Business Details
50+ Years
experience
San Jose Dance Theatre | Premier Ballet Training & Performances
San Jose Dance Theatre has been a cornerstone of dance education and performance in Silicon Valley for over six decades. Founded on the principles of artistic excellence and community engagement, we provide comprehensive ballet and contemporary dance training for students of all ages, from toddler pre-ballet classes to advanced pre-professional programs. Our academy emphasizes technical mastery, artistic expression, and performance opportunities through productions like The Nutcracker and Spring Showcase. With a faculty of current and former professional dancers, we combine rigorous training with personalized mentorship to nurture both individual growth and ensemble collaboration.Our commitment extends beyond the studio through outreach initiatives and partnerships with local arts organizations, government entities, and private sectors to enrich the cultural landscape of the Bay Area. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we maintain accessibility through scholarship programs while upholding the highest standards of dance education.
Services
Ballet Classes
Summer Intensive Programs
Adult Dance Classes
Pre-Ballet Programs
Professional Performances
Details
- Year established: 1964
Highlights and features
- We offer 60+ years of excellence in classical ballet and contemporary dance training
- Our faculty includes current and former professional dancers with industry expertise
- We provide professional-level performance opportunities in The Nutcracker and Spring Showcase
- We maintain a structured curriculum with clear evaluation and promotion criteria
- We offer flexible enrollment options with year-round trial classes available
What people say
Professional instructors
Performance opportunities
Structured curriculum
Community support
Technical growth
Services
Ballet Classes
Structured ballet instruction for ages 3+ with progressive levels from beginner to advanced. Professional instructors focus on technical mastery, artistic expression, and injury prevention. Classes include regular evaluations for advancement to ensure proper skill development and physical readiness.
Summer Intensive Programs
Comprehensive summer training programs for serious dancers. Includes technique refinement, performance preparation, and guest artist workshops. Designed to complement regular academy training while offering accelerated skill development opportunities in a professional environment.
Adult Dance Classes
Drop-in ballet classes for adult learners of all experience levels. Taught by professional dancers with flexible scheduling options. Offers both casual participation and structured progression paths for mature students seeking technical improvement.
Pre-Ballet Programs
Creative movement classes for toddlers and young children. Focuses on developing musicality, coordination, and basic dance concepts through playful, age-appropriate activities. Serves as foundational preparation for formal ballet training.
Professional Performances
Year-round professional ballet productions including The Nutcracker and Spring Showcase. Provides performance opportunities for academy students alongside professional company members. Features elaborate staging, live music collaborations, and community engagement initiatives.
People
Nicole Haskins
Artistic Director
Nicole Haskins brings extensive professional dance experience to her role as Artistic Director, overseeing curriculum development and production artistic direction. Her leadership focuses on maintaining technical excellence while expanding community outreach programs.
Aliyah Benedek
Featured Dancer
Aliyah Benedek exemplifies the academy's success through her professional dance career. She serves as a role model for students, demonstrating the potential for growth from academy training to professional performance opportunities.
Questions
What ballet training programs do you offer?
We offer progressive ballet training from Pre-Ballet (ages 3-6) through Advanced Levels (ages 13+), including summer intensives and adult classes. Each program focuses on technical mastery and artistic development.
Are adult dance classes available?
Yes, our Adult Open Program accommodates all experience levels with drop-in classes and discounted multi-class passes. Instructors include current and former professional dancers.
How do student promotions work?
Promotions are based on technical proficiency, artistic growth, attendance, and readiness for advanced material. Evaluations consider both physical preparedness and mental maturity for each level advancement.
Can I start classes mid-year?
Yes, we accept new students year-round. Trial classes help determine appropriate placement, though performance participation may depend on show schedules when joining mid-season.
What performance opportunities exist?
All academy students participate in professional productions like The Nutcracker and Spring Showcase. Advanced dancers may join the Studio Company for additional performance roles and leadership opportunities.
How is tuition structured?
Tuition offers flexible payment options: annual, semester, or monthly installments. Fees are prorated based on start date, with separate performance fees announced per production.
