Testimonials — Orza Academy of Ballet

Huge congratulations to the Orza Academy of Ballet! Kristin and Aaron have truly breathed new life into the ballet scene in the East Bay. It’s such a delight to take class in such an inspiring environment. The dedication they’re showing to students and the business is very appreciated. Wishing them all the happiness and success in the world—they’ve earned it and we need them.

Lisa Goldin, Director of Contra Costa Pilates

I have been attending Orza Ballet now for 4 weeks. I am an adult dancer. I am very happy to have found a place to learn ballet that is so professional and warm. Both Aaron and Kristin have taught classes that I have attended and besides being amazing teachers of ballet, they have demonstrated great kindness toward me and the student body in general. This is important to me since I feel that when you are dancing that you are putting yourself forward in a very vulnerable way, and to have your dance received in a caring manner is important to me and others I know as well.

Jean Hayek, Current Student

What a privilege to have such high-caliber training in the Bay Area, including for adults. It's rare and wonderful to have such exceptional teaching staff, welcoming adults of all ages and abilities, with insightful and constructive feedback for all.”

Sabrina Gaber, Current Student

I met Aaron and Kristin in 2017 and immediately could tell they’ve had extensive ballet training. Since meeting them, I’ve had private ballet technique classes with Aaron, taken open adult classes from Kristin, and was a student from 2018-2019, [where] I gained a refined understanding of which muscles to utilize [by] diving into anatomical concepts throughout technique class, pointe, and floor barre. This past spring, I successfully auditioned for both UC Irvine and UCLA’s dance departments. I wouldn’t have had the confidence or skill set for any auditions without [them, and] I’m excited to carry on the love I’ve gained for dance at UCLA this coming fall. [The Orzas] taught me what it meant to be a dedicated artist, and this will only motivate me to succeed in my career and contribute to the dance community.

Caitlyn Vergara, Former Student

Working with Aaron Orza is the best choice I have ever made in the sense of my ballet career. Even after only working with him for a year I have accomplished and learned more than ever before in my training. The time and energy he dedicates to his students is incomparable to any other teacher or school I have ever experienced. While creating an enjoyable and healthy work space he also fosters an environment that demands the dedication, artistry, and professionalism needed not only in ballet, but in everyday life. As students of Aaron we are not only developed as dancers, but as people and I think that is the difference between just teaching and truly mentoring. As a mentor he has helped me become a dancer that I never would be without him. I am immensely grateful for every second of tough love and inspiration Aaron brings to the studio. My growth and success is completely dedicated to the knowledge I have acquired from my time with him and there are no words to acutely articulate my gratitude. A life changing experience that will be with me forever.

Flora MacLeod, Former Student

Training with Aaron Orza and Kristin Lindsay has been such a rewarding, enriching, and life changing experience. Aaron and Kristin truly believe in and are continuing the sadly rare art of teaching REAL ballet that creates REAL ballet dancers. Students of theirs are not just looked at as what they are now but also what they have the potential to become. Being [their] student has resulted in incredible improvements that not only I have felt for myself, but also that I have witnessed in my fellow classmates. I truly would not be the same dancer or person without [this community] and I will never be able to thank them enough.

Hope Easter, Former Student

Training under the guidance of Aaron Orza was an inspiring experience. Aaron saw each student as an individual and encouraged a high level of artistry within their movement and growth as a dancer. He taught me how to be a strong yet technical dancer and also showed me how to bring presence to the stage. The lessons that I learned in the studio with Aaron have transferred to my everyday life outside of the studio. He didn’t just help me grow as a dancer, he helped me grow as a person.

Harry Warshaw, Former Student

Working closely with Aaron was definitely a turning point in my training. His commitment towards each individual’s improvement is not something you see with every teacher. He focuses on working correctly and organically, a way that prevents injury and promotes a sustainable career. I am truly grateful for Aaron’s knowledge of 'real ballet' and his role in my career!

Kenna Gold, Former Student

Working with Aaron has been a wonderful experience. His training is of the highest caliber, emphasizing clean technique, proper placement, and movement. Aaron's coaching enables each individual to achieve their absolute best while bringing out their unique artistry. I wouldn't be the dancer I am today without the support, training and mentorship he offers as a teacher.

Alan Morganstern, Former Student

Kristin and Aaron are experienced and know how to guide you through each step, making sure you understand the technique while also pushing you to improve. The classes are well-structured and challenging while being committed to helping each individual student. Highly recommend it to anyone looking for solid ballet training.

Lee Lee Diel, Former Student

My daughter moved [cities] to come train with [Aaron and Kristin]. She has never before experienced what they are providing and is overjoyed everyday when she comes home. This joy and passion in what she does only make me want to push her further. So I want to thank Aaron and Kristin for giving this to her!

Paul McCall, Former Parent

For serious ballet dancers ready to take their training to the next level. We drive 45 mins to train at [here] and having my daughter train with Kristin and Aaron has been the best decision. I wish we had found them years ago! My daughter has been dancing since she was 2 but she started [with them] in February and the progress she has made in that short time has been truly unbelievable!! Kristin and Aaron make sure every student is receiving the proper training to reach all their dance goals. They DO NOT focus on levels, like many schools do. But, instead they focus on the growth of each individual dancer and making sure each and every student has the proper knowledge and proper technique it takes to pursue careers in this industry if they so wish. I would give them 10 stars if that was an option. I highly recommend any serious ballet dancers that are ready to train with true professionals and learn from the best check them out.

Kelley Crook, Former Parent

[This] School has made a significant impact on my growth as a dancer, both technically and artistically. The instructors are incredibly skilled and dedicated, providing personalized attention that has really helped me refine my technique. In the year I’ve been a student, they’ve helped me find and push me past my limits to improve. I would highly recommend [them] to anyone looking for a real ballet school [nearby].

Emma Morton, Former Student

The standard of performance at [this] Academy is exceptional. The dancers exhibit remarkable technical skills, characterized by their precision, agility, and expressive artistry. Every dancer embodies the essence of ballet. Recent performances have highlighted these strengths with stunning choreography that showcased the versatility and depth of this studio. If you’re looking for a place that is going to get your child to the next level this is it.

Jason Hernandez, Former Parent

I am so thankful that I found [this school]! Aaron and Kristin pour endless time into each of their students, specifically preparing each one for their individual career. Not only was I given honest counsel, great guest teachers, and personal instruction, but also confidence in who I am as a dancer, and the capability to continue improving in this art form. I highly recommend [them] to the serious ballet student.

Katya Klein, Former Student

If your child is seeking an opportunity to pursue a career in ballet, there is no better option than [this] Academy. Aaron and Kristin are extraordinary; our daughter, who began training [with them] just two years ago, traveled recently to Europe and found that her technique not only stood up against those who'd been trained abroad but in some cases far surpassed it. Words cannot express how grateful we are for [the Orzas].

Conor Farley, Former Parent

Our daughter got a late start on her ballet training. We had been at another local school for almost a year; [Aaron and Kristin] had her for 5 months and she was a COMPLETELY different dancer. She continues to progress, and at every performance we can see such improvement. We are so grateful for Aaron and Kristen’s training!

Julia Morton, Former Parent

[This] is the best place to train for ballet students and professionals looking for elite instruction. I was a professional dancer for 12 years and trained throughout the country prior to and during my career. While I was dancing I would go out of my way to take their classes and learn from them, and I would encourage anyone in the area interested in taking their ballet technique to the next level and beyond, to do the same. Furthermore, the persistence, tenacity, and determination young dancers learn from this training will serve them in all other facets of their lives, for the rest of their lives. If you want individualized instruction, attention to detail, finesse in your dancing, an honest and encouraging environment, and connections to other elite institutions that are advantageous for a career in ballet, look no further.

Daniella Zlatarev, Former Student

“A Great school! We have nothing but good things to say about the quality of training our daughter receives [here] and the care and attention she gets in progressing towards her ballet goals. THANK YOU Aaron and Kristin!”

Stephanie Logozar, Former Parent

I’ve been training [with Aaron and Kristin] for almost 3 years, and I can’t tell you how much I’ve grown as a dancer, but even more so as a person. [They] prepare you for the professional track as well as how to be true to who you are and [to] embrace that in a mature manner. My gratitude for what they have done for me and what they continue to do for me is infinite.

Hannah Collier, Former Student

Kristin and Aaron know ballet from the inside out and not only have they had impressive careers themselves, but they know how to pull out the most from each of their students. Too often, there are instructors touting seemingly impressive resumes and name dropping places and people they've worked with, but they don't actually know how to train young dancers into professionals or how to fine tune individual dancers’ technique. Kristin and Aaron have both the resumes and the ability to mentor their dancers. They understand the nuances of proper ballet technique and style, plus they bring in truly impressive guest faculty that any dancer would be thrilled to work with.

Daniella Zlatarev, Former Student

A newly formed ballet academy under the direction of Aaron and Kristen Orza. Together, they bring an incredible wealth of professional experience and are building a program rooted in strong technique, discipline, creativity, artistry, and—of course—professionalism for the next generation of dancers. My daughter is wrapping up her final week of their summer intensive, and I’ve already seen a noticeable difference in her eagerness to improve. The motivation and encouragement she receives from the directors and teachers have been truly inspiring. Whether your child simply loves ballet or dreams of pursuing it professionally, this may be the perfect place to grow. And the parents of these beautiful dancers are pretty awesome too.

Constanse A., Current Parent

Great open classes every day, lots of exciting renovations, knowledgeable instructors, so fun!

Gisela Lau, Current Student

I can’t say enough good things about Orza’s Ballet Academy! The staff is incredibly experienced, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about helping their students grow. They’ve recently made some fantastic improvements to the academy, including new flooring and renovations that have really elevated the space. It’s clear they’re committed to providing a safe, professional, and welcoming environment for their dancers. If you’re looking for a ballet academy with experienced instructors, a beautiful facility, and people who truly care about their students, I highly recommend Orza’s Ballet Academy!

Payton G., Current Student

Orza Academy of Ballet or OAB is bringing elite level classical ballet training to Contra Costa County! We are excited to be part of their inaugural year. Under the direction of Aaron and Kristin Orza our DD is able to continue her ballet training close to home, with more personalized attention and still able to balance school and social life with her dance aspirations. As parents we are appreciative of the accessibility of the staff and faculty and transparency of their training program. OAB’s presence in Walnut Creek is a meaningful move in taking the Arts to the next level in our community.

Tammie Kim, Current Parent

The Orza Experience

What a privilege to have such high-caliber training in the Bay Area, including for adults. It's rare and wonderful to have such exceptional teaching staff, welcoming adults of all ages and abilities, with insightful and constructive feedback for all.”

“A Great school! We have nothing but good things to say about the quality of training our daughter receives [here] and the care and attention she gets in progressing towards her ballet goals. THANK YOU Aaron and Kristin!”

Great open classes every day, lots of exciting renovations, knowledgeable instructors, so fun!

Where Training Can Lead

Find Your Place at Orza

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