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

Christopher Williams

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.

Emmanuelle Herve

This studio has brought joy to my family. I was originally looking for a studio for my daughter to start ballet and as a former professional ballet dancer I was looking for a studio that will teach classical ballet the proper way within a fun and relaxing environment. This is exactly it! My 2 year old daughter and I do the Grown up and Me class which are a lot of fun and a great way to introduce ballet early on. I'm building such great memories with her. My 4 years old son now takes the super hero class on Saturday morning and he also loves it. I take Tuesday and sometimes Thursday adult night classes with Ms Kelsey which are a lot of fun and such a good workout. It's a whole family affair Cannot recommend enough this studio!!

Ava Ames

When I was searching for a ballet studio in San Diego for my daughter, I visited a couple before ultimately choosing San Diego Academy of Ballet (SDAB). My decision was largely influenced by the thoughtful conversations I had with the studio director, Simone Gabrielle. Simone's dedication to creating a nurturing and supportive environment for young dancers truly stood out.

From the very beginning, SDAB has been a well-structured, encouraging, and professionally run ballet studio where my daughter has thrived. The faculty's level of care, attention, and communication has consistently exceeded my expectations, allowing my daughter to develop her skills and love for dance in a supportive, safe environment.

I have confidence that SDAB will continue to provide excellent guidance and support as my daughter progresses in her dance education. Overall, it has been a wonderful experience for both of us.

hilary kuchinsky

My daughter has found a home at SDAB. It is excellent ballet instruction, which is rare to find. But more importantly, it is a loving and supportive atmosphere, which is more than rare in the ballet world. Ms. Simone ensures her dancers lift one another up as a rising tide lifts all boats. Highly recommend for anyone serious about ballet! A+

Kimberly Nguyen

Ok… where to even begin! As a parent, I cannot recommend San Diego Academy of Ballet highly enough! From the moment my stepdaughter joined, we were welcomed into a nurturing and supportive environment. The instructors along with Ms. Simone have been absolutely amazing—encouraging, professional, and uplifting in every interaction.

What truly sets this academy apart is their focus on building the child as a whole, which was my primary reason for enrolling my stepdaughter. There’s no pressure of competition here; instead, they prioritize the overall well-being of each student, fostering a love for dance while also nurturing confidence and creativity. It’s heartwarming to see my stepdaughter thrive in such a positive atmosphere. They take the art of ballet seriously and are dedicated to working with each child to ensure they receive the best guidance and support tailored to their individual needs.

The sense of community among the students and families is truly exceptional. The parents have been so welcoming and helpful, creating an environment where everyone feels included and supported. The academy organizes events that promote teamwork and friendship, allowing the dancers to bond and grow together. I couldn’t recommend this community enough! It has enriched my stepdaughter's experience and made us feel like part of a larger family. I’m so grateful for the incredible community at San Diego Academy of Ballet!

Dean Fleischmann

As a father, I couldn't be more thrilled with our experience at SDAB. Over the years, I've had the joy of watching my daughter grow not only in her ballet technique but also in confidence and poise, thanks to the nurturing environment provided by Simone and the dedicated instructors. The opportunity to see her perform on stage has been incredibly rewarding, a testament to the academy's commitment to developing each student’s potential. I've even been able to participate in certain activities, despite having no ballet experience, a fact that speaks to the welcoming and inclusive atmosphere here. SDAB has truly had a wonderful impact on my daughter and our entire family!!

Andrew Shaver

My daughter started in the Grown Up & Me class when she was 2 years old and instantly loved it. She is now in Pre-Ballet and is still loving it! We value the structure and quality of teaching at SDAB and Ms Kelsey is amazing with the young kids! Simone is kind, organized, and remembers names like I've never seen in my life. SDAB values their relationship with both the students and families, which we really appreciate. Highly recommend.

Wenjie Hu

Our experience has been wonderful so far. The boys love all their teachers: Mr. Brian, Mr. Matthew, and Mr. Marshall. They are very loving, encouraging, and patient with kids, not to mention beautiful dancers/ role models with great attention to details. My boys get a challenging workout each time, but always have fun and always look forward to the next class. Ms. Simone has been super supportive as well. She takes her job very seriously and in her own words, truly trying to build something exceptional and distinct from everything else. So if your child is willing to work hard, the whole team will do everything to support and help them succeed.
And as to why I’m putting my boys in ballet? It’s a misconception that ballet is only for girls. Ballet offers so much to everyone regardless of gender: artistic sensitivity, musicality, stage presence, physical strength, mental toughness, problem-solving, teamwork, good body posture/injury prevention… not many activities give this many benefits at once.
We recommend everyone to check SDAB out, whether your kid is serious or just curious about ballet, they’ll get so much out of this experience!