The Conservatory

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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 based on the Vaganova (Russian) method. The Vaganova method is a ballet technique and training system devised by the Russian dancer and pedagogue Agrippina Vaganova (1879–1951). It was derived from the teachings of the Premier Maitre de Ballet, Marius Petipa, throughout the late 19th century. The method fuses elements of traditional French style from the romantic era with the athleticism and virtuosity of Italian Cecchetti technique. The training system is designed to involve the whole body in every movement with equal attention paid to the upper body, legs and feet. Vaganova believed that this approach increases consciousness of the body, thus creating a harmony of movement and greater 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 www.discountdance.com. 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 with Vaganova-based technique

    •    A full youth program from Pre-Ballet through Level 6

    •    Performance opportunities including The Nutcracker and annual Spring Showcase

    •    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 environment with a strong artistic foundation. 

                                             Southern Marin's only Classical Ballet Conservatory!