Business Details
23 Years
experience
Premier Classical Ballet Training in Alameda, CA
Alameda Ballet Academy has been dedicated to delivering high-quality classical dance education since its founding in 2003. Led by Artistic Director Abra Rudisill, a former Prima Ballerina with the Oakland Ballet, the academy nurtures artistry, self-expression, and discipline in dancers of all ages. Our curriculum combines technical rigor with creative exploration, offering programs for youth, adults, and advanced students. We emphasize the values of teamwork, mutual respect, and commitment to excellence in a joyful, inspiring environment.Through annual performances like The Nutcracker and Spring Recital, we provide students with meaningful opportunities to showcase their growth. Our faculty includes experienced instructors who prioritize individualized placement and holistic development, ensuring each dancer thrives. With state-of-the-art facilities and a focus on community engagement, we aim to cultivate the next generation of artists and arts patrons.
Services
Youth Ballet Classes
Adult Ballet Program
Summer Dance Camps
Performance Opportunities
Private Lessons
Details
- Year established: 2003
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of combined teaching experience from former professional dancers
- Our structured curriculum includes ballet, Pilates, and performance training
- Students gain stage experience through annual Nutcracker and Spring Recital events
- Inclusive environment welcoming all skill levels and backgrounds
- Dedicated faculty provides individualized placement and technical development
Services
Youth Ballet Classes
Structured ballet training for ages 3 through teens, with progressive levels from introductory classes to advanced pointe work. Our curriculum develops technical proficiency while nurturing creativity and musicality. Classes incorporate injury prevention and artistic expression for holistic development.
Adult Ballet Program
Beginner to intermediate ballet classes designed for adults seeking fitness, artistic expression, and technical growth. No strict dress code allows comfortable participation while maintaining classical training standards. Sessions available year-round including summer intensives.
Performance Opportunities
Annual productions including The Nutcracker and Spring Recital provide professional stage experience. Students learn performance discipline through rehearsals and live shows, developing stage presence and teamwork skills. Participation requires signed performance agreements.
Summer Dance Camps
Intensive summer training combining ballet technique with creative workshops. Separate registration from academic year programs allows flexible participation. Curriculum includes choreography, dance history, and cross-training for comprehensive development.
Private Lessons
Customized one-on-one instruction for technical refinement and accelerated progress. Sessions focus on specific goals like competition preparation or role mastery. Available for students needing additional support or advanced training.
People
Abra Rudisill
Artistic Director
Founder of Alameda Ballet Academy with 20+ years as Prima Ballerina and Ballet Mistress at Oakland Ballet. Brings professional expertise to classical training while emphasizing artistic integrity and student development.
Yoshiko Kamikusa
Guest Artist
Professional dancer featured as Sugar Plum Fairy in recent Nutcracker production. Contributes guest instruction and performance expertise to enhance student training and stage experience.
Questions
What dance styles do you teach?
Our primary focus is classical ballet technique, with supplementary training in Pilates, yoga, and contemporary dance.
Are there performance opportunities?
Yes! Students participate in annual productions including The Nutcracker and Spring Recital with professional stage experience.
What are class placement criteria?
Students are placed by age and ability through director evaluation, with twice-yearly assessments for advancement.
Do you offer adult classes?
Yes, our Adult Ballet Program welcomes beginners through intermediate dancers with flexible participation options.
What is your dress code?
Color-coded leotards by level with specific requirements for hair and footwear to maintain professional standards.
How do I register for classes?
Registration available online through our portal or by contacting the studio directly for enrollment assistance.
Reviews (7)
Tracy L.
Jan 18, 2020
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Ms. Karin is an excellent teacher. She is kind to the students and help them along their way.
Ms. Abra on the other hand, likes to embarrass and humiliate children if they have to use the bathroom on the first day of class.
Ms. Abra on the other hand, likes to embarrass and humiliate children if they have to use the bathroom on the first day of class.
Molly K.
Aug 26, 2019
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My 4-year-old daughter attended a week-long ballet camp at ABA during the summer of 2019. She absolutely loved it and gained a lot of independence and confidence by participating. She constantly asks me when she can go back to ballet camp!
JHope
Jun 19, 2019
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My experience was wonderful! I come from a background of gymnastics, so I respect the ballet culture. They are so organized, fun, creative, and welcoming of all diversities! One of the teachers was so kind and helped me with proper fitting ballet shoes. They even have a share/donate shoes drawer, so you may not have to buy new shoes all the time. Money saver and clever! This is their art and they teach it so well! I was so impressed as the teachers were using ballet terms with my daughter. Naomi (3yo) learned so much! I believe her posture, balance, and body awareness improved in only a few classes
Hiroyuki I.
Jun 16, 2019
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Today Abra told my 6-year daughter to leave the academy and told us that she needs to sign up for "tutu school" because Abra perceives my daughter has a short attention span. I quote, she told my wife, when my daughter was also present, "not sure how your daughter does in school....." You could see from other reviewers' comments about Abra but that was very disrespectful, and she is inept with kids, and she crossed the line when she did that in front of my child.
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Unbelievable.
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Unbelievable.
Linda M.
May 19, 2019
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ABA is an excellent ballet school that teaches their students the value of hard work, discipline and dedication-I have seen these values grow with my daughter, her friends/classmates for the past few years. Ms. Abra and Ms. Karin are wonderful teachers. While Ms. Abra is constructively honest and strict, she genuinely cares about her dancers. Along with the monthly tuition fee, the dancers would need the basic leotard (color based on class level), tights, and ballet shoes. These items may also be purchased elsewhere. I usually purchase these items at a discount dance store and the prices
W. D.
Apr 29, 2019
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This kids are cute but unfortunately the instruction was just alright, and they use hard sell techniques. The classes did not appear to have been thoughtfully planned out before each class and the parent visit day felt haphazardly done. The children did not seem to learn much in the months they were there. There also turned out to be many hidden costs aside from the outfits, bags and shoes, such as a spring recital (not in Alameda) which you learn about later (with additional costs for participation, costume, photography, recital tickets, flower bouquets etc which they pressure you into purchasing
Summer M.
Apr 25, 2019
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I've been taking the adult classes here for about a year now, and I couldn't be happier. Julie is one of the kindest and most attentive people/instructors I've ever known. Growing up in the Central Valley, I took ballet regularly, but being nearly in the middle of nowhere, the instructors weren't really ballet dancers and were more competitive types who focused on jazz and contemporary. Julie is a true professional and ballerina who knows what she's doing and is so fun to be around and watch. Her dedication to the art and her classes is unmatched. The class environment
