How to Choose A Ballet School: What Parents Should Know

Choosing a ballet school for your child is a big decision, especially in a city as competitive and diverse as Los Angeles. With so many studios claiming to offer “professional training,” how can you tell which one is truly setting your dancer up for success?

Whether your child is dancing for fun or aspiring to have a professional career, here’s what every parent should know when choosing a ballet school in Los Angeles—including key red flags to watch for and signs of true excellence.

What to Look for in a Top-Tier Ballet School

Not all ballet schools in Los Angeles are created equal—and when it comes to your child’s training, the details matter. A truly exceptional ballet school will offer more than just beautiful costumes and recital performances.

From instructor credentials to classroom structure and facilities, here are the key elements that define high-quality ballet training and set the foundation for lasting success, whether your dancer is just starting out or aiming for a professional career.

1. Qualified, Experienced Instructors

The best ballet schools in Los Angeles have instructors with professional backgrounds—former performers, competition coaches, or choreographers with years of experience in classical technique and performance and a proven teaching record of excellence.

At Burbank Dance Academy, our award-winning faculty includes seasoned professionals who have trained and performed at elite levels. They know how to nurture talent at every age.

2. Small Class Sizes and Personalized Attention

Avoid studios that cram dozens of students into a single class. Ballet classes require precision, correction, and mentorship, which is only possible in smaller, focused groups.

BDA maintains small class sizes to ensure each dancer receives individual attention and corrections tailored to their unique development.

3. Comprehensive Technique Training

A strong ballet program should emphasize fundamentals—proper alignment, turnout, port de bras, musicality—and offer progression from beginner to advanced levels. Pointe work should never be rushed.

At BDA, we follow a carefully structured ballet class curriculum that develops both strength and artistry over time.

4. Performance and Competitive Opportunities

Top schools provide chances for dancers to apply their training on stage. Recitals are great, but high-level studios offer competitive team experiences, local and national showcases, and college/career guidance.

BDA dancers regularly perform in award-winning choreography and have gone on to earn scholarships and industry opportunities.

5. Safe, Professional Facilities

Proper flooring, mirrors, barres, and sound systems are essential to prevent injury and foster a professional training environment. Be wary of studios with sub-par floors.

BDA is equipped with state-of-the-art dance floors and professional-grade studios to support safe, high-level training.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

While some studios may look impressive on the surface, it's important to dig deeper to ensure your child is receiving safe, effective, and professional training. Beware of inflated claims—phrases like “the first,” “the only,” or “the most prestigious.”

Look closely at where the students actually go with their education. Also check whether their progress is measured against true international standards, not an exaggerated internal system. Claiming “international-level training” without meeting those standards is misleading.

Here are some common warning signs that a ballet school may not meet the standards necessary for quality dance education. If you notice any of these, it may be time to explore other options:

• Instructors without formal dance credentials or teaching experience

• Overcrowded ballet classes with little individualized feedback

• Rushing students en pointe without proper preparation

• More focus on costumes and competitions than technique

• No clear curriculum or progression from level to level

Choosing the right ballet school in Los Angeles is about more than just convenience or cost—it’s about investing in your child’s growth, confidence, and artistic journey. By knowing what to look for—and what to avoid—you can ensure your dancer is in an environment where they feel supported, challenged, and inspired. When excellence, safety, and passion come together, the results are transformative, both on and off the stage.

Why Burbank Dance Academy Is a Top Ballet Choice in Los Angeles: The BDA Way

Burbank Dance Academy was founded on the belief that exceptional training and a supportive community go hand in hand. We combine professional expertise with a nurturing approach to help dancers thrive—technically, artistically, and emotionally. Our ballet students have consistently excelled at prestigious competitions, earning top awards and recognition for their technical precision and artistic performance, including being in the top 5% of ballet academies in the USA.

Ready to find your dancer’s second home? Located in the heart of Burbank and serving the greater San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles areas, BDA welcomes dancers of all levels—from first-time beginners to pre-professionals. Contact us today to discuss your dancer's future at one of the top ballet schools in Los Angeles, California.