My daughter started studying ballet at age 5. She tried various well-known larger ballet schools throughout the south Bay until we finally settled down at RMSB in 2018 at age 10. The school strikes a wonderful balance in serious ballet training and great social fun that fosters a great bonding among students. The Artistic Director, Mr. Ramon, has a strict teaching style, but students love his kind and humorous personality. Students at RMSB participate in major competitions every year and receive top awards, recognition, and scholarships. Mr. Ramon sees dancers’ potential and customizes choreography around their individual strengths for the best competition outcome. Every class, he choreographs different combinations, training the dancers to memorize and pick up the routines with great speeds. This skill proves extremely useful if your child is interested in attending auditions and competitions (master classes.)

The most exciting part of the curriculum, however, are the shows that the school produces every Christmas and spring. The performances are always so spectacular- seeing talented dancers in beautiful costumes and lighting really sets you in a constant state of awe. In the most recent Nutcracker performance in Dec. 2021, I saw young audience cheered and jumped up and down with excitement at the end. All students receive great exposure throughout the performance regardless of level. The school gives all hardworking students an opportunity to shine in accordance with their skills and technique. With the fair and inclusive culture, parent volunteers work harmoniously and whole-heartedly in supporting the school. It is a very happy community for both students and parents. The school also has a wonderful boys program dedicated to train male dancers. The summer intensive program is a great way to try out the school, without committing the entire school year. Master class teachers are invited to teach at the summer program, so the dancers are exposed to various styles of teaching. The school holds a recital in the theater at the end of intensive, which gives the teachers a chance to evaluate new students’ performing skills, as well as parents of students that are not committed for the full year to evaluate the school.

I highly recommend this school to all the aspiring young dancers out there seeking a serious and healthy environment for the ballet education. I truly regret not finding RMSB earlier on for my daughter.

K. T.

My daughter joined Ramon's school 2 years ago after having attended classes at several other ballet schools. The school is a hidden gem as their students have all performed well no matter where they go, both as a dancer and as a human being. The school is rather low key which is probably why they do not show up in media and every magazine/newspaper. But if you visit their studio, I can assure you that you will instantly fall in love because the artistic director you talk with, Mr. Ramon, is the one who will be teaching your child. Mr. Ramon was a principal dancer who is now dedicated to helping students achieve their potential. In his school, students will be offered a challenging curriculum along with performance and competition opportunities (opt-in only) to hone their technical and artistic skills. The environment is extremely inclusive which allows it to accommodate students who want to pursue different goals from the art form of ballet. I highly recommend this school if you want your child to develop a solid foundation in ballet from a quality program in the area.

Vivian L.

[Audience Review]

I was so grateful to attend. From the youngest to the oldest, this performance was beautiful. I often forget what strength it takes to be a ballet dancer. Sure, one can use words like graceful, flowing motions, balance and symmetry, but STRENGTH is a major synonym that is often not associated w/ dance. And on top of the discipline, a smile often is necessary. Not just a plastic and creepy smile, but a soft gentle smile also. Perhaps yes, some are students, perhaps 85% are students but the poise and discipline is so high quality.

Thank you again for such a lovely presentation.

With much appreciation.

I was looking for a school with good ballet technique training and was referred to RMSB by a ballet teacher in my daughter's former dance studio. The referring teacher was a great dancer with a ballet company and I thought I had to give RMSB a try. I observed the performance of RMSB students in YAGP and was very impressed. We joined the RMSB family rightly after.

Mr. Ramon is a very kind teacher. He does his best to care for all students regardless of talents. Kids fear his strict corrections yet love him as a teacher. He gives all students an opportunity to perform and compete, when students are motivated to do so. Other teachers at the school, Ms. Sharon, Ms. Ally and Mr. Alex are all wonderful teachers. Mr. Ramon also invited various master class teachers in spring and summer to teach at RMSB. Students benefit from learning with teachers of different styles and strengths.

The most that my daughter loves about the school is the bonding of students. Parents host several parties throughout the year at the school, Christmas, birthday parties, spring. Kids and parents have wonderful times hanging out. My daughter developed good friendship with several students at the school. I am happy she is enjoying her teen years while working really hard.

My daughter has been with RMSB since 2018. Her technique and stage presence have improved tremendously as a result of ample competition and school performance experiences. She has won awards every year in major competitions since joining RMSB. The choreography of Mr. Ramon's and Ms. Sharon's really showcased my daughter's strength. This is a very good school.

Bianca R.

We love how Mr. Ramon gives students a chance to be leading roles on the stage. There are three shows per year and all three shows are at large theaters such as Menlo-Atherton Performing Arts Center. The winter and spring shows have 3 casts and the summer show has 2 casts. Instead of having only a few dancers be the leading roles for all casts, Mr. Ramon rotates the casts and allows many students to have a lead role, solo, or duet in each show. Each student gets to perform several pieces in every show.

Mr. Ramon is an incredible teacher and mentor to all the students. It's such a warm and fun environment for everyone. My daughter absolutely loved her experience here for the past few years. This is one of the premier ballet schools in the area!

E. Y.

Ballet has been a guiding light throughout my life. It's hard to remember a time when I haven't danced. Within the challenging and nurturing environment of RMSB, I've learned to

• be graceful, use strength to appear light and elegant

• be resilient, as things always don't go exactly as planned

• persevere, as there are always something to improve or learn

• be disciplined/focused (time management), as between practices, rehearsals, productions, competitions, teaching and school work there's a lot to do

• accept myself, understand my weakness / areas of development and optimistically taking one day at a time

• work on executive functioning skill sets, as to better tackle life

I believe that at RMSB, the discipline of ballet has especially helped me to balance all aspects of my life between dance, academics, community service, personal projects, and fun.

Leaving for Cornell is bittersweet. I am so excited to start a new chapter of my life, but I will forever miss Mr. Ramon, my various teachers who I’ve been so lucky to learn from, and finally my friends who have made the journey all the better.

Caroline Ongchin (RMSB 2022 Graduate)

Over the past five years, RMSB has brought so much joy into my life. Through their gentle but stimulating guidance, Mr. Ramon and Mr. Alex encouraged me to become a perseverant and thoughtful dancer. They supported me through studying in between rehearsals and leaving class early for family matters. I craved rehearsal and performance times, because the RMSB community was so lively, always challenging me to bring my best performance and self to the studio and stage. I am grateful to be moving onto Stanford University, where I plan to continue ballet. Of great comfort to me is that Stanford is nearby, because RMSB will forever be my second home, a place devoid of judgment and filled with comradely and acceptance.

Anneli Chow (RMSB 2022 Graduate)

Recently went for open house- intro class and very happy to find this school. Parents created good community atmosphere! Girls and boys performed very professional, moreover they all friends, at least I feel it. I wish that this year my kids will join Ramon's ballet classes!

O. T.