Oakley Ballet Center

"I have trained at Oakley Ballet Center for over a decade. During that time, I not only received a solid foundation for my dancing through the teachers’ persistence and dedication to helping me improve, but a family. At Oakley, the students aren’t put up against one another for attentions or roles and are instead encouraged to be respectful and kind to one another. Dancing at Oakley gave me so many opportunities to perform in both known ballets such as Giselle, Swan Lake, and The Nutcracker, and new ballets choreographed by Kirsten, herself such as Hansel and Gretel, or her version of Snow White. My artistry and confidence have both improved greatly due to these opportunities. It really is incredible to be able to perform such a wide variety of ballets and roles. Oakley Ballet Center provides dancers with a strong versatile foundation in ballet technique. I have gone to three different summer intensives over the past four years, all with varying styles of ballet. Because of the training I received from Oakley, I am not stuck in one particular style of ballet and can shift my dancing to suit what the instructor is asking for. In the ballet world today, it is often no longer enough that a dancer dances with only one specific style. I am so grateful to Oakley for giving me a strong, but versatile foundation for my dancing. Because of the support, encouragement, and compassion I received at Oakley, I decided to continue my training in college. I am so grateful for the many years I spent at Oakley."

"Throughout the past 8 years that I have been dancing at Oakley Ballet Center I have been given countless opportunities to perform, teach, and learn. Beginning my dance training at age 10, I had some catching up to do with my fellow dancers. However, I was never bullied or made fun of for my late start. Instead, my peers motivated me to work harder each and everyday. The teachers also provided me with the helpful corrections I needed to progress to the next level. As I mentioned previously, Oakley Ballet Center gives its students opportunities to perform. Throughout my time at Oakley, I have been given the honor to perform in well known ballets such as The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, and Giselle. For the past 3 summers I have been able to attend 5 or 4 weeks summer intensives in Chicago and San Francisco. This would not have been possible without the guidance and support from my teachers. During the years that I did not travel during the summer, I enjoyed Summer In Motion, a 4 week summer intensive at Oakley Ballet Center. I am so grateful for Oakley Ballet Center and the many opportunities to learn ballet from the faculty and to learn across the country. Due to the excellent teaching and guidance at Oakley Ballet Center, I have decided to continue to pursue dance in college. Thank you OBC!"

"My daughter has been dancing at Oakley Ballet Center for the past 6 years. From the very first day I knew there was something different about this school. She was warmly welcomed. The staff focuses not only on strong ballet technique, but the well-being of the individual students and the classes as a whole. They promote discipline, positive self-esteem and a strong work ethic. I am thrilled with the progress my daughter has made not only in her dancing abilities, but also her self-confidence. Oakley is a home away from home for us, not only because of the staff but because the families that attend are so closely knit together in community. When the Thomas Fire broke out, Oakley became a temporary shelter for several families that were affected. It was amazing to see the bond that carried our ballet community through such a difficult time. We are stronger together and that is certainly true for the Oakley family. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this school to anyone. Thank you Oakley!"

"Oakley Ballet Center is a warm, loving environment with top notch technical ballet training. The families at this school are so welcoming and supportive of one another. Everyone is always willing to help each other no matter how big or small. I love that the students are also always encouraging each other as well. Ballet can be a very competitive sport and with children that can create jealousy and bullying. This school does not tolerate or condone any such behavior. In fact, they actually teach their students to have respect for not only the faculty but fellow students as well. Oakley Ballet Center has been my “second home” for many years and I look forward to continuing to be a part of it for many more."

"We've been doing ballet here for over 10 years. Classical ballet, and only ballet. They out on two very professional productions a year, and the students have almost all of the parts. Very solid teaching tailored to the strengths and weaknesses of the student. Kirsten Oakley is extremely talented in all aspects of dance and production. We couldn't be happier!"