Our daughter previously trained at Canada's National Ballet School in Toronto. While it is a wonderful institution, we were looking for stronger Vaganova method training and more hands-on teaching. After researching and visiting several schools, we chose Bayer Ballet Academy and moved in the summer of 2024. The transition wasn't easy at first, but with the teachers' dedication and guidance our daughter grew tremendously. Her progress is reflected not only in results like placing 2nd at YAGP and receiving an Artistic Excellence award from CDC, but also in how her dancing has become more refined and expressive. What makes Bayer Ballet special is the commitment to ballet as a true fine art and the high level of attention each student receives. Ms. Inna and teachers like Ms. Elena, Maiia, and Sora are exceptional, and the staff are warm and supportive. We feel very grateful to be part of the Bayer Ballet community and highly recommend it to families looking for serious, high-quality ballet training. read more

Our daughter has attended Bayer Ballet for twelve years. Saying we are grateful to the school would miss the true meaning of what it has meant to us. It's been our daughter's second family. And it is a great family, helping us raise an amazing child. What she has learned--not just about ballet, but, more importantly, about life - she will carry with her throughout her life. I am certain this has made her a better person, and will continue to positively influence all her endeavors. Please continue to raise amazing children, setting them on a path to success and happier and more fulfilling lives. read more

Professional ballet school, we tried so many ballet school at Bay Area. And this one is best one; the students from BBA won so many words for competition. read more

My daughter has been at Bayer Ballet for seven years, and we are so thankful for the amazing teachers and staff there. Ms. Inna has been a wonderful teacher who truly loves the kids and cares deeply about their growth. She sees each child's potential and knows how to bring out the best in them, while always being patient and supportive. She also helps build their confidence, which has meant so much to us. When my daughter first started, she couldn't even do an arabesque. Over the years, with Ms. Inna's guidance, she has grown tremendously and is now performing solos, dancing leading roles, and doing very well in competitions. We are also very grateful to the other teachers and to Christina and the staff for their constant support and care. Thank you all for everything you do for the students and families at Bayer Ballet. read more

Bayer Ballet - Performing Arts Near Me - Mountain View, California

Our daughter has been studying ballet for 11 years, most recently with a private coach who recommended it was time for her to join a school environment where she could get the highest level of training to support her goal of dancing professionally. He recommended Bayer and she auditioned for the 2024 Summer Intensive program and was accepted. She continued her studies through the school year last year, the 2025 Summer Intensive and is continuing this school year. We joined Bayer due to the high level of training and access to perform in the highest level professional quality performances. The students at Bayer exhibit the highest level of professionalism, artistry and technique as they progress through their education and subsequent careers and the teachers and Director make this possible. Recent graduates have gone on to study and perform with major ballet companies like Paris Opera, Dutch National and ABT. The Director is always present and keeping a close watch on the education of each dancer ensuring that the best possible training is given to each student. The school accepts young dancers for their Lower Division classes at age 4 and the Upper Division classes continue for teen dancers at the highest level of their Pre Professional training. We are especially impressed with the care and love our daughter has received from her teachers at Bayer and the bonds she has formed with her class. The girls in her class are not competitive with each other even though many are competing at the highest levels of international ballet competitions. They are a close group who likes to be together, cheer each other on and support each other with ballet and outside endeavors. We are extremely thankful for this group of girls who have really become her closest friends. And I am equally as thankful for the wonderful parents who we have become friends with. Having supportive families around who look out for your kid is something that no money can buy and is exceptionally rare in many competitive ballet schools. Our class is really like a family and that is something we cherish. We commute four hours a day to attend Bayer five days a week and it's something we are committed to so she can receive the training that Bayer offers. It is an honor to have her study at this school and we would recommend anyone looking for the highest possible level of ballet training should not overlook this school nestled in Mountain View. read more

Took my daughter to a trial class. Emailed for weeks and tried to call and only got a response after 3 weeks. The instructor kicked my 3 yr old daughter out of class and never asked her to return. Waste of my money and time. She said my daughter said something not nice. She said she needed a break but never welcomed her back and my daughter was extremely discouraged. read more

They do not pick up the phone or return messages asking for information about enrollment.

My dtr attended 2 dance programs prior to joining Bayer Ballet. We are so happy that we found this wonderful ballet school. My dtr is thriving there, growing as a dancer and has wonderful friends. Their teachers are highly professional providing the best ballet training possible and also creating positive atmosphere where kids can be really good friends and support each other. My younger dtr joined 2 y.a and she loves it too. In addition to technically strong classes kids have multiple opportunities for stage performances, community events. Highly recommend. read more

This program presenting itself as top school. While dancers are technically strong, the atmosphere is toxic and unhealthy to a child. Almost a tyrant regime. Students trained with a ashamed and consistently being yelled. Leadership is doing absolute everything they could to lash out negative about other schools. My son went to a few classes and escaped as soon as we recognized this negativity. read more

When relocating and finding a new ballet home for our daughter, the Bay Area had an overwhelming amount of options. However with her goals of studying Russian ballet full time and her love of performance, Bayer Ballet became our clear choice. At the time she was 12 and still in her first year on pointe. After a trial class , she was accepted to Bayer's Summer Intensive program. She found it to be her highest level of instruction to date. Also she was surrounded with kind, enthusiast classmates that welcomed her into the community. That summer her technique and passion grew exponentially by training in ballet, character and contemporary classes and performing in Bayer's professional showcase with costumes, audiences and most importantly, recognition from her new teachers. Each summer since, her growth has been rewarded with larger, more challenging roles and dances. Bayer Ballet has also offered her the same level of instruction and opportunity durning the school year. Friends from other schools could not meet during covid restrictions, but Bayer built 2 outdoor studios to keep their kids dancing. This was the only socialization and physical exercise accessible to her. She didn't lose time working toward her goals of dancing after HS and we found her confidence and abilities have visibly improved thanks to the school's commitment to their dancers. It's important to recognize the choice of Bayer to educate our dancer has required commitment. Vaganova training is demanding and seasonal performances are mandatory. However, those expectations have grown along side the children's abilities and have been manageable for families who appreciate ballet excellence. Since the school is small, all the dancers get lots of attention and opportunities. These opportunities do mean more requirements of time compared to other studios. I've added this lengthy review because I think a journey in excellence for children is an individual and subjective pursuit. Ballet culture continues to evolve but what works for one family might not work for another. As parents of a sensitive student, we know it's ultimately our responsibility to protect and encourage our dancer regarding these expectations. We've found every time we've needed guidance, Bayer has listened to our concerns and has advised thoughtfully. There are many ways for children to be exposed to dance. If your dancer is serious and you want strong, leveled, Russian ballet instruction with high quality productions, Bayer Ballet will provide it. We've not found another school within driving distance possessing these qualities. Our daughter feels seen and appreciated for her hard work and love of dancing. We would recommend it to any family whose dancer would benefit from a similar commitment. read more

We are very grateful to Miss Kristina , Miss Inna and the whole crew for their dedication to children and Balette. This school lessons based on Agrippina Vaganova method, which is one of the very best worldwide. Even with all difficulties during last 2 years children are moving forward in learning and performing balette. Miss Kristina gives them knowledge, support and encouragement. It's amazing to watch a tremendous progress from one class to the next one. And a performance in the theater ( once or twice a year) is an outstanding example of professionalism and beauty of Balette. Special thank you to Miss Rimma, who is always there to help little ballerinas. Thank you Miss Inna,Miss Kristina and the School for the lessons and experience for life. read more

My daughter has been in the pre ballet program for 3 years and she loves it. Bayer ballet provides serious ballet training with a focus on the fundamentals that are essential for growing in the art from. The teachers are amazing, so dedicated, going way above and beyond. The performance opportunities are great, even for the little ones (9 and under). read more

Wonderful performance for the 2021 snow queen. The only hard part was the queue for the restroom but that has nothing to do with the Bayer Ballet. It captivated my 8 and 5 yr olds and was a joy to watch! What a fantastic introduction to ballet performance! read more

My daughter has been at B.B.A for about 2 years. She has joined this school when she was 5 y.o. and has participated in two shows - both of which would were professional and artistic. Participation in the last show was very impressive for her. The most impressive part of the preparation for the show was a chance to dance with older girls. She looked at them and enjoyed the way they danced. She said to me every day, "I want to dance like those girls". All teachers at BBA are patient and help to grow and motivate their students. I am very grateful to have found this school for my daughter. It's the perfect place to give her a chance to be great if she wants, or to just have an amazing time really learning an art form. read more

I would not recommend this school. The management is chaos and the owner cares more about money. Several observations: 1. In our first class, I watched my daughter's class outside of the building (Yes, you cannot watch inside as there is no window, which is fine.) Suddenly I noticed my daughter was out of the room. I headed back and just saw she was trying to go out of the outdoor to look for me. She had crossed the waiting room; the front desk had no person; and she just headed out and nobody stopped her. Teacher continued the class in the classroom. Lesson learned: Never drop off your little kid there. You have to stay in the waiting room to be responsible for your own kid's safety. 2. Teachers are good although they are very young and some are their own senior students. I do not have any complain on the teachers and my daughter likes them. 3. The management. The owner and all staffs have email addresses and they claim they will reply to you after 48 hrs, and it never ever happened. They do not reply emails, but they do use the same email addresses to send notifications. The staff in-charge only works 3 days per week and she rarely answers your phone. 4. Money. Note that once you pay the tuition, you need to pay the entire year and there is no way to get the refund in any circumstance. If you do not care about Money, to be fair, this school is a good choice as the teaching quality is good. But, why I say the owners care about Money more? There was scheduled Spring performance and school has collected the registration fees for the performance. Due to Covid-19, the performance will not happen, for sure. Surprisingly, they never give any update on the the performance and the plan on the registration fees even though this semester is almost finished. If there are difficulties and school needs help from us under this situation, we totally understand. But communication is needed, instead of pretending nothing happened. We have sent multiple emails to ask and, of curse, no response. One interesting thing is, our friend sent a harshly worded email and threated to looking for law help, they immediately paid the check back to her. I would question on the moral quality of the owner. I have not mentioned the missing classes during the transition from on-site to online. They claimed those missing classes are considered as spring break. Really? read more

As a Principal ballet teacher with over a decade of experience working with professional dancers and students, I have observed the Bayer Ballet program for a number of years and I am extremely impressed with their artistic level, the consistent quality of the school and the dedication of the founder, Inna Bayer. Inna possesses a deep passion for ensuring her students receive the best Vaganova training and develop the skills required to excel and pursue their love of dance. Also impressive is her professionalism and direct involvement with her students. It is this level of passion that has brought great success to both her school and the students. As a testament to this success, her alumni have been accepted to ballet companies both within the United States and internationally. Her students have been successful participants in the YAGP and been invited to the prestigious Prix de Laussane Ballet Competition. Lastly, her school has an amazing repertoire of ballet performances which help her students train and increase professional skill and artistry. I wish them nothing but prosperity and blossoming recognition within the dance world as a top tier Ballet school. read more

My daughter started ballet when she was 5 and attended a few ballet schools in the bay area throughout her dance journey due to our changing needs in location and priorities. Majority of her years, however, have been with Bayer and I have to say - if you are looking for a school with highly qualified teachers who care about their students, with professional-level performance opportunities, with the flexibility of attending competitions, with a warm and supportive staff, and with a welcoming, friendly, and positive student and parent community, Bayer is the school for your dancer. The school director Ms. Inna Bayer is the ultimate artist and teacher. While she's rigorous and intense in classes and in directing performances, she's loving and caring about each student's potential and progress. As a parent who started with zero knowledge about ballet or Vaganova methods, seeing how happy and fulfilling my daughter feels at Bayer. I really came to appreciate very much all that this school has to offer! read more

Our 16 year old daughter has trained with several great teachers over the years, but never before has she made such big improvements, so quickly, as since she started training at Bayer Ballet. Bayer offers top level personalized training with a focus on both artistry and technique. Their productions are wonderful and the coaching ahead of competitions is invaluable. We're thrilled to have found this school. read more

Very serious studio for learn ballet! There are many serious ballet learners, they got many awards from YAGP and CDC. Kids start ballet classes from BBA are luck because they will got very good grounding skill. read more

The Pre-Ballet program is excellent. The teachers are wonderful and caring. They not only technique, but movement and creative visualization as well, which the younger children love. The pre-professional performance program for the older children has both pros and cons. The students are introduced to a good combination of stretching, character and ballet technique classes. Inna Bayer is an instructor with a background in teaching and performing. Inna's attention to the details of the technique is a positive and has greatly helped. I would recommend the professional performance program at BBA. read more

I am a professional dancer recently relocated to San Jose. I wanted to find a school of Russian ballet (vaganova). My ballet teacher growing up was Russian. In my opinion there is no comparison to classical ballet. Taking class at Bayer felt like walking into my childhood ballet school. I attended the morning adult class. First thing I noticed the school is spotless. 99% of dance studios are so dirty. You can feel the sweat of months of dancers on the bars and floors. Bayer, just as the school I grew up at, was SO clean. Russian teachers take so much pride in keeping things nice. The class was classical vaganova style ballet. If you're only familiar with American ballet, which has style varying from Ballantine, to Royal ballet... then vaganova is going to stand out in comparison. Russian (classical) ballet is VERY structured. It doesn't matter how basic the level you're taking. It will be slow, and you will be expected to do the movements exactly as instructed. Nothing can ever be classical ballet except Russian vaganova style. It's simply beautiful. It's the most charming, elegant and correct way of doing ballet. I highly recommend this studio for students who value a quality ballet education. 10 out of 10 stars. read more

My daughter had great time at pre-ballet program, Ms. Christina is amazing. However at upper level, teachers for her class were changed frequently, also teachers have their favorites... the communication with school management was not good, watch out if you want to join this school...The whole year tuition are required to be paid upfront with no refund policy, when we decided to move my daughter out of school after many unhappy lessons, we lost $3000+ tuition... Watch out!!! read more

Ina Bayer has built an incredible ballet school here, from the pre-ballet classses (starting at 3 year old) to high school dancers. The school follows the Vaganova method, believing that every kid can dance and should be able to participate in ballet. Kids are taught according to their age and skill set and 'no child is left behind'. The entire school is performing two major productions a year, one in winter and one in spring. The ballet classes, hence, are focused on teaching pieces for the performance. So, if you just want your child to enjoy ballet a little bit, this may not be the right school. If your child really enjoys ballet and enjoys productions, costumes and sometimes training/practice beyond the regularly scheduled classes, this is the place to be. Miss Ina and her teachers are fabulous: They are totally children oriented, teaching the kids to discipline of dancing without being to strict or dogmatic. My 5 year old loved Miss Ina and all the other teachers and was always excited to go to ballet. Due to the production, however, it became very clear that she fell behind going only once a week and Miss Ina recognized it and encouraged her to attend twice a week, like all her other ballet classmates (which we did, particularly before the performances). All in all, she loved being in a production, seeing the 'big' ballerinas dance and the costumes and all the experience around being on stage. Here is a link to an explanation of the Vaganova method: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vaganova_Ballet_Academy read more

Parents beware of this ballet studio. Its not a healthy environment for children who aspire to be a future ballerina. There is so many areas to comment on I don't know where to begin. 1. The owner is seriously emotionally unbalanced. It's not uncommon to hear her on the phone yelling at someone, or walking around the parking lot looking rude and yelling on the phone. My wife actually asked her one day if she could volunteer at one of the studio events and the owner started yelling at her, "No, No!!!" and walked away. She has serious issues with dealing with customers and children which is something to consider before enrolling your child here. 2. If you have wishes to have your child participate in auditions for the yearly shows you must know the following: Only parents who pay extra in private classes, or do favors like buying furniture for the studio, or help in the construction of the studio, or are the teacher's pet will even be considered for the roles. All other children need not apply. Miss Ina brings the old Soviet Mentality to her studio in Menlo Park. It's a classic pay for play business. 3. The ballet teachers are average and nothing to be bragging about. One of the teachers has favorites in her class and doesn't pay equal attention to the children. Which is unfortunate and not a healthy environment. Allot of the parents have complained about this to me and is so obvoius. My daughter has been in this ballet studio for almost 2 years and we have decided to leave due to the reasons mentioned. There are many more points to mention but don't have time now to write. I will write another post later this week. read more

My son has had the pleasure of attending this school for the last 18 months. B.B.A. is one of the few ballet schools in the Bay Area that includes a serious program for boys and young men. This is a top notch school where your son or daughter will receive the proper training that a dancer needs. We have been thoroughly impressed with the professionalism of the school. My son has enjoyed performing in both the Winter and Spring productions. The Director, Inna Bayer, along with the rest of the teaching faculty are devoted to giving the students excellent instruction. I recommend this school for any child that wants to work hard, and takes their ballet training seriously. read more

I'll admit, I originally picked Bayer for it's convenient location. I live right up the street from it, and my then 3 year old daughter already had a number of activities that kept me running all over the place so when she expressed an interest in ballet I chose the place closest to me. That being said I'v been pleasantly surprised at the quality of Bayer's classes! The environment is welcoming and the staff are very friendly and express an interest in getting to know all of their students as well as the parents. The class sizes are small and lots of attention is paid to stretching, posture, and good form (even for the little ones!). As a result of this, the ballerinas gain a lot of self discipline, something I believe is of great value in itself. As we are nearing the end of our first year in pre ballet 1 my daughter is preparing for her class's Summer Performance, with great anticipation! The costumes are gorgeous and much attention has been paid to each of the classes right down to making sure they will be happy and entertained in the intermission between the stage rehearsal and the actual performance itself. Bayer really cares about their students and it shows! I am also sent weekly updates via email about upcoming performances and guest speakers/ workshops from top ballerinas from around the country. I wish Yelp allowed for 1/2 stars in their reviews, as I would rate Bayer 4.5. The only reason I would knock off 1/2 a star is because my daughters class has started 5-10 minutes late on several occasions, yet always ended right on time : / Other than that this place is fabulous and I will continue to send my daughter here and recommend it to friends. read more

Yesterday I attended another show by Bayer Ballet Academy. What an incredible performance! Smiling faces, beautiful costumes, and quality dancing! The audience went "Oh!" and "Ah!" with every dance! Even the smallest dancers exhibit the professional dancing and detail oriented technique. Their dances were uniquely choreographed as short tales - a happy meadow with elegant butterflies and cute little frogs, the red riding hood and a wolf (great acting!) story dancing by little mushrooms and flowers, the tiny dancers with cute tea cups dancing "I am a little teapot" dance - a story about friendship and sharing and so much more. Older dancers (9 to 15 years old) gracefully performed many classical pieces. With sparkling costumes, superb technique and flowing movements they were a pleasure to watch. Cupid variation from Don Quixote was especially airy and looked truly professional. Moldavian and Russian character dances were very technical and especially uplifting! Beginning with slow lyrical dancing (such as an opening flower in Moldavian dance) and ending with beautifully changing complex patterns, fast spinning skirts, jumps, and smiles. I want to see it again and again! BRAVO!!! read more

I don't want to rate any star. My daughter and I had bad experiences at Bayer. This year they forced every family to buy at least 10 tickets for our kids winter show. $30 *10=$300. Participation fee was $150. And costume rental fees were, I could not even remember anymore because so many bills! Volunteer works are too much and your kids are not allowed to absent from ballet class, I think only two times a year are allowed otherwise the school can decide to kick out our kids from the show. We have to sign the contract. In addition to that, our kid have to attend the audition for the shows if our kid want to dance special cast and summer intensive even though they have classes with the director almost every day and we have to pay for them. Even if you attend the audition, I felt that the director has already made up mind who will be what cast. The director always teach a few favorite students. If your kids are not chosen, only a few corrections even though we pay same amount of money. For preballet classes, they always practice their dance for the shows. My friends said they didn't focus on the techniques. They tried them practice dance for the shows. My kid and my friend's kids told me that If your kids are from other school and take summer intensive, they don't teach them. They will be placed at very end of the bar and spend four weeks. Parents can watch the classes only observation day. Management of the administration is also not good. They are all facts. I do not recommend this school. read more

Not sure why other people rated so high here. I got very poor experience at this school. Here is what I saw. (BTW, Mrs. Chrstina's pre-ballet class is good. I'd say 4 stars.) I think the crux is the director of this school is way too emotional and misunderstands what "respect" and "royal" means. Hence, everyone in this school (parents and staff) always pays attention to her temper. It is almost impossible to have healthy discussion/suggestion. This school is very severely controlled by this director. You need to be very careful what to say. Don't expect they will understand what you say. I will alert you that if you are planning to put your kids in this school, contact someone who experienced this school beforehand. Think thoroughly pro and con. read more

Bayer ballet is a wonderful ballet school with teachers who care about making you excellent and creating a fun dance environment. I am a 13 year old boy who has been dancing at Bayer Ballet for 5 years. The teachers are exceedingly good at ballet and push students to be the best that they can be. Unlike other teachers who might make excuses that they are already doing enough for their students, the teachers at BBA are always trying to do the best for their students. A prime example of this never give up attitude is that in some years the staff and teachers have gone through all the effort and expense to put on 4 shows of the same performance after 1 semester just to give the students maximum performance time. In conclusion if your child wants to be the best they can be while also having tons of fun then BBA is the place for them. read more

I selected the school three years ago for my (then) three year old daughter. This school stands out as the only school I found in the Bay Area providing serious instruction for children of this age. The level and effectiveness of training is unparalleled. Their "pre-ballet" programs provide a tremendous base of awareness and skill building unique for Bay Area schools, and utilize real instructors (not high school students) and techniques. The dancer is well prepared for entry into the more rigorous levels of the Vaganova method the school provides. The classroom environment is dignified, disciplined and respectful while providing the required balance of motivation, support and rigor. Requirements for student behavior and attitude is the same. Considerable individual attention is given at all levels. Focus and method are adjusted with the increasing maturity of the dancer. In the higher levels of training (apprentice, pre-professional), the demonstrable level of proficiency attained is spectacular for all students. This is effectively showcased by the school's productions, where dancers of many levels perform. It is difficult to remember that the "stars" of these shows are typically no older than 8th graders! The ambitious production schedule, with sumptuous staging and choreography is demonstrative visual affirmation of the school's standards and success. This gives rise to a significant "volunteer" commitment for parents, as much of the logistic and backstage activity for these events is managed with volunteers. This is part of the enrollment contract, although there are "opt out" clauses for all. As a result of the rapid growth of the school, they have saturated their current facility. Parking can be challenging on certain days with class overlap or rehearsals. Arrive early, as overflow parking is limited, and not very convenient. This school is testament to the enduring vision of the founder, Inna Bayer. During the ten years of the school's existence, she has maintained the standards of the school through rapid growth by adding accomplished instructors and other staff, hosting Master Classes and Intensive sessions. She has been scrupulous in never compromising the delivered result. If your interest is primarily a "fun", play oriented experience for your child, this may not be the program for you. This is a serious, thorough ballet education. If you want the discipline and rigor that accompanies achievement and excellence, there is no better choice. read more

We enrolled our 3 year old and everything was fine for 6 weeks or so. After 6 weeks, she refused to go again. I asked her why and she said that it was because they made a rule that parents couldn't go into the classroom anymore. I took her back just to watch a class and she still didn't want to dance. I also saw some some other things that I thought was a bit extreme for the little ones- for example the teacher would press down on them while they were stretching and ask them if it hurt. If they said no, she would say- good, you're flexible. Great for them, but what about the 3 years who aren't as flexible? I also witnessed the teacher berating the the students to pay attention before one of the little girls skipped around. The poor little girl about to skip thought it was directed at her and was in tears. I think Bayer isn't the right school for this younger crowd and I plan to try out Veksler instead, which I've heard good things about. We paid a $125 initiation fee and prepaid 5 months worth of classes ($525 total). They wouldn't reimburse any of the fees, but offered store credit, which I will never use. It was a waste of money- buyer beware! read more

summer intensive dose not worth. Last summer I registered my daughter to summer intensive .They rent another location for the camp.same parking lot with car rental company.Girls have lunch outside on the parking lot not save.someday one volunteer mom can't come only one teacher monitor the girls outside and inside when lunch time.Parents talked with Inna,She did nothing for it.She didnot want to hire one more teacher must because cost.She shout at parents ,not professional as a business owner. The master teacher only gave one hour teaching per day,other hours teaching by two young girls looks like high school students.different with their commit when we registered.A least 2 girls in one group got injured,fall down by stepping on craft paper on the ground.that girl went hospital . If your kids is new for this school,donot go their summer intensive,they will treat you differently. The owner wants money but less thinking about giving value class ,be trust. read more

My daughter has been with Bayer Ballet Academy for the past 11 years, practically all her life, and the school is a second home and family for her, as well as for our entire family. She claims she doesn't remember when ballet was not a part of her life. Her progress over the years is difficult to deny, with our gratitude and credits going to Inna Bayer, a founder and artistic director, as well as multiple other ballet technique, character, contemporary dance and gymnastics teachers. Bayer's is an academy in the original sense of the word, i.e. it provides a complete and comprehensive academical dance education. Every teacher is extremely qualified and dedicated, the staff is highly professional and effective, the invited visiting teachers are among the best in the world. The school went a long way in the past ten years, from five students to over four hundred, providing the unique boys education program and the program for 3-4 year olds. It is undoubtedly the best ballet school in the Bay Area, and Inna Bayer was recognized as an Outstanding Teacher at the last YAGP competition. Her students receive high scores and awards and regional and international competitions, with their education and excellence in training being the school's priority. Many people write about the extreme attention to details in everything they do, be it the choreography or costume design. It is true that the school expects the same kind of dedication from its students and their parents, but this is the only way a true professionalism can be achieved, and the dancers must be exposed and used to it from the very young age. My strong feeling is that some of the negative reviews I see are written about some other school, not Bayer Ballet, as it is very difficult for me to comprehend how people miss the obvious. I will recommend this school time and time again to those interested in quality dance education for children of all ages. I sincerely hope that this review will not be hidden from the general public. read more

I totally agree with Mr./Ms. U K.'s review. I am wondering why his/her review was moved to the "not currently recommended review." I was going to write same comments of him/her. read more

I have to say that one of the highlights of this holiday season was going to see the new show "The Snow Queen". Bayer Ballet has a reputation for staging the best shows and they really outdid themselves this time. I don't live in the area but I missed seeing a real high caliber children's show for quite some time so I wanted to go and see their latest production. I got what I went there for and the experience was more than worth the trip. I really love seeing such well trained and thoroughly rehearsed kids of all ages and levels. The production was exquisitely beautiful and had a charming original story. It is a nice change from all the Nutcrackers everyone else is doing. read more

We've been at this studio for 6 years, and both of my daughters still enjoy attending every practice. In my experience, I've found this studio to be highly professional; all of the instructors are knowledgeable, encouraging, and holding themselves and their students to a high standard of excellence. Christina, who works with the younger kids, is both compassionate and invested in her students' growth as dancers. I had the fortune to join this studio as it was just beginning, as it granted me the opportunity to witness how Inna, the owner and creative director, transformed this studio into the best ballet school in the Bay Area. Inna's dedication and vision is evident in every performance. If you want your child to learn technique, self-discipline, and the true essence of ballet, from instructors who truely love their art and teaching, then this is the school to attend. read more

This may be a great ballet school, but the way Inna (the owner) is treating parents, teachers, her staff and kids is simply unacceptable - she is rude, constantly yelling on everyone, totally inconsiderate to her staff and parents, unprofessional business- wise (she knows the ballet), and as a result relies heavily on her support staff and parents that try very hard to accommodate and compensate her ridiculous behavior and policies. One instance - the concerts she organizes while successful on the surface (thanks again to teachers, kids and parents), would be a total mess if not for some intelligent and knowledgeable parents who, in a total absence of any decent planning, are forced to take matters in their own hands and coordinate all background activities - costume changes, flower giving etc. But even with that help from parents, things still do not go smooth. There are often situations where kids missing or not having enough of something - dress accessories for instance. This disorganized atmosphere creates and encourages some less mindful parents to only concentrate on their kids at expense of everyone else - they would take missing dresses and accessories from other kids who have it (while those kids are out performing), then when those kids return they often have to look and almost fight to get those accessories back. This obviously impacts kids in the first place as they are simply there to perform and not to get involved in the organizational chaos that results from the total lack of planning and preparation on Inna's side. Again, this just one example, there are many others - just talk to parents whose kids are attending the school. Most are simply afraid or not willing to speak up publicly because they are afraid that Inna may kick their kids out of school. And she would, all she cares is your money, and with the waiting list she will always have others to fill in the spot. So get your self on the waiting list if you are willing to put up with all of these, otherwise look for other options. read more

I agree that Inna Bayer's school is a good for someone who is looking for dance as carrier. However, if you are looking for your kids to have fun and improve their ability to dance, it is not the right place for kids from 3 to 7 years old of age. read more

Instruction is rigorous and up to standard if you desire your child to later dance professionally. However, buyer beware that customer service and relationship management is not their priority. 10 months of tuition are required to be paid upfront with no refund policy except for extreme cases (I was told a refund was only given one time previously for a girl who broke her arm). Therefore, I lost $1100 when I decided to leave the studio halfway through the year and the studio adamantly kept the money despite the fact no work was done in ballet instruction on the studio's behalf. This was the policy signed by all parents in very fine print and it withstood a credit claim process putting it to the test. I think this works fine if you (and your child) are in their good graces. The second you decide a new focus for your child's education make sure it is timed in the summer or they will make it hurt your pocketbook. In case you have a bad experience and want some corrective action, there is no monetary incentive for righting wrongs because they have already collected their money from you. read more