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    Pasadena Ballroom Dance Association

    4.3 (56 reviews)

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    Let's dance :)
    Yasmin C.

    I went in last night for the Saturday event at Grace Lutheran Church on Hill avenue in Pasadena, and I had a BLAST!! They had a live band starting at 8 pm but first at 7:30~ you go in and they give you a short dance lesson showing you the steps to follow. The hall is spacious and air conditioned and all the people there were kind and graceful! The two ladies that offer the event are very friendly and helpful! Once the dancing starts everyone gets a chance to dance and it was so much fun! Come check this place out, you will have the time of your life and it's good for the heart and soul!

    The Swingaroos
    Jenny D.

    My brother introduced me to swing and ballroom dancing eight years ago. Today it is his passion and I love to watch my brother dance. The first time he brought me to a Saturday Dance at PBDA, I felt indimidated. However, there were still folks friendly enough to take on a noob and dance with her. I guess the only way to overcome feelings of insecurity at the dances to.. be more secure and confident in dancing is to... learn and dance some more! So I signed up for my first class and LOVED it. The lessons were paced just right, the directions are clear and I was able to learn without getting fustrated. (Although occasionally some do, but I like to think it's due to personal, perfection issues rather than those attributed to their left feet.) The Saturday dances always have LIVE bands!! They are good practice venues for what this business is all about: teaching, promoting and preserving the American culture of Swing Dancing as well as other types of social (Lead and Follow) dancing: Ballroom, Salsa, Hustle, etc. Thank God for the founding sisters Erin & Tami Stevens who started this business in 1983 and helped it's cultural revival by teaching this style of dance and bringing back old time great, "Ambassador of Swing", Frankie Manning. Through PBDA, I've made many great friends, stepped on too many toes and finally feel like part of a good and lasting community. I believe one of the greatest joys in learning is the complete freedom to dance from the heart and with great joy. I suggest you browse on their website and sign-up for a class today.

    Phat Cat Swingers bring the beat and the swag with their wide repertoire.

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    1 year ago

    A fun night of line dancing and 2-stepping Well-attended. Large parking lot. Huge wooden dance floor.

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    3 years ago

    Absolutely loved the time I spent there and the classes that I took...I gained a lifelong skill and passion

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    Fun, friendly and healthy dance environment.

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    Ask the Community - Pasadena Ballroom Dance Association

    Review Highlights - Pasadena Ballroom Dance Association

    The sister instructors, Erin and Tami Stevens, bring a unique, upbeat, creative and fun atmosphere that can not be matched.

    Mentioned in 4 reviews

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    The Grand Academy of Ballet

    The Grand Academy of Ballet

    4.0(8 reviews)
    1.7 mi

    On July 25, 2025, I brought my 4-year-old daughter to her 4:00 PM gymnastics class. We arrived at…read more3:59 PM and, as directed by the front desk, walked through the ballet room to get there. The ballet class was already past its scheduled end time, so we waited until the students finished before passing through. Halfway across the room, the ballet teacher suddenly began yelling at us aggressively. My daughter was terrified. I calmly asked her to lower her voice, but she continued screaming--following us into the gymnastics room in front of dozens of children. I have a heart condition and began feeling unwell from the stress, yet she would not stop. No staff intervened. I assumed the school would handle it properly, but I was wrong. Later, the owner defended the teacher, accused me of being a "criminal," and took zero responsibility. The real victims were my daughter and the many children who witnessed this unprovoked outburst. Parents should be aware of three serious concerns: 1. Poor safety - No security, unattended front desk, and children can easily wander outside to the street. I personally saw a 6-year-old disappear for 20 minutes. 2. Emotionally unstable ballet teacher - Multiple online reviews mention her history of yelling at kids when parents aren't present. 3. Unprofessional management - Canceled classes without notice, no accountability, and intimidation tactics from the owner, Serge. I regret not calling the police that day. If I had, maybe fewer children would be subjected to this behavior. Parents, please protect your children. A school should be a safe, nurturing place--not one where kids are traumatized and parents are threatened.

    My 7 yo daughter has been here for just over a year now and we've really enjoyed our time here. She…read morehas learned so much at the grand academy already and has absolutely loved every second of it. The instructors are great with the kids - firm but kind. My daughter has had classes with Marina, Yelena, and Taylor and they're all wonderful. I've also taken some adult beginner classes with Marina and Yelena that I really enjoyed. The owner, Serge, is easily accessible and always willing to listen to any feedback or concerns I have. Operationally, there's some room for improvement but overall we've been really happy here and have seen a lot of progress over the last year.

    Photos
    The Grand Academy of Ballet
    The Grand Academy of Ballet
    The Grand Academy of Ballet

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    Sierra Madre Dance Center - Teen competition team

    Sierra Madre Dance Center

    4.8(26 reviews)
    3.9 mi

    We have been part of the SMDC family since 2018 when my daughter was 6 and it's been a 2nd home…read more Being a woman (and mom!) owned and ran business, everyone there really focuses on helping our children grow up into good people, not just great dancers. The studio recently won the Sportsmanship award at a recent competition and that really showcases the values of the studio. Not only that, they focus on my daughter's growth. When all the pressure of being a teenager hits, I can meet with the studio owner and get help working through it...whether it be taking a break from dance classes for a week, or great mom advice. It's also a great dance school.

    We've been part of SMDC for almost 10 years, and it has truly been an incredible experience for our…read morefamily. My daughter has trained in a wide range of styles--jazz, lyrical, tap, and ballet--and the quality of instruction across the board has been outstanding. The teachers and staff are not only highly knowledgeable, but also genuinely warm and supportive. They create an environment where dancers feel encouraged, challenged, and valued. Being part of the competitive dance team has been especially meaningful. It's helped my daughter grow tremendously--not just as a dancer, but as a person. She's gained confidence, discipline, and lasting friendships. One of her absolute favorite experiences each year is performing in The Nutcracker. It's such a special opportunity, and SMDC makes it feel magical while still maintaining a nurturing, positive atmosphere. We're so grateful to be part of such a loving and dedicated dance community. I highly recommend SMDC to anyone looking for a studio that combines excellent training with heart.

    Photos
    Sierra Madre Dance Center
    Sierra Madre Dance Center
    Sierra Madre Dance Center - Nutcracker

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    Nutcracker

    Pasadena Dance Theatre - Girls in our tech 1 level class beginning pointe work.

    Pasadena Dance Theatre

    4.1(20 reviews)
    0.8 mi

    My daughter has been dancing for about 8 years and has left all other dance styles to peruse ballet…read moreexclusively. After leaving a couple places that she outgrew or weren't a good fit (and doing trial classes at many other studios in the area), we are SO grateful to have found this place. It took us awhile to discover since "ballet" isn't in the name, but we have been here over a year and my daughter's abilities have progressed wonderfully. The director, Miss Ashleigh, is kind, well organized, and she cares about then integrity of the school and the safety of the students. I cannot say enough good things about PDT!

    Public Review Statements - Yelp/Google and Peer Hostility Context…read moreDate: August 05, 2025 Public Review for Yelp/Google: I attended private and group ballet sessions at Pasadena Dance Theatre (PDT) from October 2024 to April 2025. I am an educator and professional dancer with decades of experience, and I came seeking quality training. Unfortunately, what I encountered was a deeply troubling environment. The instructor I worked with, Julia Ortega, repeatedly failed to provide structured, technical ballet instruction during private sessions. Instead, she used the time I paid for, more than $6,500 total, to gossip about colleagues and other dancers. She also made repeated racially charged remarks, including derogatory comments about Black women such as Michelle Obama and me. One of the most dangerous incidents occurred when I was deliberately locked inside PDT's alarmed building. My shoes were moved to an office to make it appear I had left. This act placed me at physical risk, and when reported to the Pasadena Police Department, a report was taken without an arrest. I believe this reflects the broader racial bias and institutional neglect that occurred at PDT. I later learned internal staff dismissed my formal complaint with the note: 'Snooze and ignore.' Pattern of Peer Hostility and Complicity: There was a consistent atmosphere of peer hostility during classes. A woman named Kathy frequently belittled me, even announcing in front of others that fishnet tights are 'slutty', an apparent attempt to shame and humiliate. This behavior spanned years, including previous experiences at the Pasadena Conservatory of Dance. Despite my visible technical progress, regularly acknowledged by others, this hostility persisted and was ignored by instructors. Instructor Julia Ortega, instead of maintaining professional standards, appeared to absorb the toxic energy of the group. Her behavior toward me deteriorated, even though I was paying her for private sessions and supported her personally with gifts and supplements. She treated me with contempt and ultimately placed me in physical danger without remorse. PDT's leadership, including Ashleigh Doede, did not address any part of this misconduct, even when directly notified. Pasadena Dance Theatre may appear to offer professional training, but the experience I received was unsafe, unethical, and racially hostile. I do not recommend this school to anyone seeking legitimate ballet instruction or respectful treatment. The organization lacks the artistic integrity and human decency necessary to represent ballet as a fine art.

    Photos
    Pasadena Dance Theatre - Recipients of our Boys Dance Too! scholarship program 2016. Ages range from 8-15.

    Recipients of our Boys Dance Too! scholarship program 2016. Ages range from 8-15.

    Pasadena Dance Theatre - Pasadena Dance Theatre summer intensive students

    Pasadena Dance Theatre summer intensive students

    Pasadena Dance Theatre - Boys discussing the Boys Dance Too! program with Program Director Jose Luis Trujillo

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    Boys discussing the Boys Dance Too! program with Program Director Jose Luis Trujillo

    Le Petit Dance Studio - SImply magically. Cori & Lexi are the best Their annual performance that exceeds all expectations.

    Le Petit Dance Studio

    5.0(2 reviews)
    4.2 mi

    Le petit is simply magical, what Ms.Cori, Ms.Lexi and her student teachers can accomplish more once…read morea week than I'd expect from 3 lessons. It's none competitive and completely inclusive. Their annual performance is also exceptionally produced and beyond cute!

    WE FOUND THE PERFECT BALLET SCHOOL…read more My girlfriend and I tried out several different studios looking for decent ballet instruction that our daughters would enjoy. It took a few tries but this one was it. The owner and teacher, Ms. Cori, is just absolutely wonderful. She's firm but patient and good with all the girls. Never does she raise her voice and she's always so friendly and positive. She keeps her class sizes small so that she can focus on teaching them well. She also has an assistant whom helps her with correcting the children while she leads the class in dance. She's so considerate when it comes to trying to save the parents' money. For instance, not only does she teach ballet, she includes basic tap lessons as well. And she has so many tap shoes in different sizes that she loans out until the dance year is over, when everyone then returns the shoes. She keep reiterating that we do not buy any until we know for certain that she does that have any in our child's size. Additionally, the first class is free so you can see how you and your child like it. She also does not prorate the lessons. So if you come into the class towards the end of the month, you don't have to pay extra for those lessons at the end. She just has you pay for the new month going in. So I would say it's about: -5 minutes of warm-up -35 minutes of ballet -5 minutes of free dance -15 minutes of tap at the end There is a dance recital at the end of the cycle, which some studios don't do. Le Petit, as good as it is, was also surprisingly cheaper than the other studios we tried. I'm so happy we found this place. Price notes: -$20 registration fee -$45 monthly tuition -$70 recital costume purchase

    Photos
    Le Petit Dance Studio - Personal instruction with every child.

    Personal instruction with every child.

    Le Petit Dance Studio - A few minutes of free dance in every lesson.

    A few minutes of free dance in every lesson.

    Le Petit Dance Studio - My girlfriend's daughter showing off her tutu.

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    My girlfriend's daughter showing off her tutu.

    Pasadena Civic Ballet - Character piece in the 2011 June Show

    Pasadena Civic Ballet

    3.6(38 reviews)
    1.5 mi

    I am a dancer since I was 4 years old, now in my 30s and I have to say, finding PCB was a dream…read morecome true. Having semi professional level but still approachable ballet classes for adults is a godsend. Even more impressive, adapting to covid and building a safe, distanced, masked environment to dance outside is exceptional- this is hard to find, well done and they take safety precautions seriously. I have enjoyed the wed night adult teacher José, and sub annie is great too! I also love the front desk girl, thou young, maybe a student, she is so kind, professional and responds to emails and questions with passion. Anyone who had bad things to say in the reviews seems like one of those ppl that can never be pleased, ever. This team is amazing. I havent taken the kids or company classes, but watching them rehearse or take class, they are so so talented! This place gets my 5 millions stars LAs key stamp of approval! PCB has made me so happy in a dark time of the covid mess, running a wedding and event planner co in 2020-2021- ballet heals all- give it a try, at any age!!

    Pasadena Civic Ballet is still the best ballet studio in Pasadena!!!! My daughter has been dancing…read moresince she was three years old and while we have moved to a studio outside of Pasadena many of the happiest memories started from the seeds planted at Pasadena Civic Ballet. I have suggested PCB to several families and their daughter's love it. This is a small business with the owners focused on teaching ballet/dance classes and on the overall good for the dancers - in the past the front desk was often a graduate's first job (which shows their commitment to these youth). I applaud PCB for employing the students / graduates but it does mean you have to be more understanding....

    Photos
    Pasadena Civic Ballet - Company Members Holiday Party

    Company Members Holiday Party

    Pasadena Civic Ballet
    Pasadena Civic Ballet - Covid safe outdoor dance

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    Covid safe outdoor dance

    Athletic Garage Dance Center - Salsa Night Pasadena Workshop with Desi Jevon

    Athletic Garage Dance Center

    4.4(54 reviews)
    1.8 mi

    For a dance studio, they do have a good amount of positives…read more They offer an average price of $18 for a drop-in class (whether it's for adults or youth classes). The instructors try to be inclusive and are consistent (meaning they teach more than one class every week). They all have a wide range of dance experience and you will not be disappointed by their expertise. You will not find difficulty joining or building a community as there are a lot of regulars from the area that are nice. The building itself is spacious and rental prices seem to be good as well (minimum starting price is $20 an hour). The different spaces they have varies between 4 rooms (Warehouse and Studios A/B/C). There is a small lot and if that's full, there is a decent amount of street parking. It's close to the freeway entrance and plenty of food and other attractions around the area. However, with some positives also comes some areas to improve upon. With the limited parking and street parking, I would recommend coming at least 10-15min early to make sure you can arrive on time to class. Their system tends to be slow at times and you may miss the first 3-10 minutes of class trying to look for parking or wait due to slow check in times. The other focus is the variety of dance classes (in terms of competency levels and styles of dance). It seems that this studio focuses more on hip-hop, Salsa, and Contemporary classes being the most accessible (sprinkled with a couple of jazz, heels, and k-pop once a week). They have the same round of teachers and it would be nice to try different dance styles and genres. This studio definitely can continue to upgrade and grow more! Would try this place at least once and see if it's your vibe.

    Such a great dance studio with amazing instructors! Beginning to advanced- all levels are included!…read moreTheir instructors really help break down the steps, moves, etc to help you know the basics of each type of dance. You can learn salsa, samba, Lindy hop, jazz, contemporary, to even Bollywood! The pricing is reasonable and parking is available on their lot and on the street. Can't wait to keep learning from some of my favorite instructors!!

    Photos
    Athletic Garage Dance Center - Salsa class

    Salsa class

    Athletic Garage Dance Center - Warehouse

    Warehouse

    Athletic Garage Dance Center - Inside Studio C

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    Inside Studio C

    Pasadena Ballroom Dance Association - dance_schools - Updated May 2026

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