The El Cerrito Ballet Center is one of those dance studios you learn about by word-of-mouth or chance. It doesn't have any fancy signage on San Pablo Avenue so you have to know that it is located in St. John's Hall (on Portola Ave between San Pablo Ave and Richmond Ave). Even though you don't see them marketing their offerings, they seem to do well with enrollment. They concentrate solely on ballet which is a plus if that is the only discipline which interests you. They teach classical ballet training based on the Royal Academy of Dance syllabus (without all the hollering and misery of old school dance matrons!). They have classes from age 3 to adult for beginner to advanced/performance levels. They spend a considerable amount of time working on technique, strength and quality of movement so you know your student will be well-trained. As a former dancer and ballet enthusiast, I find their instructors and classes (esp. pointe) a joy to watch.