Dance Conservatory of Pasadena

My son and daughter have been taking classes here for about 7 years at the time of this review. I'm honestly a little baffled by the one star reviews as our experience at this school has been great. Ms. Caroline who runs the pre ballet program for the little ones is fantastic. It's very rare to find a teacher with great experience that genuinely loves teaching small children. She does a great job of preparing children for the discipline required to pursue ballet seriously but does so in a loving and supportive way and really fosters a love of the art form. My oldest had moved on to the more serious tech (pre professional) program and has classes 4-5 days a week. I've been very happy with the instructors all of whom have serious creditionals and professional experience. Tamar and the staff that run the school are extremely caring and helpful. The program is challenging and watching my kids improve and really apply themselves to something they love with excellent instructors is all a parent can ask for.

All of the teachers here are amazing! They are all very skilled and knowledgeable and take the time to teach the children correct technique and position. The studio is also very friendly and welcoming, with a wonderful group of people all around.

We were in the area to look at homes, among other things, since we will be moving out here in the summer. With the intention of supporting local and scouting out a new dance school for my almost eleven year old, we got tickets for my daughter's favorite holiday show, The Nutcracker. The venue where the performance was held was very nice but unfortunately, I think I've decided where my daughter's next school will not be. I was hoping for and expecting otherwise based on some of the reviews. I guess I'll just keep looking. To the owner: Thank you for taking the time to read my review and respond. My daughter wants to be a pro dancer though. I will need to find a serious ballet school but I appreciate your offer.

I love my classes at Dance Pasadena. I'm an older dancer and take Francisco Martinez's class. The classes have a fun positive atmosphere and we get a combination of interesting choreography, good humor and a fun workout - it's very welcoming to all levels of dancers.

This is my daughter’s first full dance year at DCP and she loves dancing there! The students have been kind and welcoming and seem to support each other in this dance journey. The instructors, Ms. Patricia and Mr. Sasha, are so very passionate and dedicated to their students. Ms. Tamar, in the office is helpful and tentative to parents and students needs. So far in our first dance year, I only have positive things to say about DCP and everyone there, students, families, instructors, office staff. I believe that Ms. Jennifer Cheng has done an outstanding job building a community where students and instructors come to train and share their love of dance with one another. Looking forward to many more years with my daughter dancing at this gem studio. We LOVE DCP!

It is a very professional ballet school with an amazing performance twice a year! Very organized and beautiful place, and something really important: discipline!!!

My granddaughter loves this school and we appreciate the teachers very much. Thank you all for your hard work.

Amazing teaching staff, wonderful classmates Feel blessed to have found such an amazing Ballet School

Specifically Francisco Martinez's classes: His open adult ballet class is the perfect way to combine the structure and technicality of ballet with community building and a great time. Mr. Martinez is a true artist and incorporates such wonderful challenge and fun into his classes. I've been taking class from him at this studio for 5 years now and will continue to do so as long as I can dance!

When I was researching ballet studios for my daughter I visited here and observed a few classes when they were still on Arroyo Parkway. I do not like the "class card system" for young dancers similar to me attending a yoga studio. I would rather a student and their family commit for at least a semester - this allows for continuity as well as social and emotional relationships to be established between the instructor and students. I do realize this appeals to some but for my daughter and myself this was disappointing. DCP is a newer studio and the newest ballet offering in Pasadena so it has a bit of buzz but only time can really tell what their placement of dancers will be in the future and over the long term. I do wish them absolute success as the arts in general could use a boost! I did LOVE the parent waiting area and the clean look and decor of the place and I have heard the new parent waiting area is even more impressive. The nice parent waiting area is a welcomed addition that other studios in the area don't offer but I am enrolling in ballet for my child and her instruction is the first priority the seating for me is much further down my list of considerations.

I was so happy to find a "ballet home" at the Dance Conservatory of Pasadena. Of course, the excellent technique offered by all the instructors, including my special teacher, Francisco Martinez, in the open level classes is the starting place. He works with each dancer right where they are and gears corrections accordingly, and changes up the music so we are constantly inspired. But what keeps me coming back is the warmth and camaraderie he fosters in the classes. Even through COVID when there were only online classes, and now in the in-person/online hybrid era...it feels to good to dance with friends. See you there soon, Mr. Martinez Dearest!

I can't say enough about the Dance Conservatory of Pasadena. My daughter has been a student of Ms. Caroline for over a year now and my wife and I are completely satisfied. Ms. Caroline is great with the kids and has been able to create several great dance recitals that include all age groups. It's a pleasure every time we come here.

This review is for the morning Open Level Adult Class taught by Rowden Metzger. The studio is gorgeous, great dance space, temperature in the room is perfect and that says a lot. There are plenty of studios out there that are either too cold or too hot , have poor floors , and terrible mirrors. The class was very thorough and started on time. The combinations were challenging but not impossible.The teacher allowed for modifications for those who had trouble with certain steps. So why only two stars? It wasn't fun. The room might have been warm, but the teacher was cold. No greeting to the class, never called anyone by name or even asked my name. Never introduced himself and there were new students.These are things that make a class. Everyone was really really quiet, not in a respectful way , but almost like they were intimidated. No connections, which showed when dancing in a group.NO joy in this class at all...A little levity and repoire with the class helps. I might return, but only if I can't find anything else.

Amazing and then some... The Dance Conservatory of Pasadena is the place to go if you want your children to learn solid dance fundamentals in a nurturing, encouraging and disciplined environment! Miss Carolyn is indeed the reincarnation of the Pied Piper... Children absolutely love her!!!!! The adult teachers like Patricia Godfrey all have professional credentials that give them a wonderful perspective. Besides the teachers and management, one of the things that truly distinguishes the Dance Conservatory of Pasadena is its' access for creative collaboration to the absolute leaders in the profession. It is not at all unusual to see professional dancers working out at 66 Waverly and -- cooler still -- it is not unusual to see the professionals pitching in to give pointers and encouragement to our children!!!! It is no wonder their slogan is, "WE AIM TO PLIES!"

The dance conservatory of Pasadena is great! The facility is top notch and so are the staff. My Lil ballerina was a student of miss Caroline when she attended kids Klub for pre-k and she loved the class and miss Caroline... She asked about taking ballet with her for months and months before we finally enrolled her. She jumped in and it was like she never missed a beat, shows just how well of an instructor miss Caroline is. Can't wait to see the fall showcase!

I recently started taking the adult ballet classes with Francisco and can't say enough about how much I enjoy the experience. I am 39 and a professional classical musician who often plays for the visiting ballet companies at the Los Angeles Music Center. I have wanted to take ballet ever since my days of music school but never really thought it was for me. I have always been active but I'm not the typical dancer build and with no experience I felt very intimidated by just showing up. I took my first class about six months ago and have taken several since, and have already noticed some nice improvements. Francisco makes dance accessible to anyone who has the desire to learn. The classes are focused and comprehensive, yet lighthearted and supportive. Francisco is a real character and I find myself laughing out loud because he makes really clever and hilarious comments. I look forward to seeing how I progress over the next few years and am very thankful for this opportunity to learn something that brings myself and others such joy and fulfillment! Take the leap and sign up for a class, you will not regret it!

The teacher in adult ballet class is not cool. Not even mention the craziness. When you talk to her straight in the face that you can !understand! her. She still try to ask another persons help to "translate" to u. several times during the class. That was super disrespectful and rude. not even smart.... Please Respect students when they already ask u to!

Great Studio!! Very family friendly! Love the adult beginning ballet! Patricia Godfrey is an amazing teacher and gorgeous dancer! You will learn from her! True teaching skill is hard to find and Patricia has got it! Miss Caroline is also a super star teacher! She is so so great with the little ones. Truly talented in being able to teach in a playful and developmentally appropriate way while upholding the discipline of ballet. This studio upholds the strict wonderful standards of the art without being demeaning or hurting self esteem like so many other studios. It's unfortunate that ballet tends to be so stringent, many parents don't want to subject their children to it. I'm so happy to find this studio because we are able to gain all the wonderful physical and mental discipline and benefits of ballet without the emotional detriment! Thank you DCP! Also the lobby, waiting area is a big plus for us families waiting for our LOs to have their class. Other studios in town have no waiting area or just a dark hallway. :( not fun. The lounge gets crowded but at least it's there and comfortable (coffee and water and magazines.) Office staff is also very supportive and understanding and keep good track of your passes and when you are running out, etc. There are no initiation fees, you pay as you go and you can get discounts for buying passes in bulk if you go more than once a week.

I took the adult beginning ballet class that also includes core work. The class was two hours long which I was actually looking forward to. I was sorely disappointed. The class was boring. The instructor, while beautiful in her technique, and nice, spent most of the time chit chatting with her regulars or making jokes. The pace of the class was just far too slow. After the somewhat challenging warm-up on the floor, we headed to the barre. In 90 minutes we completed roughly 5 very basic combinations, most of which were completed facing the barre. we did 2 side combinations, but the arm positions were never included, and 2-3 exercises in the center. I am no expert ballet dancer, but I have taken enough ballet to know a good class when I see one and this was not it. Classical Ballet Academy in Altadena is better, but if you want the real deal, then you should head to Pasadena Dance Theatre in East Pasadena. Live piano, real ballet combinations, professional but welcoming atmosphere. I am sure this place has it's loyal clients, which is good, but I won't go back.

Love this place. My 4 year old daughter takes Creative Dance class. Her teacher Caroline is very good with the girls, teaches manners and concentration. In three months she has learned so much. I appreciate there are one way windows so I can watch but my daughter is not distracted. Also love that there is a simple dress requirements so its not a fashion show each week. Excellent facility and the free coffee is nice too. :)

Nice. Organized. Professional. I just enrolled my 5 year old. As a new parent I had a ton of questions, which were all answered with a smile. My daughter stepped into class today and we knew instantly that she would be signing up for more classes. I was impressed with the teacher, who was teaching actual ballet and correcting postures. (So many classes at this age are just girls in tutus running around being butterflies). I was even more impressed with the other students who seemed to crave the discipline and structure of the class. I don't mean to imply that the class was harsh in any way. The girls were all enjoying themselves, but were smiling at their own achievements and not goofing off with each other. They sell a range of leotards, tights, slippers, etc. All were very reasonably priced. My daughter needed new slippers and was fitted within minutes. The space is large and clean. Ample space for changing. Parking is easy. The only drawback is that classes don't start until age 3. My 2 year old was very jealous.

I took the morning open ballet class and loved it! It is hard to find a challenging adult class. It was my first ballet class in over 10 years and it felt great to get back in the studio. Rowden Metzger was the teacher. I enjoyed his combinations. They were challenging and different.

Patricia is absolutely stunning as a dancer and I respect her so much. She is also pretty silly which is great because I'm silly too and ballet is hard and strict enough as it is. Laughing and fun during plies or whatever is just wonderful. As an adult student who took ballet for many years as a child and teen (so NOT a beginner by far), it is SUCH a relief to find a serious adult ballet class where I actually work hard and learn more and work on my pointe technique. I wish classes were cheaper, I would be here every class. I can't say enough nice things about Patricia and taking ballet with her. Ballet is such an important part of me and I really feel like I've found a home here in that regard.

They focus primarily on their "elite" dancers (older kids). Very little attention to their customer base, poor communication, and irregular front desk hours. Teachers are good and the staff is helpful when they're around, but the studio doesn't run their business professionally with care for all and consistency.

My daughter started ballet by taking classes with Miss Caroline 4 years ago, when she was 6. My daughter, a shy only child, needed something to help her come out of her shell and, at the time, I had to open the door to the class, give her a gentle push, and close the door (and her dad had to stay home, or she would have just clung to him!). That is all it took--she LOVED the class, loved Miss Caroline, and was on her way. As time went by, we eventually--with Miss Caroline's help, convinced her to add one class of Tech 1 with Miss Patricia along with a class from Miss Caroline, and then last spring we added a second class of Tech 1, so we were taking her 2-3 times a week for 3-4 classes. This September, the night before auditions, our still-shy-but-not-quite-as-terrified daughter surprised us by announcing she wanted to audition for a scholarship. We quickly re-arranged that Saturday to audition. She ended up receiving a scholarship, which means she is there 4-5 days a week and she has moved to "pre-pointe." I am not a dancer or expert, but from what I see, having a couple of different teachers with slightly different methods and techniques and styles seems quite beneficial to my little dancer (and they are all kind, nurturing folks in their different ways). Really, though, the biggest measure of the studio for my husband and me was my daughter's request to audition. For our shy, hesitant child, that was the real evidence of how much Miss Caroline, Miss Patricia, Mr. Sasha, and the whole studio community had done to help her grow. And I mean the whole community--the slightly older, more experienced dancers who she has interacted with at rehearsals and such have been wonderful and welcoming. To see middle schoolers be such joyful, mature ambassadors of ballet is awesome. I seriously doubt my daughter will be a prima ballerina, but if this experience helps her become a more creative, thoughtful, and confident young person, isn't that the real point anyway?

The interior of Dance Conservatory is beautifully decorated, warm and welcoming. Instructors are consummate professionals, and provide excellent training in a friendly, encouraging manner. Classes are great fun, and adult ballet includes beautiful musical accompaniment by talented pianists. I highly recommend this studio!

Wonderful Studio for kids and adults! Nurturing traditional teachers, beautiful studios and amenities. Miss Caroline is the child whisperer for your aspiring little ones. Miss Patricia is a technical whiz, that lady knows ballet. Francisco teaches a class that dances. Not into ballet? Try Bollywood with Achinta, I dare you not to smile through the whole class.

Front desk staff is talking to clients like if the were in a military bootcamp. No live pianists.

I've been coming here for a year, Patricia is such an amazing teacher! I learned so much in her class, I really recommend anyone who is interested in Ballet to try out her class, you won't regret it!

My fiance (now wife) and I went to work with Piero della Santina for the first dance at our wedding at the Dance Conservatory of Pasadena. As a guy who doesn't dance very much (definitely not any ballroom style before), Piero was very patient and broke down the moves into very simple little steps. Piero did a great job working with us to create a wonderful dance that left our guests impressed. It did take effort, but it was all well worth it in the end. I would recommend him to any couple that may be originally intimidated by the thought of a choreographed first dance at their wedding.

My son loves Miss Patricia and her classes so much! He always comes home telling me how much fun he had. Miss Patricia has really helped him to advance his technique as well as his form. Without her I don't think he would love ballet as much as he does. He tells me that she makes the classes fun and challenging at the same time. Miss Patricia is seldom ever strict with him except when he is attempting something that could be dangerous. I see him stretching at home and am impressed that she has taught him safety as well as conditioning.

Beautiful studio! Lots of classes to choose from. I take ballet, really enjoy Francisco's class.

I love this studio! The staff is super friendly to me and are always helpful! The studio is always very clean and fresh inside. It has never been too cold of hot in any of the classes I take, which is great because blasting the air conditioner before a ballet class really messed up my muscles. I take Rowdens ballet class on Wednesdays at 9am or 7pm. Super great teacher!

Patricia Godfrey is the Artistic Director at the Dance Conservatory of Pasadena. She is the best ballet & pointe instructor in all of LA & the surrounding area for adults, beginners, & professional dancers. Her classes include very thorough barre warm ups & challenging floor work while keeping things traditional & current simultaneously. Dance Conservatory of Pasadena has amazing professional grade studios with high ceilings & the overall environment is very inviting & family oriented. The company dancers look out for the younger ones & the parents all know each other with lots of encouragement & smiles from everyone. I have been a professional dancer in LA for the last 7 yrs & have been performing as a ballet dancer for the last 25 yrs. The whole time I have been trained by the industry's best I have never come across a ballet instructor who teaches technique, corrects, demonstrates herself, knows the history of ballet, teaches & knows the choreography to all the great classics, & is so versatile to incorporate new contemporary pieces. She is the choreographer to hire & knows how to work her choreography for major productions, sets, theatre, etc. Definitely take classes here & from Patricia. It's worth it for me, my training, & my love of dance. Dance Conservatory of Pasadena is everything I need for my ballet career!

Dance Conservatory of Pasadena is the best dance studio for children in the Pasadena area! My daughter LOVES the ballet teachers, and the parents especially love the recitals. The teachers are patient and wonderful with the students. I appreciate the payment system because you buy lesson packets to use anytime within 8 weeks, rather than paying monthly ... so if you miss a class, you're not losing money.

Fantastic place for adults to learn or revive their ballet skills. Took my first class from Rowden Metzger today and he's a rare combination of highly skilled, patient and generous. I took classes from Patricia Godfrey years ago and can say the same of her. Great teachers and terrific facility.

The Dance Conservatory of Pasadena has been instrumental in turning my daughter on to dance! Outstanding ownership, staff, and instructors (Ms. Caroline, Ms. Mary, and Ms. Patricia) have really fostered an enjoyable learning experience and love for the art of movement. Attention is paid to proper technique and form while still emphasizing the joy in dance. I have not heard my daughter complain once about having to attend and she goes 4x a week! The scholarship program offered by DCP has really challenged her and allowed her to progress in her skills without an overbearing, strict atmosphere. DCP also allows all dancers to showcase their learning through intimate performances throughout the year. A great studio that is building a wonderful dance community!

I was in town as a Huntington Fellow for a few months and I tried out lots of ballet studios. There were some great options, but DCP soon felt like a home. The ballet instruction is top-drawer, the adult classes are lively and sometimes quite challenging, but above all the people are just so welcoming and so diverse. I highly recommend the adult ballet!

I am responding to Jennifer's response. I guess now that this is public she has time to respond. I wish she had given me this courtesy when I had emailed her. When you say my daughter doesn't show the level of proficiency to be awarded a scholarship, what do you mean? My daughter was awarded a scholarship by the very board you speak of. My whole issue was how in the middle of the year she lost her scholarship because of a pre-planned trip that I told you about before accepting the scholarship in the fall. My daughter was screwed over and you didn't care about her and her feelings, you only cared about ways to get our money. My sweet child was crushed over this. Taking away her scholarship in the middle of the dance year and her having to lose all of her friends, you should be ashamed of yourself. Her proficiency in dance has been noted by every audition she has ever done, ABT, NBC, etc...and she was just accepted into the prestigious Debbie Allen Nutcracker where literally hundreds of dancers auditioned. I will continue with my opinion that your studio is a joke and I just wish we hadn't fallen for it.

My 4 year old daughter loves Miss Caroline's class. She has so much fun here and learns proper technique. Throughout the year, there are multiple opportunities for performing at a reasonable price for participation (i.e., costume rentals, tickets, time commitment). The tuition rates and policies are really family-friendly. For the casual beginner toddler/preschool ballet dancer, this is perfect.

We are so happy here! My daughter has been dancing at another studio since she was two, we were looking for a better environment for her with a better quality education. We are so grateful for the scholarship program and are delighted with the teachers and staff. We can hardly believe we've found such a great place. We were pleased with the quality of the shows they have produced and we are looking forward to many more. Needless to say we refer all our friends and already one family has joined us and has expressed their appreciation as well! Awesome job DCP. :-)

My daughter just started taking the Creative Dance class with Ms Caroline. She loves it and counts the days for her next class. The facility is great and the staff is very helpful. Also, we were able to purchase dance attire from the studio for very reasonable prices. Great location and very convenient!

So happy with this studio. Short history is my daughter took baby ballet elsewhere. She didn't want to go back after the first session was up. We tried a couple of times but no. Now at 9yrs old, she tried Dance Conservatory and she is hooked. She loves it, she tells me what she learned, and what Ms Caroline said today. Ms Caroline is amazing with the students. Fun, but not syrupy. The studio is pretty and has a tiny little store where you can buy tights etc. Just what you need to get your dancer started. Seems organized and well run. The teachers (so far Ms Caroline and Ms Patricia) are great. So glad my daughter is taking classes here.

Beautiful, clean well-decorated facilities, with a body-friendly sprung dance floor, friendly staff and very professional. As a retired dancer, I was extremely impressed with the quality of training for all levels at this school. The classes are taught by outstanding teachers, that bring so much technique and artistry to the classes, Patricia Godfrey and Francesco Martinez just to name a few. Love this dance studio.

My daughter started here when she was 5 years old. We had visited several other ballet studios, but she didn't really like any of them until she sat in on Miss Caroline's class. Miss Caroline is such a nurturing, loving, funny, and awesome teacher. The kids really respond to her personality and she makes class so fun. The studio is very clean and comfortable and there is plenty of room for the parents to hang out while class is in session. They also put on several performances each year and the costumes are beautiful (and provided by the studio). We are so happy we found DCP!

If you like ballroom dancing or even have the slightest interest in it...take a lesson from Daniel at the Dance Conservatory. He is THE BEST instructor around and just an all around great guy. He turned me on to ballroom and I am hooked. He also has some fabulous ballroom burn classes that are way more fun than the gym!

Please do yourself and your daughter a favor and explore other dance classes in the area prior to choosing this studio. These people are cray-cray. Not in a good way.

My daughter started taking ballet at DCP just a year ago at the age if 11, which is generally considered old for beginning ballet, but under Ms Patricia's teaching she has done sooo well. We love the place. Their jazz class with Samantha was awesome too. I hope it can be restarted in the summer. The classes are flexible and cheaper than many other places, and their floor it wonderful for little feet.

My 4.5 year old daughter has been taking ballet here for three months now. She loves it. Miss Caroline is a fantastic teacher. I was worried about my daughter's ability to concentrate and follow directions but she's done so well with this class and I think it's helping her ability to concentrate overall. The facilities are very nice, the prices are reasonable and their plan is flexible (I buy the four pack that lasts two months so it gives me the ability to miss classes and not have to pay for them). So glad we found Dance Conservatory! You will not be disappointed.

Our older daughter started with Miss Caroline when she was four and has progressed to other instructors. She's 11 now and is dancing now five days a week, and we (her parents) are very impressed with the studio and all the teachers we've encountered so far. Miss Patricia is her favorite -- our daughter loves that she is strict and has very high expectations, but manages to be loving and affectionate as well. One of the things we really like is that the kids are not competitive with one another, but really support each other - it's a very constructive environment. Miss P and the other instructors are very careful with technique and work hard to make sure she doesn't get injured and has proper form. The staff at the studio are warm and friendly and patient with us (we're not dancers so we have lots of questions), and the studio itself is clean and safe. Our younger daughter is still dancing with Miss Caroline and loves the experience. Thank you, DCP!