The Conservatory

Marin Conservatory of Dance is a conservatory providing quality and high caliber professional training in classical ballet. MCD offers students of all levels an opportunity to explore and express themselves physically and emotionally.

The Conservatory offers year-round training with three semesters that coincide with the academic school year. The classes are a two semester commitment for Fall and Spring with options in the Summer. Fall & Spring semesters are approximately 16-20 weeks in length. During Summer semesters, we offer one - two week intensives depending on age and level.  We also offer performance opportunities by level and per semester. These opportunities expose and engage awareness in the performing arts. At MCD, we believe class is for training ballet technique with occasional rehearsals at the end of class prior to performances. Performance rehearsals are scheduled on weekends outside of normal class time for Levels 2B-5. Levels 1A-2A work on choreography during the last 15 minutes of class several months prior to performances as well as scheduled rehearsals on weekends for "The Nutcracker". Rehearsal schedules are posted on our Rehearsal / Performance page. 

The Conservatory syllabus is loosely rooted in the Vaganova (Russian) method, a ballet training system developed by Agrippina Vaganova (1879–1951). This method was shaped by the teachings of Marius Petipa, Premier Maître de Ballet of the Imperial Russian Ballet, and integrates elements of the romantic French style with the athleticism and virtuosity of the Italian Cecchetti technique.

At Marin Conservatory of Dance, this tradition is carried forward through the lineage of Yanina Cywinska, who trained at the Kirov Ballet School in Leningrad (now the Vaganova Academy of Russian Ballet in St. Petersburg) prior to World War II and later performed in post-war European opera ballet companies. This direct connection to the Vaganova tradition informs our emphasis on discipline, musicality, and expressive artistry.

Our training also reflects the influence of Ronn Guidi, founder of Oakland Ballet, whose work rooted in Ballets Russes traditions -blended Russian and Danish training approaches with a strong focus on musicality, coordination, and performance.

Together, these influences helped shape a comprehensive training system designed to engage the whole body in every movement, with equal attention to the upper body, legs, and feet. This approach develops strength, coordination, and body awareness, allowing dancers to move with clarity, efficiency, and expressive range.

Students must enroll in all classes required per level we do not offer modified schedules, optional private lessons are highly recommended for dancers wishing to excel. Please inquire about placement classes for dancers with previous ballet experience. Students may spend one to three+ years in each level. This ensures proper technique, strength, alignment, stamina, and artistry. MCD has a required uniform that is not included in tuition. We recommend students get fitted and purchase pointe shoes from SF Dancegear , or "The Pointe Shop" in San Francisco. Please call ahead to make an appointment. For purchase of miscellaneous ballet items we recommend or Bouree Boutique https://bourreeboutique.com

At Marin Conservatory of Dance we provide quality ballet training; therefore, we keep our class sizes small to ensure personal correction and attention. Classes fill quickly, students will be placed on a waitlist when classes are full and notified if space becomes available,

MCD is in close proximity to many Mill Valley elementary schools, Mill Valley Middle School and Tamalapais High School. Students can walk or bike to ballet classes.

* How Marin Conservatory of Dance Compares

Marin Conservatory of Dance (MCD) is one of Marin County’s premier ballet schools, offering the same level of structured, semester-based classical ballet training as Marin Ballet and Marin Dance Theatre (MDT).

What sets MCD apart:

    •    The only classical ballet conservatory in Southern Marin

    •    Our faculty includes former professional ballerinas who have danced with major ballet companies

    •    Small class sizes 

    •    A full youth program from Pre-Ballet through Level 6 , including Reformer Pilates Conditioning, and stretch training.

    •    Performance opportunities including The Nutcracker and annual Spring Showcase as well as yearly competitions. 

    •    Home of Marin Conservatory Dance Company (MCDC)—a 501(c)(3) offering scholarships and community outreach

MCD is ideal for families seeking  quality training in a supportive and inclusive family environment with a strong artistic foundation. 

                                             Southern Marin's only Classical Ballet Conservatory!