Classical Ballet of California

Classical Ballet of California offers daily ballet classes for children and adults from beginning to professional levels, including Pre-Ballet classes, Level 1 through Advanced ballet classes, and drop-in ballet classes. The program also offers Boys (6–11 years old) ballet classes, a Contemporary class on Fridays, and performance opportunities in productions such as Swan Lake, Don Quixote, Coppelia, Sleeping Beauty, La Fille Mal Gardee, Cinderella, Peter Pan, and annual productions of The Nutcracker. Families can also choose a Pre-Ballet Trial or Level 1+ Trial class.

• Ages: 6–18 years old
• Price: Pre-Ballet $45, $85; Level 1 – Advanced $58, $102, $151, $195; Boys (6–11 years old) $50; Pre-Ballet Trial $13; Level 1+ Trial $16; New Student Registration Fee $16; Drop-in Fee (amount not specified)

Ms. Nina Baratova has been Director of Classical Ballet of California since 1997 and previously trained with the San Francisco Ballet School and Barbara Crockett in Sacramento, danced as a principal with the Sacramento Ballet, studied at the Bolshoi Ballet Academy in Moscow on a two-year scholarship invitation, and was a finalist in the 5th International Ballet Competition in Paris, France. In 1997, Ms. Baratova received an Emerging Artist Grant from the Sacramento Mayor and the Metropolitan Arts Commission, and in 2002 and 2003 she produced a 22 city, 4 state tour of The Nutcracker with the Russian Festival Ballet of Moscow and local children. Mr. Gregory Amato, co-director of Classical Ballet of California, studied at the San Francisco Ballet School and the Joffrey Ballet School on full scholarships, danced with multiple companies including Miami City Ballet and Smuin Ballet S.F., won the gold medal in the Fred Astaire International Ballroom Dance Competition, danced in 53 countries, and was a featured dancer at Carnegie Hall for the 100th Celebration of George Gershwin. Ms. Aline Carili, who teaches the Contemporary class on Fridays, trained at Mvsika Centro de Estudos in Brazil, holds a Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education from P.U.C. Goias in Brazil, and is a member of Peninsula Ballet Theatre. Minna Rogers has professional training in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, and Modern Dance, began professional studies at Ballet Arts in Tucson, Arizona, and has studied in master classes and workshops at the University of Arizona, Vienna Opera Ballet School, Vienna Conservatory Ballet, Performance Studies, and Musical Theatre Dance at PBT. As Director, Ms. Baratova has staged numerous productions for the school that incorporate all of the students as well as volunteer members of the community, including annual productions of The Nutcracker.

Last updated June 17, 2026.