Business Details
16 Years
experience
Award-Winning Dance School in Fremont, CA
Rachel's Ballet is an award-winning dance school dedicated to training and inspiring dancers and teachers of tomorrow. Founded in 2010, we follow the internationally recognized Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) syllabus, offering developmentally-based ballet training for students aged 3 to 18. Our programs emphasize technical excellence, creativity, and performance experience, with opportunities for RAD examinations, annual productions like *The Nutcracker Ballet* and *Annual Showcase*, and competitive dance teams.Our faculty includes RAD-certified instructors with extensive professional and teaching experience, ensuring students receive world-class training. We prioritize holistic development, fostering confidence, discipline, and artistic expression while maintaining a supportive, family-oriented environment. With two studios in the East Bay Area, we serve Fremont and Dublin communities, offering classes from beginner to pre-professional levels.
Services
Ballet Classes
RAD Examinations
Competition Teams
Summer Dance Camps
Stretch & Conditioning
Details
- Year established: 2010
Highlights and features
- Certified Royal Academy of Dance instructors with global teaching credentials
- Annual full-length performances at Temple Hill Auditorium and Ohlone College
- Pre-Professional Dance Company with regional/national competition success
- Developmentally-based curriculum from preschool to vocational levels
- Specialized Stretch & Conditioning classes with Progressing Ballet Technique
Associations and certifications
- Royal Academy of Dance
What people say
Beautifully executed performances
Dedicated teachers
Confidence-building environment
Professional opportunities
Well-prepared dancers
Services
Ballet Classes
Our ballet classes follow the Royal Academy of Dance syllabus, offering developmentally appropriate training from preschool to vocational levels. Students build technical proficiency, musicality, and performance skills while preparing for annual productions and examinations. Classes incorporate creative storytelling and age-specific exercises to foster engagement and foundational growth.
RAD Examinations
We prepare students for Royal Academy of Dance examinations from Pre-School to Solo Seal levels. Our structured program includes mock exams, technical refinement, and performance preparation. Examinations assess progress against global standards, with opportunities for advanced dancers to pursue the prestigious Solo Seal Award, achieved by less than 1% of RAD students worldwide.
Competition Teams
Our Pre-Professional Dance Company and Junior Competition Team offer competitive dance experiences in classical and contemporary styles. Students receive choreography from faculty and guest artists, with opportunities to compete at events like Youth America Grand Prix and California Dance Classics while developing teamwork and performance excellence.
Annual Performances
We produce two major annual performances: *The Nutcracker Ballet* at Temple Hill Auditorium and the *Annual Showcase* at Ohlone College. These full-length productions provide students with professional stage experience, featuring elaborate costumes, live orchestral accompaniment, and roles for dancers of all levels.
Summer Dance Camps
Our summer programs offer intensive training for ages 5-18, including Nutcracker preparation, technique refinement, and cross-training in complementary styles. Camps focus on skill development, choreography rehearsals, and performance readiness while maintaining a fun, engaging environment for continued growth during school breaks.
People
Rachel Tan
Founder / Director
Certified Royal Academy of Dance instructor with 25+ years experience. University of Washington graduate in Communications and Dance. Member of Dance Masters of America. Creator of award-winning programs and choreographer for annual productions.
Leigh Ann Koelsch
RAD Director
RAD licentiate with honors in teaching Graded and Vocational students. Trained six Solo Seal Award recipients. Experienced competition coach for Youth America Grand Prix and Adeline Genee International Ballet Competition. Teaches since 1993.
Ashley Bishop
PPDC Coordinator
RAD-certified instructor with experience at Source Dance Company and Carnival Cruise Lines. Coordinates pre-professional dance company and competition teams. Specializes in RAD exam preparation and competition choreography.
Isabelle Sjahsam
PPDC Instructor
RAD-certified teacher with Advanced examination distinction. Founder of Junior Competition Team and Pre-Professional Dance Company. Former performer with DanceElixir and ArtFace. Teaches ballet, modern, and conditioning classes.
Hilary Chu
Administrator
Manages administrative operations with six years of experience. Oversees registration, tuition, and parent communications. Ensures smooth coordination between families, teachers, and staff while maintaining organizational efficiency.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer besides ballet?
We offer lyrical, jazz, contemporary, and acro classes. All programs maintain strong ballet foundations while exploring complementary styles for well-rounded training.
How do students progress through levels?
Progression follows Royal Academy of Dance guidelines with annual examinations. Placement considers technical readiness, maturity, and focus rather than strict age requirements.
Are there performance opportunities for all students?
Yes! All students participate in annual productions. Recreational dancers perform in the Spring Showcase, while advanced students may join *The Nutcracker* and competition teams.
What are the competition team requirements?
Teams require instructor invitation based on RAD exam scores, attitude, and commitment. Contracts outline rehearsal schedules, attendance policies, and performance obligations for accepted members.
How do you prepare students for RAD exams?
We conduct mock exams, technical drills, and performance rehearsals. Faculty provide individualized feedback while maintaining RAD's global standards for technique, musicality, and artistry.
Do you offer summer dance programs?
Yes! Summer camps include Nutcracker preparation, technique intensives, and cross-training for ages 5-18. Programs focus on skill development and performance readiness in engaging formats.
