Poise Ballet

Poise Ballet, under the leadership of Ms. Terry Wong-McDonnell, a Royal Academy of Dance Registered Teacher (RAD RTS), and Associate of RAD (ARAD), is a renowned ballet school located in the San Francisco and Marin area. Established in 1920, the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) is an international organization that endeavors to advance the standards of teaching in classical ballet. Today, RAD is the largest, most influential teacher and examining body for classical ballet globally, with the RAD syllabus taught in over 80+ countries and setting high standards of dancing training for over 250,000 students each year.

Ms. Wong-McDonnell, a British national from London, England, moved to the USA in 2009 and brings with her extensive experience and knowledge in classical ballet. After nine years of full-time training with RAD Examiners, Ms. June Mitchell and Ms. Joan O'Hara in RAD London, and Mr. Raul Sauz, RAD Philippines Examiner, as well as Ms. Perry Sevidal, former artist of ballet company, Ballet Philippines, Ms. Wong-McDonnell gained her RAD qualifications. She continues to strive to provide a high standard of learning and teaching quality to her students at Poise Ballet.

Poise Ballet is the only official Royal Academy Dance (RAD) school in the San Francisco and Marin area, offering more than just a ballet class. Here, we teach the internationally acclaimed Royal Academy of Dance program, a comprehensive and rigorous syllabus that encompasses all aspects of classical ballet, including ballet technique, poise, and artistry. We provide the best possible professional dance training, with highly qualified teachers who are committed to cultivating poise, grace, and elegance in every student. Our teachers are professionally trained dancers who are dedicated to helping each student achieve their highest individual potential.

Special Ballet Class

This school year, Poise Ballet is offering a special ballet class for students aged 11 and up, who have a minimum of 4-5 years of dancing experience. This class is designed to provide advanced knowledge and new developments in teaching and to cultivate a student's unique artistic expression as a whole dancer-artist. Classes will start on September 6th, 2022, and will run till May 26th, 2023, every Wednesday from 6:00 - 7:30 pm (TBD). A minimum of 3 students per class is required to open our classes, and up to a maximum of 12 per class is allowed, at the teacher's discretion. Registration is now open, and availability is limited. To register, click HERE.

Our Mission and Goals

At Poise Ballet, our mission is to empower young children and students with dance knowledge and disciplines that will serve them well not only in a career in dance but also in life. Our goals are to provide the best possible professional dance training, an enjoyable atmosphere and venue that is safe and conducive to dance training, and a variety of dance classes to enrich dancing experience. We offer a unique dance experience compared to other ballet schools, with our small class sizes that provide individual student attention, and our performances twice a year for the community. We also invite guest teachers to give Master Classes to students, providing a variety of dance classes to enrich their dancing experience.

Why Choose Poise Ballet?

Poise Ballet offers a unique dance experience compared to other ballet schools, as the only official Royal Academy Dance (RAD) school in the San Francisco and Marin area. We offer the internationally acclaimed Royal Academy of Dance program, taught by highly qualified teachers, including professionally trained dancers and a professional pianist accompanist. Our small class sizes allow for individual student attention, and our students have the opportunity to perform twice a year for the community, as well as take RAD annual international exams offered by examiners from around the world. We are dedicated to providing a high standard of learning and teaching quality to our students and helping them achieve their highest individual potential.

At Poise Ballet, we believe that dance challenges our body, mind, and soul, cultivating artistic expression, communication, and appreciation of music. Dance improves the quality of life, particularly beneficial for posture, physical strength and co-ordination, and develops excellence of attitudes, resilience, self-discipline, self-esteem, confidence, and motivation. Dance also breaks age and cultural barriers, creating mutual respect and harmony for mankind.

Come and join us at Poise Ballet, where we nurture and develop beautiful dancers, and where dance is for life.