Orza Academy of Ballet provides exceptional classical training in a focused and supportive environment—combining discipline, artistry, and a commitment to tradition.
Refined Ballet Training in Walnut Creek
We are a classical ballet school dedicated to serious training in a disciplined and thoughtfully structured setting. Serving Walnut Creek and the greater Bay Area, the academy provides a clear path for students seeking strong technical foundation, artistic growth, and long-term development in ballet.
Offerings and Training PhilosophyPrograms will include youth training, pre-professional preparation, and adult classes, with placement-based progression to ensure each dancer receives appropriate and focused instruction.
Our Team
We are excited to deliver top-notch coaching for all of our programs and are actively building out our team of talented instructors, as well as a list of guest instructors, including: Daniel Davidson, Sebastian Vinet, Joy Womack, Lyrica Woodruff, Andrea Salazar, Brett Joseph Bauer, Raissa Chazova-Bauer, Rubén Martín, and more.
Aaron Orza
Co-founder, InstructorAaron Orza, a Walnut Creek native, danced with San Francisco Ballet for 13 seasons after training at San Francisco Ballet School and the School of American Ballet. He later served as Ballet Master at The Rock School for Dance Education, built and founded NCBA from the ground up, and most recently was Classical Director for Vitacca Ballet & School for Dance.
Kristin Lindsay Orza
Co-founder, InstructorKristin Lindsay Orza trained at Marin Dance Theatre under Margaret Swarthout before performing professionally with Ballet Florida and Company C Contemporary Ballet. She later joined the faculty of The Rock School for Dance Education, co-founded and helped build NCBA alongside Aaron, and most recently served as School Director for Vitacca Ballet’s Woodlands location.
Yuko Katsumi
Principal TeacherYuko Katsumi is a graduate of the Royal Ballet School in London and former Principal Dancer with Colorado Ballet. Having taught at respected institutions including San Francisco Ballet School, Marin Ballet, Smuin Ballet, Berkeley Ballet Theater, and Contra Costa Ballet, we are thrilled to welcome her to the elite faculty at Orza Academy of Ballet.
Paola Fellows
Head of AdministrationPaola Fellows brings years of experience working closely with the Contra Costa Ballet community and building strong relationships with families, students, and faculty throughout the East Bay. Her professionalism, organization, and care for people make her an invaluable part of the Orza Academy of Ballet team.
“Our approach is grounded in clarity, discipline, and respect for the art form. In a landscape where many programs have shifted toward recreational models, the academy remains committed to serious, structured training. Instruction is direct and intentional, helping students develop strong technique, musicality, and individual artistry over time.”
Transition and Key DatesA New Chapter in a Historic Space
Beginning June 1, Orza Academy of Ballet will step into the longtime home of Contra Costa Ballet. This transition honors the decades of dedication and artistry cultivated by Richard Cammack and Zola Dishong, while introducing a renewed vision for classical ballet training in the community.
June 1, 2026
Studio transition begins.
July 1, 2026
Summer training program launches.
August 17, 2026
Official start of the 2026-2027 season.
More details on summer programs, placement classes, and auditions will be shared soon. For any questions related to the studio transition, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
Upcoming Enrollment OpportunitiesSummer Programs 2026
YOUTH SUMMER PROGRAM (AGES 6-8)A foundational introduction to classical ballet focused on coordination, musicality, classroom structure, and age-appropriate technical development.
Program Details
July 6 – 31
Dates
Monday - Thursday
Weekdays
9:00am - 10:15am
Times
$175/week, or $550/full program
Pricing
JUNIOR SUMMER PROGRAM (AGES 9-11)A structured summer program designed to strengthen ballet fundamentals, improve technical consistency, and support continued artistic growth.
Program Details
July 6 – 31
Dates
Monday - Friday
Weekdays
10:00am - 1:45pm
Times
$425/week, or $1400/full program
Pricing
SUMMER INTENSIVE (AGES 12+)A focused pre-professional training program emphasizing classical technique, artistry, conditioning, and performance preparation. Divided into two levels, placement evaluations will take place during the first two days of the program.
Program Details
July 6 – 31
Dates
Monday - Friday
Weekdays
12:15pm - 4:30pm
Times
$450/week, or $1500/full program
Pricing
Introducing the East Bay's first ever Pre-Professional Division
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Introducing the East Bay's first ever Pre-Professional Division ·
Planned ProgrammingSchool Year 2026-2027
Beginning August 17, 2026, Orza Academy of Ballet will offer year-round training programs designed to support dancers at every stage of development—from foundational instruction through pre-professional preparation.
Student Division
A structured classical ballet program for students ages 5–18 designed to develop strong technical foundations, discipline, musicality, and artistry within a positive and professional training environment.
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Complete curriculum from Primary Ballet through Levels 1–6
Focus on proper technique, placement, coordination, and strength
Age-appropriate training rooted in traditional classical ballet
Carefully structured progression for safe and consistent development
Support for both recreational and serious training pathways
Additional opportunities including conditioning, character, workshops, and performances
Performance experiences—including The Nutcracker and Spring Showcase—designed to build confidence and stage presence
Enroll by August 1, 2026Pre-Professional Division
An advanced training division for serious dancers seeking a more comprehensive classical ballet education within a disciplined and supportive environment.
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Expanded weekly training opportunities
Pointe work and men’s technique
Repertoire, coaching, and performance preparation
Conditioning focused on technical and artistic development
Seasonal performance opportunities including The Nutcracker and Spring Showcase
Optional participation in YAGP and additional international competitions
Acceptance by audition or invitation only
Students must be at least 13 years of age to apply (exceptions may be considered)
Enroll by August 1, 2026Open Adult Division
An open ballet program for adult and teenage students of all experience levels seeking thoughtful classical instruction within a welcoming and supportive environment.
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Classes for beginners, returning dancers, and advanced students
Focus on strength, flexibility, posture, coordination, and balance
Encouragement of musicality, discipline, and artistic expression
Welcoming atmosphere focused on both personal and technical growth
Ideal for recreation, wellness, artistic fulfillment, or continued training
Flexible class offerings designed for a variety of schedules and lifestyles
Enroll by August 1, 2026Your Questions,
Answered
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While the overall structure of the school will remain familiar, Orza Academy of Ballet will be introducing Studio Pro software to streamline registration, communication, and online payments, including credit card processing. The goal throughout the transition is to maintain continuity for families while thoughtfully improving the overall experience.
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Adult classes will continue in June, with youth summer programs beginning in July and the full school year launching August 17th. All students will begin with an inquiry and placement process. Please submit the form below to get started. Placement is determined by skill level to ensure every student receives the appropriate challenge and support.
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Yes. Programs will include a range of levels, with placement ensuring the right fit for each student.
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Absolutely. Our curriculum includes multiple performance opportunities throughout the year, and we provide specialized coaching for students entering regional and national competitions.
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Orza Academy of Ballet is focused on serious classical training, with opportunities for both committed students and those seeking a structured introduction to ballet.
Let’s Begin
We are currently connecting with new and returning families as we prepare for our summer and fall programs. Submit an inquiry here to receive updates on class offerings, placement information, and next steps for enrollment.
