I used to dismiss the negative reviews thinking they might be exaggerated. Now I regret not listening. Our experience. Here was far worse than anything I read. We chose the studio despite it being the most expensive locally, believing we were investing in top-tier training. What we got was the opposite. The new director is very arrogant constantly named, dropping the Vaganova Academy and the Mariinsky Theatre. However, this obsession with prestige does not translate into quality teaching. My child's fundamental technique showed no significant improvement over a considerable period. read more

Our daughter is currently training at DKCBA, and we truly credit the strong, professional, high-quality training she is receiving. The instruction is excellent, and the teachers are dedicated and supportive. The school creates a positive, inclusive environment where students feel challenged, motivated, and connected to one another. read more

We have been coming to Dmitri Kulev Classical Balet Academy for over 2 years now and absolutely love it! We knew the previous directors and now the new ones, both always upheld the high standard of training along with a super safe and friendly environment. Today, with all 4 instructors from Mariinsky Balet in St. Petersburg and the most authentic Vaganova teaching method in California, in my opinion, the training doesn't get any better than that. If your child is passionate about balet, look no further than DKCBA. Our experience has been wonderful, we felt that the teachers have a passion for what they do and truly care for every singe child's success. It also saddens me to see that some unsatisfied parents post lies to defame and smear DKCBA's reputation. One person created an instagram account tailored to talk lies about Eastern-European owned businesses including DKCBA, with exactly the same verbiage as this Yelp post from ILon O. (Obviously it's the same person) and when on instagram I asked, where they get their information from and if it's legitimate, they gave a false answer. Furthermore, when I shared the truth on their post, they blocked the comment section so people can't see it and also blocked me... and then went to yelp to spread hate and lies.. see pictures attached. It's a shame that miserable people like that exist, and because of their misinformation somebody will miss an opportunity to be a part of this amazing school! I hope it helps to someone who is looking for a good school for their child! Use critical thinking and don't believe everything you read! read more

Dmitri Kulev Classical Ballet Academy - The correspondence between this fraudulent account and I. - Performing Arts Near Me - Laguna Hills, California

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*"Our daughter attended this studio for two years. While the hourly rate appears similar to other studios, there are additional required fees that significantly increase the overall cost. Unfortunately, classes often started 10-25 minutes late, which was disruptive. We noticed the curriculum lacked consistency, and many students, including our daughter, received very few corrections during class. Only a small group of advanced dancers seemed to get focused attention. Over time, we observed that most students showed minimal improvement, though a few who were already highly skilled performed well in competitions. The studio's policies were strict--no refunds or makeup classes were offered, even for absences due to illness or injury. Some classes were canceled last-minute with no alternatives provided. While the teachers were friendly, the overall experience did not meet our expectations for the price. I don't recommend it for serious teenager dancers. read more

I am very disappointed. We have been with studio for some time. 2 hour classes are not actually 2 hours. Classes usually start late. There is a 30 min break between them and kids just playing. The front desk staff doesn't even watch them. The class itself is very disorganized. And owners are rude. read more

Jiu Jitsu and ballet?? You would never think those 2 things would mix, but they do! They have Jiu Jitsu classes every Wednesday at 7:30 pm here. What makes this place so great is the fact that for the first month, you get to come here for FREE! Yes, free!! After that, you will only need to pay $50 per month to get lessons. WHO I WOULD RECOMMEND THIS CLASS FOR: I recommend this class for any girl or guy looking to learn some great defense moves. I love strong women and strongly encourage girls to at least come and check it out at least once to gain some basic skills. You are taught by Steven Kim. Class size currently is small, so you will get more of like a private lesson. He is also patient and shows you how to defend yourself in real life situations. WHAT TO EXPECT: At first, I was super intimidated walking into the classroom! But the instructors here are so so supportive and just encourage you to try as much as you can, and if you feel uncomfortable, you can sit out. However, don't be shy! It's free and you will learn a lot within 1.5 hours! When you come, just show up in anything comfortable. I wore sweatpants and a long sleeve shirt and was good for the whole lesson. Love the FREE factor and loved learning new defense moves! read more

This studio is not a healthy place for your children or your family. Even the most serious of athlete would benefit by going elsewhere. They charge excessive rates and nickel and dime you throughout. They don't teach most of their assigned classes as they are busy with their own family commitments. They treat very talented and responsible students poorly and don't respect that they need to balance school and dance. They can do well at both with some flexibility. Your child will be much better off at another studio and will progress equally as well and with less stress. Ethically - They are unethical. During Covid-19 they were closed for 4 months of classes and did NOT return any of their tuition. This is illegal and is refundable through small claims court!!! Unfortunately for families they are required to pay up front. They did not even return the performance fees and they did not incur any expenses. They made it very clear that they would not work with parents on this issue - via email! Keep your family away from this studio!!! read more

Our daughter is +6 years old and has been in the program going on 3 years. Although it's a professional academy its a really friendly environment from parents to teachers. A definite plus along with reasonable rates compared to other academies. We found dkcba by searching internet and yelp originally. Video link below is what really convinced us. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=dJh9FyU1j7s Highly recommend dkcba. All of our family and friends are amazed with the level of quality from productions to students. read more

I should've listened to my gut feeling and avoided this place after I got no response when I called (left a message) & emailed them! I was very excited about enrolling my 3 year old in her first ever "dance/ballet" class. The 1st day of class went fine (she loved, still does) but I wasn't able to enjoy it myself because I couldn't see her! The room is so small, you can barely fit all the parents that are waiting for their kids. There is a tiny "viewing" window in the corner of the room that only one person can "view" at a time. You have to get there early to be sure you get to sit in front of that window. They cater to the older kids (I guess you have to since that's their main business). They don't keep their website updated so you have to physically go in and look at the board to know what is going on and even then half the time not all of the information is on there (it's like pulling teeth to get information). The owner cancelled a class the week before a recital and didn't even tell the parents (after the teacher confirmed the week before that they WERE going to hold a class). It's just not what I expected. I was very disappointed. I am going to take my daughter out as soon as The Nutcracker is over and she does her recital. read more

As a professional dancer and dance teacher, I have been to many prestigious dance studios, school, and colleges. I have to say Dmitri and Jennifer Kulev are one of the best ballet teachers I've seen. I've worked with a lot of ballet schools in the orange country area, I would highly recommend their school without any reservation. The space is quite nice. One large studio, one medium sized, and 2 small ones. I can understand why a parent would want a viewing window to see his/her kid dance in a class. But, many serious dance schools only allow viewings once a month. As a teacher, I prefer to work with young dancers with a covered viewing windows. Their attention span is very short. A viewing window can be a distraction for them. The studios are kept cleaned and the sound system are better than most studios or even colleges in the area. Each studios are equipped with a temperature control, which is a luxury for most dance studios. Dmitri and Jennifer have an extensive credit as professional dancers. As far as I know, they are quite picky when it comes to their staff and faculty. I've watched their students perform at Youth America Grand Prix ( a quite prestigious international ballet competition) and I can see how they are trained very well. If what you're looking for is a recreational dance classes, Dmitri's school may not be the right one. There are plenty of fun jazz competition studios around in OC. But if you're looking for a good, serious (and still fun) dance training, I highly recommend this school. I got my degree in dance and went to college with a dance scholarship, so I know how valuable a good training is. There are many unqualified ballet teachers everywhere. One way to check a good training of a school is to look at their students when they are in class. Also look at their legs. If the majority of the dancers have big thighs/quads for a ballet class, the chance is.... the training is bad. there's a difference between genetically big thighs/quadriceps and over developed quadriceps because of bad BALLET trainings. read more

DKCBA is an incredible ballet studio that Orange County is so lucky to have. Artistic Directors Dmitri and Jennifer Kulev are former principal dancers who are both incredibly talented, encouraging teachers as well as nurturing and kind human beings. In my opinion, they are not just training excellent dancers, their dedication to the art of ballet offers valuable life skills to future professionals, be it law, medicine, teaching, the arts, or whatever passion these young dancers choose to follow. For my son who has trained here for the last two years and is planning to pursue a career in the arts, his training here has been invaluable. He speaks so highly of Dmitri and Jennifer Kulev, the staff, and the friends he has made here, and I am so grateful that a top-notch ballet studio like this exists. When I've been in the studio, students are smiling, the teachers are engaged, and I get a sense that everyone is just happy being there. Also, the Nutcracker they perform is beautiful and I look forward to seeing all the dancers perform during the holidays. For my son, he is currently in New York training at an incredible ballet summer intensive, and we thank DKCBA, the teachers and staff for their guidance, patience, talent and encouragement in helping him achieve this goal. read more

I wouldn't let a typical stage mom, whose only concern with this school was whether SHE could see her kid in class (newsflash: most schools don't allow parents to watch at all as it is distracting for the children) and not whether the child actually liked the school, deter me from checking this awesome Vaganova method school out. Her kid loved the school, but she pulled her out anyway, just because the window wasn't big enough for her (there is enough room for at least 3 people to watch through the window at a time, for the record) to watch her kid as though the class was supposed to be for her enjoyment in the first place. Class is time for your kid to learn things, not for you to watch her and go "aww". Do that at home, after class. This is a good, serious and solid ballet school. The classes are very hard, the kids are friendly, and the teachers expect the best. It is probably not a good school for people looking to dance recreationally, unless you take the Teen Ballet or Adult Ballet classes. The pre-professional program is very serious and demanding, and should only be considered by children who are serious about dancing. The studios are large, clean and well ventilated/air-conditioned (most studios I've been to are sweltering hot and humid). The waiting area is, unlike stage mom above said, GIGANTIC, and there are many places to wait/sit/read a book (and not stalk your kid..). There are two huge, clean bathrooms, and a room for kids to do their homework, with a large table and chairs. There is a water cooler for free, clean water. This is basically the best school I've visited in my search for a good serious pre-professional school, and I've visited a lot from Los Angeles to Mission Viejo, with everything in between. There is good information about SIs (summer intensive programs) here, and people from this studio audition for many prestigious Russian (and non-Russian) intensives. All of the kids are very self-motivated and it's a great learning atmosphere. If you look at the other reviews left by the person who had negative things to say about this school, she also pulled her kid out of an academic program because she kept spying on her kid's teacher and apparently didn't like that her kid was using the water fountain by herself.. Now exactly what was going to happen? Was the kid going to drown?! I would seriously take her review here with a grain of salt due to the nature of her other reviews, as well as the reasons she gave for giving this school such a low rating in the first place- I'm sorry, but mommy viewing space is NOT how you rate a ballet school. I'm a dancer whose actually taken classes at this school, and they are top notch in every way that actually matters to ballet education. That large viewing window is more than MOST studios offer, because most studios have zero viewing space and closed doors to boot. Doubt that woman's poor kid is still enjoying ballet anywhere due to the fact that no school runs a creative movement class for 3 year-olds (they don't learn ballet at 3...) in a large auditorium with spotlights. How sad that a kid isn't even allowed to enjoy herself and that she has to say goodbye to a school she admits to loving, just because mommy couldn't watch class. Selfish much? read more

My 7-year-old daughter has been taking classes at DKCBA for about 9 months. The longer we are at the studio, the more classes she wants to take- she loves the instructors and other dancers just as much as she loves to dance. I am thrilled by how much she has improved in 9 months, and was very impressed by the level of dancing showcased at the spring recital. The main focus at DKCBA is ballet; however, they have recently added even more commercial dance classes as well as competition team opportunities. The quality of instruction at the studio is top-notch. I agree with previous reviewers who stated DKCBA is geared more toward serious dancers than those who want to dance recreationally- after all, it is a pre-professional studio whose owner/instructors and other instructors have danced professionally and obtained extensive training and education in a variety of dance styles. I have always found the front desk staff to be welcoming and helpful, although it is important to remember that the studio isn't open during what would be considered regular business hours and the staff is usually pretty busy during the afternoon and evening helping the families of the 100+ dancers who take classes there. I have also enjoyed how friendly the other parents are and have valued being a part of what feels like a family of dancers in a wholesome, mellow, supportive atmosphere. read more

This video speaks for itself. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WkR7-7xRnLU My daughter has been coming here for over 3 years and each year her hours per week of dance classes increase. Training is firm, but she LOVES it and believes that she is getting the best instruction. read more

I am a teacher at DKCBA. I teach contemporary and my personal company rehearses here WESTSIDE Dance Project. I believe if you are looking for conservatory type training with Ballet and Contemporary, you won't find a better program than DKCBA! read more

Men's classes!! There is only one other ballet school in southern California that I know offers men's classes. It is so important for male dancers to have regular men's classes! The school has a long standing reputation of excellence and we did not ask questions before enrolling my son. He is getting awesome professional training with Dmitri and improving fast! Students are professional as well as supportive. I don't mind driving 80+ miles down here to watch the talented young dancers in the making! read more

I agree to some of the reviews that this school is a serious dance studio rather than recreational. As much as I respect Mr. Dmitriv in providing a serious dance place for kids, some staff and Ms. Dmitriv are just too stern and have no respect for parents. They would not give parents any space to have domestic discussion with their kids on the cost issue of classes/recitals/costumes. It's almost like they make decision for the parents to pay them 'on the spot' what they ask. It is not respectful nor professional. I would hate to pull out my kid from a serious traning program if not being insulted by a staff who 'demanded' immediate payment regardless of whether you like to be part of a recital or not. Shocking experience - definately a run-away! read more

This School for Dance Education is one if the best schools in the United States.. This school has extremely dedicated students, It is a school that has high level training for students of all ages. When a parent decides to start a child in dance education, there are many reasons to choose a good school.. First.. at the preschool age, the student needs to aquire the love for dance and the arts. This school provides many opportunities for the whole family to be part of performances. They have a beautiful Nutcracker, as well as many other performances for all to enjoy. A young child will thrive in a loving environment, which this school has an amazing family like friendliness. For older students, there is one reason to send your child to this school, and that is to get the best training available. The resume of this school speaks for itself. The student is instructed not only the best training, but with love and kindness, I speak from 12 years of experience with a high level, award winning student who loves this school, If you are going to make the investment, you might as well get the best. read more

As the father of two dancers with professional goals, I would highly recommend this studio if you have a child who dreams of a life on stage. Both of my children (one girl, now a dance major at one of the most highly regarded performing arts universities and the other a boy in the middle of his pre-professional training) are solidly on track to follow this dream, and they both credit the Kulev's for their accomplishments. Not everybody has a goal like the one my kids share and rest assured, this studio has programs for everybody. To address some of the concerns the first reviewer posted you should know that the new facility has a large viewing window in 3 of the 4 studio rooms and the fourth has an LCD screen with a live feed of the class taking place, mounted on the wall outside the studio. As some of the other responders have mentioned, it is very distracting for little ones to be able to see their Mom or Dad, but as my kids have been dancing since my daughter was 3 (more than 17 years), I remember having some of the same thoughts. Our first studio had Parents Day every 4th week, where we could come into the room for 15 minutes and watch the end of a class. The rest of the time, we waited in the lobby and stewed or read or made some great friends with other parents. This studio makes great efforts to let parents see what is happening in the classrooms, and the little ones love the teachers here (I may be a little biased on this because my daughter has taught the little ones for the past year : )). If you are looking for a dance studio for your little one, or if you are looking for a really positive and fun experience to get them involved in for the summer, check out their website. I highly recommend this studio and they even have a dance camp for little ones coming very soon. read more

This place is incredible. The Kulevs and their staff are as demanding as they are nurturing. I've watched our daughter and other dances grow and progress exponentially faster than they have elsewhere. Dancers progress and succeed based on their effort and merit, not the "dance mom" politics that pervade so many other studios. Dancers are taught to support and reinforce each other. They work so hard, but in an atmosphere that is collaborative and cooperative. They learn technique, but also the essence of their art and appreciation for it. The academy stresses age-appropriate music and moves, rather than pushing children prematurely to sexualization and objectification as so many elements of our society and especially dance studios can. It's just hard to explain how much these people and their staff have meant to our family, our daughter's self-esteem, fitness, and work ethic. We watch their performances slack-jawed with the beauty and achievement coming out of there. read more