Business Details
17 Years
experience
Premier Classical Ballet Training in Campbell, CA
The Academy of Classical Ballet-CA was founded in 2009 by director Crystal Petzel to provide high-performance ballet training rooted in classical techniques. Our approach balances discipline with joy, prioritizing both technical excellence and personal growth. We offer body-positive instruction for ages 5+ using Vaganova, Royal Academy of Dance, and American Ballet Theatre methods. Small class sizes ensure individualized attention while our curriculum develops strength, musicality, and artistry through age-appropriate progressions. Located in downtown Campbell, we've become a top-rated studio where students gain foundational skills applicable both on and off stage.Our faculty includes certified instructors with professional performance backgrounds who mentor students toward college programs, professional careers, or lifelong appreciation of dance. The inclusive environment celebrates diverse body types and experience levels without competition pressure. Alumni have trained with prestigious institutions including San Francisco Ballet and Washington Ballet while others apply their discipline to successful careers in medicine, education, and business. The Boundless Ballet program supports dancers with special needs, and outreach initiatives extend arts education to underserved communities.
Services
Ballet Classes
Summer Intensive Program
Performance Training
Adult Ballet
Special Needs Dance
Details
- Year established: 2009
Highlights and features
- Certified instructors with professional performance backgrounds
- Body-positive training prioritizing physical safety and personal growth
- Performance opportunities in historic Campbell Heritage Theatre
- Specialized programs for special needs dancers and advanced students
- Proven track record placing students in top-tier dance institutions
Associations and certifications
- American Ballet Theatre (ABT) National Training Curriculum
What people say
Supportive instructors
Professional-quality performances
Body-positive approach
Individualized attention
Confidence growth
Services
Ballet Classes
Structured ballet training for ages 5+ using Vaganova, Royal Academy of Dance, and ABT techniques. Classes develop technical proficiency, musicality, and artistic expression through age-appropriate progressions. Small class sizes ensure individualized attention while building foundational skills applicable to professional careers or lifelong appreciation.
Summer Intensive Program
Comprehensive summer training combining technical refinement with artistic development. Daily classes focus on pointe work, variations, and pas de deux. Participants receive personalized feedback from faculty with professional performance backgrounds. Designed to accelerate progress while maintaining body-positive training principles.
Performance Training
Year-round preparation for two full-length productions at Campbell Heritage Theatre. Students learn classical repertoire while developing stagecraft skills. Age-appropriate roles ensure technical and emotional readiness. Productions emphasize storytelling through dance rather than competition, building confidence and collaborative skills.
Adult Ballet
Ballet classes for adult learners focusing on technical improvement and physical fitness. Instructors tailor instruction to diverse experience levels from beginners to returning dancers. Classes emphasize proper alignment and injury prevention while fostering community among adult dancers.
Special Needs Dance
Inclusive Boundless Ballet program for children with physical and cognitive challenges. Individualized modifications ensure accessibility while maintaining technical integrity. Classes promote motor development and self-expression through dance. Certified instructors collaborate with families to maximize each child's participation and progress.
People
Crystal Petzel
Owner/Director
Crystal Petzel directs the Academy with expertise in Vaganova and Royal Academy of Dance methods. A former principal dancer with multiple companies, she mentors students toward professional careers or personal growth. Her outreach programs extend dance education to underserved communities.
Sandra Hahs
Instructor
Sandra Hahs teaches ballet and pointe work with 17 years of experience. Certified through ABT's National Training Curriculum, she emphasizes technical precision and artistry. Her background includes performing with the Portuguese National Ballet and teaching at prestigious institutions.
Amanda Marquez
Instructor
A versatile performer and choreographer, Amanda Marquez teaches Latin dance and jazz. Founder of Encanto Youth Latin Dance Company, she brings 15+ years of professional experience from Broadway and international tours. Her instruction combines technical rigor with creative expression.
Maria Scott
Instructor
Maria Scott teaches ballet and jazz while pursuing a master's in speech-language pathology. AOC Ballet alumna and certified Dance for PD instructor, she specializes in adaptive dance programs for children with disabilities, combining pedagogy with therapeutic applications.
Questions
What ballet training methods do you use?
We combine Vaganova, Royal Academy of Dance, and American Ballet Theatre techniques to develop strong technical foundations while encouraging artistic expression.
Do you offer special needs dance classes?
Yes, our Boundless Ballet program provides adaptive dance instruction for children with physical and cognitive challenges in an inclusive environment.
What performance opportunities are available?
Students participate in two annual productions at Campbell Heritage Theatre: a spring story ballet and our original A Winter Wonderland production.
How are students placed in appropriate classes?
All new students complete a placement class to ensure proper level assignment based on technical ability rather than age.
What qualifications do your instructors hold?
Our faculty includes ABT-certified instructors with professional performance backgrounds and specialized training in dance pedagogy.
Do you offer adult ballet classes?
Yes, we provide adult ballet classes for recreational dancers focusing on technical improvement and physical fitness in a supportive environment.
Videos
Reviews (1)
Jason Ibarra
Oct 16, 2019
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This is a fantastic school and I am glad that we signed up here. Crystal is amazing as is the entire staff. They're friendly, thoroughly explain everything the Academy offered and have been a joy to work with. I can't recommend this school enough!
