Thanks to Berkeley Ballet Theater for sponsoring this guide to dance classes for kids. The nurturing, encouraging, and body positive environment at BBT also gives students the confidence and persistence to make an impact in whatever life path they choose.
This listing of dance classes for kids includes programs for children in Alameda, Berkeley, Oakland, and surrounding areas. To find movement and dance classes for toddlers or preschoolers, see our toddler class guide. To find other movement classes for kids age five and older, see our guides to parkour classes and theater programs.
Dance classes for East Bay kids
Alameda Ballet Academy
Children's Ballet classes beginning at age 4 up through pointe-level classes meet after school and on weekends.
Grades: TK or bridge kindergarten, Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School, High School
Bandaloop Studio Up The Walls Class
Young dancers, ages 9-14, will learn the basics of harness-assisted dancing on the studio dance walls, trampoline wall, and low flying floor space. Six students per class.
Grades: 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School
Berkeley Ballet Theater
BBT's Youth Division classes provide dancers age 7+ with the opportunity to study classical ballet in a disciplined, professional atmosphere that is also supportive of each student's unique talents, passions, and creative voice.
Grades: 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School, High School
Destiny Arts Center
Movement arts classes for youth 3-18. Destiny Arts Center is offering in-person outdoor and small class options in hip hop dance, martial arts, and dance & music of the African Diaspora. All classes are pay what you can and COVID safety protocols are observed. Classes begin 9/7. Come move with us!
Grades: TK or bridge kindergarten, Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School, High School
Katie's Dance Studio
Katie's offers dance classes in jazz, tap, hip-hop, acrobatics, and ballet to children, teens, and adults. The class levels range from beginner to professional.
Grades: TK or bridge kindergarten, Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School, High School
Lisa Performing Arts
Lisa Performing Arts aims to spread the knowledge of arts and multicultural awareness to the younger generation as well as encouraging a healthy lifestyle through dance. Ages 3 to adult and for both boys and girls. Styles include Ballet, Chinese, jazz, hip-hop, contemporary, folk.
Grades: TK or bridge kindergarten, Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School, High School
Oakland Ballet Company
The Academy at Oakland Ballet Company offers classical ballet training for kids and teens. Classes focus on developing students’ technique, exploring artistic expression through dance, and building self-confidence in a fun and nurturing class environment for ages 5 and up.
Grades: Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School, High School
Shawl Anderson Dance Center (SADC)
Many youth classes for kids from toddlers to 18 years old. Absolute beginners through advanced. Classes are held in long semesters and a summer session. Fall is 15 weeks and begins on August 23.
Grades: TK or bridge kindergarten, Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School, High School
Tutu School
Tutu School goes up to 8 years old, inspiring kids to twirl to classical Ballet Storytime curriculum including Nutcracker, Coppelia, Swan Lake, and Sleeping Beauty.
Grades: TK or bridge kindergarten, Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade
Thanks again to Berkeley Ballet Theater for sponsoring this guide. Join a week-long summer camp to dance 5 hours a day or join BBT’s Brush-Up classes, ongoing twice-weekly classes throughout the summer to keep dancers moving and progressing throughout the summer break.
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The El Cerrito Ballet Center provides classical ballet training for ages 4 years old through adult in a gentle and supportive environment. Students are encouraged to share their joy of dance, develop body awareness, musicality and gain a sense of accomplishment in classes and performances.
Gurus Of Dance is a Bollywood dance, drama and entertainment company based in the Bay Area, Founded by Aditya Patel, in 2009
Gurus of Dance is Bay Area’s Biggest and Best Bollywood Dance School. Classes are offered at 5 locations across the Bay Area – Cupertino, Dublin, Fremont, Milpitas and San Jose.
East Bay Dance Center offers classes for kids ages 3-up with special preschooler classes, teen performance group and afterschool program with school site pickup.
Family Friendly, we build more confident kids once dance step at a time.