Ballet San Jose School

Ballet San Jose School, located in the Shops of Vietnam Town at 909 Story Road, offers classical ballet training for students aged 3 to adult. Founded in 2013 by Maximo Califano (formerly Bay Ballet Academy), the school specializes in developing strong classical ballet technique with particular attention to body posture, feet placement, physical strength and flexibility. The studio is equipped with sprung Marley floors, wooden barres, large mirrors, and a sound system, with ample parking available in the mall's parking lot.

Maximo Califano, the school's visionary founder, director and principal dance teacher, is an American Ballet Theatre (ABT) certified instructor with over 30 years of experience in dancing and teaching. He enjoyed a 15-year career as a Principal Dancer with Ballet San Jose and holds a degree in Creative Arts from San Jose State University. His teaching philosophy blends discipline, artistry and fun to create an environment where dancers can thrive. The school's faculty includes Alora Bell (15+ years of teaching experience, specializing in beginner dancers), Jacqui Ghodsi (trained in Australia with the Queensland Ballet and performer at the Sydney Opera House), and Carlie Cuddihy (trained at the California Academy of Performing Arts, Santa Clara University, and Ballet San Jose School).

Children are placed in one of five levels—Ballet I through Ballet V—based on age, experience and ability, with progression designed to increase technique, stamina and artistry according to physical maturity. The school offers daily adult and teen classes at beginner and intermediate/advanced levels, held in 75-minute sessions. Adults with little or no dance training can join the Beginner Adult Ballet Class focusing on technique, alignment and movement quality. Intermediate and Advanced students work at a professional level employing the full range of classical ballet technique; pointe shoes may be worn at the teacher's discretion.

The school produces two full-length ballet performances annually: The Nutcracker for the holidays and a different ballet production in the spring, performed at the Historic Hoover Theater, a beautiful intimate venue from the 1930s. All students have the opportunity to participate in these shows, which serve as a transition from student to professional performer. The school also offers private coaching for the Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) competition, held in February each year in San Francisco or other US cities, at $60 per hour. Registration is open year-round and students can join at any time; trial classes are free for children under 18, and adults may pay a $20 drop-in fee to try a class first.

Children's classes are structured around age and ability, focusing on classical technique and building confidence through movement and music. Adult beginner classes center on technique, alignment and movement quality with warm-ups and combinations suited to your needs. Intermediate and advanced adult classes work at professional level using the full range of classical technique. All classes emphasize posture, strength, flexibility and artistry.

Maximo Califano is the founder, director and principal teacher—an ABT-certified instructor with 30+ years' experience including 15 years as a Principal Dancer with Ballet San Jose. Other faculty include Alora Bell (15+ years teaching experience, specializing in beginner dancers of all ages), Jacqui Ghodsi (trained in Australia, performed at Sydney Opera House with Australian Opera), and Carlie Cuddihy (trained at California Academy of Performing Arts and Santa Clara University).

Free trial classes for children under 18; adults can pay $20 to try a beginner class. The school welcomes students of all ages, sizes and skill levels and emphasizes making ballet accessible and joyful.