Orinda Ballet Academy

Orinda Ballet Academy offers classical ballet training that includes Pre-Ballet, Advanced/Pre-Professional ballet, and additional dance styles. Students take part in student performances, Youth Company's performances, contemporary dances, and, for advanced students, pas de deux work and partnering with guest artists under the guidance of professional dancers. The program includes an annual winter production called “A Sweet Dream Nutcracker,” as well as spring term story ballet productions such as “Coppelia,” “The Sleeping Beauty,” “Cinderella's Ball,” “Swan Lake,” “Alice in Wonderland,” “Peter Pan,” and “The Firebird.”

• Ages: 3–18 years old
• Schedule: 2024 Fall Term August 17–December 15; 2026 Winter-Spring Term January 10–May 22; 2026 Summer Term July 6–July 24; 2026 Spring Production May 15–17

Orinda Ballet Academy was established in 2009. The Artistic Director is Patricia Tomlinson, who choreographs and stages all productions. The Academy’s mission is to provide classical ballet training from Pre-Ballet through Advanced/Pre-Professional levels to students ages 3–18 years. The Academy’s student performances include biannual performances for students ages 3–18 years, and all students are encouraged but not required to take part in the Youth Company's performances. The 2024 Fall Term includes a Nutcracker performance option and “A Sweet Dream Nutcracker” Youth Production December 13–15, and the 2026 Spring Production is titled “Coppelia And the Magic Toy Shoppe” & Contemporary Dances.

Last updated June 16, 2026.