Berkeley Ballet Theater

Business Details

43 Years

experience

Premier Ballet Training in Berkeley, CA

Berkeley Ballet Theater has been cultivating artistic excellence and community engagement through dance since 1983. Our organization provides rigorous classical ballet training to students of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities in an inclusive and nurturing environment. With a faculty of experienced professionals, we offer specialized programs including Pre-Ballet Division for ages 2-7, Youth Division for ages 6-18, Studio Company for pre-professional dancers, Adult Open Division, and Dance for PD for individuals with Parkinson's disease.

Our commitment to inclusivity is demonstrated through values that emphasize diversity, dedication, and individual growth. We maintain relevance in the ballet world by empowering dancers to impact their communities through creative expression while following a curriculum informed by current pedagogical standards. Our community extends beyond the studio through collaborations with organizations like SF Girls Chorus and Berkeley Symphony, and we provide over $50,000 annually in tuition assistance to ensure accessibility for all dancers.

Services

Pre-Ballet Division Youth Division Studio Company Adult Open Division Dance for PD Tuition Assistance Studio Rentals Rhythm & Motion Artist-in-Residence Community Performances

Details

Year established: 1983

Highlights and features

We offer 40+ years of experience in professional ballet training
Our faculty maintains current pedagogical and physiological standards
We provide over $50,000 annually in tuition assistance
Our programs serve dancers from ages 2 through adulthood
We maintain partnerships with SF Girls Chorus and Berkeley Symphony

Website

Update Listing

Services

Pre-Ballet Division

Our Pre-Ballet Division introduces children aged 2-7 to fundamental dance elements through creative play and structured lessons. This program develops physical coordination, spatial awareness, and musicality while fostering social skills like patience and respect. Classes culminate in optional showcase performances to build confidence and stage experience.

Youth Division

The Youth Division offers comprehensive ballet training for ages 6-18 with levels from beginner to advanced. Students receive classical ballet instruction combined with modern techniques, pointe work, and contemporary dance. The curriculum emphasizes technical proficiency, artistic expression, and performance opportunities in annual productions like The Nutcracker.

Studio Company

Studio Company provides pre-professional training for dancers aged 12-21. Members perform in BBT's annual productions and collaborate with professional arts organizations. The program focuses on advanced technique development, performance experience, and leadership training while maintaining academic commitments.

Adult Open Division

Adult Open Division welcomes dancers of all skill levels from beginners to professionals. Classes focus on technical refinement, artistic development, and performance opportunities. The program accommodates flexible scheduling with drop-in classes and workshops for working adults and dance enthusiasts.

Dance for PD

Dance for PD offers free classes specifically designed for individuals with Parkinson's disease. The program uses dance movements to improve mobility, balance, and coordination while providing social engagement and emotional support through live music and group activities.

People

Ali Griffin

Executive Director

Ali Griffin leads Berkeley Ballet Theater's administrative operations, overseeing strategic planning, financial management, and community outreach initiatives while maintaining the organization's commitment to accessibility and artistic excellence.

Jenna Marie

School Director

Jenna Marie directs BBT's educational programs, managing student placement, faculty coordination, and curriculum development while ensuring alignment with the organization's pedagogical standards and inclusive values.

Eddie Hopely

School Administrator

Eddie Hopely manages day-to-day administrative operations for BBT's school programs, serving as primary contact for student families and coordinating enrollment processes across all training divisions.

Susan Weber

Dance for PD Program Director

Susan Weber oversees BBT's Dance for PD program, coordinating free community classes for Parkinson's patients and managing instructor teams to ensure safe, effective movement experiences for participants.

Questions

What age groups do you serve?

We offer programs for ages 2 through adulthood, including Pre-Ballet (2-7), Youth Division (6-18), Studio Company (12-21), Adult Open Division (13+), and Dance for PD for Parkinson's patients.

Do you offer financial assistance?

Yes, our Tuition Assistance program provides $50,000 annually in support, with awards based on financial need and household income guidelines.

Are classes available for adults?

Yes, our Adult Open Division offers drop-in classes and workshops for all skill levels, from beginners to professional dancers.

What performance opportunities exist?

Students participate in annual productions including The Nutcracker Bird and Spring Showcase, with advanced levels performing contemporary works in collaborative productions.

Do you offer community outreach programs?

Yes, our Dance for PD program provides free classes for Parkinson's patients, and we collaborate with local organizations like Berkeley Symphony and SF Girls Chorus.

Can I rent your studio space?

Yes, our professional-grade studios are available for rehearsals, auditions, and private lessons with hourly rates ranging from $20-$30.

Reviews (4)

Write a Review

Binta Kante

Dec 01, 2021 Report

Critical:Professionalism
I tried to sign my daughter for classes I was talking to a lady on email and keep saying she is unavailable to call everyday she said that and never said anything now

Margaret S.

Feb 24, 2020 Report

This is a review for the adult open division classes, from the context of having taken a few months of intro level classes with Sally at Lines Ballet beforehand. Despite not getting 5 stars, if you are in the East Bay (or anywhere with a reasonable commute to Berkeley) and are looking for somewhere to learn ballet I highly, highly recommend BBT. Many places I have seen in other cities will have some ambiguously beginner level class and some advanced classes that are aimed at people who had a lot of training already and maybe just want to start up again as adults. BBT has a full range of intro

Huilin M.

Feb 10, 2020 Report

Have been taking adult classes in here for two years from zero experience (I only have one-year dance learning at ten-year-old, but cannot remember anything other than the pain and boredom from repetitive exercises). BBT has a very encouraging environment for anyone, and the adult schedule works pretty well for people who only have time on weekday nights and weekends. I mostly take Robert Greer's intro 1, intro 2 and beginner 1 classes, and a few intro 1 from Kaori Ogasawara and a few beginner 1 from Deborah Moss.

Robert is working really hard to help everyone learn about ballet. I fell

Alexis M.

Feb 10, 2020 Report

At 76, I was sinking into the dissolved core of my body in spite of physical therapy exercises and hiking; I also had one or more pains on a daily basis...back, shoulder, feet, trapezius, hips. My daughter called me one morning and said I needed to take ballet; I couldn't imagine finding a class that would work for me, but she identified Robert Greer's intro to beginning class and I found a home...for my needy body, my lagging spirit, and my love of dance and working my body. Berkeley Ballet welcomes people such as me and Robert has an incredible ability to passionately coach "