Business Details
27 Years
experience
Premier Dance Education for All Ages in Redwood City
Founded in 1999 by Julia Dugan, the Academy Of American Ballet is a premier institution dedicated to advancing dance education through anatomically informed techniques. Our approach prioritizes injury-free training grounded in the Vaganova method, emphasizing natural movement and artistic expression. With a faculty of college-educated instructors trained in Pilates, Feldenkrais, and kinesiology, we provide individualized instruction tailored to each student's physical capabilities. Our state-of-the-art facility features a professionally sprung Marley floor designed to enhance performance and safety, alongside a Pilates studio equipped with four reformers. We cultivate a supportive community that engages both students and parents, offering age-appropriate choreography, quality performance opportunities, and community outreach through free performances.Our dancers have achieved success in prestigious competitions and have attended renowned summer programs at institutions like American Ballet Theatre and San Francisco Ballet. We focus on developing artistry and sound technique in harmony with a dancer's body, avoiding extreme flexibility that risks long-term health. With over 100 students annually, we remain the leading Peninsula-area ballet school committed to progressive dance education. Our annual Nutcracker performance showcases students in principal roles, demonstrating complete artistic mastery while maintaining rigorous technical standards.
Services
Ballet
Modern Dance
Jazz
Hip Hop
Tap
Pilates
Details
- Year established: 1999
Highlights and features
- We use anatomically informed techniques to prevent injuries while developing proper technique
- Our instructors have college degrees and specialized training in Pilates and kinesiology
- We maintain a state-of-the-art facility with a professionally sprung Marley floor
- We provide individualized instruction tailored to each student's natural physical abilities
- Our dancers have earned recognition at prestigious summer programs and competitions
Services
Ballet
Our ballet program combines the Vaganova method with anatomically informed techniques to develop proper technique while preventing injuries. Students learn to expand their facility naturally through structured stretching and strengthening exercises. The curriculum emphasizes artistic expression within natural movement ranges, avoiding forced positions that could compromise long-term health.
Modern Dance
Modern dance classes focus on expressive movement that emphasizes individual interpretation and emotional connection. Our instructors teach techniques that build strength and flexibility while maintaining proper body mechanics. Classes incorporate elements from various modern dance styles to develop versatile performers.
Jazz
Jazz classes combine technical precision with performance energy, teaching students rhythmic patterns and dynamic movements. Our curriculum includes various jazz styles from Broadway to contemporary forms, emphasizing proper alignment and safe execution of high-energy choreography.
Hip Hop
Hip hop instruction covers foundational street dance styles while encouraging personal expression. Classes focus on rhythm, coordination, and musicality through age-appropriate choreography. Our instructors emphasize safe execution of dynamic movements while maintaining the style's authentic energy.
Pilates
Pilates classes use reformer equipment and mat work to improve core strength, flexibility, and body awareness. Our certified instructors teach techniques that complement dance training by enhancing posture, balance, and controlled movement patterns. Sessions are designed to prevent injuries and improve overall dance performance.
People
Julia Dugan
Founder/Director
Julia Dugan founded the Academy in 1999 after dancing professionally with American Festival Ballet and directing Stanford University's first ballet company. She holds a BA in Economics and an MA in Dance Education from Stanford, with extensive training in Pilates, EBAS, and Feldenkrais methods.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We offer ballet, modern, jazz, hip hop, tap, and Pilates classes for students ages 2 to adult.
How do you prevent dance injuries?
Our instructors use anatomically informed techniques that emphasize natural movement ranges and proper body mechanics to prevent injuries.
What makes your ballet program unique?
Our Vaganova-based curriculum incorporates kinesiology principles and individualized instruction to develop proper technique safely.
Do you have performance opportunities?
Yes, we offer annual Nutcracker performances and June recitals with age-appropriate choreography and costuming.
What are your facilities like?
We have a state-of-the-art studio with a professionally sprung Marley floor and a Pilates studio with four reformers.
How do you support student development?
We provide individualized instruction, community outreach opportunities, and training that balances technical proficiency with artistic expression.
