Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Premier Classical Ballet Training in Berkeley, CA
Berkeley City Ballet has been a cornerstone of classical ballet education in the East Bay since 1974. Our mission is to cultivate excellence in dance through a structured curriculum that nurtures technical proficiency, artistic expression, and personal growth. With a focus on classical ballet training, we serve students from age 2.5 to adults, fostering a supportive community where dancers develop discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. Our state-of-the-art studios and experienced faculty provide an environment conducive to both artistic and personal development.Over 50 years, we have prepared students for competitive summer intensives, professional auditions, and university dance programs, while also offering recreational classes that spread the joy of ballet. Our annual Nutcracker and Spring Concert performances showcase the achievements of our students and enrich the cultural fabric of the East Bay community. We pride ourselves on creating a welcoming space where dancers of all levels can thrive, combining rigorous training with a commitment to lifelong learning and artistic appreciation.
Services
Ballet Classes
Pre-Professional Program
Nutcracker Performance
Summer Workshop
Adult Ballet
Details
- Year established: 1974
Highlights and features
- 50 years of excellence in classical ballet education
- Structured curriculum for all skill levels from beginner to pre-professional
- State-of-the-art studios with professional performance spaces
- Annual Nutcracker and Spring Concert performance opportunities
- Experienced faculty with proven success in dance education
Services
Ballet Classes
Berkeley City Ballet offers classical ballet instruction for ages 2.5 to adults. Our curriculum develops technical proficiency and artistic expression through progressive training. Students learn discipline and teamwork while mastering ballet fundamentals in a supportive environment.
Pre-Professional Program
This year-round program prepares serious dancers for professional careers. Students receive advanced technical training and performance opportunities in Nutcracker and Spring Concert productions. Alumni have gained acceptance to top university dance programs and prestigious summer intensives nationwide.
Nutcracker Performance
Our annual Nutcracker production showcases student talent in a professional theater setting. The 51st annual performance in 2025 features two shows at Piedmont's Alan Harvey Theater. This tradition provides valuable stage experience and delights East Bay audiences.
Summer Workshop
The Summer Workshop offers focused ballet training with master classes and performance preparation. Students develop technical skills and artistic expression through daily sessions. The program culminates in showcase performances for family and friends.
Adult Ballet
Ballet classes for adults provide fitness and artistic fulfillment in a non-competitive environment. Participants can enroll in session-based courses or drop-in classes. The program emphasizes proper technique and joyful movement for all experience levels.
People
Thomas A. Maier
President
Thomas A. Maier leads Berkeley City Ballet's board with extensive experience in nonprofit governance and community development. He ensures the organization maintains financial stability while advancing its artistic mission.
Tai Fukami Vogel
Director
Director Tai Fukami Vogel oversees all artistic programming with decades of ballet training expertise. She develops curriculum and mentors faculty to maintain high technical standards across all levels of instruction.
Frances Lai Baca
Rehearsal Manager
Frances Lai Baca coordinates rehearsal schedules and production logistics. With deep knowledge of ballet pedagogy, she ensures students receive optimal preparation for annual performances and technical assessments.
Dylan McMillan
Production Manager
Dylan McMillan oversees technical aspects of Nutcracker and Spring Concert productions. He manages lighting, sound, and stage operations to create professional-quality performances that showcase student achievements.
Amy Neiman
Graphic Designer
Amy Neiman creates visual materials that communicate BCB's artistic vision. Her designs support marketing efforts and enhance the organization's professional identity across all promotional platforms.
Questions
How do I enroll in ballet classes?
Visit our website to register for classes or schedule a free trial. Payment plans are available with lump sum or installment options.
What age groups do you teach?
We offer classes for ages 2.5 to adults, including Pre-Ballet, Youth Ballet, and Adult Ballet programs with multiple skill levels.
Are there performance opportunities?
Yes! Students perform in annual Nutcracker and Spring Concert productions, with additional showcase events throughout the training year.
Do you offer financial assistance?
Limited financial aid is available for Pre-Professional students. Applications are accepted annually at the start of each school year.
What should I wear to class?
Dress code requirements vary by level. Basic ballet attire guidelines are provided during registration for all age groups and skill levels.
Can adults join ballet classes?
Yes! Adult Ballet classes accommodate all experience levels with session-based enrollment or flexible drop-in options for recreational dancers.
Reviews (7)
Kerry F.
Nov 16, 2019
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Ah, looks like the postcard for the Nutcracker just came out. Elizabeth put a member of the staff on the cover. God forbid she actually put a picture of a real BCB student. (Last year it was a picture of a dancer that didn't even attend BCB)
ttps://berkeleycityballet.org/about/faculty/katrine-dailey
ttps://berkeleycityballet.org/about/faculty/katrine-dailey
Faye Stevenson
Jul 09, 2018
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My son has been enrolled in the boys program at Berkeley City Ballet for six months and I'm very pleased to see his progress. His teachers are caring, engaging and, most importantly, patient given his high energy level. Teaching boys with his disposition requires a high confidence and constant emphasis on kindness which the BCB teachers certainly possess. It is wonderful for him to have the experience of channeling his physical energy into the discipline of ballet and I am grateful there is a place where he can do that without any sacrifice of his self-esteem.
Joi M.
Feb 10, 2018
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Love this place!!! I was a dancer in my day in grade school and picked back up in college. I know how good teachers work and these folks are freaking awesome. No you can't be a nosey Mom and sit in class but why would you want to, you're embarrassing your kids stop...just stop. I love that I can drop my little one off and go run and take my son to piano or whatever, then run to Berkeley Bowl and not worry as long as I'm back in time. They aren't babysitters either. The other plus is they have a store...yay! Now I don't have to spend 49 bucks on shoes and tights I can
Caitlyn O.
Jan 11, 2018
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Brace yourself, this is going to be a long review. TL;DR: highly recommend BCB. As a former athlete with no exposure to the dance world, I was very skeptical of the ballet world for my young daughter. What we have encountered at BCB has allayed any fears or concerns of the stereotypes that one might associate with dance. The teachers take great care to set a disciplined yet caring tone in the classroom and for performances. The program is rigorous but the children are confident in their abilities from practicing their routines and receiving precise direct instruction. The teachers spend time
Gina H.
Sep 22, 2017
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Berkeley City Ballet is now offering adult classes with an amazing teacher, the ex-SFB dancer Raymond Tilton.
Mr. Tilton is passionate about teaching. He is very caring, and extremely patient with his students. . But the best thing about him is his absolute happiness to be there in that classroom with us. His passion and love of teaching and happiness is contagious. After a long day of work, I am looking forward to his hard working, but immensely fun class. Mr Tilton is an amazing jumper, so allegros are really fun. But, he is also capable of giving beautiful adagio choreography that moves me
Mr. Tilton is passionate about teaching. He is very caring, and extremely patient with his students. . But the best thing about him is his absolute happiness to be there in that classroom with us. His passion and love of teaching and happiness is contagious. After a long day of work, I am looking forward to his hard working, but immensely fun class. Mr Tilton is an amazing jumper, so allegros are really fun. But, he is also capable of giving beautiful adagio choreography that moves me
Anne P.
Aug 31, 2017
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My daughter attended the summer dance camp this year for the second year in a row. It was wonderful. She thoroughly enjoyed it and they do lovely projects with the children. In particular, the end of week performance is a delight.
Opin I.
May 19, 2016
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I am very concerned with the way this ballet school is run. I have been told by my daughter, (no longer a student), that water bottles are not permitted in the classroom because it makes the room look "too cluttered." Many of the best teachers come and go for no apparent reason. The director has no people skills and doesn't listen to the concerns of the students. The students are not allowed to attend dance summer programs elsewhere until they are in their junior or senior year. All of this is holding the students back from expanding their training and growing as a dancer. It
