Welcome To Ballet San Jose School. Our Ballet School offers professional dance & ballet classes in San Jose.
Ballet Classes
Our dance school offers professional ballet classes. We are located in the Shops of Vietnam Town in San Jose, CA. Our ballet school specializes in classical ballet technique to students of all ages, sizes, and skill levels. Our dance studio is equipped with sprung Marley floors, wooden barres, large mirrors, and sound system. Additionally, it is easy to park! there is plenty of parking spaces for all the students in the mall’s parking lot.
Our dance center focuses in the development of a strong classical ballet technique. We pay particular attention to details such as body posture and feet placement. We also focus to increase physical strength and flexibility. Especially relevant, we promote artistry and music appreciation to inculcate growth and joy as a performing artist. Overall, the goal of our classical dance academy is to provide the finest ballet classes in San Jose. Dance theater is our passion!
Maximo Califano – Ballet School Director – American Ballet Theatre Certified Teacher
Maximo Califano is the visionary Founder, Director, and Principal Dance Teacher of Ballet San Jose School. With over 30 years of experience in both dancing and teaching, he is one of the Bay Area’s most celebrated artists. His expertise spans all levels of classical ballet technique, ballet repertoire, and dance partnering, making him a sought-after mentor for aspiring dancers.
Before dedicating himself to teaching, Maximo enjoyed a remarkable 15-year career as a Principal Dancer with Ballet San Jose, captivating audiences on some of the world’s most prestigious stages. His performances in iconic ballet roles have earned him international acclaim.
As a certified American Ballet Theatre (ABT) instructor, Maximo brings a structured yet dynamic and enjoyable approach to training. His philosophy blends discipline, artistry, and fun, fostering an environment where dancers can thrive. In addition to his dance credentials, he holds a degree in Creative Arts from San Jose State University, further enriching his artistic vision.
Whether in the studio or on stage, Maximo’s passion for ballet is inspiring the next generation of dancers—one graceful step at a time.
The Nutcracker Ballet & Spring Dance Performances
All of our students have the opportunity to be part of our shows. We perform twice a year: the Nutcracker for the holidays and a full length ballet production in the Spring.
The mission of our ballet productions are to prepare dancers for careers in leading national and international companies. Our performances serve as the important transition from dance student to professional performer. Students learn about performing arts, experience live theater, and interact with costumes, props and sets in a real setting. Our audiences love our shows! We perform a the Historic Hoover Theater, a beautiful intimate venue from the 1930’s!
Registration is easy at our Dance Studio
Registration for Ballet San Jose School is open year-round. Students can join at anytime during the year! Please, contact us to schedule your first class. Children under 17 years old can try a class for free. We try to accommodate all of our students and parents’ schedule needs.
Girls and boys are placed in one of our five levels according to age, experience, and ability. Classes are designed to increase technique, stamina, and artistry according to students’ age and physical maturity. To start, we begin with the joy of moving to music supported by a base in classical technique and simple ballet terminology. Then, as students matures and excels in each level, lessons become more difficult, as we train them for a career in professional ballet.
We look forward to hear from you!
Ballet Dance Classes for Adults and Teens
Ballet San Jose School offers daily adult and teen ballet classes in our dance studio. We teach ballet lessons for beginners and intermediate/advance students.
Beginner Level – Ballet Essentials
Experience Ballet San Jose School ballet classes for adults with little or no dance training. Our teachers lead students through a ballet warm-up and movement combinations inspired by their needs. Stretch your mind and body at these one-of-a-kind lessons led by some of your favorite teachers.
Attire: Clothing that is comfortable to move in. Ballet shoes optional.
Intermediate / Advance Dance Level – Ballet Experts
Adult ballet classes at our School offer a great workout, based on a classical technique, led by Artistic Director Maximo Califano. Emphasis in intermediate/ advance ballet is placed on developing technical strength and more advanced movement qualities. Therefore, this course is for more experienced adults and teens who have had some ballet training in the past. The class is taught at a professional level and employs the entire range of classical ballet technique. As a result, please be aware of that students willing to wear pointe shoes may do so at their own risk in these classes, and at the discretion of the teacher.
Attire: leotards and tights, t-shirts, and/or leggings. Please have your hair pulled away from your face. Ballet shoes must be worn in dance classes.
Please, check our schedule online and contact us to arrange your first ballet class: balletsanjose.com/schedule.
Finally, our adult and teen students are able to perform in our shows. We produce two shows per year: the Nutcracker for the holidays and a different ballet production in the Spring.
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