Business Details
44 Years
experience
Premier Ballet School in South Orange County
Pacific Ballet Conservatory has been dedicated to nurturing exceptional dancers since 1982. Our mission focuses on providing personalized care and training to help students excel both as dancers and individuals. With a faculty of nationally and internationally recognized instructors, we offer comprehensive training in ballet, pointe, modern, jazz, tap, musical theater, and contemporary dance. Our graduates have joined prestigious companies like San Francisco Ballet and Universal Studios, reflecting our commitment to excellence.We serve students of all ages, offering flexible schedules and specialized programs including summer intensives and week-long dance camps. Our annual Spring Performance Series showcases students' progress through imaginative choreography and theatrical productions. The conservatory emphasizes discipline, creativity, and community values through its structured principles and professional environment.
Services
Ballet Instruction
Pointe Training
Summer Dance Camps
Musical Theater Classes
Jazz Dance Programs
Contemporary Dance Training
Tap Dance Instruction
Adult Dance Classes
Performance Preparation
Private Coaching
Details
- Year established: 1982
Highlights and features
- 40 years of proven success developing professional dancers
- Faculty includes former principal dancers from major ballet companies
- Comprehensive training in 8+ dance disciplines
- Annual professional theater performances for student development
- Specialized summer intensives with master instructors
What people say
Fantastic teachers
Individual attention
Flexible schedules
Professional development
Lifelong skills
Services
Ballet Instruction
Our comprehensive ballet program develops technical excellence through structured training in classical technique, pointe work, and performance skills. Students receive personalized attention while learning proper alignment, musicality, and artistic expression. The curriculum prepares dancers for professional careers or recreational enjoyment through progressive levels from beginner to advanced.
Summer Dance Camps
Week-long summer camps provide immersive dance experiences for younger students with daily classes in multiple styles and a final in-studio performance. The program balances technical training with creative exploration while maintaining a fun, supportive environment. Camps include themed activities and performance opportunities that build confidence and stage presence in a non-competitive setting.
Performance Training
Annual Spring Performance Series offers professional theater experiences with classical ballets and contemporary works. Students learn full productions through rehearsals focusing on stagecraft, ensemble work, and character development. The program includes costume design, lighting effects, and theatrical production elements to prepare dancers for professional performance environments.
Summer Intensives
Our summer intensives bring master instructors from major ballet companies for specialized training while maintaining local convenience. Advanced students receive daily technique classes, repertoire coaching, and performance preparation in an immersive environment. The program emphasizes professional development through rigorous training similar to major company programs.
Adult Classes
We offer ballet and contemporary classes for adult students of all experience levels with professional instruction in a supportive environment. Classes focus on technical improvement, physical fitness, and artistic expression without performance requirements. The program accommodates busy schedules while maintaining high technical standards for serious adult dancers.
People
Maryann Bayless
Artistic Director & Owner
With 35 years of teaching experience, Maryann was a professional ballerina with Pacific Northwest Ballet. She studied with Robert Joffrey and trained under Balanchine's lineage through Janet Reed. Her students have joined major companies worldwide.
Marissa Wennerberg
Operations Director
A 40-year dance veteran, Marissa trained at PBC since the 1980s. She brings administrative expertise from 25 years working with her mother while maintaining active teaching roles and performance experience in Japan and California.
Julie Binowitz
Dance Instructor
ABT-certified instructor with 8 years at PBC. Former principal dancer with Pennsylvania Ballet Theatre, she teaches classical technique through ABT's National Training Curriculum while bringing professional performance experience to her classes.
Caitlin Brophy
Dance Instructor
BFA graduate from Utah Valley University with experience teaching K-12 dance programs. Combines classical training from Pacific School of Ballet with practical teaching methods developed through college dance programs and public school instruction.
Gary Roberts
Dance Instructor
Theater Arts graduate with expertise in multiple dance styles including tap, jazz, and musical theater. Brings professional performance experience from Disney and industry shows while emphasizing technical precision and stagecraft in his teaching.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We offer ballet, pointe, modern, jazz, tap, musical theater, contemporary, and hip hop instruction for all skill levels.
Do you have programs for young children?
Yes, we offer pre-ballet classes starting at age 3 and age-appropriate programs through our summer dance camps.
Are there performance opportunities for students?
Our annual Spring Performance Series provides professional theater experiences for students in classical and contemporary works.
What qualifications do your instructors have?
Our faculty includes former principal dancers from major companies and certified instructors with international experience.
Do you offer summer programs?
We provide week-long summer dance camps and advanced summer intensives with master teachers from major ballet companies.
