We at Berkeley Ballet Theater foster excellence in our students by providing a rigorous, nurturing and diverse environment in which they receive professional classical ballet training and performance opportunities.
We believe that the joy of dance, with all its physical, mental, and aesthetic benefits, should be available to everyone. Whatever a student's goal, we believe it is best achieved in a well-disciplined but positive and loving environment.
Our school emphasizes a pure classical style, and encourages students to develop technique in a manner that is safe for their particular body. There are no height or weight requirements and all body types are welcome.
As performance is a valuable part of a dancer's education, we provide opportunities for all students to participate in stage productions.
Many of our faculty have enjoyed successful careers as professional dancers in major companies. Our instructors are among the finest available in the Bay Area and include teachers of international renown.
Whether a student chooses a dance career or not, the components of dance training and learning to perform offer invaluable experience, discipline, and confidence that carry over into all areas of life. Less▲
Nutcracker DVDs Available for Order
DVDs of each of the eight main performances are being created. Please print out this order form and bring or mail with payment to Berkeley Ballet Theater, 2640 College Ave, Berkeley, CA 94704. All proceeds benefit BBT!
BBT Shirts, Coffee mugs, and More
A variety of items may be viewed and purchased on-line. Thank you for your support!
Adult Classes
- Beginning/Intermediate Ballet with Graciela Acedo. Wednesday and Friday 12:00-1:30 pm.
- Variations with Miss Xiao. This one-hour class for Intermediate dancers may be taken on pointe or flat. Hear the stories and learn the very same variations that have been performed by ballet greats! Thursday 8:00-9:00 pm.
- Beginning pointe. These half-hour classes are free of charge when taken with the preceding Technique class. Tuesday (with Priya Starbuck) and Friday (with Robert Greer) 9:00-9:30 pm.
Online registration available
You can sign up for children's classes online.
- Before you sign up please look over the registration forms (links here), which spell out BBT's requirements.
- If you do not know which level your student should join, please contact BBT Principal Deborah Moss at 843-4687 ext. 112 or Artistic Director Ilona McHugh at ext. 111 (enrollment in We Dance Together, Pre-ballet, and Primary is by the student's age).
- Either a VISA or MasterCard is required (as is the case with paper registration). You may pay by check or cash (except in the case of the option for "10 Monthly Payments," which must be paid by credit card). If you will pay by check or cash, please let us know in the "Comments" box, so that we will not put a charge on your card.
- Except for workshops, enroll only in one class.
- Please click the "Online signup" link under either the Pre-ballet or Children's Classes menu items at the left to begin (or click here). Less▲
Financial Aid Fund Success!
We've reached our goal and then some! BBT's Financial Aid Fund supports tuition assistance, scholarships, and fellowships. Thank you for the hard work of our volunteers and for your contributions! More info/donate
Spring 2009 Performance Photos
Photos from the Spring Performance dress rehearsals are available. View thumbnail pictures here.
Spring 2009 Performance DVDs
Four performances are available: Pre-ballet, Cast A (Saturday afternoon), Cast B (Saturday evening), and Adult. The cost is $24 per disk, plus tax. www.movingcamera.tv