My daughter has been dancing for about 8 years and has left all other dance styles to peruse ballet exclusively. 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! read more

Public Review Statements - Yelp/Google and Peer Hostility Context Date: 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. read more

Love this studio! They have a beautiful balance of strict technique with kindness and fun. My daughter has been there for two years so far and I'm truly amazed by her progress in such a short amount of time. She spent much of this past year injured and the studio/director/instructors were quick to make adjustments to her curriculum to give her individualized instruction to help her recover. So grateful. read more

We moved here from Boston a couple of years ago looking for a studio where my then 8-year-old daughter could continue ballet. After starting out at another Pasadena studio and not seeing much learning for months, including an underwhelming recital that was more about the costumes than the dance technique, she auditioned for Nutcracker at Pasadena Dance Theatre, got a part as a Polichenelle in the professional production that PDT does at the San Gabriel Mission Playhouse, and that was it--she did not want to go anywhere else! She's been dancing at PDT ever since and I have to say, PDT is the REAL DEAL in dance training and education in Pasadena. My daughter works harder at PDT than she ever thought possible and she is learning immensely as a result. Her teachers care deeply and demonstrate their commitment in every class with their close attention, personal corrections and directions for each dancer, and excellent instruction. With a live accompanist on piano in every ballet class, the musicality and teacher attention are also above and beyond other studios. The combination of rigor and caring attention is ideal, and as a result the kids learn so much. It's far more than dance, too--focus, commitment, math, language, memory--all get a boost from the kind of serious dance training that PDT provides. My daughter also did the summer dance intensive, which was phenomenal. She was skeptical about trying other forms of dance as ballet is her thing, but she ended up loving jazz and enjoying contemporary and hip hop as well. It was great to see her take to going beyond her comfort zone in this way. We'll be back next summer. I now also take adult ballet classes and truly enjoy them. Coming back to ballet as an adult has been so much fun. No pressure, just the mental and physical challenge alongside the joy of moving with phenomenal musical accompaniment. Some Saturdays when I want to sleep in, I come just to hear the pianist in the 9 am class, he plays that beautifully. PDT is a small non-profit run with tremendous dedication and dance expertise among the directors, teachers, and (minimal) staff. A great community of volunteers contributes to productions and events. While they don't have a fancy parents' lounge with free wifi and coffee, the quality of dance education and community are far more important to us. As the professional company branches out to present new choreography from their own rising stars, we could not be more excited or proud to be part of PDT. read more

See all

This review is waaay overdue. I love coming here for the Adult Ballet Classes during Saturday. Our instructor is pretty fast paced but you still learn quite a bit. It's the perfect class for former dancers and for any of those who just want to learn. The environment is fun and encouraging not competitive at all. I usually pay per class since my schedule is unpredictable. Parking is easy since they have ample space and the class is early enough. Support local that's why I frequent this place. Ballet will always have any heart. I just wish that they do sell items that is essential and basics to dancing but I can live without and go to the stores around the area. Jeff is friendly too and always welcoming. read more

Well, let's just say that I do not consider the ballet teacher strolling in fifteen minutes late with a box of In-N-Out burgers, fries and a large milk shake in hand to be professional business practice. Let alone any way to run a studio. How also is anyone going to improve their technique when the teacher does not give any corrections or direction. The class is one big blur. What a waste of money. I find the office management and studio director rude and off putting. The parking lot is a disaster. 1 star at best. read more

One of the best schools ever. I have taken free classes here and the teachers were awesome. Their annual nutcracker is fun but it could be too expensive for non students. read more

I haven't been to too many dance theaters. Its fine here. I prefer a hard wood floor to dance on rather than the rubber type dance floor they have here. Otherwise its fine. My only other suggestion would be to sell healthy snacks in the front. read more

I've been attending open adult ballet classes here for a year and a half, and I'm very pleased with PDT! They have marley floors, and the main studio is HUGE. I usually take the Mon & Wed night classes with Richard Bradley. He doesn't necessarily give individual corrections, but he does give a wonderful barre which warms my middle-aged body thoroughly, and prepares me for his beautifully choreographed center work! On Saturdays, and in the Summer, PDT's company dancers take Richard's open class, and I learn so much from them-- it makes me feel like a high school kid again! I've also enjoyed classes from the other staff who have taught in Richard's place when he has had to be absent. P.S. I've never had an issue with parking, or any of the staff-- everyone is lovely, and very professional. read more

Pasadena Dance Theatre is a dance studio as well as a ballet school. They offer many classes to the public (mainly ballet, but I think jazz and modern as well). I have personally taken the open adult ballet on Tuesday and Thursday nights and Helga is an amazing instructor. I have improved my technique tremendously. The facility includes two large dance studios and one smaller studio. Great floors and friendly staff. I have also taken salsa here from the Latin Dance Pros and though they are not affiliated with PDT, it is a really great place to learn a new form of dance as well. read more

My favorite place for open adult ballet classes. It's perfect because I've been doing ballet for 5yrs and have been bored by other studio's open ballet geared towards beginners. Not to be undone, they also offer beginning ballet classes, but I've only seen the flyer, not take a class. The instructors are top notch, and my favorite is Mr Li who teaches Tues and Thurs mornings. I really feel like I'm in a professional class, especially in the beautiful big studio and with Mr Li's excellent teaching style. Whenever I take his class, I feel "pretty" even if whatever I'm doing is the hardest thing ever, because his 'class choreography' is just wonderful! I've taken a few classes from other instructors there, but always prefer my Tues/Thurs mornings :) Unfortunately I haven't been able to attend as much as I want to, because they've raised their prices a lot over the years (when I first started years ago it was $88 for 8 classes, now it's$114 for 8 classes!) When I have the money I love to go, and I only hope that the teachers are getting paid more, because they deserve it! The instruction is the highest quality I've encountered, so definitely 5 stars. As a side note, I don't have kids, but would take them here for ballet training. YEARS and years ago I took a summer intensive here, and my technique improved immensely. I really gush about this place to all my dancer friends, and I know I got one of them hooked on the evening ballet classes. She used to come with her mom, lol. I wish they would offer adult intensives, but from a business stand point it really depends on demand and who knows, maybe it would be expensive and I couldn't attend anyways. Oh well, one can hope! read more

Open adult ballet classes are great. I especially love Helga De Kansky's classes on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. She is one of the few teachers that cares to give advise/corrections to non-professional dancers. read more

My review is mixed. My 13 year old daughter took classes here for one year. She loved the classes. However, when she was ready to move to pointe, the teacher told her not to use toe pads or lambs wool for padding. I was told by a very reputable dance shoe place, that spent one hour fitting my daughter with the right pointe shoes, that such practice borders on abuse. I agree. Where toe pads and wool is available to reduce the pain and strain to a dancer's foot, it is ridiculous to adhere to antiquated notions and set rules that only hurt a child. Outrageous. I pulled her out and we are now in search of another studio. A shame. read more

Only dance company that has a live piano player starting at 7 y.o. Studios are big, classes are small, instructors are former accomplished dancers. Nice big windows so you can watch your child in the class. Other studios you have to fight for space in their little window. Cynthia Young(director) is a dance professor at CalArts. My daughter has tried most of the ballet studios in Pasadena and this one is by far the best. They don't however have regular recitals for the under 7 age group. You must try out for the Nutcracker and you must be 9 years old. read more

Sergio and Salud (www.latindancepro.com) are the masters of the Salsa classes given in this studio for beginners, intermediate and advanced. The classes are also expanded toward their Glendale studio on different days. I love the patience and beauty both instructors display in their technique. I love that they have also encouraged students to keep practicing by supporting Atlantis a restaurant in Pasadena by hosting Sunday classes as well. I would have given 5 stars but I think that a little more time should be given to the various steps learned when it comes to partnering in the intermediate to advanced classes read more

I loved the Tuesday night adult beginning class. I'm new to ballet as an adult and find the atmosphere at PDT very welcoming, from the teachers to the other students. read more

My daughter dances here and she loves it. The classes are very well taught with live piano accompaniment. There are excellent performance opportunities, including the annual professional production of the Nutcracker at the San Gabriel Mission Theatre and a Spring Concert. Unlike other studios, they do not charge performance fees or require families to buy expensive costumes. PDT also does a lot of community outreach and educational programming open to everyone. It's clear that they're acting on their mission as a non-profit and bringing dance education to the whole community. She went on pointe this year and was well advised about padding to start with, first shoe fitting, how to sew the shoes correctly, and starting with small amounts of time on pointe, building gradually with strength and skill. PDT teachers would never forbid padding, but they recommend a specific type to start out (the other reviewer must have misunderstood). This is a very professional and expert set of teachers and the directors truly care and are well informed about dancer safety along with proper development of skill, strength, and artistry. read more

My son has been dancing with Pasadena Dance Theater for the last several years, starting in their pre-dance threshold division classes and is now in Basic 1 and participates in their Boys Dance Too program (a scholarship program encouraging male dancers). The teachers have been wonderful over the years. The level of instruction is excellent and appropriate for the age and experience of the dancers. This is a real ballet conservatory -- while wonderful for young dancers discovering dance, it also provides training for dancers who are interested in pursuing dance more seriously, even professionally. I highly recommend Pasadena Dance Theatre. read more

Great classes all-around! I was well trained here and went on to a great career in classical ballet. Now I am an ex-professional and find the adult ballet classes challenging and fun. They also have a beginner adult class which is a good starting point. The school is very professional with great teachers and focuses on technique and strengthening. They have wonderful performances which are always very professional. read more

At 45, learning to dance Salsa was a challenge for me. Sergio, the dance instructor was very patient, had a great sense of humor, and made learning the steps fun. Now I love dancing Salsa! read more