Menlo Park Academy of Dance

Menlo Park Academy of Dance offers Classical Ballet, Pre-Ballet, Pre-Dance & Tap, Pointe, Stretch Classes, Lyrical, Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, Musical Theater, Progressing Ballet Technique, and Adult Classes. Pre-Ballet includes basic ballet technique, music appreciation, expression of movement, class decorum, and tumbling for the last 15 minutes. Pre-Dance & Tap blends ballet, tap, jazz, and tumbling.

Programs

• Classical Ballet — four years to adults; Primary 6-7 yrs; Ballet I-IV; Ballet V; Intermediate Foundation; Intermediate I-II; Advanced Foundation I-II; Advanced I-II
• Pointe — students who have gained an Intermediate level of technique, control of turnout and a physically strong body · For students with the required ballet level and physical readiness.
• Pre-Ballet — assigned according to age; for young children · Introductory classical ballet course; includes basic ballet technique, music appreciation, expression of movement, class decorum, and tumbling for the last 15 minutes.
• Pre-Dance & Tap — assigned according to age; for young children · Introductory course blending ballet, tap, jazz, and tumbling; students bring tap shoes for the second week of class.
• Stretch Classes — Focuses on flexibility and conditioning.
• Lyrical — Contemporary dance style that fuses ballet and jazz; students should be concurrently enrolled in a ballet technique class.
• Jazz — Dynamic dance style with leaps, kicks, jumps, and turns; students are strongly encouraged to be enrolled in a ballet technique class.
• Tap — Dance form focused on rhythmic sounds from metal plates hitting the floor.
• Contemporary — Taught with a style of ballet incorporating modern, jazz and neo-classical movements.
• Musical Theater — Explores acting and characterization within dance.
• Progressing Ballet Technique — Innovative program developed by Australian ballet teacher Marie Walton-Mahon; classes are taught by Sarah Arnold, a third level certified PBT instructor.
• Adult Classes — adults · Options include drop in, regular online registration, and a 5 class card.

At a glance

• Ages: 4–18 years old
• General schedule: Year-round classes are offered. Summer Intensive Program and Winter Intensive are offered. The 2026-27 schedule is listed by weekday.
• Facility hours: Main office Monday-Friday 10am-6pm; closed 12:30-1pm for lunch.

About the provider

The Academy has been a dance school since 1947 and celebrated 75 years serving the local community on Saturday September 10th, 2022. Its leadership team is Karina Yanes and Barbara Miron. The Academy is an accredited Royal Academy school, received the Solo Seal Award, and is the official school of Menlo Park’s only professional ballet company, Menlowe Ballet.

Last updated September 16, 2026.