The teacher, Elaine, has moved her studio to Columbia City. It's a tiny space shared with a gift shop. I am an elementary level dancer and I found Elaine to be a wonderful teacher for me. She worked me hard but with sensitivity to my strengths and weaknesses. Under her instruction I found myself able to do steps and combinations I hadn't been able to nail down with other teachers in larger studios. The tiny class size means loads of individual attention. Cost is $18 for a 90 minute class or $17 if you take multiple classes. read more

After struggling to find detailed, professional information on what this place offers and whether it was even open, I am now a believer. In this day and age, we're used to the MindBody app, online scheduling, updated Facebook pages and Google Maps entries, and Instagrams, but you're not going to get any of this with Belltown Ballet. You're getting an elderly woman named Elaine who runs this thing herself, seems to be doing it for fun, and doesn't have the patience for technological updates. This is a great, fun, tough workout. I have been interested in trying beginner ballet as an adult, and this was a perfect introduction for me. Elaine is such a lovely person, and she makes ballet enjoyable and accessible to all types of people. There were about 10 people in the class I tried, a good mix of men and women of all levels. The atmosphere was relaxed and somewhat social in between exercises, with a lot of laughter throughout. I have been to other all-levels or even beginner dance and workout classes, and I often find myself frustrated by the lack of instruction and attention to people who had no clue what they were doing. Not so at BBC ballet; everyone felt seen. The classes are all levels, and there are students who have been dancing for decades, as well as true beginners like myself. The more you learn, the more you understand the proper technique and what you have to work on, so every student finds it challenging. Here is the logistical info as of August 8, 2022, as they don't seem to update their website or social media: BBC Studio AKA Belltown Ballet is doing live, in-person classes. (There are also online and hybrid classes, but I haven't tried them and won't comment on them here.) Live classes are Monday and Wednesday, 6-7:30 p.m. They take place at the Seattle Armory in Seattle Center, 4th Floor, north end, Puget Sound Theater spaces. Classes are $16 for drop ins, and you don't need to register or anything, just show up. There is plenty of space, so come, bring friends, etc. read more

I love Elaine and use to dance at her original location. Her classes will pump you up and you will leave feeling happy.

I went to BBC Studio for a beginning ballet class yesterday after not taking a ballet class for at least 5 years. I was impressed! The class wasn't so remedial that you were bored, in fact, it was rigorous and stimulating for the mind-body. It was a great workout, FUN, and I was able to put on a pair of ballet shoes. A trifecta of win. There's no dress code here, you can wear a leotard if you desire, or just some yoga pants, or cycling shorts, it's up to you. Have a busy schedule? You don't have to commit to a day or a month, you can drop in whenever it's convenient for you! That's the best part in my opinion, because life happens! read more

This place is great for people looking to have fun while learning ballet or simply conditioning. Elaine is very friendly and loves to make jokes. Nothing intimidating even for new comers. She does push you if she senses you want to be pushed. She watches everyone and try to make this as fun as can be. There's people taking multiple classes per week or just drop in once in a long time. It's an older studio but homey. read more

I love Elaine!! She truly is the best ballet teacher I've ever had, and I've had many of them. She is not pretentious, and made ballet so reachable to all dancers from any levels, first time to advance. She is funny, flexible with her time and conditions, and always make the classes fun and entertaining. She lets me bring my baby to class, which made it so much easier to go to class and loose my baby weight :) We had extra fun classes such as tutu making class, couple ballet class, etc. She is just the best! On Sundays Stephanie teaches Ballet 101... She is also great, very knowledgeable and always taking a good care and effort to correct all of her students. I've been to some classes where the teacher wouldn't care if I was doing the hokey pokey... Definitely not the case here with these two lovely ladies... Highly recommended!! read more

Belltown Ballet Studio is great! I have been taking belly dancing classes from Zanbaka here for about two months. *shake, shake, shake* The lessons are affordable and very laid back. No need to fear looking like an idiot while trying to dance. In this beginning belly dancing class everyone sucks! They also have a number of other dance and conditioning classes that are available to everyone. I will be trying the conditioning classes shortly. They look like they are going to kick my ass. I don't have much experience to compare the actual dance facilities with other places. But for the price I pay to use the space it is wonderful. The floor is a little dirty but what should one expect after an entire day of people dancing barefoot all over it? Start dancing today! read more

I just took my first class here on Sunday, with Stephanie Cain. I am a brand new ballet dancer, a tall, somewhat self conscious addition to the ballet world, but enthusiastic nonetheless. I have never danced my life, and I was super nervous to take this class because it was listed as a mixed level class and I was afraid that I wouldn't be able to follow the choreography or dance the steps. I am happy to say that I was totally wrong to be nervous! What a wonderful experience! Stephanie is so kind and generous, and the people in the class are equally patient and helpful. I was sandwiched intentionally between two experienced dancers, and Stephanie took great pains to make sure the experienced dancers were spread out. She also dances the whole class with you, which is another great comfort to newbies. Not only all of those things, but I also got my butt kicked in the best possible way. I was challenged immensely, but in such a supportive way, and it was a REAL workout! And, like all the classes at BBC, you can drop in and drop out at will, but I say, drop in and never leave. :) read more

I have been taking Elaine Bonow's strength and conditioning class for years. Elaine is an awesome teacher, the music she uses for class is great - everything from James Brown to Nouvelle Vague. She sprinkles her teaching with hilarious stories and her own brand of philosophy, while taking you through a hardcore workout. She's truly one of the best people I know, and I can win sit-up contests at parties because of her! She also teaches a ballet class much loved for its lack of pretension and Elaine's belief that everyone can dance. Check out the studio's Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Seattle-WA/The-BBC-Studio-aka-Belltown-Ballet/149895268384408 read more

One very great and knowledgeable conditioning and dance instructor you will ever meet who comes with creativity, passion, kindness and inspiration. Elaine Bonow is a fixture in the Belltown Community and her reach and influence artistically is legendary, Don't be surprised to catch her performing at one of the many local cafes ,,,,yup she she is also a musician with a voice. If you are concerned with getting in shape and having someone give you the attention you need to any level of ballet you wish to improve, get over to her while she is still teaching! read more

Excellent fully balanced workouts with cardio and core strength! Fun attitude and energy. :) read more

I have been going to BBC for years. I love love love Elaines conditioning class She is so funny and friendly and really kicks your @#$#%! 2 days a week of that class and you get a new body. I also rent space for my own private dance practice time and it is totally reasonable. + it's downtown in belltown and easy to get to and from. read more

This is a really fun meaningful workout. Elaine has a great style that makes everyone feel welcome. I took ballet as a child and really wanted to get back to my roots. I was particularly interested in working on my posture and strength. The workouts are rigorous. Sometimes you know/feel it and sometimes you don't so it doesn't feel like a chore. Elaine is also great at highlighting the beautiful things about ballet -- the shape of your arms, pointing your toes, a wonderful emphasis on grace. She also builds in a lot of stretching, which feels great. If you ever dreamed of being a ballerina, this class is a great way to get in touch with your dream while getting fit. read more

BCC has changed my life forever. Without running into Elaine, I probably wouldn't have ever thought learning ballet as an adult is possible. She adapts to everyone's needs and learning techniques. Within a month I became hooked due to the solid feedback and openness in the studio. All of the students are humble and encouraging, no matter how bad my own attitude gets. Highly recommend this studio for all interested in the ballet world! Keep doing your thing Elaine, much love, and a huge thank you for all that you do. read more

If you've ever wanted to take ballet as an adult, do it now and do it at Belltown Ballet! The classes are challenging without being daunting, and this is the best workout I get all week. The studio is geared towards adults, and there are all levels of experience in the classes. Elaine, our teacher, makes the classes fun, social, but also works our butts off! I'm a curvy gal, but I never feel out of place. And I always come away feeling body-positive, as Elaine is great at helping us all recognize our strengths. It's just a fun, beautiful way to work out. read more

If you are reading this because you are thinking about coming here, do it. I take classes from Elaine Bonow, and she makes the class super fun (and challenging). This class is for all shapes, sizes, levels, and genders. Hope to see you there! read more

I attended the mat conditioning class. Let's start with the facility. It's falling apart with actual water coming through the roof. The mats are old and not cleaned after every use. There may be a security issue. However, there are nice ballet bars and mirrors. The floor needs to be swept. The instructor seems insecure with the class stating "people normal come only once." There are a group of regulars that made me think that statement was very odd. The exercises are dated and there is no form or direction. So for those free spirits - this is your modern dance/ yoga/ Pilates/ ballet class. Personally, I don't like take stretch breaks with lots of personal life conversations. I like going to a class and focusing on the workout. This did not focus on the workout. There was this awkward booty shaking that only made me feel like hiding under a rock. The instructor have no form advice or technique or even direction. I wasted my money and time going to this class for a workout! read more