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Crystal Peterson

Crystal has danced ballet exclusively since the age of four and has been teaching since 1984

Born in California, Crystal received her primary training at the Rozanne-Zimmerman Ballet Center in Chatsworth CA. At age ten,  she was awarded full scholarship by the Ford Foundation to train at her hometown school. Crystal danced on full scholarship at the School of American Ballet (SAB) for three summers and one winter since age thirteen.  At age sixteen, Crystal danced at the Joffrey Ballet School on full winter and summer scholarships.

She has appeared with Joffrey and Nureyev in productions of Petruchka at Lincoln Center as well as dancing with the Metropolitan Ballet Co. in NYC. At age seventeen, Crystal became a Principal Dancer with the Tampa Ballet, performing lead roles in Classical and Contemporary Ballets by a variety of choreographers including Richard Sias, Michael Vernon and Ron Cunningham. Returning to New York, she worked with various choreographers performing original works.

Retiring to start a family, Crystal continued to seek out a more in-depth knowledge of ballet. She began training with Zena Rommett, the creator of the world renowned Floor Barre Technique®, designed for reducing injuries and purifying movements with refined alignment. Crystal soon became an instructor for Ms. Rommett teaching Floor-Barre Technique® and Ballet classes at the Joffrey School and Steps Studios in New York.

In 1989 Crystal and her family moved to Los Angeles where she began teaching ballet and Floor-Barre in various schools. In order to implement her strict beliefs in ballet training, she founded the Classical Ballet Academy in 1990 in Montrose, CA. In 1996 the Classical Ballet Academy found it's new home at our current facility in Altadena.  Crystal's husband Ross renovated the entire space with a free floating sprung floor and an in house performance theatre. In 1998 Crystal was invited to coach a select group of gymnasts in Hawaii to help in preparations for the 2000 Summer Olympics. She provided coaching in style, strength, alignment, centering and jumps. Crystal was also on the faculty at USC teaching intermediate and advanced ballet. She has choreographed numerous original ballets and re-staged many classics that has been presented in a variety of theatres including their own.

After many years working on developing a clear, enhanced, dynamic and intelligent supplemental technique for students, Crystal has developed Ballet de Floor, which has become her students, “secret weapon” in facilitating their superior technique.

Students trained by Crystal have been invited to dance in prestigious schools such as the Bolshio Ballet, School of American Ballet, Kirov Ballet, American Ballet Theater, Royal Ballet, Bejart Ballet, Joffrey New York & Chicago, The Rock School, Alvin Ailey Ballet, San Diego Ballet, Ballet Chicago, Miami City Ballet, Gelsey Kirkland Academy, and Alonzo Kings Lines. Crystal also coaches students for competitions such as the Youth American Grand Prix.


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Star Peterson

Ms. Star Peterson began her formal ballet training at the age of six, training exclusively at the Classical Ballet Academy. In the years leading up to graduation, Star completed a two-year intensive teacher’s training program under the instruction of Crystal Peterson at the Classical Ballet Academy in Altadena, CA.
Star has taught at several academic private schools, dance facilities, fitness studios, and summer intensives in the greater Los Angeles communities since 2000 and became Administrator at the Classical Ballet Academy in 2003.

Ms. Peterson has danced soloist and principal roles in numerous classical, contemporary, and neo-classical ballets and is experienced in choreographing classics, lecture demos, and original contemporary works.

Star’s extensive experience with children ages 3 through adults have made her a well-rounded and excellent instructor for all ages, levels and learning capabilities. Her personable approach and enthusiasm makes for a great learning environment for students to feel comfortable in and enjoy.


Melissa Udell

Melissa began dancing at the age of four. She trained at Ballet Petit in La Canada under the instruction of Jill Sanzo and Jacqueline Pavlich. While her primary training was in classical ballet technique, Melissa also received instruction in lyrical jazz/contemporary technique with Jamie Nichols.  At age fifteen Melissa met Crystal Peterson and began training exclusively with her in both technique and floor barre. She was accepted to and attended, the Joffrey Ballet summer program in New York in the summer of 1995.  Melissa was also a performing member of the Orchesis Dance Company in 1998. 

Melissa taught adult ballet technique at Classical Ballet Academy and is now a certified instructor in the Peterson Ballet de Floor Technique.  Her focus is on helping students understand proper alignment while gaining strength and mastery of the physical movements necessary to executing correct technique in ballet or any athletic endeavor. In addition to teaching proper mechanics, Melissa helps students incorporate breath into their movement and to fully utilize their energy, fostering a wholistic experience. 

Outside of the dance studio, Melissa is a clinical psychologist and has a private psychotherapy practice in Pasadena.  She enjoys spending time outdoors with her family and friends.