San Diego Academy of Ballet & Ballet Theatre - San Diego, California

JoJo M.

As a parent of three daughters who attend San Diego Academy of Ballet, I cannot recommend this studio highly enough. Over the time we’ve been part of this community, I’ve been continuously impressed by the quality of instruction, the joyful atmosphere, and the safe, encouraging environment they provide for children.

The instructors at San Diego Academy of Ballet are true professionals who are deeply passionate about what they do. They provide a well-rounded dance education, combining technical rigor with a focus on artistry and self-expression. My daughters have made incredible progress not only in their skills but also in their confidence.

What makes this studio undeniably special is how much fun my daughters have while learning. The classes are challenging but never intimidating, and the teachers strike a perfect balance between discipline and encouragement. It’s clear they care about each child and take the time to nurture their love for dance and attention is paid to each child to ensure continued growth.

The studio has also created a space where children feel safe to express themselves and grow. The environment is inclusive, supportive, and built on mutual respect. The students cheer each other on, and the staff fosters a sense of camaraderie that feels like an extended family.

My family and I cannot recommend this place enough!

Christopher W.

I’m a dad that knows next to nothing about the intricacies of ballet. So all credit goes to my wife for enrolling our daughters into this amazing studio. From day one it was apparent that the facility was well kept and the quality of instruction would be a focal point. Fast forward 3 years am I’m in awe of the level of care SDAB has shown my daughters with dance and just their growth as people. In short this is an amazing community that Simone has fostered, and my family is privileged to be a part of it.

James

Our daughter has been at the studio for a year now and has had a had a really good experience at SDAB. We came from another studio previously, and it was clear to see from the very beginning that the level of instruction was far superior. The teachers are all great with the kids and our daughter has really enjoyed being at the studio and has made many new friends. If your child has a passion for ballet, this is the place.

We value the level of instruction Simone brings to the studio. Her standards are high. We have watched kids bring in bracelets that they made for her because they appreciate her so much. We have seen Simone open her hand while a kid placed a tooth they just lost into it and Simone handled it with kid gloves (no pun intended). Simone is very professional and i have never seen her in any other light.

nancy R.

We enrolled our 3 year-old daughter in Kelsey's class, and she is an incredible ballet teacher! She takes her role seriously but is so kind and patient with the kids. She truly cares about each dancer’s experience and creates a structured yet supportive environment.

She was always thoughtful and communicative, making sure ballet was a positive experience for our daughter. If you’re looking for a teacher who balances professionalism with warmth, Kelsey is the best!

shamone M.

I want to commend the staff and dancers involved in the recent production of The Nutcracker. This year, the academy took a significant step by casting their students in most of the roles, and the results were truly remarkable. Considering the overall young ages of the performers, the quality of the production was nothing short of outstanding. It’s clear that the students have received exceptional training and are beginning to embrace the professionalism required for a full-scale show.

I had the privilege of volunteering in the studio for a few days during the week before Thanksgiving. While helping repair costumes and props, I witnessed firsthand the high standards set by Simone and Kelsey as they worked with the students. Many of the young dancers took on challenging choreography, dedicating their time and focus to perfect their performances. I was deeply impressed by the level of professionalism and respect displayed by all the students, even during long and demanding rehearsal days.

These students are gaining invaluable experience by playing such integral roles in a production of this caliber—an opportunity they might not find at other schools. Having volunteered for Nutcracker productions and served on the board of directors for a ballet company in my hometown for over 15 years, I understand the patience, support, and clear boundaries required to foster a positive and nurturing environment. The staff demonstrated all these qualities and more, creating an atmosphere where the dancers could truly thrive.

Bravo to the staff and students for an exceptional production!

Souad Y.

My granddaughters attend SDAB and absolutely love it! The instruction here is unmatched compared to other schools. The teachers are not only skilled but also incredibly kind and supportive, creating a wonderful environment for the kids. My granddaughters truly enjoy their ballet classes and always have so much fun. SDAB places the children at the heart of everything they do, fostering their talent and passion for ballet in a warm, nurturing, and enjoyable setting. The school's clear structure and boundaries are a rare and appreciated quality that adds to its excellence.

teri R.

My daughter has been doing ballet at this studio a little over 4 years now and she has loved every little bit of it.

We’ve been a part of numerous Nutcrackers, spring and summer shows with the studio. As a mom who helps with most of the rehearsals when I can, I have to commend other moms and dads who put in more time and effort into making the Nutcracker shows run as smooth as they do. It takes a lot of work from parent volunteers to make things happen backstage, not only to make sure all kids are dressed and ready to perform but also to make sure the kids are behaving while not on stage. (Hence the reason why I always remind my daughter to be respectful and thankful to the volunteers because they are taking time out of their busy lives to be there.) I will say that none of the parent volunteers were ever mean, bullied, or disrespected any of the children as we are all there to help. And I know for sure that none of the volunteer(s) had bad intentions towards any of the kids, especially when it comes to costume. Sometimes when things happen quickly, we have to do what we can to make sure the kids are ready for the next scene. Mistakes happen here and there as we are all human.

My daughter has developed so much as a ballerina since her first class at the studio. To see her and all the other kids taking on lead roles in the Nutcracker and dancing alongside professionals, learning from them, has made this a great experience.

We truly appreciate SDAB, the instructors, volunteers and its director!

Helene K. C.

To state that San Diego Academy of Ballet (SDAB) has been a godsend to my son and our family would be an understatement. I am so grateful I found SDAB and could not be happier with the training my son has received. And it is thanks to the studio director Simone and her no nonsense approach and zero tolerance for "dance moms" or negative body image comments that has made this studio the warm, welcoming and supportive place it is. Simone is honest, fair and totally transparent and crystal clear on her policies; if you read any negative reviews about the studio, it is from parents/people who blatantly ignored the rules and were asked to leave. The very reason this studio is a wonderful place is because Simone is very careful who she allows in, and as a result has curated some of the most wonderful kids and parents you could imagine. To give an example, my son was being bullied at his elementary school, and we found the studio at the most perfect time. His enrollment in ballet classes at SDAB boosted his self confidence, the other children made him feel welcomed and accepted (even though he is a novice) and it was nothing but positive experiences with the fantastic teachers as well. Having danced ballet myself for many years, I can tell you that you will not find a better environment than this one. My whole goal in enrolling my son was to facilitate a positive introduction into dance, specifically ballet, and SDAB exceeded that goal and boosted his self confidence as well.

Recently, my son participated in the Nutcracker production (for the first time) and couldn't have been happier with it! He learned his part, attended rehearsals (with enthusiasm) and witnessed what truly goes into making a professional ballet production. Everyone involved was professional, patient and incredibly supportive. I was a parent volunteer and never have witnessed so many parents cheering not only their child but all the other children on as well! Several parents came up to my son after the show and congratulated him on his performance. To see him receive that much needed recognition was just amazing. Thank you SDAB for a wonderful experience and we look forward to many more!