Ayako School of Ballet

Ayako School of Ballet offers Pre-Ballet 1 and 2, which are 45-minute classes that introduce basic ballet fundamentals. It also offers Pre-Jazz for students in Pre-Ballet or beginning ballet, Beginning Ballet 1, Beginning Ballet 2, Beginning Ballet 3B, Levels 3A, 4A, 4B, 5B, 6B, and 7B, plus Open Classes in jazz, modern, acro, and conditioning for dancers.

Programs

• Pre-Ballet 1, 2 — Age 4 and over · 45-minute classes; designed to introduce students to basic ballet fundamentals.
• Pre-Jazz — For pre-ballet or beginning ballet students who would like to take another dance class besides ballet. Students must be enrolled in Pre-Ballet.
• Beginning Ballet 1 — Age 6, Age 7, age under 6 with teacher recommendation · Completed pre-ballet 2.
• Beginning Ballet 2 — Age 7, Age 8, age under 7 with teacher recommendation · Completed Beginning Ballet 1.
• Beginning Ballet 3B — Age 8-10, age 7+ with teacher recommendation · Completed Beginning Ballet 2.
• Level 4B — Audition required; 3 hours minimum per week with at least 2 hours ballet classes.
• Level 5B — Audition required; 3 hours minimum per week with at least 2 hours ballet classes.
• Level 6B — Audition required; 4.5 hours minimum per week with 2+ hours of ballet classes.
• Level 7B — Audition required; 4.5 hours minimum per week with 2+ hours of ballet classes.
• Open Classes — Beginning/Intermediate Jazz, Beginning/Intermediate Modern, Beginning/Intermediate Acro, Conditioning for Dancer.
• Level 3A — Audition required; 3.5 hours minimum per week with at least 2.5 hours pre-professional ballet classes.
• Level 4A — Audition required; 5 hours minimum per week with at least 3.5 hours pre-professional ballet classes.

At a glance

• Ages: 4–18 years old
• General schedule: Regular sessions run Monday through Friday by 4pm, and Saturday by 9am. The school registers students for a 10-1/2-month training program from August through June.

About the provider

Ayako School of Ballet started in Watsonville, CA in 1976 and will celebrate its 50th anniversary next year. Ayako Takahashi has been the Artistic Director since 1987. The school serves San Mateo, Belmont, and greater Peninsula families, presents an annual Showcase each June, and has presented Nutcracker annually in December since 2021. It is affiliated with Peninsula Youth Ballet (PYB).

Auditions are required for some levels. Students may audition for the upcoming season each September. Trial class is free for Pre-Ballet, Beginning Ballet, and Elementary level students. Tuition is due by the 10th of each month. A $30 late charge applies after the 10th. Refunds are available only before the first class; tuition is non-refundable after classes begin. Make-up classes may be taken in the same or lower-level class within 30 days for health, family, or academic matters. 30 days' advance notice is requested to drop a class or the program.

Last updated September 20, 2026.