Orinda Ballet Academy

Orinda Ballet Academy offers ballet training that includes Pre-Ballet through Advanced/Pre-Professional levels, along with additional dance styles. Students take part in student performances and Youth Company's performances, including biannual productions such as the winter production “A Sweet Dream Nutcracker” and spring term story ballets like “Coppelia,” “The Sleeping Beauty,” “Cinderella's Ball,” “Swan Lake,” “Alice in Wonderland,” “Peter Pan,” “The Firebird,” and “Coppelia And the Magic Toy Shoppe & Contemporary Dances.” Advanced level students have opportunities for pas de deux work and partnering with guest artists under the guidance of professional dancers.

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

Established in 2009, Orinda Ballet Academy operates under the leadership of Artistic Director Patricia Tomlinson. The Academy’s mission is to provide quality classical ballet training, from Pre-Ballet through Advanced/Pre-Professional levels, to students ages 3–18 years. All ballet divisions, from Pre-Ballet through Advanced, have the option to participate in the Fall Term “A Sweet Dream Nutcracker” Youth Production, and all productions are choreographed and staged by the Artistic Director. The Academy states that performing allows students to develop and refine their skills, technique, and artistry, and notes that all dancers benefit by sharing the stage with professionals.

Last updated March 17, 2026.