Hawaii State Ballet

My daughter moved over to HSB when she was about 5 or 6 and the teachers and school have done so much to encourage her love of dance over the last several years. Miss Carrie, Miss Blake and Miss Yuko are patient, fun, caring and go out of their way to help dancers build their confidence and technique. They work to create an environment that is welcoming and encouraging– for shy kids like mine it takes a very special teacher to get them on stage. The older groups have Mr. Landowsky, Ms. Gina and Miss Erica, all are outstanding teachers who provide the challenge and training that people expect from ballet. The teachers foster a strong sense of community among the students so that they have fun with each other in class. They are very caring, encouraging teachers. Dancers are given opportunities to perform and learn poise, confidence, determination and so many good qualities. The skill level and talent of the dancers is testimony to the teachers– they are AMAZING! Its a welcoming environment with classes for all levels and ages. HIGHLY recommend for beginning or experienced dancers and people looking for a work out of any age!
BONUS: Ala Moana is a 30 second walk away, Ross, WalMart and a million shops, nail salons, and restaurants are within very close walking distance, so there is A LOT to do while your dancer is in class!

This review is 13 years too late, but I just wanted to share my experience with this wonderful ballet company. I’m very surprised there are only a few reviews of HSB on Unilocal.
I took ballet classes at HSB from the age of 4 to 13 years old, ending at the Jr. V level. The classes and keen-​eyed instructors solidified a lifelong strong work ethic and fierce tenacity in me that extended far beyond the dance studio. The only reason I left is because of high school commitments. As much as I loved HSB, I just couldn’t balance my schedule.
I pass by HSB frequently since it’s conveniently located across the street from Ala Moana. Ballet is still near and dear to me, so whenever I see the ballet dancers near the windows, I always feel nostalgic. Maybe one day I’ll sign up for HSB’s adult classes.

First off Miss Carrie is a good instructor for the age group she teaches hence the 1 star rating. Otherwise I would call this school a zero. I say this because of how the students are treated. the students are not treated like humans but more like dollar signs. I had just made payment of $ 450 for tuition, a late fee and Nutcracker fee. I informed miss Carrie that we would likely be late again but, tuition will come next pay period. on the 5^th. Tuition was due on the 26^th and when I dropped my daughter off to dance on ¹²⁄₁ — 5 days later, she was sent home in front of her entire class and the parents watching. She was told that her tuition was late so she could not attend class. She held her head high, took off her ballet slippers, picked up her bag and walked out. I met her at the door. When I returned to pay tuition the next day and speak with John Landovsky and ask him why he did not call me and reach out to me before sending my child out of class he said «You don’t pay, you Leave» I informed him that I was there to pay tuition but why didn’t he or another staff member call me before hand and let me know she would be sent home, he said again YOU DONT PAY, YOU LEAVE! and rudely turned his back and proceeded up the stairs. My daughter told me that Miss Carrie said John Landovsky had spoken with me already. This is entirely UNTRUE. I understand he is running a business and tuition pays the studio bills however, it is a school, and dance school for kids. A person with this kind of attitude has no business being in the business of children of any age. Secondly, the studio is hot, they do not run the A/​C, it is above an all nude strip club, (which I could overlook if it were a good studio). And Apparently John Landovsky should learn the language of truth. Nobody from Hawaii State Ballet made any attempt to contact me by phone or email.
Think twice before you choose to put your child in this environment.

Hawaii State Ballet is the definition of elite ballet training in Hawaii. Growing up in Oahu was very difficult for me. I rebelled against the cultural norms of going to the beach everyday, surfing, and playing sports. I had a passion. A passion for dance. Particularly ballet. When I was old enough my parents enrolled me in ballet classes. And from the age of three to now being an 18 year old adult, I have never stopped. I was lucky enough, to have come across Hawaii State Ballet when I was 11. I call myself one of «the lucky ones». My teacher and director of Hawaii State Ballet, John Landovsky, is not only a phenomenal master of dance, but a phenomenal human being as well. A former dancer himself, he has been in the ballet world seemingly forever. He has danced, taught, and choreographed all over the world. At some of the most prestigious academies, colleges, and professional companies. He’s dedicated his life to the art of ballet and developing the future stars of dance. Whether or not your child wants to pursue a career in dance, the benefits of Hawaii State Ballet’s training will apply to however your child decides to pursue his/​her life. The rigorous program has given me two of the most important tools in life, a strong work ethic and discipline. I can say today, that those tools have given me the ability to pursue my career successfully. Hawaii State Ballet and John Landovsky in particular provide a wonderful, safe, and loving environment for all ages. So if you’re considering enrolling your child in ballet, or if you are an adult seeking a strong dance studio, I encourage you to visit Hawaii State Ballet. The friendly staff and variety of class levels will have you feeling at home in no time.

This place is a great for starting the young ones and has produced a large number of professional dancers as well. The teachers of the younger classes are sweet and helpful and the director who teaches the older classes really means business and is a fantastic motivator for the serious dancers! Drop in classes are offered too.