Terpsichora Ballet School (TBS)

Liezl Austria is the owner and founder of TBS, where she teaches classical ballet in its most pure form. The ballet Liezl shares with her students is the same ballet she learned at Vaganova Ballet Academy in Saint Petersburg. The Vaganova Ballet Academy is a widely recognized dance institution in Russia that teaches Agrippina Vaganova’s classical Russian dance method. This method produces unique and high-quality movements that can be seen among the alumni of Vaganova Ballet Academy, such as Rudolf Nureyev. Liezl shares this ballet style with her students because of its clarity and the excellent results derived from it. Liezl was born in the Philippines, and she has been a professional ballerina for almost 20 years after moving from San Francisco to California at the age of 13. Liezl’s first ballet teacher was Augusta Moore, who recommended that she train with Yehuda and Alba Calzada. Liezl decided to continue her training at the Vaganova Ballet Academy in Saint Petersburg. Liezl also took part in the annual Vaganova Method Preservation demonstrations at the Vaganova Ballet Academy, Russia, between 2010 and 2019. Liezl began the teacher re-training program in 2016 at the Vaganova Ballet Academy, where she studied under her mentor, Irina Badayeva.

The reviews demonstrate overwhelming admiration for Liezl’s ballet academy. The instructor is genuinely kind and approachable, creating a warm and inclusive environment. She effectively teaches the technically challenging Vaganova method in every class, which helps students make significant strides. Liezl provides feedback almost constantly, demonstrating that she is incredibly committed to the growth of each pupil. The curriculum also stands out for using live music, making it unique. This sorted combination makes the academy one of the best in San Francisco, and it would be an excellent choice for ballet enthusiasts at all skill levels. One review differentiates the instructor, saying she teaches authentically, pointing out that there are very few teachers currently certified in Vaganova in the US. All in all, the Liezl Ballet Academy reviews show how joyful the community feels about the depth of learning students receive.