with me - absurd. Too bad was really looking forward to an enjoyable experience and discovering a new experience in Los Angeles
Reese M.
Jan 27, 2012
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Excellent Excellent Excellent!!! This is a wonderful institutuion for children!!! Ms. Robin is an awesome ballet teacher. She is full of grace, wisdom, and has a commanding presence. She has a strong passion for the Arts.
Ms. Annette, the Office Manager is very helpful. She is warm, sweet, and accomodating. City Ballet of Los Angeles offers Ballet classes (of all levels), Creative Dance, Yoga, and even Violin lessons. My daughter is so lucky and blessed to be a part of this ballet program.
Ms. Annette, the Office Manager is very helpful. She is warm, sweet, and accomodating. City Ballet of Los Angeles offers Ballet classes (of all levels), Creative Dance, Yoga, and even Violin lessons. My daughter is so lucky and blessed to be a part of this ballet program.
