Dance Studio No 1

Dance Studio No 1, affectionately known as "DS1," is a revered institution in the West Los Angeles community, standing as a beacon for classical ballet education. For over two decades, DS1 has been dedicated to cultivating the next generation of dancers, offering a comprehensive and deeply enriching experience for students of all ages and capabilities. It is particularly renowned for two core strengths: its robust and successful pre-professional classical ballet program and its endearing and engaging young children's program. Under the exceptional leadership of Artistic Director Elizabeth Banke, DS1 goes beyond mere instruction, fostering technical and artistic excellence within an inclusive and supportive environment. This dedication to quality and community has earned DS1 a place in Los Angeles Magazine's "Best of Los Angeles" Hall of Fame, a testament to its commitment to instilling a lifelong love for dance and helping each individual develop as an artist.

Dance Studio No 1 is conveniently located at 12121 W Pico Blvd # 2C, Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA. This central West Los Angeles address makes it highly accessible for families residing throughout the area, including neighboring communities such as Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Culver City, and Westwood. Situated on West Pico Boulevard, a major thoroughfare, the studio is easy to locate and reach. While parking in bustling Los Angeles can sometimes be a consideration, the specific location often offers viable options in the vicinity, streamlining drop-offs and pick-ups for busy parents. Furthermore, West Pico Boulevard is well-served by public transportation, including various bus routes, providing convenient alternatives for access. This strategic and accessible location allows DS1 to serve as a convenient and central hub for dance education, making it a "home away from home" for many dancers and their families in West Los Angeles.

Services Offered:

• Classical Ballet Programs: Comprehensive instruction in classical ballet, adhering to a structured curriculum suitable for various levels.
• Pre-Professional Classical Ballet Program: An intensive, year-round program designed for serious students aiming for professional dance careers, potentially following the Royal Academy of Dance (R.A.D.) curriculum.
• Young Children's Program: Engaging and fun-loving dance training for younger students (e.g., ages 3-6), including "Fairytale Dance," "Pre Ballet," and "Primary Ballet" classes.
• Modern Dance Classes: Instruction in modern dance techniques and choreography.
• Acro-Dance Classes: Combining elements of dance and acrobatics for strength, flexibility, and dynamic movement.
• Hip-Hop Dance Classes: Energetic classes in contemporary hip-hop styles.
• Open Ballet Classes: Drop-in opportunities for students with prior training to continue their ballet practice.
• Conditioning Classes: Designed to enhance dancers' strength, flexibility, and overall physical preparedness.
• Limited Class Sizes: A commitment to smaller class sizes to foster each student's potential through personalized attention.
• Seasonal Performances and Recitals: Students gain invaluable stage time through regular performances, including two recitals each year and participation in ballets like "Peter and the Wolf," "The Jungle Book," or "The Nutcracker Twist."
• Special Events and Camps: Opportunities such as "Fairytale Tea Parties" or "Princess Camps" for younger children, enhancing the overall dance experience.
• Student Choreography Opportunities: Encouraging creativity by allowing students to participate in and showcase their own choreography in annual variety shows.

Features / Highlights:

• Visionary Artistic Director: Elizabeth Banke is highly praised as a "wonderful Creative Director," "best dance teacher," and "nicest, most genuine person." She founded DS1 in 1992 and brings extensive experience as a professional dancer and performer, including roles in "The Nutcracker," "Swan Lake," and touring lead roles in musicals.
• Inclusive Artistic Vision: Elizabeth Banke's vision makes "room for everyone," fostering a welcoming environment where every student's potential is nurtured.
• Exceptional Productions: Known for running the school "like a true, ballet company," complete with "bright, colorful costumes and engaging backdrops." Productions are described as "truly entertaining shows" even when one's own child is not on stage.
• Commitment to Quality Education: DS1 focuses on technical and artistic excellence, with well-designed dance programs that carefully consider each dancer's developmental age, motor skills, capabilities, and interests.
• Nurturing and Supportive Environment: An "enduring sense of community" exists among students, parents, and teachers, providing a valuable experience "not easily duplicated." This caring atmosphere helps students achieve realistic goals.
• Highly Qualified and Creative Teachers: Elizabeth chooses "excellent, sensitive, and creative teachers" to bring her visions to life, ensuring high-quality instruction.
• Opportunities for Boys: The studio makes an effort to feature boys in solos and duets as appropriate, highlighting inclusivity.
• Proven Track Record: Students have been accepted into prestigious ballet programs and universities nationwide, and have placed in top competitions like the Youth America Grand Prix.
• Royal Academy of Dance (R.A.D.) Instruction: Offers this internationally recognized ballet curriculum, providing a structured path for learning and achievement.
• Featured in Los Angeles Magazine: Recognized as an "exceptionally qualified Dance School" in the "Best of Los Angeles" "Hall of Fame."

Contact Information:

Address: 12121 W Pico Blvd # 2C, Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA

Phone: (310) 979-9929 (Note: Review provided a different number, but official sources list 310-979-9929 as the contact for Dance Studio No. 1)

Mobile Phone: (Not publicly available, please use the main phone number)

For locals in West Los Angeles and across Southern California, Dance Studio No 1 is an unparalleled choice for dance education, particularly in classical ballet. The consistent praise for Elizabeth Banke as "the best dance teacher" and "wonderful Creative Director" speaks volumes about the quality of instruction and vision guiding the studio. Her ability to lead a school that feels like a "true, ballet company" with "bright, colorful costumes and engaging backdrops" for truly entertaining productions makes the experience captivating for both performers and audiences. The emphasis on both pre-professional excellence and nurturing young children's programs, all within an inclusive and community-focused environment, sets DS1 apart. The fact that families have stayed with DS1 for "over a decade" and are "grateful their child has enjoyed it all these years" underscores the studio's lasting positive impact. If you're a California resident seeking a highly regarded, professional, and genuinely supportive dance academy that fosters artistic growth and instills a lifelong love for dance, Dance Studio No 1 is undoubtedly a premier destination.

Dance Studio No 1

12121 W Pico Blvd # 2C, Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA