I decided to try the summer teen program. That was a mistake. After the first class, I had health issues that did not allow me to attend the classes. Being that I only was able to attend one class, I asked for a refund. I tried to explain, but they were extremely unaccommodating. They said that I should have filled out a form. How the heck was I supposed to fill out a form while in the hospital? I had other issues to worry about. If this was not bad enough, this program was not even as described and mainly consisted of little children and not teens. They started ignoring my emails after I tried to explain my situation. Dance 10 was a lot nicer. These people are extremely greedy and do not care about their students. They just want money. Avoid this studio at all costs. read more

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 e.g. by parading the children during class to show them what costumes they would be wearing if they participated, and measuring everyone regardless of whether or not you are participating thus making it more difficult for parents to explain if you can't do the recital). Overall I really wanted to like ABA, however selling was prioritized above the children's long term love of dance. I appreciate the school needs to make a profit as a business, however I would have been more persuaded if costs were transparent and if they did not reduce themselves to using unkind hard sell techniques especially with young learners. Thank you. read more

I wanted to update my review from 2013, as I remain a staunch supporter of the Alameda Ballet Academy as a parent. My daughter is in ballet 3 and, at this point, I'm really starting to see the payoffs of keeping her in this traditional program. She now has a community of friends that she has come to love seeing in class. They have really come together and support each other in ballet and outside of the classes. She has always engaged in the practice of ballet and Abra has instilled some amazing values in the kids and I am seeing the payoff. My daughter is not trying to be the prima ballerina at SF Ballet or anything. But, she engages in the daily practice that has helped her physically and mentally. I've seen kids go through the school toward dance scholarships and they have been supported all the way through without being told that they have to have a certain body type. It's refreshing to see students of all shapes and sizes learning ballet. Yes, the program is rigorous, but not in a demeaning way. Abra believes that the students rise to the occasion and she expects commitment from them. After all, if we are sending them to learn dance, they should be learning dance. I hear snarky comments from people who often don't even have kids in the program so I think there are a lot of myths people have when it comes to classical training. But, trust me, it's easier for a dancer to learn other types of dance later on than it is for someone without the training from an early age to turn to classical ballet. One parent commented about no dancing in the lobby and the reason for that is when classes change, it's filled with kids. They want quiet in the lobby area so they can start and finish on time and as a parent on a schedule, I appreciate that. Some of the other comments about body image comments or parents critiquing, I don't get as parents are only allowed to watch classes on specific visiting days and we are not allowed to talk or give comments. That is just whack! Just not our experience AT ALL!!! You will be expected to show up. There will be rules. Not a bad thing. If your child wants to do more with dance, there are WAY harder, tougher, and gruff teachers down the road! For me as a parent, ABA has given me a community of parents who support their kids, but who also step up when it comes to supporting the school and the productions. It makes for a professional outcome. When my daughter was 4 we put her in summer camps all around the island and she chose ABA saying "I want to learn REAL ballet." And she's stuck it out ever since. This is her "sport." Trust the classical process that has worked for more than a century! It's a great program! read more

Alameda Ballet Academy is an amazing school for people with a real interest in ballet. My daughter has been at ABA for longer than I can even remember. We have tried other dance schools, but she never found the rigor, discipline and intensity that she thrives on like she does at ABA. All of her teachers have been awesome, since pre-ballet on up. She sees Ms. Abra as her "guiding light", and the joy and energy she finds in ballet is priceless. read more

Alameda Ballet Academy - ABA Ballet 3 class - Performing Arts Near Me - Alameda, California

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 (of Intro 1 & 2) is super welcoming and friendly and the corrections are always done in a way to help, rather than insult. I used to dread and fear corrections, but since coming to ABA that fear has long disappeared. So far, I've tried all the adult evening classes. The Beginning/intermediate feels more like an intermediate/advance class, and unfortunately, the few times I've gone it's been cliquey and some people aren't too friendly. However, attitudes and egos aside, I really hope to be at that level one day so I can do the more complex floor and barre work. It's been a year of correcting bad habits and basically learning again from scratch, but there's nowhere else I'd rather be. Seriously! Coming to class twice a week is the best way to decompress after a stressful day at work, and I wish there were additional classes on weekends (I would stay all day to dance if I could!). read more

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. read more

Staff is terrible with children and are arrogant with parents. Children are not allowed to take a quick break for water. Horrible experience every time we go. DO NOT GO HERE read more

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. . . . Unbelievable. read more

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! read more

There are no dancing signs posted in the waiting room, that will be quickly and sternly enforced when your 3 year old and her friend wants to show you her passe or grand jete. We did the mommy and me ballet classes and regretted signing up for it. First day, we were asked to arrive early to purchase ballet gear, only to have the director Abra arrive till half way into the class. Then while waiting with my daughter's friend on the sofa, we were told we had to leave since we already had our ballet gear. The class and instructor is okay, but overall, the instructor and especially the director is not very comfortable with young children. Dance/10 or Nora creative dance is a much better choice for your little one starting their love for dance... read more

My daughter loves the Alameda Ballet Academy. She has been in their production of The Nutcracker and their Spring Recital. Ms. Abra and Ms. Karen are professional ballerinas, who know how to mentor young children. I just wish that they offered more Ballet 2 classes after work hours. read more

Alameda Ballet Academy - Performing Arts Near Me - Alameda, California

My daughter has been attending classes here for nearly a year. We couldn't be happier with the program. Ms. Abra, other instructors and staff are detail-oriented, passionate about what they do and attentive. We've never felt unwelcome (which has been my experience multiple times at Dance 10, another local dance school, the previous year). The greatest feature is instructors here take classical ballet seriously, so you won't see little kids twirling around aimlessly while the teacher instructs from afar. Expect the instructor and the assistant to correct students' postures and positions during the entire class, while encouraging their growth and keeping them engaged. They are truly dedicated to students and the art and they've nurtured the love of ballet in my child. read more

I Grew up in Alameda and moved back in 2008 to find a top notch ballet academy producing an extremely professional Nutcracker production featuring all of its students from 3-18 years old. I signed my 3 and 4 year old up immediately and never looked back! That was 10 years ago and I am so pleased with the transformation of my kids, both physically and mentally, under the direction of Ms. ABra. read more

I was a student of the director for several years and would never recommend her teaching to anyone, especially those with young children. She has no experience teaching children and no people skills. She is completely tactless and very abrasive, once telling a 12-year-old student of hers to "lose 10 pounds immediately" and "start doing 50 crunches every night and work your way up to 100." She is very particular about her students and their body type, and has no patience for those that aren't her "favorites." I write this review hoping that parents wishing to send their children to a good dancing school in Alameda will be fairly warned. It's a shame what this woman has done to ballet and a shame what she has done to so many young girls' self-esteem. A very poor choice for a dancing school. read more

Our daughter has spent 10 years at Alameda Ballet Academy and is now off to high school at the UNCSA Dance Department working along side university students, training and studying her passion. The roots for her passion for dance were formed while at ABA and they provided the quality training and mentoring she needs to achieve her goals. A few years into her training at ABA I realized the lessons they taught through dance went far beyond technique. Dance and ballet provide life lessons in discipline, grace, problem solving and very importantly perseverance. read more

If you're part of the 99% with a daughter who does not have that perfect, anorexic ballet dancer body which Abra demands, you will find ABA a horrible experience: Abra will not give your daughter the time of day, and will yell at her to lose 20 pounds. You will come to loathe Abra's abusive and discriminatory teaching style. It would be awesome if ABA provided counseling vouchers. read more

Julie's adult ballet classes are THE BEST. She has a way of making you a stronger and more graceful dancer with her gentle yet firm feedback and wonderful sense of humor. I have tried other ballet classes from time to time and have found that her teaching techniques work best for me, and I am grateful that I have finally found dance classes and a teacher who are a great fit for my personality and my level. I usually come into class flustered from the day and leave feeling calmer even meditative. read more

I'm a veteran professional dancer, recently retired from the stage. I take class from ABA's director, Abra Rudisill, and danced the role of Mouse King in ACB's Nutcracker for 5 years, so obviously I have a relationship to the person and the school, but I'm there because I like and respect how Abra runs both school and company. I entrust my body to her, and would entrust my children to her if they weren't grown and flown the nest. I taught dance for over 20 years in Oakland to all ages of people, from cradle to old age, and wouldn't be around a teacher who didn't respect people and bodies, even though my approach was very different from Abra's. I have seen her interact in both class and rehearsal with people of all ages & all body types; tiny children, pre-teens and teens, up through mature adults. She is firm, no-nonsense, and always speaks to each person calmly, directly, honestly and with respect. I have only heard Abra raise her voice a few times in my entire time with her school and company, only in final rehearsals, and only in cases where teens or adults were behaving in distracting manner disruptive of the rehearsal process. Some of those times were me, and I earned the rebuke. She is attentive to students' individual health needs and, perhaps more important to me, is always respectful and protective of people's body self-images. She promotes self-respect. I'm happy to recommend her, and was not asked to. Peter Brown Oakland read more

My daughter Emma loves this school and I do too. They have strict dress code, so it is good for my daughter to learn that ballet is not about dressing up. Teachers are very nice and my daughter loves going there and she learns a lot. She is getting more flexible and seems to enjoy ballet. She often dances at home and what she learned at school. I want her to continue ballet for years. Like the person below mentioned, the only cons are the fact that all classes for younger ones are held at 3:30. I have to leave work early right now to take her, and I am concerned after my daughter starts school (Charter schools and private schools ends usually around those times) because I really want her to continue to learn ballet here, rather than going to other ballet school. read more

I have danced at Alameda Ballet for many years. ALL of my teachers have been wonderful ever since I started. I have learned so much besides just ballet. No matter what mood I am in, going to dance can help me forget all my problems and just concentrate on the joy of movement. Thanks Alameda Ballet! read more

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. If you want your child to learn the importance of learning to love ballet or dance, which involves body awareness, structure, and discipline, then this is the place! read more

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 are in line with what ABA offers them at (Revolution branded items). Recitals are optional and before registering, the school sends out emails/paper copies which clearly lists the costs and what will be included-the registration fee goes towards their costumes, a professional photo portrait, and tights. The photos are taken by an independent professional photographer and will be available for purchase. There's also the annual Nutcracker show where participation is optional but there are auditions The shows have taken place at a theater in Castro Valley for the past few years. Prior to that, shows were in Alameda, but that theater is currently under renovation. The dancers are always very excited to see their recital costumes so imagine hearing the ooos and ahhhs when they are finally shown what their lovely tailored costumes will look like. This takes place about a month after the registration deadline so I fail to see the recital/costume "hard sales" pitch as another reviewer mentioned. There will always be a few students that are unable to participate and the teachers are thoughtful of this and will try to include them in some of the dances practices. Also, this will be a good teaching moment to explain to your child(ren) why they will be unable to participate in the recital rather than lambast a dance school saying that they are making things difficult for you. Below is a summary of expected costs (also listed on their website and paper list of classes and schedule): Monthly tuition -Based on class level Child leotard $17 Child footed tights $12 Child ballet slippers $18 Like any other extracurricular activities including sports and other dance classes, there will always be additional costs for recitals, games, photos, uniforms, etc. The teachers, instructors, and staff at ABA are all wonderful here. read more

My review is for Julie Lowe's Introduction to Ballet for Adults at ABA. I signed up a few months ago, and I just LOVE this class! From my first email, to my first class, into 3 eight week sessions later, I would go as far as to call it one of the best decisions I've made in life. This class is a joy. Julie is an excellent instructor. I know there are a lot of ballet dvds out there and youtube videos, and barre class workout options, but there is just nothing that can ever compare to learning under the eye of an artist. I just feel very fortunate to have this class available to us. The class vibe is very friendly and also focused. I was nervous because I was starting from scratch, and I didn't have to be because everyone is welcome, and we all encourage each other. If you've always wished to study ballet, like me, I am here to tell you, it's never too late. read more

I write this knowing full well that no one can please everyone all the time. We all have different expectations and experiences even when we're in the same situation. With that said... I feel like no one can ever tell me anything bad about Ms. Abra (ABA's director) nor the school itself. My daughter takes ballet there. It is my experience that Ms. Abra has been extremely supportive and flexible and that she has come up with creative ways to include EVERYONE that wants to learn - not just those that have the natural ability to actually be professional dancers someday. I appreciate her professionalism and her demand for respect for the teachers and dance itself. If anyone wants a structured program for their child's ballet instruction, I highly recommend Alameda Ballet Academy. read more

I've taken other classes here (not ballet) at this studio but the location is great. There's a couple of studios which are big if not decent. Lots of mirrors. Parking is a little scarce....you're lucky if you find a metered spot right outside. This place deserves to be mentioned here at least. read more

We made it through our first season at ABA. The teachers are beautiful ballerina's and my child loves it. It is very quiet in the waiting room, so its a bit weird. My child is rarely quiet... but she runs out of class all smiles, trying new moves and declaring she wants to be a Ballerina-Accountant when she grows up. Funny to see her spin around pirouette with her calculator in hand. The show in the summer was fun to watch and my daughter really knew the dance. They made me check her out at the end so I know they value safety for these children. That is much appreciated. Thank you! read more

I'm sorry I tried to like her but Ms Abra has a problem dealing with children and young dancers. It is not a supportive environment by any means. Please reconsider before sending your child here. read more

If your child is very young and just beginning dance lessons, or if you have an older child who is very ambitious, ABA is probably a good fit. If your child is interested in dance primarily for fun and increased grace, or if he/she has a "non-traditional" body for ballet, I cannot recommend the school. read more

If you ever decide to enroll your child in a ballet class, this is definitely the place not to go. The teacher is rude to both children and parents. In addition, it is clear that she favors some students over the others. If your child is going to be part of any performance, be prepared to put up with her temper tantrums. Her evaluations of the child's performance in class tend to fluctuate with her moods. I understand she wants to run a serious ballet academy, but she needs to have some people skills before she attempts to do so. read more

My daughter has been studying with Abra Rudisill since she was eight and has developed strength, poise, self-confidence and a love of dance during that time. Ms. Abra is a highly professional, hands-on teacher who cares about her students. Students rise to her high standards and are as a consequence wonderful dancers to watch! read more