Balletiquette Dance & Pilates Studio — Local services in San Diego

Reconnecting with ballet has been one of the best things I have done in my adult life, and I am truly so fortunate that I have Balletiquette and Ali in my life. I actually started taking ballet at Balletiquette many years ago with Ms. Sylvia but my interest in ballet waned with age and I moved on to other interests. Luckily, 15 years later I felt inspired to start ballet again and thankfully Balletiquette was still around to support me in getting back to the barre!

Ali is truly the best - she supports her adult dancers, but unlike some other schools, REALLY believes that adults can learn ballet well and pushes you to be your best in the most loving and supportive way. I have improved SO much since starting up again - MUCH more than I ever thought I would be able to at my age, and it is all thanks to being in an environment that inspires me to dance my best every day. Since starting ballet again not only has my health and fitness improved, but also my overall outlook on life and it gives me a reason to get out of bed every morning.

The other teachers at the studio, including Meghan and Robyn, are also incredible and give great feedback that supports each student not only in their technique, but in learning to dance.

I also recently started pilates and have been loving it as a complement to ballet for its ability to strengthen dancers and help them improve. Classes are small so that each student gets individual attention and price-wise are an absolute STEAL in comparison to other studios.

It is also one of the few studios that allows adult students to perform REAL roles in classical ballets (more than just party guest in Nutcracker!) that give them a chance to improve their dancing. Performances are optional in addition to regular class work and do have an associated cost - this is due to expenses with renting a theater, as well as costumes, and compensation for the rehearsal director's time. This is standard for every studio and the studio really doesn't make money off of this - it truly is for the benefit of their students. Every student, regardless of their level, is given a role (or multiple roles!) that challenge them and inspire them to become better dancers. Expectations are clear from the start (this is a performance, after all!) but the studio is very understanding of their students and truly wants the...

1. They got a roach problem (see photos).

2. They are cruel to dancers. I did the spring show. Keep in mind this studio is pay-to-perform. Dancers pay hundreds of dollars upfront after auditions and sacrifice their social life for months to attend classes / rehearsals. At the last minute, two dancers were cut (no refunds of course). The studio cut the dancers in front of the whole class and on one of the girl's birthday! She ran home crying and then the studio insulted her (see screenshots). This girl was so nice, often bringing in cheesecake. She didn't deserve to be led on, getting her hopes up (she had invited friends / family to see her perform), publicly humiliated, then bullied.

3. The studio's kids come in sick. They be coughing without covering their mouth and sneezing directly...

Balletiquette is more than just a dance program — it’s truly a family. From the moment you walk in, you feel the love, encouragement, and support from everyone involved. The teachers are absolutely amazing — not only are they incredibly talented and knowledgeable, but they also care deeply about every student. They create a space where dancers of all ages feel safe, confident, and inspired to grow.

Whether it’s a child’s first ballet class or a seasoned dancer preparing for a performance, the guidance and passion the instructors bring is unmatched. The joy, discipline, and creativity that Balletiquette instills goes beyond dance — it teaches grace, resilience, and teamwork.

We’re so grateful to be part of this beautiful community. Balletiquette truly is the best ballet family we could ever ask...