Ballet
Daily Vaganova-based classical technique. Progressive barre and center work develop turnout, alignment, extension, and épaulement — building the clean, sustainable foundation every professional career is built on.
By Audition Only · Ages 8+
Étoile
Our accelerated, pre-professional program for dancers who demonstrate an exceptional aptitude for classical ballet — and the drive to pursue it as a career.
Classes Taught
A full pre-professional curriculum
Étoile dancers train across the disciplines a career in classical ballet demands.
Pointe
Introduced when a dancer is physically and technically ready, pointe work develops strength, articulation, and control — from beginner exercises at the barre through advanced center variations and repertoire.
Repertory
Dancers learn excerpts from the classical and neoclassical canon — Petipa, Balanchine, and beyond — coached with the musicality, phrasing, and stagecraft expected in professional company auditions.
Character
Classical character technique rooted in the folk dances integrated into story ballets. Builds rhythm, épaulement, and theatrical presence essential to full-length classical repertoire.
Ballet Elements
A proprietary class developed by Artistic Director Jason Coosner. Combines targeted conditioning with simple progressions rooted in classical ballet aesthetics to strengthen technical foundations — leg lines, turnout, foot articulation, strength, placement, and alignment — while refining épaulement, port de bras, and clean footwork. Primarily taught at the barre; the highest-level dancers take this class en pointe.
Contemporary Tech
Grounded, breath-driven contemporary training drawing from release, floorwork, and modern technique. Expands range, weight, and versatility for today's ballet and contemporary companies.
Lyrical
Bridges classical line with contemporary expression. Dancers explore phrasing, breath, and emotional storytelling through choreography that rewards both technique and artistry.
Jazz
Strong, dynamic technique with an emphasis on rhythm, isolations, and performance quality — versatile training that broadens career pathways beyond the classical stage.
Musical Theater
Rooted in theatrical jazz, dancers draw from the full dance canon to develop the movement, storytelling, and performance skills demanded by the musical theater stage.
Stretch and Conditioning
Targeted flexibility, core, and cross-training work designed for the classical dancer. Emphasizes injury prevention, longevity, and the strength that supports advanced technique and pointe work.
National Recognition
Ranked in the top 5% of ballet schools in the United States
In 2024, Burbank Dance Academy was recognized in the top 5% of U.S. ballet schools by Quantifying Hierarchy and Prestige in U.S. Ballet Academies as Social Predictors of Career Success — a study conducted by researchers from Northwestern, Northeastern, Harvard, and the University of Virginia.
The Étoile Approach
Training that prepares dancers for the profession
With our combined 100+ years as dance educators and performers, we know the best dancers are well-rounded. Étoile is rigorous, intentional, and built around the individual artist.
Vaganova at the Core
Curriculum draws from the world's leading ballet pedagogues with the Vaganova method as its foundation — building clean, sustainable classical technique from the ground up.
The Whole Dancer
Daily training in technique, pointe, variations,pas de deux, and contemporary repertoire — paired with artistry, musicality, and performance development.
Built for Longevity
Students study anatomy, conditioning, nutrition, and audition preparation so they graduate as employable, healthy artists with lasting careers.
Student Success
Where our Étoile dancers train each summer
Étoile students have been admitted to the most highly regarded Summer Intensive Programs in the country, including:
- American Ballet Theatre
- San Francisco Ballet
- Boston Ballet
- Houston Ballet
- Ellison Ballet
- The John Cranko School
Honest training. No compromise. We teach it right the first time.
We believe in clear, to-the-point, honest communication with parents and students alike. Our highly accomplished faculty — some of the best dance educators in Los Angeles — meet regularly to maintain the integrity of what is being taught, assess student progress, and ensure the best possible outcome for every dancer.
Étoile is the most demanding path we offer, and it is reserved for dancers ready to commit. Depending on level, training ranges from 9 to 18 hours per week. In return, your dancer receives uncompromising training in a positive, supportive, and nurturing environment.
Interested in auditioning for Étoile?
Auditions are held by appointment. Contact us to learn more about eligibility and the audition process.
Request an Audition