Downey's strategic location—just 13 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles—makes it an unexpected hub for serious ballet training. While LA's prestigious academies draw national attention, Downey's studios offer comparable instruction without the grueling commutes, often at more accessible price points. The city's dance community has deep roots: generations of performers have trained here before joining companies from San Francisco Ballet to Broadway.
Whether you're seeking pre-professional preparation for a six-year-old or adult beginner classes, this guide provides the concrete details you need to evaluate your options.
How to Choose the Right Ballet School
Before comparing specific studios, establish your priorities using this framework:
| Factor | Questions to Ask |
|---|---|
| Training philosophy | Vaganova, RAD, Balanchine, or blended method? |
| Faculty credentials | Former professional dancers? Certification from recognized organizations? |
| Performance opportunities | Annual recitals, Nutcracker, competitions, or company collaborations? |
| Facility standards | Sprung floors? Marley surface? Ceiling height for lifts? |
| Progression structure | Clear level advancement? Pre-professional track availability? |
| Trial options | Can you observe or take a trial class before committing? |
Pro tip: Schedule observations during both beginning and advanced classes. A school's culture reveals itself most clearly in how instructors correct struggling students and how advanced dancers treat newcomers.
Downey Dance Academy
Overview
Founded in 1987, Downey Dance Academy stands as the area's longest continuously operating classical ballet program. The school occupies a converted 1940s warehouse on Firestone Boulevard, retrofitted with professional-grade sprung floors and 14-foot ceilings.
Programs
- Ages: 4–18 (adult beginner ballet added in 2019)
- Levels: Creative Movement through Pre-Professional (7-tier system)
- Weekly commitment: Recreational tracks 1–2 hours; pre-professional 12–16 hours
- Specialized classes: Pointe preparation, variations, pas de deux, character dance
Faculty Credentials
Director Margaret Chen-Whitmore trained at Canada's National Ballet School and performed as a soloist with National Ballet of Canada (1982–1994). Four additional instructors hold RAD teaching certificates; two are ABT-certified.
Standout Feature
The academy's annual spring showcase at Downey Theatre features live orchestra accompaniment—a rarity for suburban studios and invaluable performance experience.
Contact
- Address: 7845 Firestone Blvd, Downey, CA 90241
- Phone: (562) 862-1987
- Website: downeydanceacademy.org
- Trial class: $20; observation free with appointment
The Ballet Studio
Overview
Established in 2003 by former Joffrey Ballet dancer Antonio Reyes, The Ballet Studio emphasizes the Balanchine aesthetic while maintaining classical foundations. The facility includes two studios with Harlequin flooring and portable barres.
Programs
- Ages: 3–adult
- Levels: Pre-ballet through Advanced/Pre-Professional
- Distinctive tracks: Adult absolute beginner (popular 7 PM weekday slots); boys' scholarship program
- Summer intensives: 3-week program with guest faculty from major companies
Faculty Credentials
Reyes performed with Joffrey II and main company (1988–1996). Three instructors have NYC or LA company experience; all participate in annual continuing education through Dance/USA.
Standout Feature
Boys' scholarship initiative: Full tuition coverage for male dancers ages 8–18, addressing the persistent gender imbalance in ballet training. Graduates have received offers from School of American Ballet and Houston Ballet Academy summer programs.
Contact
- Address: 9122 Imperial Hwy, Downey, CA 90242
- Phone: (562) 923-8803
- Website: theballetstudio.com
- Trial class: $25; scholarship applications due March 1 annually
DanceWorks
Overview
DanceWorks began in 1995 as a competition-focused studio but pivoted in 2010 under current director Sofia Marquez to emphasize concert dance and musical theater ballet. The 6,000-square-foot facility includes a black-box performance space seating 120.
Programs
- Ages: 18 months–adult
- Ballet levels: 6-tier system with open adult classes
- Cross-training: Required jazz and modern for intermediate+ ballet students
- Performance calendar: 3 studio productions annually plus community outreach
Faculty Credentials
Marquez danced with Sacramento Ballet and completed the ABT National Training Curriculum through Level 7. Faculty includes two
