Deane Dance Center

Deane Dance Center, located in the vibrant city of Sacramento, California, stands as a distinguished institution for classical ballet training and artistic development. For nearly three decades, this center, originally rooted in the legacy of Crockett-Deane Ballet and now closely associated with Sacramento Civic Ballet, has been a cornerstone of the local dance community. Established by legendary ballet teacher Barbara Crockett and her daughter, Allyson Deane, alongside her son-in-law, Don Schwennesen (both former San Francisco Ballet dancers), Deane Dance Center embodies a profound commitment to excellence, accessibility, and the sheer joy of performance. It offers a unique blend of challenging yet supportive instruction, fostering a nurturing environment where dancers of all ages and aspirations can flourish.

The philosophy at Deane Dance Center is elegantly encapsulated in their motto: "Dance with joy and enjoy the dance." This approach emphasizes not just the rigorous technical demands of ballet but also the emotional fulfillment and personal growth derived from the art form. Whether a student is pursuing a serious career in ballet or simply dancing for recreation and personal enrichment, the center provides the foundation for strong, expressive, and versatile artists. Its curriculum, which blends the best of Cecchetti and Vaganova techniques, is meticulously crafted to build a solid base, enabling dancers to develop sharp focus, learn quickly, and move with fluency and grace. Deane Dance Center is truly a place where passion meets performance, and where every student is encouraged to reach their full potential.

Deane Dance Center is conveniently situated at 3385 Lanatt St B, Sacramento, CA 95819, USA. This location places it within a well-established and accessible neighborhood in Sacramento, making it an ideal choice for families and individuals residing throughout the city and surrounding communities. Lanatt Street is positioned in an area that offers relatively straightforward navigation, contributing to the ease with which students can attend classes regularly.

For those traveling by car, the center's location typically provides ample parking options, a significant convenience for parents dropping off or picking up children, and for adult students attending classes. The neighborhood is well-connected to Sacramento's main thoroughfares, allowing for efficient commutes from various parts of the metropolitan area. While specific public transportation routes should always be verified, Sacramento's public transit system generally serves the area, providing additional accessibility for students who rely on buses or other forms of public transport. This ease of access ensures that the exceptional training and vibrant community at Deane Dance Center are readily available to a broad spectrum of local dance enthusiasts.

Deane Dance Center offers a comprehensive range of services designed to provide high-quality ballet training and performance opportunities:

• Classical Ballet Training for All Ages:
  • Youth Programs: High-quality ballet training for tiny beginners starting at age 3, progressing through various levels for children and teens. The curriculum is meticulously designed to build strong foundations and technical proficiency.
  • Adult Ballet Classes: Unmatched open classes for adults with a huge range of ages and experience levels, from absolute beginners to advanced dancers. These "drop-in" classes offer flexibility for busy schedules, paid via class cards.
• Pre-Professional Company Training: As the founding school of the Sacramento Ballet and a longtime member of Regional Dance America/Pacific (RDA/P), Deane Dance Center offers a rigorous pre-professional program that pushes dedicated dancers to reach their full potential, preparing them for potential careers in ballet.
• Performance Opportunities: Dancers have abundant opportunities to take the stage in:
  • Two full-length ballets annually, often magical story ballets or contemporary works.
  • An all-school spring showcase, allowing students of all levels to perform.
  • Summer workshops featuring guest artists and culminating in performances.
  • Community outreach performances at schools, libraries, senior centers, and local events, promoting accessibility of the arts.
• Scholarship and College Recruitment: The program provides opportunities for dancers to attend the RDA/P Festival, which includes master classes, scholarship auditions, and college recruitment from leading institutions, offering pathways for advanced study and professional careers.
• Curriculum Blending Techniques: Instruction incorporates the best elements of both Cecchetti and Vaganova techniques, ensuring a well-rounded and technically robust ballet education.
• Guest Artist Residencies and Master Classes: Bringing in professional guest artists and live musicians to enhance productions and inspire students, providing invaluable exposure to the professional dance world.
• Community Outreach and Educational Performances: Actively bringing dance to various community venues to make the arts accessible to a wider audience, including providing free tickets for children and families who might not otherwise have access.
• Costume, Set, and Theater Rentals Support: Donations directly fund the essential elements that bring productions to life, ensuring high-quality performance experiences.

Deane Dance Center distinguishes itself through several key features and highlights that contribute to its esteemed reputation:

• Exceptional Training Philosophy: The core strength lies in its philosophy of providing "detailed, thoughtful training" that balances challenge with support. This approach cultivates technically strong artists who dance with joy and passion, rather than simply going through motions.
• Renowned Pedigree and Legacy: Founded by a legendary ballet teacher (Barbara Crockett) and former San Francisco Ballet dancers (Allyson Deane and Don Schwennesen), the center boasts a rich heritage of ballet excellence. Its role as the founding school of the Sacramento Ballet further solidifies its position as a premier institution.
• Nurturing and Inclusive Environment: Consistently praised in testimonials, the center fosters an incredibly welcoming and nurturing atmosphere. Teachers are described as professional, kind, and supportive, ensuring that every student, regardless of experience level, feels included and encouraged.
• Unmatched Adult Program: The morning adult classes are particularly highlighted as being superior to other open classes in the vicinity, attracting a wide range of ages and experience levels. This provides a unique opportunity for adults to engage seriously with ballet.
• Focus on Foundational Strength: The training prioritizes building strength and good foundations, which are crucial for sustained technical mastery and injury prevention in ballet. This meticulous approach sets students up for long-term success.
• Abundant Performance Opportunities: Offering two full-length ballets annually, a spring showcase, summer workshops, and community outreach performances, students gain extensive stage experience, building confidence and artistry.
• Pathways to Professionalism: Through its pre-professional company, affiliation with Regional Dance America/Pacific, and opportunities for scholarship auditions and college recruitment, Deane Dance Center provides clear pathways for serious dancers aspiring to professional careers.
• Community Engagement: Beyond the studio, the center actively brings dance to schools, libraries, and senior centers, demonstrating a strong commitment to making the arts accessible and enriching the broader Sacramento community.

For those in Sacramento interested in enrolling in classes or learning more about Deane Dance Center, here is their contact information:

Address: 3385 Lanatt St B, Sacramento, CA 95819, USA

Phone: (916) 453-0226

For locals in Sacramento, California, Deane Dance Center is unequivocally the premier destination for anyone serious about ballet or simply looking to experience the art form with joy and expert guidance. Its commitment to "detailed, thoughtful training" from passionate and highly skilled instructors ensures that whether you're a young aspiring professional or an adult rediscovering your love for dance, you will receive exceptional instruction that builds strong foundations and technical prowess. The vibrant and incredibly welcoming community fostered within the center makes it a comfortable and inspiring place for dancers of all ages and experience levels.

The unparalleled adult classes, offering flexibility and catering to a diverse range of abilities, are a significant draw for busy Sacramento residents looking to engage in high-quality ballet instruction. Furthermore, the extensive performance opportunities, from full-length ballets to community outreach events, provide invaluable stage experience and a chance to share the beauty of dance with the wider public. For families seeking a nurturing environment that prioritizes both artistic excellence and the holistic growth of their child, or for individuals simply looking to enrich their lives through the discipline and beauty of ballet, Deane Dance Center stands as an unmatched local treasure in Sacramento.

Deane Dance Center

3385 Lanatt St B, Sacramento, CA 95819, USA