Multiple levels for adults to learn bath. Intermediate advanced and Ballet 1 for true beginners. I really enjoy Ballet 3 which can go differently spending on the teacher, when it takes place, and the variety of students who come. Really good technique. Only challenge currently is parking spaces were taken up in the lot by others who rent the building - hence why WB is fundraising to buy their own. read more

This is an amazing community ballet school for my daughter. She loves going there every week

My 3 year old daughter loves this class. We did trial at two other places and this was her favorite. Only thing is you don't get to view or see them dancing/practicing at all. Wish there was a video or something you could see. read more

Very good experience try out for beginning III. Like Julia and the music. Even able to sign the spot number(first come first serve). Studio parking is full have to find street parking. read more

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My daughter was a student here for many years, from before the pandemic. We decided to stop going there after having held out for a while. We grit our teeth partly because of a close group of friends made through the classes and since my daughter is not planning on going on to become a professional dancer, I thought there was no need to go to a more "proper" ballet school though I had my doubts. Unfortunately things simply got worse and worse and we decided that we have to leave, for my daughter's self-esteem and physical health. Here's why: 1) Teaching quality: Initially, at a younger age, she had a good teacher who knew how to make young girls understand the rigor of ballet and discipline of any dance form and yet, keeping the students motivated and classes fun. Then the teacher left. Going into a higher level, a family member of the director of the school taught that level. Very often, substitute teachers were teaching the class instead. This led to a lack of real professional guidance, and many of the girls suffer injuries of one sort or another. 2) Unhealthy culture: The teachers would single out certain students and give very hurtful comments, on their personality or lack of hard work etc. I was worried that it could be due to our family not donating enough money. So, on top of a donation to help this small business post pandemic, I gave of my hours in volunteering. Did not help. My daughter's injuries persisted. So did the cold treatment and criticisms she received. Her self-esteem went lower and lower. 3) No investment going into hygiene of classrooms or costumes. You can tell when a school does not really care about the students when the costumes they use for their performances are not washed, used year after year without maintenance (except when parents come in to patch up tears DURING performance season). The costumes smell, and have stains... ugh. We are now at another ballet school. My daughter eyes' were opened to what real ballet coaching and ballet dancing is. The skills of the students at this new school impressed my daughter so much we regretted spending those years dancing "ballet" and not really getting much except injuries. With good teachers at the new school, my daughter's injuries miraculously disappeared after receiving proper correction and coaching. At this new school, my daughter knows that as long as she works hard, she gets a chance to really enjoy the dance form, and the teachers are not randomly/unfairly critical even though they have much higher level training than teachers at Western. I am just glad we left Western Ballet. Never ever going back! read more

This place is an adult learner's dream come true. I never learned much dance as a kid and came to a very belated appreciation of ballet, but Eileen's class has taught me so so much. I've tried at least three different Beg. Level teachers and they've all been amazing, but Eileen in particular is so sweet. She constantly reminds us of how to achieve good form instead of just going through the motions, she has endless patience with questions and she pays attention to every single student and gives individual tips. I find there to be very little snobbery or elitism in the adult classes, at least in the levels I'm in--never dared to try an intermediate so can't speak to them, but the ones I've attended contain students of fairly mixed levels and there are many supportive people. The administration is also really kind when it comes to things like extending classes. I am a big fan of Western and just wish there were more noon classes! read more

The adult classes with Zoltan and Carmy are excellent, I cannot praise them enough. The

Okay, I've been coming to Western Ballet for about 4 years. I was in Francisco's class the day before I have birth to my daughter. I was disappointed, at first, only because the studio only offers ballet: no contemporary or modern. However, they are called Western BALLET so that's that. If I need my contemporary fix, I go to another studio. I've tried another ballet studio that is around the block from me. Still, I make the drive to WB, because they are the best ballet school in the Peninsula in my humble opinion. I've enjoyed ALL of the teachers. Every one has his/her individual style of teaching so I've learned something from each of them. I have my favorites, who I will not mention here (okay fine, their names rhyme with Schmalejandro and Schmeeka). But I honestly think all of the teachers are great. Pick a class that fits into your schedule and keep coming back. read more

Tues/Thurs drop in Adult Beginner class. 1.5 hours $15? Love it come and enjoy. not for true beginners. there is another class for those who never been in ballet before. I think on weekends mornings. read more

I've been going to the adult classes for several years. The teachers are all excellent and I've gained a ton of confidence here. Each instructor brings a unique style to the classroom and they tend to focus on artistry rather than perfect technique, which is very appropriate for adult classes. They also give different exercises every class which keeps things interesting. I usually go to Alejandro's Thursday class, which is definitely on the challenging side of "intermediate." Both Alejandro and Francisco bring in their own interesting styles. Linda's classes are more relaxed and focused on placement. Peter is patient and enjoyable to work with. Alison is quite insightful and gives great advice. The director, Alexi, only teaches beginner adult classes at the moment, but I really enjoyed his classes and he likes to get to know people and chat after class. All the substitute teachers I've encountered are great too; occasionally an active professional dancer comes in and it's very inspiring. The studios are beautiful and clean with high ceilings, though the floors tend to be a bit sticky with humidity. Their program for kids/teens must be excellent as well because they all have really good technique. read more

They do have a good, solid selection of ballet classes available and are a reputable company/school. Facilities are nice, with large, clean studios and tall ceilings, and at $16 as drop in rate for a 90 minute class, it's reasonably priced. I came here to try some of their classes after a long time rehabing from a serious injury; however, some of the regular students in the adult ballet classes need a serious reality and attitude check. Really makes for a sour experience when they're more focused on giving dirty looks to new students rather than the fact that they're doing the entire class in poor form. Funny how it's the most out of shape and amateur students that had the attitude problem, whilst the experienced dancers focused on the class... It's a shame because they have some awesome instructors, but it's the students that ruin it. Omit that and you'd get a solid 4 or even 5 stars. read more

I love Western! I started taking ballet in college (it's fabulous exercise-- will tone every muscle in your body and fix your posture) and had about 2 years of non-serious experience. They have the best adult classes, including beginning classes. If you haven't done ballet, I'd recommend starting with beginning and testing out the waters (because it's still challenging). There's an interesting mix of clientele-- some really nice people, some sorta mean people, but the instructors are super nice and helpful. P.S.-- don't worry about what you look like, there are all body shapes and sizes and genders who go to Western's classes. I wish I lived closer. The classes are a little crowded sometimes, but still very good. You get a good deal if you buy more classes and you can use them on a drop-in basis. Their production of the Nutcracker is always fun too, and they will take adult volunteers for the Party Scene in the beginning (and you don't have to pay anything for costumes or whatnot). :) Adults are also cast in other roles in the show too. If you enjoy ballet and are an adult, I highly recommend checking them out! read more

I was a pretty serious ballet dancer up until it was time to go to college and my decision was made to stop dancing. But oh how I miss it! Every once in a while, I will pop into Western ballet for a weekend class. Their studios are very large and open with tall ceilings and a mirror lined wall. The teachers are all pros and are very friendly and encouraging. I love coming here, but sadly dont do it enough. read more

It just keeps getting better.. I've taken class from just about everyone - Rudy, Eric, Linda, Francisco, Alejandro, Peter, and Alexi. I haven't taken from Dave yet, but eventually, when I can get up at 9am! Rudy: advanced classes are so much fun; feels like a company class. Challenging and absolutely fun for anyone who wants to dance, but still get good pointers. Eric: still awesome, and makes you feel stronger with every class. When I haven't danced for awhile, I usually go back to his beginner classes just to regain strength; sometimes I struggle, but after a couple of weeks, I feel taller! Linda: everyone who knows me there, know she's my favorite :) She got me to come back into ballet, and her classes helped shape my body to be deliberate, instead of the spazz I was for YEARS. Francisco: his calm attitude is deceiving. He gives these diabolical combinations, sometimes, but you feel really good that you met the challenge. He's always so helpful. ALWAYS. So take advantage of that if you want it! Alejandro: what can I say? I love his advanced class. He really takes time to explain individually how to correct something. His sense of humor really makes you attach yourself to his teaching. Peter: as challenging as Rudy, but his combinations have a mind of their own. His brain teasers really help you improve how you think you're doing at the barre, and taking it to the center. He is always explanatory and diligent about de-mystifying the confusion. Alexi: as Lady GaGa sings, "just dance." Alexi takes his students to the next level of dance. But you still have to square out, maintain natural elongee, and pay attention to all facets of dance technique. Sometimes, you forget because you're in love with the simplicity and organic nature of his combinations. read more

So, I can only speak to the open program here, but wow--I am impressed! I recently moved to the area and wasn't expecting to find many studios that offered adult classes at all, and Western Ballet offers SO many. There are a ton at all skill levels and all times of day, and every class I've tried from beginner to intermediate has been very welcoming and well-taught. I'm trying to get back into ballet after a 3-year break, and I am so happy to have found this studio. Everyone I've interacted with from the front desk to the teachers to the dancers has been super friendly and helpful. I especially recommend Eileen's beginner class--she get to know everyone by name and really makes an effort to give individual assistance/critique throughout class. There is a high level of professionalism in all classes, and I'm inspired by the talent here. Shout out to the older women doing barre en pointe and kicking my 22-year-old, regular-ballet-shoe wearing butt! I could go on and on, but you should really just go try out some classes! :) Highly recommended. read more

I recently started taking the drop-in Beginning Adult Ballet classes. Both Linda Rickert and Eric Bourman are very good. I really like Eric's teaching style. He explains technique and the reasons for it. The class is quite fun. It's still a fast paced class with students of varying levels of experience. Western Ballet moved into a new studio space in 2006. The studios are very nice. Though the hallway is cold during the winter, the studios are warm. A number of dancer friends also continually recommend Western Ballet's classes to others. read more

I've been an off an on adult student for a few years and I really enjoy the studio and the Instructors. Ballet is definitely a commitment and in order to improve you have to take several classes a week. Consistently. I am reminded of this every time I come back to class after a few months off... I've taken classes all over the Bay area and this studio is very good at ballet foundation and technique. Although I do wish they had contemporary classes -- but hey, it's a ballet sutdio :) As for a favorite instructor, I think they are all great in their own ways. I also like the scheduling - there's usually a more challenging or less challenging classes at the same times -- so you can switch it up depending on how you feel. Lastly, I most enjoy my fellow dancers who come to the adult classes. They are a really warm and welcoming group. If you come twice a week or every weekend, you will pretty much see the same faces -- all sweating it out at the barre, all dedicated to make those tendus tighter and grand battements higher. If you want to learn and be confident in taking a class anywhere, this is a great place to start... and improve. read more

Western Ballet is a wonderful place, not just for children but for adults too. Both my children (6 and 4) take ballet here. They love it and both talk about becoming dancers when they grow up. The environment is so warm and inviting, the instructors are patient, knowledgeable and very talented. It's like a huge extended family. I really enjoy bringing my children here for dance. read more

I used to like sending my children here until the extreme favoritism started. If you are not the daughter of the director or the best friend of the teacher do not expect western to support your child in any way. One teacher in particular is just horrible. One day during class, she came up behind my daughter and hit her shoulders with a remote because her shoulders were hunched a little bit. She resorted straight to violence instead of telling my daughter. This is not a kid friendly place, great for adults but your children will be abused. I will never recommend western to anyone until that teacher is gone from the institution. read more

I've been taking classes from Western Ballet for a few years, and I'm loving here more and more. I started with the Absolute Beginner I workshop and gradually to more advanced levels, hoping to build strong technical fundamentals and body foundation. WB has never let me down. The teachers are professional, patient, most importantly, willing to breaking down the movement, and explain the proper way of achieving it. The class levels are well designed and structured for students to learn the basics as well as more complicated combinations. The tuition is such a great bargain for the high quality class that runs one and half hours each class. Often the time, class time extends beyond 1.5 hours, if students are keen on learning more, the teachers are always there providing advice and guidance. Sometimes WB director visits classes out of his teaching time, and offers tons of valuable advice. As an adult beginner student, I can't expect more from a ballet studio/school. I can see and feel the positive progress of myself, along the way of my training here. If anyone is serious about ballet training and looking for adult ballet school, WB is a wonderful choice that has SO MUCH to offer. Thank you WB for making my learning experience very pleasant and rewarding. read more

I've been taking adult classes here since 2014. I took some other ballet schools near my home but Western ballet is the best one since there are a lots of classes and different great teachers. I like to take class from different teachers. So I took classes from Linda, Alison, Alejandro, Grant and Alexi (he doesn't teach regularly). I haven't take others yet. Especially, I can't miss Linda's class because she teaches politely and easy to understand. And Alison, her dance is so beautiful and her teaching is great, too. Alexi doesn't teach regularly but he teaches detail politely I hope he teach more often. There are two studios for adult class and both are clean and big enough. Also payment system is good and easy. You can sign up online before take class. I heard some people got some troubles for payment (I got once, too) but if you pay attention yourself then no problem. One lady,E at front desk was really bad attitude a few times but except her, people are friendly and helpful. read more

Have been coming to Western Ballet for years. Like that there are classes on Sundays in addition to Saturdays. Feel comfortable taking the classes as all teachers are very patient and explain things well. Good for anyone interested in trying something new to get into shape as well as though who love to dance. read more

I am a fan of this place and my little ones have been attending classes here for several years. Despite the organization is good, i am holding out one star because there are things just drive me crazy. 1) Saturday morning parking is a ZOO. With back to back classes, there are just simply not enough parking. On top of it, there are people just park WHERE EVER they want even if they are blocking the main driveway. Do they think they are the president???? Recommendation for WB: Either 1) Leave 10 mins gap between classes or 2) put some towing signs and ENFORCE it. 2) The noise level in the lobby is outrageous. I know WB only have limited control on people who do not understand the concept of 'indoor voice' and respect for others. Please.... it is ballet school, not a farmers market. It is literally a torture to sit there for 1 hr to wait for the kids to get out class. Bring a good BOSE headset to block them out. read more

I danced in the youth program for 3 years and moved from level 3 to level 4 to level 5! (the 5/6 combo level is the hardest and about 6 days a week and we always took classes together). Every teacher was wonderful and really shaped my experience there. I took pride in the roles I got, and always felt busy at rehearsals learning balerina doll or chinese or La Bayadere. I also loved the fact that you could "understudy" any role. Everyone had such a thirst for learning and many of us went to summer programs through ABT and other impressive names. I quit after Freshman year, because it was a huge time commitment, but I often miss ballet quite a lot. I'm thinking about going to drop- in classes, because those are also great--I often took them as additional classes. A few negative things though: One of my favorite teachers, Eric Bourman is at another studio now and the politics of the place could often get in the way (usually only seen at the highest level where some girls are trying to go professional). I turned to cheerleading Sophomore and Junior year of high school, and while I will always consider myself a dancer, I excelled at "flying" and other things due to the posture and flexibility and strengthed pushed here. I still find myself dancing everywhere--so great job, Western :) read more

Western Ballet is a top notch school. Our daughter has been attending for 4 years now and we have been very impressed with the level of professional instruction. She greatly enjoys her classes and the teaching is directed by an highly skilled ballerina that is very good with the kids! read more

I wanted to add an update to my review to say that Adrienne Parker Foley's contemporary dance classes are AMAZING! Her classes are energetic and uplifting and absolutely addicting! I've seen a wide variety of dancers in contemporary class, from little to no ballet training on up to very advanced, and Adrienne makes the class work for all. After taking 6-8 weeks of contemporary, I can honestly say that it has added another dimension to my classical dancing and I have made several technique breakthroughs in both classical and contemporary because one feeds off of the other. I feel so much stronger and more dynamic and, honestly, I don't think my dance training would ever feel complete again without some classes from both disciplines. If you have any interest in trying contemporary, now's the time to try it! read more

Western ballet is great! I feel so lucky to live so close to the studio. I've been doing competitive ballroom for over 4 years, so it was pretty frustrating at first because I was struggling in a beginner class. Beginner doesn't mean you don't need any previous training. I did ballet pretty seriously as a kid and I also did pointe, but two decades later, it was a totally different story. I've been going there regularly for over a year now, and it's a great place to dance. Teachers are very well qualified and inspiring. Some students are a bit competitive and serious, but then again, we are here to learn. I also did their adult intensive course, and it was fantastic. They offer adult ballet classes everyday, and the price is affordable. Two thumbs up!! :) read more

I went here with my friend who had a 12-class pass yesterday. The place was pretty big and the drop-in price is pretty cheap: $15. That price is cheaper than the drop in price of the place I usually go to: $18. The classes are longer so it seems like you get more of your money's worth. The teacher seemed knowledgeable enough and she made us do lots of stretching and warm ups. She didn't give me the evil eye at all for messing up countless times, which I like. I felt pretty comfortable looking like an idiot here. (But then again, I look like an idiot anywhere.) Minus one star for the teaching here, though. I definitely thought I wasn't getting corrected on my techniques at all...they run through the exercises and stretches and if you don't get it, they won't correct you and give you tips. This may be caused by the huge class size but still, if you're going to teach beg. ballet, you're going to have to help newbies like me! However, I'm definitely new to this ballet thing and I went to the beg/int class on Monday evenings. I would recommend anyone who wants to try it out to go to one of their real beginner classes on Sunday. Ballet is what they definitely focus on since I hear they are the ones who perform the Nutcracker in Mtn. View downtown. They've recently expanded their classes so now they have a Pilates, a Stretch, and a Modern (I think) class. I think I'm going to stick to my dance studio in Campbell, however, since it offers more variety. But Western Ballet is top-notch for whoever wants to start, keep up, or even expand on their ballet experience. I would have subtracted another star for not having a great variety of classes, but it *is* called Western Ballet, not Western Dance. Subtracting a star for that would just be asinine. Edit: I just went to the Stretch class today and the teacher was super nice. I didn't know you could spend a good hour just stretching and warming up but he made the hour fly by. This helped my quads greatly since the day before, I had done lunges and squats until my butt fell off. I wanted to stay for beg. ballet because he was teaching but I had to go and run some errands. Next weekend, for sure, I'll be there! read more

The teachers at Western Ballet really care about the quality of instruction that extends to adult students in open program. They have the most extensive open program in Bay Area, in particular for beginners. read more

I love the absolute beginners class here.. Francisco is nicest teacher

I take adult beginning classes here -- I tried Francisco's "absolute beginner 1" workshop series and I'm pretty sure I improved 100x in that period. He's very patient and helpful, making very specific corrections and using repetitions to give you a good foundation for more advanced beginner classes. Now I'm taking the "beginner" classes with Alison Share. She's also a great teacher but the class level is really for people who have had some ballet training already. Her barre exercises are well-paced, and center work is challenging in a good way. I only wish they capped the beginner classes smaller to allow for more individualized attention. Right now it's about 30-35. You'll get a mix of levels in the beginner classes, from girls who definitely have had training for several years to girls who can't keep up with the combinations. Alison is patient and encouraging for all levels. read more

My daughter took ballet at another local dance studio. She danced 45 minutes 1x/week. Needless to say, she hated going because her muscles were "sore" afterward. Of course they were, she was only dancing 1x/week. I wish I were a Tiger Mom, but I can't give myself the credit (I'm too lazy). However, I signed her up for Western Ballet during the summer because I LOVED the 2x/week requirement starting in Ballet 1 and the fact that the class was over an hour long. My daughter is no pushover. She did NOT want to go. After the 1st class, she LOVED going. She loved the fact that she went 2x/week, and this made her muscles more used to the work. She started dancing nonstop in our living room all summer. Parents are not allowed to watch, so I have no idea what's going on inside the studios. I think the teacher is strict in a good way (i.e., she corrects wrong positions), so my daughter had some push back. However, on the last day of the summer session, she was SOOOOO inspired to continue during the Fall and made me sign her up asap. I have to confess I still haven't because as I mentioned above, I'm lazy and don't know if I should spend the Fall driving here and there and all this crazy stuff. However, if you have the energy and drive, SIGN YOUR KID WHO IS INTERESTED IN BALLET UP AT WESTERN BALLET. The teacher seems super competent, strict, but strict in a loving sense and fun outside of class. That's a great combination. read more

I really like it here because they take their adults seriously. I am an adult beginner and I have taken classes with Francisco, Eileen, and Alison. They are all amazing and each has a unique style of teaching that makes me eager to go to their classes each week. I recommend Western for the adult beginner. read more

I've been going to classes here for 5 years. The teachers are professional and cares about students progress. The classes have great diversity and you never need to worry about not being able to follow. Over the years, I checked out other places for ballet classes. Wester Ballet is a rare place that has the rare combination of quality classes, diversity and easy access to all levels. I really love this place and can't imagine my life without it. read more

We are nonprofessional, but our 4 year old daughter loves coming here. Only complaint is parking is limited to 11 spots in the front, but it has ample parking in the back. And it can be very busy when kids are preparing for rehearsals. But again, our daughter loves it! read more

Western Ballet - Front entrance - Performing Arts Near Me - Mountain View, California

Those who know dance know that the world of it can be extremely competitive, annoying, and daunting. I have grown up in it and now I just want to move and dance and get back my roots but with an emphasis on the exercise part. I have taken a class from Linda and it reminds me of my childhood career in dance. Good direction, not critical but constructive. She makes you sweat in the good way and I have walked away from class feeling like I still can actually...dance! I also am a student in Mara's modern on Thursday nights. Unfortunately the last week of Jan is the last week of the class but I hope Western can find the means to bring it back. This class allows me to move, dance and it makes me feel challenged as a dancer. She uses a variety of music and creates a relaxed environment that melts the stress of the week away. It is clear that she knows a lot about how the body works and moves not just as it relates to dance. I love how she also has innovative ways of how to condition and target certain parts of the body. Oh how I will miss my Thursday class! read more

For adults who had little or no experience in ballet, Western Ballet certainly provides the best classes for adults who either want to achieve childhood dream or simply learn new activity. I started Absolute Beginner workshop with teacher Francisco and few beginner classes with teacher Eileen. Both instructors are dedicated, patient and sincere. They pace the classes well to minimize the adult "I am slow" anxiety. They also give attention to individuals even though the classroom is usually crowded. I interpret the large class size as a positive that students enjoy class a lot and keep coming back. Thanks Western Ballet to offer such a great learning environment! read more

My daughter has been attending classes in the graded program for 3 years now. We came to Western on a recommendation from a professional dancer who suggested this studio for it's strength in classical technique. We've never been disappointed, and with Alexi at the helm the quality of the staff and productions just keep getting better and better. The studio is well managed, friendly and the cost of tuition is better than even lesser studios. I cannot recommend Western Ballet highly enough! read more

I'm in my early 30s and like all kinds of dance and have been dancing my whole life. I'm on again, off again with dance these days, but have solid ballet training. I'm always seeking studios with good teachers and nice facilities that offer more than just your adult intro to ballet class. Western Ballet has several pretty spacious studios so you really have room to move across the floor. I always look forward to going because the facilities are larger than other dance studios in San Jose. My favorite class so far has been with Alejandro Gomez because it's a decent intermediate class and he gives thoughtful combinations. I also like that there is a range of ages - from intermediate adults in their 50s to intermediate/advanced teens. When in SF, my fave place for dance is ODC. read more

I love this ballet school. I really have a good time when Francisco was teaching the class on Sundays because he spent the time fixing my positions and breaking me away a little from how shy I am. I miss ballet, but for now I am finishing school and I won~t have much time, once I am done I am going back to do it! here they are easy on you, i mess up so many times I always drop ballet and go back to it, and it really draws my technique back, but they are very patient and everyone in the class is very nice. read more