New to BBT? Start here!

WHAT PROGRAMS DO YOU OFFER?

Ages 2-4 | Pre-Ballet: We Dance Together Sessions
Designed for very young dancers and their guardians, this class introduces the joy and storytelling of dance, and is a fun way to share movement together. Click here to see the schedule and enroll!

Ages 3-5 | Pre-Ballet: Creative Movement Sessions
An imaginative and play-based dance class encouraging dancers ages 3–5 to enjoy creative exploration and physical exercise with music while introducing dancers to ballet. Click here to see the schedule and enroll!

Ages 5-7 | Pre-Ballet: Seasonal Program
Through movement, music, and play, classes awaken a love for dance with age-appropriate lessons that build a strong foundation for future study, and the opportunity to learn and perform a dance for our Pre-Ballet Spring Showcase. Click here to learn more, or here to view the schedule and enroll.

Ages 6.5-13* | Youth Division Program: Introduction to Level 1 - Level 4
BBT's Youth Division offers students a rigorous curriculum while developing passion, a creative voice, and offering opportunities to perform in our Nutcracker and Spring productions. Dancers learn the structure of ballet classes, history of the art form, and how to learn choreography while developing their technique. Learn more here, and see schedules here.

Ages 12-21* | Youth Division Program: Level 5 - Level 9
An exciting time for dancers, these levels are where more advanced techniques are introduced and developed, like Pre-Pointe/Pointe and Batterie classes. Rooted in classical ballet and informed by a modern approach to movement, training also begins to include contemporary and modern classes, and learning choreography to perform in our annual productions. As senior members in the school, dancers also have leadership opportunities and are expected to foster BBT’s commitment to kindness, community and inclusivity with their peers. Learn more here, and see schedules here.

Ages 14-21* | Youth Division Studio Company
BBT's pre-professional Studio Company apprentices and dancers (Levels 7-9) share their passion for dance through performances in BBT's annual programming as well as collaborations with organizations including Kronos Quartet, SF Girls Chorus, Berkeley Symphony, BAMPFA, and our professional company, Post:ballet. Learn more here, and see a clip from a recent collaboration called still be here performed at San Francisco’s Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Forum Theater.

Ages 13+ | Adult Open Division
BBT's Adult Open Division provides a focused and supportive environment for dancers of all levels - from absolute beginners to professionals - to refine their technique during drop-in classes and develop their artistry through workshop offerings and performance opportunities. Learn about our classes here, then see the schedule and sign up by following the link to MindBody.

Ages 13+ | Rhythm & Motion
A high-energy dance workout that balances the challenge of learning choreography with the dance-floor euphoria of a good party. Taught by experienced dancers, the class features a broad range of movement styles inspired by popular music from across the globe. All are welcome! Learn more here, see the schedule and sign up through MindBody here.

Dance for PD® | Dance for Parkinson’s disease
BBT's Dance for PD® program provides free movement classes to community members affected by Parkinson's disease, offering them a space to connect with their bodies, express themselves through movement, and experience live music. No prior dance experience necessary! Learn more, register, or donate to the program here.

*Youth Division Dancers are evaluated and placed by faculty assessment into levels depending on age and experience level. Please note that ages listed are for general reference.

can i just drop in for a class? HOW DO I KNOW WHICH CLASS TO ENROLL IN?

Pre-Ballet
Dancers need to be enrolled prior to attending class. Classes are grouped according to age, and enrollment is open for both new and returning students. See age requirements, schedule, pricing, and enroll here.

Youth Division
Dancers need to be evaluated and placed in a BBT Youth Division Level prior to enrollment. Level placement is determined by BBT faculty and artistic staff, and usually involves taking a placement class if dancers are new to BBT, or are coming back after a break from ballet. Our goal is to support our dancers both as artists and people, and we are here to facilitate the process of finding the class that best serves dancers and their families.

Once placement is determined, staff will reach out on which level to enroll and how to move forward. Please contact BBT School Manager Jenna Marie with placement inquiries and to schedule a placement class at jennam@berkeleyballet.org.

Adult Open Division and Rhythm & Motion
Our regularly scheduled classes are structured for dancers to drop-in anytime it works for your schedule! Dancers are expected to self-evaluate and select the class level that corresponds with their experience. To learn about our levels and select the class that’s right for you, click here. To drop in and take class, purchase class credits and passes through our MindBody portal, then sign up for the class you want. When workshops are offered, enrollment in advance is required.

Dance for PD®
New dancers to BBT’s Dance for PD® first need to be registered for the program. Please contact Susan Weber, Dance for PD® Program Director at susanw@berkeleyballet.org or  (925) 457-8170.

do i need to pay in full before classes start?

Pre-Ballet and Youth Division
If it’s not possible to pay tuition in full at the time of enrollment, families may make monthly payments toward their tuition balance. The balance must be paid in full by the end of the program. BBT also provides a tuition assistance program for families in need of financial assistance - learn more and apply here.

Adult Open Division and Rhythm & Motion
Yes, dancers need to have signed up and paid for class in advance of attending. Sign up and class credits are processed through MindBody, and BBT’s administrative staff is also available to facilitate payment or apply class credits. Workshops also require payment in advance.

Dance for PD®
Classes are free for participants! Dancers need to be registered with the program prior to attending classes. Learn more here.

I missed the start of the season, the beginning of a session - Can I still enroll?

Pre-Ballet
Yes! Dancers can start late in Pre-Ballet programs through February 2024. Tuition is prorated to accommodate the dancer’s start date.

Youth Division
Yes! Classes for the 2023-24 season begin August 14th, but enrollment is open through October 2023. Enrollment reopens in January 2024 for dancers who are unable to join us in the fall. Tuition is prorated to accommodate the dancer’s start date.

New dancers are encouraged to reach out to schedule a placement class throughout the year, even if enrollment isn’t currently open. Please email BBT School Manager Jenna Marie with placement inquiries at jennam@berkeleyballet.org.

Are studios available to rent?

Yes!
BBT’s spacious, bright, and professional grade studios may be rented for company rehearsals, auditions, private lessons, and more. See studios and pricing here, and reach out to the BBT Office at info@berkeleyballet.org with requests for specific dates, times, and studio needs, and we will respond as soon as possible.

For additional inquiries, email us at info@berkeleyballet.org.