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Academy Of Ballet
Categories: Arts & Entertainment Performing Arts Active Life Fitness & Instruction Performing Arts, Fitness & Instruction [Edit]
2121 Market St(between Church St & Sanchez St)
San Francisco, CA 94114
Neighborhood: Castro
(415) 552-1166
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
18 reviews for Academy Of Ballet
18 reviews in English
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Review from Claire P.
San Francisco, CA
3/14/2012
As many adults I have been doing ballet class as a kid, from 6 to 15 then nothing..
When i move to SF, doing more exercises was part of the plan so I committed to 2 classes per week at the Academy, The first day I came I have been greeted by a kind lady, I wanted to register to the beginners class as so many years have passed between my last lesson and today. The class was full so I was sent to Adult III..and it seems ok for me, improving quite well.
My teachers are Elizabeth and Josh. I write this review because I really want to pay a little tribute to both of them. They are professional, passionate, educational and fun.
Josh is so great, really energetic and full of passion, you can come here in a bad mood but he immediately reminds you how much you love to dance. He has a perfect sense of humour while maintaining the focus and the will to improve. We all like him a lot. Elizabeth is also an amazing teacher, patient, a stronge sense to detail and quality.
Academy of Ballet, merciiiii !! -
Review from Kristin K.
San Francisco, CA
5/12/2011
I took classes here for 7 years with Richard, Zory & Elizabeth. I started at the very beginning and went through the adult levels I, II & III. I loved every class and appreciated all they taught me. They each have distinct styles and personalities and are incredibly skilled and professional teachers. They do an amazing job working both with commoners such as myself as well as the most talented soon-to-be professionals who inspire us. The live piano made each class extra special.
If you are thinking about trying an adult ballet class, The Academy of Ballet is truly wonderful. They welcome all levels, treat you with dignity and respect regardless of age or body type, and push you to be your personal best. You'll thrive. -
Review from alysha n.
Phinney Ridge, Seattle, WA
11/11/2008
I pretty much grew up in dance studios, but it has been a long time since those days. I now have a completely different body - 15 years older, 15 pounds heavier, and dealing with the aftermath of a lot of old injuries (not pretty). So, I have to admit I was nervous when I started taking classes here.
The Academy of Ballet is top notch. I have taken class with each of their instructors, and there is not a bad one in the bunch. My class has two teachers - Zory and Mary Ellen - and it's really helpful having different perspectives. Sally at the desk is awesome, too.
Three pieces of advice for newbies: One, it is always really hot in there, so dress accordingly. Two, they don't have a water fountain so bring a bottle. And three, quit thinking about going and GO already. You won't regret it. -
Review from Sarah T.
San Francisco, CA
1/3/2007
This place rocks! I love all of the teachers -- especially Zory!
The adults are trained as though they are serious dancers rather than $12 per head (or $11 if you pay for a month's classes at once).
From the first time I stepped in their door I felt like a part of the family. I was nervous as an adult beginner, but I soon found the classes exhilarating, fun and very informative.
For anyone who has been thinking of trying an adult class, or enrolling their children, you must go here first!
Also of note: they have recitals for the children and their company, Chamber Dance. -
Review from Amy Y.
San Francisco, CA
2/23/2011
I was simply trying to be a good friend to my roommate when I agreed to sign up for the New Adult Beginning Ballet class here for two months. Two months being the minimum requirement for initial sign-up--and two months not seeming like too much of a commitment for a girl who wasn't terribly coordinated and didn't really like getting much exercise. It was only supposed to be two months.
Well, I've been taking classes here for *two years* straight now. And going, I might add. (I just had my first Adult III class last night.) It's really due to the wonderful teachers here that I've lasted, no, thrived for this long. My arms are toned, my confidence is higher, and by golly, on a good day, I can even do a pirouette!
Classes at the Academy of Ballet are a lot of fun. I really like spending time with my classmates and teachers, and honestly, I think my body appreciates all the work I put it through. Twice a week, the outside world just melts away as I attempt to look graceful and laugh with delight when I actually get a complicated move right. (Or plain just laugh at myself when my body won't do what I tell it to do. But laughing in general is good for the soul, so it's a win-win situation.)
As an aside, I love the corrections Zory (one of the teachers here) gives in class because these sayings apply to real life so well. Here's a sample of wisdom from Zory Sensei:
"Never let anyone push you around."
You can only move quickly if you let go."
"If you don't look up, it's all over."
"Breathe."
Simple but effective, right? And more importantly, fun. Why do I keep taking classes here? Because the joy I feel is unlike anything else. If you're curious (or even nervous) about trying out ballet, I highly recommend Academy of Ballet. It's really changed my life for the better. You just never know what two months can do for you. ;) -
Review from Mathilde P.
San Francisco, CA
9/15/2009
I love this studio! It has the best adult program in the City. The curriculum (because there IS a curriculum, even for adults) is very thoughtfully put together by Richard, who has been teaching for over 50 years. All of the teachers follow the curriculum so you don't have to worry about inconsistencies between classes. Of course, the different teachers each have their own teaching styles, but they are all wonderful and compliment each other nicely. Zory is all about getting you to dance, to feel the nuances in the music and express feelings. Elizabeth gives very helpful corrections, focusing on body weight placement and the specific muscles you need to fix. Richard is all about the details, musicality and funny (yet surprisingly helpful) metaphors. (I have only taken a couple of classes with Mary Ellen so I can't really speak to her teaching style.)
All of the classes have live accompaniment, which is definitely a treat. Each semester they have a new beginners adult class so if you are new to ballet, it's a great place to start. But my favorite part is that they offer pointe classes for adults! (Amazing, right?) Whether you have done pointe before or you just want to start, Elizabeth is there for you. (Don't try to look for the adult pointe schedule on their website, they don't publish or advertise it, for some reason.) You have to sign up to take at least 2 adult technique classes per week (which makes sense in terms of building and maintaining your strength) and, as long as Elizabeth okays it, off you go on your tippy toes!
They also have a great program for kids, teenagers and aspiring professional dancers. You just have to watch them in the adult classes, or attend one of the performances, to see that they are working hard and being trained by some of the best teachers around. -
Review from C C.
San Francisco, CA
7/20/2011
I had my first class here last night, and I really enjoyed it!
I called and spoke with someone the day before the class, and explained to them that I have about a decade of ballet training under my belt. However, it's also been about a decade since I've done any ballet at all. So while I'm not a beginner, I am also definitely not at the level I used to be at when I was dancing regularly.
The lady I spoke with suggested I try the Adult III class for size, and said if I felt uncomfortable or like I couldn't keep up, I was welcome to try the Adult II class. I went for Adult III... and while I was definitely a bit rusty, I think after a couple more classes I'll have the hang of things again.
No doubt about it, I was a little nervous going into it... getting back into ballet as an adult, with a different physique and flexibility than I had as a rail-thin teenager, is a bit daunting. However the teacher (his name was Zory), was great. He kept a sense of humor about everything, which eases the nerves a lot. There were people of all age groups in the class, and not a snooty ballerina 'tude anywhere to be found!
I will definitely be back for more. Everyone here was very nice and I was impressed with the amount of adult classes and levels that are offered - much more than other adult programs I've looked at. -
Review from Stacey S.
San Francisco, CA
2/24/2010
I just started taking class here, and I'm in love.
I've done ballet pretty much my whole life, but haven't taken class regularly for the last few years. Since moving to SF, I've been looking for a studio with an adult program that would help me ease back into it, while still providing enough of a challenge for someone who knows how to do ballet. Academy of Ballet is the perfect fit.
For anyone looking to get back into ballet after some time off, or hoping to get involved for the first time, I highly recommend checking out this studio. -
Review from Monika V.
San Francisco, CA
3/15/2010
This is the best dance studio in San Francisco. The teachers are truly amazing. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming. Classes are thoughtfully planned, interesting and fun. The instructors are always watching so they can provide guidance on how to improve.
If you are trying to figure out where to take classes or where to send your child, you should come here first. They have 6 levels of well-attended adult classes from beginning to advanced. I don't have first hand experience with their youth program, but if I had children, I have no doubt that this is where I would send them. Being in a positive environment where you receive excellent instruction is priceless. -
Review from Love X.
West Hollywood, CA
Updated - 7/24/2010
Ok, no. Came back here and the staff was nasty. They're liars, too.
Basically, because their adult program isn't very challenging (only 2 classes per week of their highest level which is a low-intermediate, no pointe, etc..) I inquired about taking the pre-professional classes. I was told by one of the teachers that I would easily be at the second highest (aka one level down from highest) level in that program. I was told by the front desk woman to come in on the weekend and take a placement test to see if I could do the summer session (since I had zero interest in their adult classes). Now, I haven't danced seriously in a while, and I would have understood if they had said I simply wasn't good enough to join their program. But the teacher said I was currently at the second from highest level in their pre-pro classes, and that the adult class I took was roughly the same level as the pre-pro level I would be taking a placement for so that I would fit right in. I was happy with that, and looked forward to my placement class.
I came in the next day for an adult class and was told by the front desk lady that actually even though she hadn't talked to the directors of the school about my taking a placement class, I shouldn't bother coming to it, and should just do the fall program instead. See, the day before, her and the teacher (her son) had a disagreement- the teacher thought that since the summer was half over, I shouldn't bother (he said it wouldn't bother them if I came in halfway, but that it would bother me- newsflash: it wouldn't bother me..). The front desk lady said it would be fine for me to come in halfway and that I really should take a placement with the director. The next day when I came back, she'd obviously been "talked to" by her son (the teacher mentioned above) and decided to go back on what she said (without ever asking the directors about it...the ones who actually decide) and changed her tune to that of her son's. So now I had no scheduled placement class and had been taking these ridiculous beginning adult classes for nothing (I'd been coming to those open classes to familiarize myself with the teaching styles of the studio).
I was ready to give up on the school when my mom asked if she could go talk to them for me- thinking maybe they thought I sucked and didn't want to tell me to my face. I let her go, they were apparently rude to her, telling her that I had lied about the front desk lady saying I couldn't take a placement test, and then saying they wouldn't speak to her anymore, just me. HELLO? My mother is PAYING for my dance classes, she has a right to talk to my potential teachers, especially if they're lying to my face about what I can and cannot expect from their program! No school should treat a parent that way, it's disrespectful. They're the ones paying in many cases!
Anyhow, they called me a liar, were rude to my mom, and kept switching their story on me. My theory is they were just trying to get me to take their poor excuse for an "adult program" (2 classes per week at the highest level) and had no intention of letting me try out for their more serious program, but even if they did offer me the classes now, I wouldn't take them. I hate liars, and I hate people who disrespect my parents- especially when they're the ones paying for my dance classes.
Learn some respect and learn to be truthful to your prospective students. I'm not looking for a beginning adult class, so there's no reason trying to sell me one. If you don't have a class that's right for me, send me elsewhere, that's what I ended up doing anyway. I wasn't expecting to get into their summer program since I just got back to dancing regularly after a long break and look pretty damn sloppy, but if they agreed that I wasn't ready for it then they should have said so after my first class with the teacher (front desk lady's son), rather than tell me I was easily at the correct level already (sad if that's true because these girls have presumably been training for years without stopping and I've been on a rather long break) and then take back the offer to have me take a placement class because they thought I would be inconvenienced by coming into the term midway.
I'd rather have a teacher be honest with me. Don't expect honesty from these people.Listed in: Dance schools
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/23/2010
The review that states "adults are trained as though they are serious dancers" presumably never had… Read more »
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Review from Sophie M.
Portland, OR
3/10/2009
This place is the kind of Ballet studio you wish there was one of in each city at least. A top notch studio with high standards. Richard was/is an awesome instructor.
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Review from Lula Mae W.
San Francisco, CA
5/12/2005
If you are longing to not so much relive as revisit your dancing youth, this is the place to go. Two words: live accompaniment...frigging great pianists. The instructors are accomplished professionals and are tuned into the needs of individual students and give correction gently but effectively--you can actually advance your technique in an adult recreational class. Plus, nary a cane is tapped and no one cares if you are a little squishier than the average ballerina.
Listed in: Because food is so good...
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Review from Natalie Z.
San Francisco, CA
8/4/2010
This is an excellent studio with super quality instruction and an incredibly warm and caring staff. I couldn't disagree more with the reviewer who had a negative experience regarding her placement at the appropriate level in the appropriate program; it sounds like an unfortunate misunderstanding, and I'm sorry it happened to her, but the AofB staff has never been anything but helpful, friendly, and professional during the years (off and on) that I've attended class here.
I do agree that the adult classes tend to go a bit slower (in the sense that they don't introduce a ton of steps at the lower levels) than at other studios, but the emphasis on proper technique makes up for that, in my opinion. I've danced elsewhere, so I have a pretty thorough knowledge of ballet steps; when I dance here, I gain new insight on how to execute the steps correctly, and that's invaluable. -
Review from S T.
San Francisco, CA
4/5/2011
Let me just say I had my last class with Academy of Ballet and I wish I could stay longer.
I started with their summer session last June in their Adult-Beginning class. Trust me when I say they accept all people. The crowd was mostly girls/women but there were a handful of boys/men also - all varying in age from 14 to ... headed-toward-retirement age. Richard and Zory took turns instructing our group which met 2 times a week.
If you think ballet would be fun, you are absolutely right - just not in the way you would think. Ballet will kick your butt. It is hard work being graceful. The fun part begins with the instructors. My first class was taught by Richard who has been dancing and probably teaching for some time now. He references Greta Garbo, uses the word 'seat' instead of butt, and has this incredibly gentle way of making corrections while somehow making a joke of it. By the end of the one hour class I was left wondering how such small leg movements left me wiped out.
The next class, there was Zory. Class takes on a whole different mood when he is in charge. The closest thing I can think of to explain when he enters the room is a lion, circling a cage. Depending on whether or not you are making an effort will determine if he sees you as his cub or a piece of meat. I mean this lovingly of course. Zory is fierce and shouts out phrases like, "I want to see more attitude!" "Where is that confidence?" Words like "arrogant" and "musicality" frequently get called out as well. Zory will give you individual corrections and pull you out, center stage and say, "Show them," as all eyes turn on you. Everyone in the class knows this of course and it frequently creates a wave effect of better postures, stomachs going in, and chins going up as he walks by. Zory knows his effect on his students and will frequently use it to his advantage. He's got a certain musicality even in his speaking voice that definitely reflects what he expects of his dancers. "If you make a mistake just look good doing it," he says frequently. He can be intimidating but his humor will melt it away. I can't recreate his humor but its definitely there.
Transitioning out of the summer classes and into the fall brought us a different instructor. Elizabeth. She was my bridge between - I look like this but I want to look like that. How do I get there? Elizabeth will show you the way. She broke down combinations for us, explained body alignment and the more technical things required from us in a way that made you want to be better. Elizabeth will not tell you, you made a mistake, she will tell you how you can do something better.
So there you have it. That was my experience with the Academy of Ballet. Oh, but I can't forget to mention that Sally, at the front desk, is great. She's there to check you in every class and always as a story for you if you've got the time. If anyone is on the fence about going to take classes there, just do it. It'll be worth it :) -
Review from Ms. Q.
San Francisco, CA
2/7/2006
It's all about the instructors. They inspire me.
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Review from Dominique F.
Menlo Park, CA
1/29/2010
I can't even remember how many dance studios I've taken class with over the years, probably around 10 or more; something about the feel of the floor beneath your feet, the sound of classical music on the piano, and the hushed whispers of students outside of studio makes it always feel a little like home! For about 5 years I was desperately missing some part of my being and it wasn't until I stepped through the doors of the Academy of Ballet, two years ago, that I realized what it was - dance!
There is a shared belief amongst all of the students that I have the privilege of taking class with, that of their "love of dance", whether they started as children or have only been taking class for the past few years...one thing is certain, everyone wants to learn and be there! I have never been to a school where they care about their adult students just as much as their adolescent ones, you never feel like a money sign here!
Twice a week, for one and a quarter hours, you will find a group of no less than 20 adult students happily taking Adult Ballet III with either Zory Karah or Elizabeth Gravelle. Both instructors lead a full curriculum entailed class, including barre, center, and across the floor exercises. The classes are always high energy and difficult, yet most come out with a smile on their face and heart for accomplishing another feat, previously thought unattainable! You cannot help but feel the passion that surrounds the instructors, which they only want to develop in their students!
The school itself consists of two studios, one incredibly large and the other half its size, two changing rooms, restrooms, and a small waiting area. I always layer, as it is either very cold or very warm (a reason why you really need to bring a water bottle to class as well!) The location is amazing as it's right above the Church Street Muni station, across the road from the J and N lines, and along Market (making it easy to drive to). Unlike other studios in San Francisco, I have never felt anything but safe in this particular neighborhood, no matter what time I arrive or leave! I chose to partake in their tuition program, which means for 10 months I commit to paying $104 a month for taking a twice weekly class, but you can also drop into some of their classes for $14. For a little over a $100 a month I exercise my body and my mind, I can't think of anything else that I would rather do! -
Review from the c.
San Francisco, CA
12/21/2010
I love this school! I have been taking classes here on and off for 15 years. The teachers are extremely talented and involved. They really pay attention to each students technique and always offer helpful corrections. I also always look forward to seeing Sally's smiling face at the front desk when I walk in.
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Review from kimmi l.
San Francisco, CA
10/1/2008
A wonderful school for adults and kids alike. Fantastic pianists!!
