Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Dance Academy in San Jose, CA
San Jose Dance Theatre has been a cornerstone of dance education and performance in Silicon Valley since 1964. Our mission is to promote the transformative power of dance through accessible performances, rigorous training, and community engagement. We specialize in classical ballet and contemporary dance, offering programs for children starting at age four through pre-professional levels. Our academy emphasizes technical excellence, artistic growth, and performance opportunities, including annual productions like The Original San Jose Nutcracker. With a legacy of over 60 years, we have nurtured generations of dancers who have pursued careers in dance and higher education.Our faculty includes current and former professional dancers committed to fostering a supportive, inclusive environment. We collaborate with local artists and organizations to enrich the cultural landscape of the Bay Area. Our structured curriculum ensures students develop physical strength, artistic expression, and discipline. We maintain high standards for both training and community engagement, ensuring every dancer receives personalized attention. Our strategic partnerships and outreach programs extend the benefits of dance to diverse audiences.
Services
Ballet Classes
Summer Programs
Adult Dance Classes
Nutcracker Performances
Pre-Ballet Training
Studio Company Auditions
Open Division Classes
Youth Ballet Levels
Performance Workshops
Community Outreach Programs
Details
- Year established: 1964
Highlights and features
- We offer 60+ years of expertise in classical ballet training
- Our faculty includes current and former professional dancers
- We provide performance opportunities in professional-level productions
- Structured curriculum ensures technical and artistic development
- Community-focused programs engage diverse audiences in Silicon Valley
Associations and certifications
- 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
What people say
Made more friends
Exciting performances
Achieved goals
Excellent support
Summer growth
Services
Ballet Classes
Our ballet classes provide systematic training for ages 3 through pre-professional levels. Students develop technical precision, artistic expression, and performance skills through daily instruction. Classes follow a progressive curriculum that prepares dancers for professional careers or lifelong appreciation of dance.
Summer Programs
Summer intensives offer concentrated training with guest instructors and performance preparation. Dancers receive daily technique classes, pointe work, and artistic development sessions. Programs include performance opportunities and masterclasses with industry professionals to enhance technical and artistic growth.
Adult Dance Classes
Open division classes cater to adult dancers of all experience levels. Instruction focuses on technical improvement, physical fitness, and artistic expression. Classes are taught by professional instructors and offer flexible enrollment options for working adults and hobbyists.
Nutcracker Performances
Annual professional-level productions feature student dancers in principal and ensemble roles. Performances include elaborate sets, costumes, and live music collaborations. Participation develops stage presence, performance discipline, and artistic interpretation skills in a professional theater environment.
Pre-Ballet Training
Creative movement classes introduce children aged 3-6 to dance fundamentals through play-based learning. Curriculum develops musicality, coordination, and classroom etiquette using age-appropriate activities. Classes establish foundational skills for future ballet training in a nurturing environment.
People
Nicole Haskins
Artistic Director
Nicole Haskins brings decades of professional dance experience to her role as Artistic Director. A former principal dancer with major companies, she oversees curriculum development and production artistic direction while mentoring advanced students.
John Torrey
President
John Torrey leads the board of directors with a focus on strategic growth and community partnerships. His leadership ensures the organization maintains financial stability while expanding access to dance education across Silicon Valley.
Melissa Brown
Treasurer
Melissa Brown manages financial operations and budget oversight for the organization. With extensive nonprofit finance experience, she ensures responsible stewardship of resources to support both educational programs and performance initiatives.
Jennifer Joyce
Secretary
Jennifer Joyce coordinates board operations and community outreach efforts. Her background in arts administration helps maintain organizational efficiency while developing new programs that engage diverse local audiences.
Questions
What age groups do you accept?
We accept students starting at age 3 through adult programs. Our curriculum includes toddler classes, youth levels 1-7, and adult open division classes.
Do you offer performance opportunities?
All level 1+ students participate in professional productions like The Nutcracker and Spring Showcase. Advanced dancers may join Studio Company for additional performance roles.
What training do instructors have?
Our faculty includes current and former professional dancers with extensive teaching experience. All instructors maintain active involvement in the dance profession while teaching.
How are class levels determined?
Students are evaluated on technical ability, physical readiness, and artistic development. Trial classes and placement assessments ensure appropriate level assignments for each dancer.
Are there summer programs available?
Yes, our summer intensives provide advanced training with guest instructors. Programs include technique classes, performance preparation, and masterclasses to develop technical and artistic skills.
What performance requirements exist?
All students must participate in scheduled productions. Performances require additional rehearsals and costume fees. Participation develops stagecraft skills and professional discipline.
Reviews (4)
Olivia Zhou
Jun 25, 2021
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Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality,Value
My daughter goes to this ballet school. They have amazing teachers, very professional and patient!
My daughter goes to this ballet school. They have amazing teachers, very professional and patient!
Peter Jackson
Dec 16, 2019
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My daughter is loving her ballet lessons. She is coming along quickly with friendly instructors and great home advice/assignments for rapid learning.
Lorenzo Mellon-Reyes
Oct 09, 2019
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Needing to really improve her ballet technique, my daughter attended SJDTs summer open classes and another ballet academys summer camp prior to her senior year in high school. She then accepted Miss Lindas invitation to join SJDT for her entire senior year. That was absolutely the right decision! My daughters ballet skills improved to the point where she won an award for ballet at a multi-genre dance convention and was accepted into multiple college dance major programs! My wife and I are grateful to amazing instructors Miss Sian, Mister David, Miss Mariana and, of course, Artistic
Bessie Leung
Jan 10, 2018
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This school offers high quality adult ballet training. They really focus on the technical details which I highly appreciate. I am very happy to have found this school.
