The Ballet Studio

I have been taking Ballet Exercise here for 3 years now, and I love it as much now as I did when I started, mostly due to Kristin Darby’s professionalism and enthusiasm and Gary’s great musical accompaniment. I’d never taken ballet before and really feel like I’ve learned something as well as toning muscles, I find myself going through the movements when standing around idly now.
The floors were recently refinished and are beautiful, no more splinters!

I am nearing retirement age and am at least 30 pounds overweight, but I have always wanted to take ballet, just to have a better understanding of an art form I love to attend. When I read that there was a studio exclusively for adults near where I live, I thought I’d give it a try. It’s been a wonderful experience! I plan to continue because:
1) the teachers who offer the «Very, Very Beginning» class are encouraging and kind while being extremely professional (i.e. they treat you seriously and are meticulous about correct form); they answer all your questions and will give me an easier variation on a move while I build up strength;
2) a pianist plays all the accompanying music so you exercise to tunes that offer the precise beat that you need while creating a beautiful atmosphere;
3) the classes are graduated so that you build movement and terminology on the strength of the previous class (which is why they don’t have walk-​in session);
4) the other students, though decades younger than I am, are sweet, encouraging, and good company.
Bottom line: if you are older and wonder if you could ever satisfy a longing to take a ballet class, this is the place for you!

This was my very first ballet class ever, and I tiptoed into the studio in my leotard feeling like a fraud, having never danced in my LIFE, much less classical ballet!
I’ve been really amazingly pleased with this place. My wonderful, smiling, patient and enthusiastic instructor has made this such an easy transition. The people in the beginning ballet class range from those with experience to those like me.
The live music is really cool, and the studio is beautiful, with lots of natural light, and very centrally located.
Because of this class, and my enthusiastic instructor, and this studio, I’ve begun to develop a real passion for ballet!
They offer a discount to UW students through the Experimental College, so if you’re UW, make sure you check that out. :)

I had an amazing ballet exercise class at The Ballet Studio. It was challenging without being frustrating for someone who knows absolutely nothing about ballet (me). I was very pleasantly surprised that there was a gentleman that showed up to play piano and sing — we worked out to LIVE MUSIC! I love it!
Unfortunately, you have to sign up for a series, they don’t do drop-​ins (except for a single complimentary class for the first timer to check them out), which can be difficult for people with varying schedules or who travel a lot. The other annoying thing is that the studio floors are made of wood (splinters) but the live music totally makes up for it.
The parking in the area is all 2 hr.- and 4 hr.-max metered street parking or private lots.

Update: I’m not sure why my previous review was not recommended by Unilocal but since I’ve been taking classes at this studio for at least six months I thought I’d update my review. I really, really like coming here. The teachers are friendly and they will give you exercises to do at home if you ask. You can wear stretch pants and a tank top to class. There are a fair number of people who have never danced before and the instructors are very helpful and don’t expect fantastic technique. There is a good makeup schedule if you miss a class. Some people are really good, clearly they have been doing this for a long time, but plenty of people are just there for fun and some exercise. My legs have gotten much more toned since I started and I have gotten interested in dance, something I haven’t paid attention to since I was a kid. Another thing I like at this studio is how flexible they are. Some people have sore muscles or minor injuries and it is perfectly fine if they don’t do the routines all of the way through or if they do something simpler. Overall, great positive, fun, encouraging, accommodating atmosphere.
Old Review: I had my first class here last night and would just like to reiterate what the other reviewers have said. This is classical ballet without competition or negative judgement. That’s being said, it is not for slackers or goof offs as well. The other students were from college students to grandmothers, obese to skinny folks who were interested in learning classical ballet, improving their skill and technique and growing as dancers. Truly all ages, body shapes and sizes with everyone having the right attitude. They take you from the very beginning and explain each classical step in proper form, building as it goes. The instructor was nice, positive and kept the class focused. You learn classical ballet technique and get a workout while improving your flexibility and strength. There really isn’t any down time during the class; you learn one step, practice it in short sequences and move to the next. The class moved fast enough to keep it from being boring however it certainly was not overwhelming. I like the fact that the classes are all adults, in a private studio without people looking in and with live musical accompaniement. Overall I really enjoyed my first class here and am looking forward to the rest of the session and will probably sign up again after that.

Just had my first class here and loved it! This is real dance folks, not some dumbed down exercise class. And you will get one heck of a workout, while growing stronger, more flexible and generally more graceful. The place is welcoming and the instructor is both extremely kind and skilled. The class is accompanied by a live pianist — the whole studio is very old-​school ballet, without the intimidation and exclusivity.
A little back story: I started taking ballet as a child and quit in my tweens because the teacher repeatedly called me fat (my chub was developing into curves) — so no more ballet for me. I ventured into the wonderful world of belly dance and pursued it professionally. I am now at a point where I’ve come full circle, wanting to go back to exploring ballet and other dance forms in order to grow as a dancer. This place is just what I needed. Today marks the end of my love-​hate relationship with ballet. I joined a serious dance class with people of all shapes, sizes and ethnicities. You should, too.

The Ballet Studio has really helped me get back into shape after a long while off exercise. They have a great class called ‘Ballet for Exercise’ which combines ballet barre exercises with floor pilates. Before I enrolled I asked if experience was necessary and was assured it was not. Instantly I felt very comfortable. The classes have a wide variety of students and everyone seems to fit in. All (adult) ages and shapes! The program helps with both flexibility and strength, and is effective without being grueling. Once really nice feature is they allow you to make up classes within the same session, and they offer the Ballet for Exercise class about 5 times per week. I would highly recommend it for those either with or without any ballet background.