Do you have classes for adults? Can teenagers also take these classes?

The classes that are sponsored by the Dance Center are all adult classes. We have an extensive array of classes available at many levels and in many dance forms. Go here to see a full listing of our current classes.

Students younger than 16 are not allowed in open classes. If a teenager has a background in dance and can handle an adult level class, they are welcome to participate.

Do you have classes for professional and pre-professional dancers?

Monday through Friday, there is a Professional Ballet class offered 11am-12:30 pm. This is the class that LINES Ballet company members take and participants must be approved for this class by emailing Ballet Master Arturo Fernandez at arturo@linesballet.org.

In addition, Monday, Wednesday and Friday, there is an Advanced Ballet Class at 9:30-11:00 am and Saturdays are there two Advanced Ballet classes from 10:00-11:30 am and 11:30-1:00 pm.

We also offer intermediate and advanced classes in modern dance, jazz, and flamenco. Download a full listing of our current classes here.

There are two intensive summer programs offered each year for pre-professional dancers that is based in ballet but also includes other forms of dance. There is information about the program and the application process here.

There is a year-round program for young adults called the LINES Ballet Training Program that provides intensive training and provides opportunities to work with choreographers and perform. For more information please go here.

For information about the new joint Bachelor of Fine Arts Program in Dance between LINES and Dominican University of California click here.

Do you have classes for children?

We do not offer year around classes for children however, our LINES Ballet School offers a Summer Pre-Professional program that serves individuals ages 11-25. For more information click here.

Can I just drop in to take class?

Yes. Our classes are designed to “drop in” as your schedule allows. The drop-in class rate is $13. Unless otherwise noted, classes are on-going so there is not “beginning” or “end” of a session. You do not need to sign up for a “series” of classes. Those classes that are not on-going are labeled as “workshops” in the class schedule and indicate start and end dates. For information on becoming an SFDC member and purchasing discount class cards, please see our membership information.

Can I observe a class?

You will need to arrive early and check in at the front desk on the 5th Floor and let the receptionist know that you would like to observe class. Then you will need to proceed to the class room, introduce yourself to the teacher and ask her/his permission to observe class.

I've never taken dance before. What class do you have for me?

We created an Introduction to Dance class for those who are just getting started. It explains all the basic terminology used in dance classes and teaches how to do basic steps. You can take this class as often as you need to get ready to start in one of the beginnning level classes.

I haven't danced in a long time, what level should I take?

It is up to you to try different levels since what's difficult for one dancer may not be so for another. If you approach the teacher she/he will help you figure out if you are in the right class.

I am worried that I am not thin enough or young enough to take class.

At SFDC, there are a variety of body types in our open classes. Also, several of our students are senior citizens. Please know that these classes are geared for adults so you will not be in class with children. We are thrilled to have you take class regardless of age or size.

What is the order that ballet classes should be taken?

The classes are set up to be taken in this order:
• Introduction to Dance (if you have never taken dance)
• Basic Ballet (to refresh your memory if you are returning after taking as a child)
• Beginning Ballet
• Intermediate Ballet
• Advanced Ballet (advanced dancers only please)

Do you offer private instruction?

If you are interested in private instruction, you should approach a teacher you are interested in working with directly. If you want to use studio space at the Dance Center to meet with the teacher for private classes, come to the Front Desk on the 5th floor to arrange to rent time in one of our studios. We rent out space for private classes at a rehearsal rate.

What should I wear for class?

We do not have a dress code.  Wear clothes that are comfortable to move in.  However you may want to avoid clothes that are too loose as they will make it difficult for the teacher to give you accurate feedback.

What should I wear for a flamenco class?

If you do not yet have flamenco shoes, wear a shoe with a hard sole (not sneakers) to your first class. If you decide to continue taking flamenco, you should get flamenco shoes as soon as possible. There is information in Studio 6 on where to buy shoes or your teacher can suggest where to buy them. Your teacher may or may not request that you wear a flamenco skirt. You may ask your teacher at your first day of class. Note: Teachers encourage beginning flamenco students to bring a tape recorder to class to acquaint themselves with the rhythms between classes.

What sort of footwear should I wear to class?

• Ballet Ballet slippers. You can take class in pointe shoes if you have been trained in pointe work, but it is not mandatory. Note: If you are just starting you can wear thin socks until you are sure you will be continuing in class.
• Modern Bare feet or thin socks.
• Jazz Bare feet or jazz shoes.
• Fusion Bare feet or thin socks.
• Intro to Dance Ballet slippers. Note: If you are just starting dance, you can wear thin socks if you don't want to invest in a pair of ballet slippers right away.
• Flamenco Shoes with hard soles (character or flamenco shoes for women).
• Hip Hop Sneakers (avoid tennis shoes with soles that are too soft as you will "stick" to the floor.
• Tap tap shoes (if you are a beginning student, you can take your first class with a hard-soled shoe)
• Feldenkrais Bare feet or socks.
• Afro-Colombian Dance Bare feet
• West African Dance Bare feet

If I'm running late, how late can I enter class?

Students should plan to arrive at the Dance Center at least 15 minutes before a class is scheduled to begin. You need to allow enough time to check in for class, change clothes and be ready to enter the studio at the time the class is scheduled to begin.

If unusual circumstances cause you to be late, you may enter a class up to 15 minutes after it has begun if the teacher will give permission.

If you are late, you must sign in for the class, change clothes and be ready to enter the class no more than 15 minutes into the class. The Dance Center will not allow you to enter a class more than 15 minutes into the class. This policy has been set to prevent injuries to students who have missed a substantial part of the class warm up.

If you are allowed to enter a class late, please be considerate. Enter class as quietly as possible and take an open place at the back of the class or at the barre in a manner that will not disturb the class or other students.

How long is a class?

Unless otherwise indicated on the schedule, classes are an hour and a half long.

Do you have showers?

Unfortunately we do not have showers on the premises.  However, we do offer dressing rooms for your convenience.

Do you have lockers?

We have lockers in our dressing rooms for your convenience. They are for day use only and you must bring your own lock. Students may use a locker for the duration of your class. Items may not be left over night. If you do not have a lock with you, you can take your things into the classroom but you should keep an eye on your belongings at all times. We are not responsible for lost or stolen property. Please avoid bringing valuable items to the dance center.