Marin Conservatory of Dance

Marin Conservatory of Dance offers ballet classes at multiple levels, including Level 1, Level 1A, Level 1B, Level 1C, Level 2A, Level 2B, Level 2C, Level 3A, Level 4, Level 5, and Level 6. The program also offers contemporary classes.

Programs

• Level 1 — 5 years old · Saturday 11:00 am-12:00 pm
• Level 1A — 6-8 years old · Friday 3:30 pm-4:30 pm
• Level 1B — 7-9 years old · Friday 4:30 pm-5:30 pm · Some prior ballet experience; non-entry level; dancers may attend once or twice weekly depending on schedule.
• Level 1C — 8-9 · Monday and Friday · Experience required; non-entry level; attendance in both classes required for enrollment.
• Level 2A — 8-10 · Wednesday, Thursday and Friday · Basic prior experience required; attendance in all classes is required.
• Level 2B — 9-12 years old · Tuesday, Thursday and Friday · Previous 2A experience or entry from another ballet program; attendance in all classes required; demi-pointe preparation.
• Level 2C — 9-11 years old · Wednesday, Thursday and Friday · Previous experience; attendance in both classes required for enrollment.
• Level 3A — 12+ years old · Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday · Experience required; attendance in all classes required; includes beginning pointe.
• Level 4 — Includes ballet, pointe, contemporary, Pilates Reformer, pointe and stretch classes are required.
• Level 5 — Includes ballet, pointe/variation, Pilates Reformer; pointe and stretch class are required.
• Level 6 — Includes ballet, pointe/variation, Pilates Reformer; pointe and stretch class are required.
• Contemporary — 9-11, 12-13, 14+ · Thursday

At a glance

• Ages: 5–18 years old
• Current session: Fall 26' Session (Aug 16–Dec 11, 2026); Spring 27' Session (Jan 4–Jun 4, 2027)
• General schedule: Classes and curriculum are based on a 9 month academic school schedule from August to June, with advancement summer program classes yearly in June to July. The schedule remains the same in the Fall and Spring sessions.

About the provider

The director and owner is Melinda Neal. The program says it is rooted in Marin community values and has been featured in Enjoy Mill Valley, the Mill Valley Chamber of Commerce, and Marin Magazine. Melinda Neal is a Bay Area native and former soloist who danced professionally for 16 years, earned a BA in Performing Arts through St. Mary’s College of California’s LEAP program, is pursuing a Master of Arts in Dance at St. Mary’s College of California, and is a certified Pilates Instructor.

Students must enroll in all classes required per level; modified schedules are not offered. Please email for a trial class if unsure of level placement. Tuition is non-refundable. There are no refunds for missed classes, rehearsals, or unforeseen circumstances. Enrollment closes 4 weeks after the start date of each semester. Parents with children in Levels 1 through 2C must volunteer for each performance or pay an opt-out fee of $100 per session. Mandatory Saturday rehearsals are mentioned for the Youth Program. The Nutcracker and Spring Showcase participation is referenced.

Last updated September 12, 2026.