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 up through pointe-level classes meet afterschool and on weekends.
Grades: Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School
Bandaloop Studio
Young dancers will learn the basics of harness-assisted dancing on the studio dance walls, trampoline wall and low flying floor space.
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
Berkeley City Ballet
Renowned Pre-Professional Ballet School offering classes for students 2 years old to Adult.
Summer Dance Camps also available weekly.
Grades: TK or bridge kindergarten, Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School, High School
Destiny Arts Center
Hip-hop, African dance, and some martial arts are offered at the large space in North Oakland occupied by Destiny Arts Center.
Grades: 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School, High School
East Bay Center for the Performing Arts
East Bay Center for the Performing Arts offers a wide variety of world performing arts courses divided into three main branches: theater, dance and music beginning at age 3.
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 beginning to professional.
Grades:
Kids N Dance
Hip-hop, ballet, and modern dance are offered for kids in blocks of 8 or 9 week sessions, after school or on Saturday or Sunday mornings.
Grades: TK or bridge kindergarten, Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle 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, 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
70+ youth classes for kids from toddlers to 18 years old. Absolute beginners through advanced. Classes are held in long semesters and a summer session. Winter/Spring is 22 weeks.
Grades: TK or bridge kindergarten, Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School, High School
Tutu School
Tutu School Berkeley goes up to 8 years old, inspiring kids to twirl to classical Ballet Storytime curriculum including Nutcracker, Coppelia, Swan Lake and Sleeping Beauty. Free trial class and mention 510 for 30% off first month!
Grades: TK or bridge kindergarten, Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade
Van Der Zwaan Dance Studio
Ballet, tap, and hip-hop studio in the heart of the Upper Shattuck shopping district.
Grades: 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School, High School
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.
Barbara Gabriel says
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.