Los Gatos Ballet

What Los Gatos Ballet does

Los Gatos Ballet, founded in 2002 by Marcie Ryken, is a pre-professional ballet training organization operating through the Los Gatos Ballet Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit established in 2005, and headquartered in Los Gatos, California with a supplemental venue at the LGB Amphitheater on Alerche Drive. The company delivers an integrated curriculum that blends Vaganova, French, and American ballet traditions across five progressive divisions (Preparatory through Advanced, Levels 1-8) for students ages 4 to pre-professional, complemented by a Summer Program, Pre-Season Prep, and a Drop-In Program serving teens and adults. Performance infrastructure includes annual Nutcracker productions at McAfee Performing Arts Center, Spring productions at Santa Clara University's Mayer Theatre through a partnership with SCU Presents, and the Beyond choreographic showcase, with 196+ costumes and a faculty team drawing from principal dancers of major U.S. companies.

The organization monetizes through a multi-stream revenue model anchored in subscription-based youth tuition ranging from $1,413 (Preparatory) to $7,380 (Advanced Level 8) per academic year, with usage-based drop-in class cards ($25 single / $225 ten-pack) and per-workshop fees ($175), plus week-rate summer intensives ($460-$660), private and group Pilates sessions at the affiliated Los Gatos Pilates studio, ticket sales for productions, studio and amphitheater rentals, online dancewear retail through the LGB Boutique, and Patron's Circle tax-deductible donations. Go-to-market is direct-to-consumer with self-serve registration through the Amilia platform supplemented by community outreach (the Leaps and Bounds Title 1 school program serving three schools annually), performance-based demand generation, and earned media (Modern Luxury Silicon Valley "Top 5 Nutcracker," Jerome Robbins Foundation newsletter feature).

The company differentiates through talent density (current faculty includes alumni or members of Miami City Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, ABT II, NYC Ballet, and Suzanne Farrell Ballet), a dancer wellness program branded DanceLAB (combining Pilates, neuro-athletic coaching, the proprietary Be En Pointe assessment, Stanford Sports Medicine-affiliated medical oversight, and Competitive Edge Physical Therapy), and ecosystem participation as a member of The Ballet Alliance pre-professional federation. The organization reports 7 employees and approximately 133 student dancers participating in Nutcracker, with revenue figures not publicly disclosed.

Name

Los Gatos Ballet

Legal name

Los Gatos Ballet Foundation

Website

https://losgatosballet.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2002

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Los Gatos Ballet is a 501(c)(3) pre-professional ballet school in Los Gatos, California, offering subscription-based training across eight curriculum levels for ages 4 to pre-professional, plus drop-in adult classes, Pilates, summer intensives, three annual productions, and a Title 1 school outreach program.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Dance Education

NAICS

Fine Arts Schools (61161), Dance Companies (71112)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Dance Education (Ballet, Contemporary, Hip-Hop, Cultural Dance) (EDAMAAAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Classical Ballet (Full-Length & Repertoire) (MPAGADAA), Youth/Student & Community Dance Recitals (MPAGADAI), Dance & Movement (Ballroom, Contemporary, Social Dance) (EDAAAGAD)

Keywords

• Ballet training
• Dance education
• Pilates instruction
• Youth dance programs
• Performing arts

Headquarters

HQ city

Los Gatos

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Youth Program Tuition: Year-round enrollment-based tuition for academic ballet program spanning August to May, with installment payment options (1, 2, or 9 installments)
2. Drop-In Classes: Per-class and multi-class card sales for adult and teen ballet, flamenco, and contemporary dance classes
3. Workshops: Per-workshop fees for exploratory workshop series offering alternative movement modalities
4. Summer Program: Weekly summer intensive programs for ages 4 through pre-professional with registration fees
5. Performance Tickets: Ticket sales for Nutcracker, Spring productions, and Beyond showcase performances at venues including McAfee Performing Arts Center and Mayer Theatre
6. Pilates Classes: Private and group apparatus Pilates sessions with pre-payment required
7. Studio Rentals: Rental revenue from four dance studios and outdoor amphitheater for classes, rehearsals, workshops, and events
8. Boutique Retail: Online sales of dancewear including leotards, tights, shoes, and logo merchandise
9. Donations and Sponsorships: Tax-deductible contributions through Patron's Circle program with tiered giving levels and monthly pledge options

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Los Gatos Ballet operates as a pre-professional ballet school providing year-round classical ballet training for youth (ages 4 to pre-professional) across five progressive divisions, alongside drop-in ballet/Pilates classes for adults and teens, annual performance productions, summer intensives, and dancer wellness programs. The organization operates from a four-studio facility with sprung floors in Los Gatos, California, under the Los Gatos Ballet Foundation 501(c)(3) nonprofit umbrella, and complements training with Pilates apparatus instruction and community outreach to Title 1 schools.

Product overview

Los Gatos Ballet is a pre-professional dance training organization offering a multi-tiered educational portfolio centered around its Youth Program, which provides enrollment-based classical ballet training across five progressive divisions (Preparatory, Primary, Elementary, Intermediate, and Advanced) for students ages 4 through pre-professional. The organization complements its core ballet curriculum with the Los Gatos Pilates program (boutique apparatus and mat classes), a Drop In Program for teens and adults, and seasonal offerings including Summer Program and Pre-Season Prep. Performance opportunities include annual productions of The Nutcracker, Spring performances, and the Beyond & School Showcase. Community engagement is supported through Leaps and Bounds outreach in schools, community events, and Ballet Alliance membership. Additional services include studio rentals and an online boutique for dance merchandise. The organization operates from a 501(c)(3) non-profit foundation structure.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Youth Program Year-round enrollment-based ballet training program for ages 4 to pre-professional, integrating Vaganova, French, and American ballet traditions through five progressive divisions (Preparatory through Advanced).
• Drop In Program Drop-in based dance program for teens and adults offering mixed level ballet, Dance Lab, Flamenco, and boys-only classes in morning and evening sessions.
• Workshop Series Exploratory workshop series for teens and adults featuring alternative movement modalities, technique, dance education, conditioning, progressive ballet training, and Gyrokinesis.
• Summer Program Summer intensive with multiple divisions: Pre-Ballet Dance Camp (ages 4-6), Primary Division (Levels 1-2), Elementary Division (Levels 3-4), and Intermediate/Advanced (Levels 5-8), featuring ballet technique, pointe, variations, and enrichment classes.
• Pre-Season Prep August conditioning and technique preparation program with classes tailored by level from Pre-Ballet through Level 8, including dance conditioning, technique, pointe, variations, and improvisation.
• Los Gatos Pilates Boutique Pilates studio offering apparatus (trapeze table, wall units, reformers, barrels, chairs) and mat classes in private, semi-private, and group formats, focused on core strength, stability, and alignment.
• Private & Group Pilates Instruction One-to-one private apparatus sessions, semi-private (3-5 people), and group apparatus classes (max 4 clients) conducted in-person or virtually via Zoom.
• Nutcracker Performance Annual holiday production of Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker ballet performed at McAfee Performing Arts Center, featuring student and adult dancers.
• Spring Production Annual spring performance at Mayer Theatre featuring productions such as Sleeping Beauty's Wedding, Circus Polka, and repertoire including Swan Lake, Cinderella, and Alice in Wonderland.
• Beyond & School Showcase Choreographic showcase featuring advanced division original choreography, youth choreography project opportunities, and school-wide showcase performances.
• Dancer Wellness Program Mind-body health program offering dance conditioning, Be En Pointe assessment, coaching, and access to a wellness support team including physical therapists, massage therapists, and life coaches.
• Leaps and Bounds Outreach Dance-in-schools program serving Title 1 schools with 4-6 week in-school ballet instruction, culminating in student showcases for families.
• Studio Rentals Rental of four dance studios and one Pilates studio with sprung floors, Marley surfaces, audio equipment, and outdoor amphitheater for classes, rehearsals, workshops, and events.
• LGB Boutique Online retail store offering dance attire including leotards, tights, skirts, ballet shoes, pointe shoes, Pilates socks, conditioning equipment, and logo merchandise.
• Community Events Community-building events including Paella Fiesta fundraiser and Pajama Party for kids, building connections through dance.

Quantifiable outcome

• Alumni attending prestigious programs including Boston Ballet School, School of American Ballet, Joffrey Academy, Bolshoi Academy, and professional companies
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core, supporting and minor.

• The Ballet AlliancecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Los Gatos Ballet is a proud member of The Ballet Alliance, an association of pre-professional companies championing excellent training and fresh choreography. Member companies host an annual 4-day immersive Festival with master classes, workshops, and performance opportunities. Dancers receive exposure to recruiters from top ballet schools, companies, and university programs, often leading to scholarships and professional contracts. LGB is attending the 60th anniversary festival in Reno, Nevada in March 2027.
• Santa Clara University Presents (SCU)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOngoing collaboration with SCU Presents for performances at the Mayer Theatre at Santa Clara University. Los Gatos Ballet's Spring productions are presented in partnership with SCU Presents Performing Arts Center, with performances including Sleeping Beauty's Wedding and Circus Polka.
• Leaps and Bounds Partner SchoolscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDance-in-schools program developed in 2008 serving second grade students in Title 1 schools. Currently serving three schools annually with 4-6 week in-school programs culminating in showcases. All participating schools are invited to free and/or discounted Outreach Performances.
• Competitive Edge Physical TherapysupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPartnership with Kevin Vandi, DPT, OCS, CSCS, founder of Competitive Edge PT for the DanceLAB wellness initiative. Combines PT, Ballet, and Pilates with dance-specific injury prevention and performance enhancement.
• Stanford Sports MedicinesupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerDancer Wellness Support Team affiliates including Kevin G. Shea, MD and Emily Kraus, MD from Stanford Sports Medicine providing medical expertise for dancer wellness program.
• Referral Network (Chiropractors, Physical Therapists, Orthopedists)supportingOthersTeam of healthcare professionals including chiropractors, physical therapists, orthopedists, pediatric podiatrists, and massage therapists recommended for dancer health and wellness needs.
• Discount DancesupportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLos Gatos Ballet is a member of Discount Dance's reward program. Parents and students can use code TP30769 to participate in the rewards program when purchasing dance supplies.
• Jerome Robbins FoundationminorOthersFeatured in Foundation newsletter for Circus Polka performance. Jerome Robbins Foundation supports the creation and production of new ballets and choreographic initiatives.
• Van Meter Elementary SchoolcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTitle 1 school in San Jose receiving Leaps and Bounds dance-in-schools program since 2008. LGB faculty members conduct in-school ballet instruction integrated with performing arts curriculum.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Houston Ballet Academy: Academy of a top-tier US ballet company with structured levels and a pre-professional track; comparable in faculty pedigree (Founder Marcie Ryken was a Houston Ballet company member) and training pathway.
• Boston Ballet School: Major national ballet school with a pre-professional division; comparable training pathway and alumni destination for Los Gatos Ballet graduates, including alumnus Emily Aston's current company membership.
• Pacific Northwest Ballet School: Large regional ballet school offering pre-professional training; comparable in curriculum structure (multi-level divisions) and serves as a placement destination in the same competitive ecosystem.
• San Francisco Ballet School: Premier Bay Area ballet institution with a much larger school and company; competing for the same advanced students and serving as an aspirational placement target for Los Gatos Ballet alumni.
• School of American Ballet: The official training academy of New York City Ballet and the leading Balanchine feeder school; comparable in offering pre-professional training and serves as a benchmark placement destination for advanced students.

Direct peers

• Berkeley Ballet Theater: East Bay pre-professional ballet school offering progressive training and performance opportunities; comparable as a regional Bay Area nonprofit competing for the same family demographic.
• Cary Ballet Conservatory: Non-profit pre-professional ballet school of comparable size and mission, offering progressive levels, summer intensives, and outreach; useful comp for tuition structure and small-school operational economics.
• Marin Ballet: Bay Area non-profit pre-professional ballet school serving youth through pre-professional levels; directly comparable in mission, scale, regional nonprofit structure, and Silicon Valley-adjacent feeder geography.
• Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet: Non-profit pre-professional ballet school with intensive summer programs and a reputation for placing dancers into top companies; comparable mission in training youth dancers for professional careers.
• Ballet San Jose: Regional ballet company with an attached training school operating in the broader Silicon Valley market; comparable in producing annual Nutcracker/Spring productions and a youth training pipeline.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/losgatosballet
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/losgatosballet
• Facebookfacebook.com/lgballet
• Instagraminstagram.com/losgatosballet
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/losgatosballet

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Los Gatos Ballet