San Diego Civic Youth Ballet

I’ve had the pleasure of observing and supporting SDCYB over the past year, and I am thoroughly impressed with the impact they have on young dancers and the broader community. This organization stands out for its commitment to fostering artistic growth, discipline, and confidence in youth through the art of dance. What makes them exceptional is:

1. High-Quality Training
The instructors at SDCYB are highly experienced and dedicated to nurturing young talent. They focus on both technique and artistry, ensuring that students receive a comprehensive ballet education. Whether students aspire to professional careers in dance or want to improve their skills, the level of training is top-notch.

2. Inclusivity and Accessibility
One of the most admirable aspects of this organization is its commitment to making ballet accessible to all. Through scholarships and community outreach programs, they break down financial barriers that often prevent young people from accessing high-quality arts education. It’s inspiring to see children from diverse backgrounds come together to share their love for dance.

3. Focus on Personal Growth
Beyond technique, SDBYC emphasizes the personal development of each dancer. The values of discipline, teamwork, and resilience are instilled in every class and performance opportunity. Many parents and students have commented on how these skills translate into other areas of their lives, from academic achievement to personal confidence.

Hands down the best ballet school in San Diego! The staff are experienced and love what they do. You can see it in their interactions with kids.

I used to dance in Balboa Park when I was a kid a very long time ago, but I'm from a military family and we moved around a lot. I recently returned to San Diego in retirement and I was so happy to see the same ballet school still here. I have started bringing my grandkids to the shows and I will continue to support the San Diego Civic Youth Ballet.

SDCYB is the best! Our daughter is 6 years old, and she loves the ballet and all of her teachers. She also gets to dance in the nutcracker and our whole family comes to see it.

If you are looking for a nonprofit to donate to, I would personally recommend this ballet school. Excellent training, excellent productions, excellent mission. Other great things are that they have been around for 75 years, they offer a free ballet class for disabled kids, and they have a scholarship fund available for families who need assistance.

Growing up, I did A LOT of sports, and I never thought I would one day be a “ballet dad.” But I am so glad I am, and so proud of my daughter! She has danced at The San Diego Civic Youth Ballet for many years, and she is now a stronger athlete than I ever was in my day. Not only is ballet very challenging for stamina and strength, but they have to do it while also looking beautiful and being graceful and making it look easy. I am very thankful to all of the wonderful teachers she has had over the years, and am always impressed by the level of dedication and professionalism that goes the shows. Not going to lie, it’s a huge time commitment, but that's okay because our family is so grateful for everything that The San Diego Civic Youth Ballet has given us, and especially our dancer.

Love this ballet school! Have seen many performances to support my niece, but over the years, I've also really loved watching all of her friends grow as dancers as well. I appreciate that SDCYB works hard to make a difference in the wider community like the charity drives they do each year during Nutcracker, and it's also one of my favorite organizations to follow on Instagram.

I began taking my children to The San Diego Civic Youth Ballet's Nutcracker every year as a family tradition. When my youngest was 2 she was so enthralled with the performance that I knew she would take lessons there when she was old enough. It has been over 7 years that she has participated in the wonderful classes offered by SDCYB. She loves her instructors, her classes, the shows and the great friends she has made. SDCYB is dedicated to its students in providing a top ballet education in a structured, nurturing and fun environment. They offer classes at every level and skill and have a wonderful scholarship program to ensure that dancers of all financial levels can be a part of the fun. At times we have considered relocating out of San Diego, but that will have to wait until our daughter graduates from the program, it's that good.

My daughter started dancing with SDCYB in 2010. She has received an outstanding ballet education and her classmates are some of her best friends. The staff is attentive and caring and remarkably stable (not a lot of turnover). The performances are always outstanding, and are not limited to the upper level dancers - everyone from the 4 year olds to the 18 year olds, including the Ballet For Me students, are able to participate. (Ballet for Me is a class for those with disabilities.)

San Diego Civic Youth Ballet is an amazing organization. Over the past decade, I've observed how it has nurtured kids, provided outstanding dance instruction and opportunity, and how it has created a wonderful environment for families to connect and support one another. And this is all within the beautiful backdrop of Balboa Park, one of our city's treasures. From the faculty and staff to the administrative directors, San Diego has benefitted from such a committed, hard-working, and caring team. Year after year, the ballet is stellar. I am astounded by every Nutcracker performance and the hard work of the dancers, teachers, volunteers and others is evident.

SDCYB is the best! We already have our tickets to the Nutcracker in December and know it will be very special and fun to see all of the dancers perform on stage again.

I’ve written reviews on this website before because we’ve been part of the school for many years, but we love it and can’t say enough good things. We highly recommend SDCYB for anyone who loves dance!

Both of my daughters danced at SDCYB from the time they were 4 years old until they graduated out of the program at 18. Our youngest just performed in her last SDCYB production in the summer of 2022. SDCYB was our home away from home for almost 15 years. Our girls not only learned to be beautiful technically trained ballerinas, they learned discipline, organization and responsibility. Our daughters had opportunities not only to dance at SDCYB, but to mentor other students as Teacher’s Assistants and to work with the Ballet for Me Program, assisting students with unique physical disabilities. The SDCYB community became like a family to us. Not only did the girls dance there, our family enjoyed watching beautiful productions and grew to love the art of ballet. It was a place we felt so comfortable that we all continue to go back to volunteer our time and hope that we will be able to support their mission for years to come. San Diego Civic Youth Ballet is a great non-profit that does an incredible job supporting the youth of our community. We are so grateful for all that we gained from our years with this wonderful non-profit organization!

I remember going to the ballet decades ago. I never danced there as a girl but we would go to performances as a family and I still cherish those memories. Today, my granddaughter takes classes here and we create new memories together every time she performs. It's lovely that they have been around for so long and deserve to be commended for their achievements!

When our daughter started taking ballet classes, we weren't sure she was going to like it. But turns out that she loves it! She has had lots of great teachers and made many friends, and the staff is very helpful whenever we have questions. 5 stars for sure!

I have had the privilege of working with the team at SDCYB as they plan for the future and have been incredibly impressed with their commitment to the young dancers as well as their resilience during challenging times. They are focused on making an impact on students, not just in terms of dance, but also by striving to increase confidence, helping them express themselves through movement, learning how to be part of a collaborative and much more. Kudos to SDCYB for helping to build strong youth in our community!

Amazing nonprofit organization that make dreams come true! My child with cerebral palsy has dreamt of being in the Nutcracker for so many years. I never knew what to say but hoped that maybe somewhere, there would be a ballet school with a heart for individuals of all abilities and be open to providing such an opportunity. Imagine our immense excitement when we found out that just a hop and a skip away from our home is the SDCYB! Not only does SDCYB provide such an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for all individuals, they also provide free ballet classes for children of all abilities and of all financial/economic backgrounds. Our experience has been amazing and dreams are coming true for children of all backgrounds and abilities. Everyone there is so amazing, supportive, encouraging, and kind. What an amazing and inclusive organization that truly serves all individuals in the community. We feel so blessed to have found them!

SDCYB has been so amazing! It is really great for our child to have dance in her life and a group of friends outside of school

SDCYB is an amazing organization. We are proud to have been part of this wonderful studio for many years. The staff are kind, caring and knowledgeable individuals. They truly care for the students and want to help them achieve their dance goals. We also appreciate their efforts to make ballet accessible to everyone regardless of ability or background.

My daughters have both danced at SDCYB since they were 4 and I take the adult ballet class. The teachers, staff and school are all so wonderful. The outreach classes introduce children in the community to the art of ballet who may not have otherwise had an opportunity and Ballet for Me provides classes to dancers with special needs. We are so fortunate to be a part of the amazing SDCYB family!

My daughter danced with SDCYB throughout her childhood. Truly a first class organization. So grateful for the difference this made in her life!

Amazing and affordable shows, with a great program for special needs kids as well. Very inclusive!

I danced and performed with this company for about 13 years. All through elementary school, middle school, and high school. The instructors and staff always made me feel at home and I’ll always treasure the life skills dance has taught me. This company is so incredibly special ❤️

SDCYB has been one of the only constants in my daughter's life since the pandemic began. After a short break in spring 2020, SDCYB staff immediately developed ways to continue classes online and even did mini-performances on zoom. I have been in awe of the creative ways SDCYB has kept their dancers engaged and improving during a time when so many other activities and organizations were put on hold. Thank you SDCYB for your amazing efforts to keep dance alive and thriving - we are so excited to be back in-person and can't wait to support this amazing group of dancers in the upcoming Nutcracker performances!

SDCYB is the best! I would HIGHLY RECOMMENDED them to anyone!

I used to support the San Diego Civic Youth Ballet primarily because our beautiful granddaughter took classes there. She graduated many years ago, but we still support them today because we continue to see many of the benefits from her time as a ballerina. I know she misses it! I am looking forward to buying my whole family a set of tickets whenever live performances start up again.

It has been wonderful for our daughter to have ballet with San Diego Civic Youth Ballet through this challenging time. It has been a constant that she can count on through all of the craziness. What a wonderful gift!

My family has been very impressed with SDCYB during this pandemic. Professional, friendly, great communication. It must be so hard to do what they are doing right now but you would never know it, and if we could give SDCYB more than 5 stars, we would.

There are many aspects of this organization that I love - the mission to make ballet dancing accessible to dancers from all walks of life and the talented professionals who are all about fulfilling the mission. I am honored to serve on the board with fellow professionals who care about the mission, the staff and the long term health of the organization. Of course the quality of programming is amazing! It’s not a surprise that the organization has been around for 75 years providing such a valuable service to the community.

This non-profit has handled a global pandemic in a way that truly reflects the resilient spirit of America's Finest City. Being nestled in Balboa Park and having to navigate not only federal, state, and county guidelines, but additional guidelines as a result of being on city land, SDCYB continues to maintain enrollment and involvement, conduct classes, and host its outreach programs in schools to continue exposing students who may never otherwise experience ballet to this wonderful art form. I have gone from dancing in their studios for summer intensive auditions to recently joining the board of directors, and I could not be more proud to have the opportunity to work with this historic organization. We need the arts now more than ever and SDCYB delivers.

Incredible institution with a sincere commitment to the arts and local community.

I am so pleased I found this place. My daughter has been a student here for 3 years, and we love the school’s values and culture, as well as their professionalism and obvious love of the art of ballet. I have volunteered at their outreach productions where schools are invited to learn about ballet and participate in a full performance. The regular nutcracker production included a scene involving specially abled dancers that was incredibly touching. The diversity and inclusion and outreach mentality makes this a truly special place.

SDCYB offers classes suitable for anyone and at an affordable tuition. They bring ballet to anyone who wants to experience it. I also appreciate the organizations commitment to excellence. Even during the pandemic they were focused on delivering quality education.

I was a student dancer at San Diego Civic Youth Ballet for about 12 up until I graduated the program. I will be forever thankful for the years I spent dancing there. While I did not go in to become a professional dancer, the instructors and classes helped shape me into a person I am proud of today. Ballet and the arts are such a fundamental part of a child’s development and SDCYB creates so many opportunities for students of all walks of life to participate; from their scholarship programs to their outreach programs in low income schools.

With the decay of the arts in our public education system, it is inspiring to see organizations like SDCYB take such an active roll in the community. Although we no longer live in the San Diego area (Arizona now), we follow the happenings with them and we look forward to our travels each year to experience the Nutcracker and a other events. Thanks SDCYB for being such an uplifting and talented group in a beautiful part of world.

Our daughter has danced with SDCYB for 8 years. She has developed from a toddler with a love of twirling to a graceful ballerina. The staff and teachers at SDCYB are incredibly devoted to their art and to the students they teach. They work hard at creating a nurturing family type environment. They have a buddy program where the older students mentor a younger student. Our daughter was inspired by her big buddy as a young ballerina and felt so much pride when she became old enough to take on the mentor role as an older buddy. At one point she wasn't sure if she wanted to keep up the commitment that ballet takes, she took a year off and came back to watch her friends in a production. On the way home in tears she asked if she could go back, she said "I didn't realize how much I loved ballet until I left for awhile. It's like a second family, I really miss it." We are so grateful for the talented team that have filled our daughters heart with a love of dance, and nurtured her to be the best she can be.

SDCYB has been a great experience for my 5 year old. She has really come out of her shell. She has a severe food allergy that she will react by being touched on her skin. SDCYB was willing to learn how to keep her safe and the parents that have interacted with my daughter were readily to support and include her. She has made great friends. She feels included and supported by the staff and peers.

My daughter is 10 years old and has been dancing with the SDCYB for about 5 years. The love and patience that the staff and teachers have, as well as their skills in teaching kids of all ages, in addition to the performance opportunities kids of all ages have throughout the year is just unmatched. We are so lucky to have found this place so early, and been a part of the ballet family.

My daughter is 16 and has been a student at SDCYB since she was 4. After school, it is her second home. I cannot say enough about the faculty and instructors at SDCYB. They provide a professional and structured environment for both girls and boys to both enjoy their classes and reach their potential. The community has grown so much over the years and somehow they still seem to know and appreciate each student and their family. I continue to be impressed with Danika as the Artistic Director and Molly as the Executive Director. They are so focused on making SDCYB the best. I am forever thankful for the support and care they have provided for my daughter. And I know she is, too.

While we don't need to mention exactly how long ago it was that I danced at San Diego Civic Youth Ballet, let's just say we're talking decades ago and not just years! When my parents first signed me up for class, I remember not being interested, but I gave it a chance and soon I was hooked. I am happy to say that I stuck with it for almost ten years and have felt the benefits of that time to this day. I even have a dear friend I still talk to who I met in ballet class when I was 8 years old. I'm still on this organization's mailing list because I enjoy seeing what they are up to and thrilled to see that they are still going strong after all of these years. Keep up the good work!

It doesn't get much better than SDCYB. I have had both of my kids go through their program for years. The teachers are all excellent and I am so grateful that my children have experienced the many benefits of ballet. They understand the value of hard work, dedication, discipline, patience and making smart choices about their health and fitness. They have made many friends over the years, we have enjoyed watching them grow both on and off stage and our entire family will forever be grateful to this organization for the work they do.

Believe it or not, I took ballet classes at the San Diego Civic Youth Ballet back in the 1950's. At that time, it was run by a woman named Maria Fielding and I have many fond memories of spending afternoons in Balboa Park. Recently, I decided to take my two grandchildren to one of their performances of "Coppélia." I love that ballet and haven't seen it in decades, so I chose this opportunity to expose the young kids to dance. To my joy (and surprise in this age of digital media), they loved it and immediately asked me when they could go again. Well, let's just say that I plan to take them as much as they want to go! As I watched all of the young dancers and saw the smiles on my grandchildren's faces, I was reminded of my own time studying ballet and reflected on how those life skills I learned with Mrs. Fielding over 50 years ago have stayed with me ever since. After "Coppélia," I found the ballet on Facebook so I could receive updates about future performances and saw their request for patrons to post reviews on this website. I am proud to enthusiastically support this as a "Great Nonprofit" and share the impact it has had, and continues to have, on my life.

My daughter has taken ballet classes at SDCYB for years and our family is so proud to be a part of this organization. My husband and I will never forget the first time we saw her perform as one of the little candies in "The Nutcracker" and have so enjoyed watching her thrive and grow both on stage and in the classroom. Ballet is undeniably a beautiful art, but it's even more than that. It instills in its dancers qualities such as strength, focus, discipline, patience, a strong work ethic and so much more. My daughter has already expressed to us that she wants to continue her training and we can't think of a better place to do that than at SDCYB!

I have two daughters that have been attending ballet classes here for eight years. Our family has only encountered positive experiences with the teachers and office staff. The teachers are respectful and encouraging, and they each have a unique and creative approach in addressing technique and choreography. The office staff is very friendly and approachable with any questions or concerns that parents may have. The teachers and staff are very supportive and genuinely care about each other.

San Diego Civic Youth Ballet emphasizes safety and security around the classes and performances. They are adamant about not letting the young dancers leave class without joining them with their parent, and they do not let ANY dancer of any age leave a performance without joining them with their parent.

I would highly recommend this ballet company!

This fabulous class was one of the best things ever for my daughter! She blossomed and gained so much confidence. It was awesome to see! She is proud to call herself a ballerina!

The San Diego Civic Youth Ballet is one of my favorite charities in San Diego! Just one look at these young dancers performing on stage and you will feel the same way! Arts programs continue to to disappear from our schools, so community organizations like SDCYB are essential to providing an opportunity for youth to have an outlet for creativity and expression and foster a passion for the performing arts. Looking at these young performers, you can see the pure joy that their experience in SDCYB has brought to their lives. Nothing warms my heart like seeing an SDCYB performance. Thank you for all that you do for local youth and the greater arts community!

My 15 year old daughter has been dancing with SDCYB since she was 7 years old. We love this studio so much and for so many reasons. When she was little, she participated in their homeschool dance classes that fit our schedule really well. One of the things we've cherished most about SDCYB is their amazing staff! Each of my daughter's dance teachers has their own unique approach, but they are all able to inspire without pressure, communicate clearly, and help my daughter progress in her dance with support and expert guidance. I LOVE that every student is given an opportunity to perform in high-quality productions multiple times a year and I truly appreciate not having to buy glitzy single-use costumes each time she performs (unlike other dance companies). SDCYB has a gifted Costume Mistress who puts together beautiful costumes for each show that the students borrow and return for future productions. I also really appreciate SDCYB's dedication to our community, providing free outreach programs for youth all around the county. What a gift to our community!

SDCYB provides some of the most affordable ballet training in San Diego and the only thing that might match the beauty of the art they produce on stage is the beauty of Balboa Park, where their performances and classes take place. It can be challenging to get a spot in the classes because the organization has grown so much in the last couple of years, that's just a testament to the strength and quality of the school. No matter what, even if your child can't sign up for class, you can still bring your family to a performance of "The Nutcracker" or one of the many shows they present throughout the year. As more and more arts funding gets cut from public schools, we need more places like SDCYB!

As someone who values arts education and appreciates ballet, I have followed the work of the San Diego Civic Youth Ballet for a couple of years and am always impressed with the high level of professionalism I see in both the young dancers and in the teachers and staff who mentor them. SDCYB has been in Balboa Park for over 70 years and is not only a historic institution, but yet another reminder of why we call this "America's Finest City."

My daughter and I love SDCYB. This ballet school holds high standards for both their staff and students. It is clear that at SDCYB the administration fosters an environment of respect and professionalism. It is a place where kindness and principled behavior is both supported and expected from all parties involved.

We have been with SDCYB for over 6 years. Both my daughter and I have been very happy with the staff and the dance instruction she has received. Highly recommend SDCYB!!

My daughter dances at SDCYB, and we as a family love to volunteer our time in order to help in the productions, which are extremely professional, a true delight to watch and for the dancers to prepare for future dancing opportunities.
SDCYB offers more than ballet classes, it offers a real life opportunity to kids and their families to experience the fun, the love and the passion for this artistic expression.
We truly appreciate what the full staff and all the community of SDCYB do.

This is a fantastic organization and and great experience for all dancers.

I am pleased to recommend the San Diego Civic Youth Ballet to parents considering dance for their children and youth. As a former dancer who went through a ballet company with pressure surrounding weight and body image I was very concerned about making sure that my child had a better experience than I had. Not only does SDCYB have incredible technical instructors, they also have personalities that make dancing enjoyable. All children and youth are encouraged to enjoy ballet as an art form and are taught to have an appreciation for the expression, the music, their bodies, and other people. They have produced some incredibly talented dancers who are clearly poised to become career dancers. The entire staff understands however that not all participants are there to become career dancers. They appreciate that all dancers come in with individual levels and goals of participation and they don't attempt to classify dancers exclusively based on an age group. The performances they produce are truly beautiful productions with exquisite costumes and professionally choreographed numbers that you will be proud to have family members and friends attend. Also, very importantly, SDCYB instructors take the safety of all dancers seriously and are meticulous with drop off and pick up and bathroom breaks.
I have been thrilled to have my child dancing with SDCYB for 5 years and will continue to enroll her and support what I believe is the best dance company in San Diego.

Thirteen years ago, my then four year old daughter started taking ballet classes at San Diego Civic Youth Ballet. As soon as her little sister turned four, she started lessons too, and is still dancing today. This year will mark her tenth consecutive year performing in The Nutcracker. We love the SDCYB program, staff, and teachers, who really care about their students. My girls have made wonderful friends there over the years, as well as gaining pose, strength, confidence and self-discipline. It has been a very rewarding experience for all of us.

Our family loves this ballet company. The instructors are very professional, and personable. The building and surrounding park are beautifully artistic and inspiring. Our daughter has been attending class since she was a little girl, and we have seen her grow with the qualities of discipline and grace. We recommend SDCYB for any family considering a dance company for their daughter or son. A big thumbs up!

My two daughters have been students at SDCYB since they were little. The teachers while professional, are extremely personable making the students feel welcomed and comfortable. This allows each student the self-esteem to give it their all. We are pleased with the character growth and ballet expertise of our girls as a result of being a part of SDCYB.

I love SDCYB! My daughter has been attending for several years now, and I love the school both as a parent and audience member. The teachers are professional: they are loving and caring, which is what little ones need, but also there to teach them technique and how to be a part of a company. They take safety as seriously as anything, too, which is very important. And the performances are wonderful! Everything from the cute tiny tots to the well-versed teenagers. I get teary watching them, even when my daughter isn't on stage!

My daughters have been attending SDCYB Classes for 3 years. They love their teachers and everything they learn. The teachers are very professional and ensure the safety of the students on a daily basis.

Villasenor Girls

My daughter has been a dancer with SDCYB for the last 7 years. We love the quality of the classes, the fabulous teachers and the opportunities to participate in amazing performances!

Our daughter just started her second year at SDCYB ballet school and she loves it. She has had three different ballet teachers thus far and she liked all three. We have had plenty of opportunity to observe the teachers' work through open lectures as well as showcase performances. I am personally very satisfied with the balance between keeping it light and fun for kids to remain engaged, yet teaching them something new each and every week. The fact that our 5-year-old is still excited about ballet classes after more than 35 sessions she attended already can be fully attributed to SDCYB's program and teachers' commitment. Thank you SDCYB!

My two daughters have attended classes at SDCYB for 3 years, since the very beginner Tiny Tots level.
We couldn't be happier with the level of instruction, the teachers, and the performing opportunities this wonderful school provides, and all at an affordable cost. This is more than just a ballet school, it's a family of dedicated teachers, involved parents, and great kids. SDCYB teachers and staff are very open, friendly and accessible. Their doors are ALWAYS open! We love the productions - they are beautifully and professionally staged, with top grade costumes (thanks a million, Ms. Tammy!), and every dancer involved, creating a lifetime of memories and friendships. This is a true community organization, which provides affordable access to the beauty of classical ballet and music to all! Thank you, SDCYB and Happy 70th Anniversary!

My two daughters both take classes at SDCYB and my experience with the staff is that they are extremely helpful and provide quality ballet instruction. Both my daughters continue to enjoy attending ballet classes with SDCYB. My only regret is that they don't have more classes for each level available throughout the week.

SDCYB is the BEST organization, community we've been a part of. They don't just teach our kids ballet but they work hard to build a sense of community and belonging. Some examples are: They put on collective shows where family members particpate in putting on the production whether they are ushers or sell tickets. They hold special events to connect with each other like Ballet Buddies where they partner older ballerinas with the younger ones to help each other grow in their art and develop positive role models and friendships. This is such a consciencous organization they offer scholarships for the under privledged. And when it comes time for a performance they have stock performance outfits for the kids for NO additional out-of-pocket expenses for the family. Everything they do as an organization demonstrates to me that they do it out of love, love for ballet, love for San Diego, and love for the kids. KEEP IT UP SDCYB! I can't wait for my next little one to turn 4 and start another SDCYB kid.

My daughter has attended SDCYB since she was three and now as a fifteen year-old considers SDCYB her home. Classes and organization are top notch, and the facilities fit their needs. We are all very happy with our daughters growth and our expectations are always exceeded!

My daughters have taken ballet lessons at SDCYB for four years. They love the teachers and getting to perform. I love the fact that SDCYB embraces all children who want to learn ballet, not just those with perfect body types. The teachers care about the students and their development, and do not rush them into dancing on pointe. It is important to me that they consider the student's development and well being the priority. My daughters have gained confidence, physical strength, and flexibility dancing ballet. I never thought I would be a "ballet mom", but I'm proud to be one now. Thank you SDCYB!

My daughter takes ballet at SDCYB and she absolutely loves it!! The school is beautiful and the staff is very friendly and professional. I am so thankful to have this available in San Diego and very happy that we are using the historic buildings in San Diego for arts!

My daughter is taking ballet with SDCYB, and we are beyond impressed with the professionalism and care put into each class. She looks forward to our trip to Balboa every week, and we plan on returning for classes for years to come.

My daughter has been dancing at San Diego Civic Youth Ballet for two years and has greatly improved as a dancer and as a hard working person to reach her goals. This is great organization that provides a those opportunities. Great performances and wonderful professional instructors. Very pleasant environment!!!

My daughter has been dancing ballet over 10 years with SDCYB. This wonderful organization has enriched our lives personally and culturally in so many ways. The talented teachers, and friendly staff provide a welcoming and inclusive environment to all. Each dancer has the opportunity to perform at the Casa del Prado Theatre in Balboa Park in the Nutcracker Production, Spring Production and/or Spring showcase under the direction of Artistic Director Danika Pramik-Holdaway. I am proud to be part of this great nonprofit organization.

My daughter has been attending SDCYB for over 10 years. It has truly been a rewarding experience for my daughter and a delight to watch this excellent program ands its dancers bloom. This school provides fabulous dance instruction as well as a nurturing environment where friendships grow and maturity unfolds. I am so pleased to see the school reach new heights every year and my daughter benefit from the hardwork and performance opportunities. This is a first class school on all levels.

My daughter started in the Tiny Tots program this year and is now in their pre-ballet class at SDCYB. She has loved all of her instructors and is always excited to go to class. I feel lucky that my daughter is able to attend such a great ballet school, which I also attended as a child. It is such a professional school at a very reasonable price. Location is beautiful and they get a lot of performance opportunities throughout the year.

My daughter began TIny Tots ballet at San Diego Civic Youth Ballet last year and she has found a structure for her free dance here through this organization. She loves to dance anywhere whenever she hears music. Now that she is in her second year of ballet, she has found some steps to use in her impromptu dancing. We love Miss Kerri's informative and caring pedagogical style.

SDCYB is an amazing dance school! My daughter has been dancing here for 8 years, and she feels like SDCYB is a second home. The teachers and artistic director are very professional, but also warm and caring. They look at my daughter not only as a dancer, but also as a person. The productions are wonderful, and they give all the children a chance to experience the stage. My daughter has grown as a dancer, as well as developed poise and self confidence.

SDCYB is an amazing ballet school! The teaching staff is professional, knowledgeable and nurturing. Each level challenges my daughter more without pressure. We LOVE the performance opportunities and the fact that every dancer who auditions gets a part in their productions. As a mom, I really appreciate that the teachers and staff support my daughter to be her best and are respectful of a dancer's growing body without pressure to be a certain weight or look a certain way. We love having class in beautiful Balboa Park as well! One of the unique aspects of SDCYB is their daytime classes for home schooled students of all levels. I also appreciate the outreach that SDCYB does to the community, bringing dance education and experiences to schools throughout San Diego.

SDCYB is a fabulous school. It's unique environment in Balboa Park allows for a sense of culture and community that is unmatched. The staff is dedicated, helpful, professional, and above all, loving and kind. Dancers of all abilities and ages are guided and mentored in a nurturing and supportive fashion. When we moved 15 miles north we decided to make the commitment to drive downtown as the quality of teaching and care of SDCYB is unmatched. That combined with the diversity and commitment to providing financial aid to make ballet abailable to all, makes SDCYB an organization we are very proud to be a part of!

This is a great organization that is really tailored to helping kids not only learn the basics of ballet but also allow them to truly evolve into great dancers if that is their goal. There is no other organization I know of that helps kids achieve their goals without having to worry about the financial ramifications. The Executive team has done a tremendous job.

SDCYB is a wonderful ballet school with lower costs than anywhere else I've found, yet provides more than anywhere else I've found. They put on fantastic productions where they give a role to every student that auditions. There are low fees for classes, productions, and performance tickets.

They also provide a very communal feeling among the students. They hold cast parties and "ballet buddy" parties where they assign an older dancer to be a buddy to the younger ones. Summer camps are lots of fun and the location of the school could not be any nicer! I love to sit and read under a tree while my daughter leaps and twirls and learns how to dance.

As the parent of a young child (she was 4 when we began, and is now 6), I feel safe leaving her in the care of the instructors and at rehearsals and performances. Their security measures are in place and implemented well.