Southland Ballet Academy/ Festival Ballet Theatre — Local services in Fountain Valley

Alexander Kalinin, now a dance teacher at Southland Ballet Academy- Probably the most high privilege and honor of my life was to have been invited to train with a real Bolshoi dance master, Alexander Kalinin, and to have danced with his company in my youth. An invitation to the dance that I will never forget. You are always a dancer after that down to your heart and soul. Pure heaven. Rebirth as an artist- with out having been aware of it at the time of my youth - was my experience. A extreme discipline that came quite naturally to me but gave a uplifting ride like no other. Many of the reviews compliment that "Russian trained guy" who is so very excellent at training the young men at this studio. He was trained with the likes of Baryshnikov at the Bolshoi! I do not understand why they do not take the time and give him the credit and mention his name. If you are considering dance lessons for your child, consider it the greatest stroke of fortune if you are able to have your child take even one class from a true "master of the dance",...

School offers skilled instructors. However, they cater to their favorites and mistreat the children that struggle or need extra guidance. The office manager (or whatever she is) Ms. Elizabeth doesn’t get back to you. You can call, email, arrive! She always has a sour face and unapproachable. Ms. Hans is a skilled instructor, but as mentioned previously, she has her favorites and it shows. It’s great for the younger kids that are starting out. Not for anyone that is seriously passionate about dance, but needs extra help. The classes...

This school is a hidden gem. We are so fortunate to have chosen this school over all the others in the area. The caliber of instruction is comparable to that of European schools. But what is best is that the girls are kind and supportive of each other, shenanigans that happen at other studios are not allowed or tolerated. All the girls receive corrections and encouraged to reach for their next independent goals. Keep in mind that this is a ballet studio and the other forms of dance that are taught are to enhance ballet...