In teaching ballet, Oakley Ballet Center blends both traditional and new styles of dance. Our teachers use the best of these techniques in order to create versatile, well-balanced, and knowledgeable dancers. We strive not only to create disciplined, well-trained dancers, but to consider the whole child.
We hope that through our training students will learn to apply the tools of their art to all aspects of their lives. We value children as unique individuals and encourage students to share with us their achievements outside ballet. At Footworks Youth Ballet, young dancers are crafting their artistry.
We hope that through our training students will learn to apply the tools of their art to all aspects of their lives. We value children as unique individuals and encourage students to share with us their achievements outside ballet. At Footworks Youth Ballet, young dancers are crafting their artistry.
Services
Footworks Youth Ballet is the non-profit affiliate of Oakley Ballet Center. Footworks performs two full-length ballets each year: The Nutcracker in December, and a spring production in early June (see our repertoire). Student dancers train at Oakley Ballet Center and are encouraged to take part in Footworks productions to craft their artistry and apply the technique they have learned.
Each year Footworks aims to bring at least 5000 students to see its performances through its Outreach program. Most of these students will attend free of charge. We still pay rent for the theater, though. Our goal is to raise $5000 each year to help cover the costs. We appreciate all donations, and we thank you for supporting the art of classical ballet and helping to bring this cultural opportunity to students in Ventura County.
Now in its second decade of bringing classical ballet to Ventura County students and audience members, Footworks Youth Ballet has consistently brought both The Nutcracker and a full-length spring production to the stage since 2004 (see our repertoire). Our families donate countless hours (and dollars!) to help Footworks each season.
Reviews (10)
Jennifer Gallo
Jan 12, 2019
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Oakley Ballet Center (Footworks Youth Ballet) is a wonderful studio! The teachers are professional and down to earth at the same time. They provide excellent classical ballet training! I have two daughters who have been attending since pre-school and early elementary school and I am so thankful they are in a positive, affirming, and caring environment.
Thank you OBC team!!
Thank you OBC team!!
Elizabeth Manninen
Dec 19, 2018
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We've been a part of the Oakley Ballet Center for about 10 years now and have nothing but good things to say. Having been heavily involved as a volunteer, I spend a fair amount of time at the studio and have never seen nor heard complaints of bullying. It's actually more like a second home and is very family friendly. I feel each student is cared for by the instructors, each other and the families that volunteer much of their time to help with the productions each season. I couldn't be happier and would gladly recommend this positive place for any child interested in classical ballet. Come see
Maya Holbrook
Dec 10, 2018
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Throughout the past 8 years that I have been dancing at Oakley Ballet Center I have been given countless opportunities to perform, teach, and learn. Beginning my dance training at age 10, I had some catching up to do with my fellow dancers. However, I was never bullied or made fun of for my late start. Instead, my peers motivated me to work harder each and everyday. The teachers also provided me with the helpful corrections I needed to progress to the next level. As I mentioned previously, Oakley Ballet Center gives its students opportunities to perform. Throughout my time at Oakley, I have been
Patricia Bonewitz
Aug 21, 2018
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My grandaughter,Jadyn been going to Oakley Ballet Center since she was 5, she now 13.
Oakley has taught her discipline, respect & confidence.
They just not learn dance & technique they also learn the history of the ballet.
All the girls are very supported of each other.
They are very lucky to have Kirsten Oakley as there director of this school of Ballet.
What a wonderful school to have in our Ventura Ca Community!!!😊
Oakley has taught her discipline, respect & confidence.
They just not learn dance & technique they also learn the history of the ballet.
All the girls are very supported of each other.
They are very lucky to have Kirsten Oakley as there director of this school of Ballet.
What a wonderful school to have in our Ventura Ca Community!!!😊
Brittany Petersen
Jul 23, 2018
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Oakley Ballet Center is a warm, loving environment with top notch technical ballet training. The families at this school are so welcoming and supportive of one another. Everyone is always willing to help each other no matter how big or small. I love that the students are also always encouraging each other as well. Ballet can be a very competitive sport and with children that can create jealousy and bullying. This school does not tolerate or condone any such behavior. In fact, they actually teach their students to have respect for not only the faculty but fellow students as well. Oakley Ballet Center
Anjanette Mensa
Jul 18, 2018
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My daughter has been dancing at Oakley Ballet Center for the past 6 years. From the very first day I knew there was something different about this school. She was warmly welcomed. The staff focuses not only on strong ballet technique, but the well-being of the individual students and the classes as a whole. They promote discipline, positive self-esteem and a strong work ethic. I am thrilled with the progress my daughter has made not only in her dancing abilities, but also her self-confidence. Oakley is a home away from home for us, not only because of the staff but because the families that attend
Grace Story
Jul 07, 2018
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I have trained at Oakley Ballet Center for over a decade. During that time, I not only received a solid foundation for my dancing through the teachers’ persistence and dedication to helping me improve, but a family. At Oakley, the students aren’t put up against one another for attentions or roles and are instead encouraged to be respectful and kind to one another.
Dancing at Oakley gave me so many opportunities to perform in both known ballets such as Giselle, Swan Lake, and The Nutcracker, and new ballets choreographed by Kirsten, herself such as Hansel and Gretel, or her version of Snow
Dancing at Oakley gave me so many opportunities to perform in both known ballets such as Giselle, Swan Lake, and The Nutcracker, and new ballets choreographed by Kirsten, herself such as Hansel and Gretel, or her version of Snow
Riley Knouse
Jun 29, 2018
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OBC is a studio I have called home for 8 of my 13 years of dancing. We truly are a family- the dancers share in each other’s successes, and continuously support each other to be the best they can be. The parents also help provide a welcoming environment. The studio I was at before OBC had plenty of parent drama, so when we got to OBC and the parents were so welcoming, we were extremely excited.
It’s also important to note that OBC promotes body positivity and healthy habits, which is something you don’t see in the ballet community very often.
If you want a supportive, healthy environment
It’s also important to note that OBC promotes body positivity and healthy habits, which is something you don’t see in the ballet community very often.
If you want a supportive, healthy environment
Drew Story
Nov 21, 2017
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Oakley Ballet has been a home for our daughter and her pursuit of ballet for more than the past decade. She has gone to three summer ballet intensives at prestigious ballets in the summer and teachers always remark that she's had excellent training. At Oakley, the focus is on the dancers and their development. It's a family friendly place.
Mary Panzer
Oct 12, 2017
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We've been doing ballet here for over 10 years. Classical ballet, and only ballet. They out on two very professional productions a year, and the students have almost all of the parts. Very solid teaching tailored to the strengths and weaknesses of the student. Kirsten Oakley is extremely talented in all aspects of dance and production. We couldn't be happier!
