Ballet Caliente Classical School of Dance - California, Maryland

Grace Snyder

I have danced at Ballet Caliente for the entirety of my childhood, and I could not have asked for a better environment to spend so much of my time in. Moving my way up the levels, getting the experience to learn from all the talented teachers, and even become one myself has been so beneficial to me as both a student and a person. I am positive my experience at Ballet Caliente will follow me the rest of my life- having been taught such valuable lessons of dedication, discipline, devotion, and determination. Ballet Caliente is a wonderful environment for young “just starting out” Ballerinas, all the way up to Seniors in high school.

Sharon Fitzsimmons

Racism has been a problem in the ballet world for a long time. The ballet community is finally, in 2022, getting to a place where they sell shoes to match all skin tones. I'm a classically trained dancer myself, so I've watched the evolution and I know how much this issue has been vocalized by the dance community since the late 90s.
I am saddened to report that after a great deal of discussion, we were unable to resolve some ongoing concerns with how Ballet Caliente approaches race. Ballet Caliente did implement some good things in an attempt to address our concerns. But so many small things - like phrasing on classroom corrections, required performance lipstick color, and the lack of knowledge about how tights colors contribute to the ballet line - point to a nonmalicious ignorance of the Black ballet experience. Most of the staff are willing to have the conversations, but it takes time and initiative to change subtle patterns. It should be the job of the school (not the parent) to read up on this rich field, champion policy changes, and educate the ballet community. Our experience was that the parent had to ride every decision, and the ongoing stress was taking a toll on my niece's mental health. Perhaps our interaction has prompted the director to do additional research and things will improve for future dancers. Unfortunately, our experience was that the director was more interested in justifying herself than listening.

Ayana Leblans

I am so grateful for all that Ballet Caliente has done for me. Although I started pointe in high school and have to catch up to dancers my age, BC's faculty has helped me so much in the past two years, allowing me to pursue a dance major in college on several generous talent scholarships. Despite not starting at Ballet Caliente until the summer I turned 15, my family has been attending their performances every year since 2005 and their productions are always of the highest quality.

When everything closed in March, Ballet Caliente set up prerecorded classes almost immediately and started zoom instruction a few weeks later. Because of their efficiency and professionalism, we were able to return to the studio safely before hosting performances outdoors.

I could not be more thankful for the training I've gotten here. Students of all levels are always encouraged to branch out and perform in Nutcracker shows at the Kennedy Center, attend summer programs at major ballet schools, and take summer intensives and winter workshops with guest teachers brought to the studio. Even while I was balancing high school and dance, Ballet Caliente helped me reach so many of my goals.

Christopher

Ballet Caliente has been a wonderful experience for my oldest daughter and now my youngest! The teachers are great! They are kind, compassionate and we love the values being instilled! Values such as hard work and dedication! The girls form lifetime friendships at Ballet Caliente. They learn how to work as a team! I often times would ask my oldest daughter if she would dance again with Ballet Caliente and she says yes every time! During Covid when everything was shut down and the girls were forced to stay at home. Ms. Dunaway and her staff continued to help them maintain some form of normalcy through dance, even if they had to do it virtually from home. I thank Ms. Dunaway, Ms. Daly, Ms. Sacco and all her staff for continuing the tradition of ballet and the yearly recitals we all look forward to! Thank you!!!

Michaila S

By far the best ballet school in Southern Maryland. The teacher's here are some of the most knowledgeable I've ever met. The staff is extremely friendly, caring and humble; they respect dancers no matter the skill level. Instead of fear they use encouragement. When I attended summer classes, I had never felt so inspired...by the humble people, beautiful (airy windows, huge rooms) dance studio and constant focus on art! When I left, I was a firm believer that dance, especially ballet, was living art. Recommend this place all the way for serious dancers and caring parents who want a healthy atmosphere.

Grace G

Ballet Caliente is a wonderful dance studio and in my opinion the best! The teachers and the director here are so kind and devoted to helping you be a better dancer and also a better person too. I’ve been dancing here for 3 years and have learned so much. I’m so glad when I got into dancing I chose Caliente! The environment is so kind and the teachers want the best for you. Ballet Caliente feels like a second home and second family to me! And there’s no where else I’d rather be than at Ballet Caliente.

Michael Lopez

I have been sending my daughters to Ballet Caliente since 2003. The artistic director of the studio cares for each individual dancer and wants to see everyone succeed. The teachers are warm, welcoming, and encouraging. My daughters have learned so much about dance and have learned amazing life skills as well. I can’t say enough good things about this studio!!

G. Lopez

I have sent my daughters here for years. The level of professionalism is outstanding. Dancers are taught in a warm, safe, and kind environment. The director of the studio was a professional dancer that is dedicated to the success of every single dancer. We can’t say enough great things about Ballet Caliente.