The Academy of Classical Ballet-CA

The Academy of Classical Ballet-CA offers graded ballet training and a Young Dancer program for ages 3-7. Students are placed into graded levels by technical ability through placement class and evaluation. The program also includes Royal Performance Camp, Summer Intensive, Pre-Professional Summer Intensive, Regular Session, Summer Session, and Performance Options.

Programs

• Graded Ballet Training — 3-7 in Young Dancer program; full graded program begins at age 8 · Safe, body-positive ballet training; students are placed by technical ability through placement class and evaluation.
• Young Dancer Program — 3-7 · For dancers ages 3-7.
• Regular Session
• Summer Session
• Performance Options
• Summer Intensive — intermediate to advanced dancers ages 9+ · Pre-professional ballet summer intensive in Campbell.
• Pre-Professional Summer Intensive — ages 9+; perfect for intermediate to advanced dancers ages 11+
• Royal Performance Camp — ages 5-8 · Beginning dancers explore Sleeping Beauty, learn age-appropriate ballet technique, create costumes, and rehearse for a special performance.

At a glance

• Ages: 3–18 years old
• General schedule: Full graded program begins at age 8. Students ages 3-7 participate in the Young Dancer program. Students are placed in graded levels based on technical ability, not necessarily age, through evaluation and placement classes. As students advance, they increase their class time.

About the provider

The Academy of Classical Ballet-CA was established in 2009 and is owned and directed by Ms. Crystal Petzel. The academy uses classical ballet techniques including Vaganova, Royal Academy of Dance (RAD), and American Ballet Theatre (ABT). Ms. Petzel has completed American Ballet Theatre training and is certified from Primary through level 7. Sandra Hahs is certified by the ABT National Training Curriculum from Pre-Primary to Level 7, and Sarah Stevens is certified in the ABT National Training Curriculum and was recognized as an ABT NTC Fellow in 2024. Ms. Petzel has also conceived outreach programs for under-served, ESL, and special needs elementary school children and developed a Student Guild organization.

Students are placed into graded levels based on technical abilities, not necessarily age. The academy does not focus on competitions or rankings. It provides safe, supportive, body-positive training.

Last updated September 22, 2026.