Step into Excellence with Cuizon Ballet Centre

 When I walked into Cuizon Ballet Centre, my life was forever changed. I had my first private with Lisa and I remember walking out thinking that I had never learned so much in just a short hour. From that point on, Lisa has invested her energy, her love, and her time into my life and my dance career, and I could not be more grateful to have a mentor like her. Lisa has not only guided me as a dance teacher, but she has taught me so many life lessons that I will forever cherish. Lisa completely altered my view of dance. She made me realize what a special art form dance is and how it matters what you as an artist are bringing to the table, not just as a dancer. I owe so much of who I am to her: the way I work, the way I dance, and the way I love this art form so much. Cuizon Ballet Centre is a special place and Lisa will always remain very close to my heart.

Billi Marder
Peridance Contemporary Dance Company

   When I first started with Lisa I did it to become a better ballroom dancer. My coach said that in order to keep up with the competition I needed strong ballet training. I found Cuizon Ballet Centre and Lisa. I had no idea how dedicating my time to her capable hands would change the shape of my future.  

I continued to compete in ballroom as I took classes with Lisa, and I placed very well. I found that my love for dance shifted and became focused under her direction. I experienced great improvement in a short time. I went from relatively nothing to something because of her.   I already loved to dance, but I began to breathe it. This led to my confident decision to move to Manhattan and study ballet as a 6'2" pre-professional dancer. I moved June 2017 and was accepted to a pre-professional program as well as obtained an invitation to study with Lisa’s mentor Wilhelm Burmann a Balanchine master. I couldn’t have come this far without Cuizon Ballet, Lisa and my family. I’m looking forward to many good things to come and sincerely recommend Cuizon Ballet for all levels of dancers. 

Lisa shares life lessons that span past the dancing. I use the things she taught me every day and I feel very grateful to Lisa for her direction, dedication, and determination to see me succeed. 

Micheal Bushman

Diablo Ballet

  Cuizon Ballet Centre represents a sanctuary for me to push myself mentally and physically. My understanding of my body and the complexity of its movement improves exponentially every time I take class with Lisa Cuizon. More importantly, Cuizon Ballet Centre is where I learned the value of work ethic and self­ motivation. It is where I learned to work both efficiently and effectively. Lisa has taught me that with persistence of the spirit and an openness and willingness to commit myself to my craft, I can accomplish anything I set my mind to. I have learned to be patient and persistent. There has not been one day at Cuizon where my teachers did not push me to feel something different or new in my body. Hard work does pay off, and Cuizon Ballet Centre is one of the few unique places I have experienced where the instructor at the front of the room never gave up on me. The unwavering faith Lisa has in me has inspired self ­confidence and faith in my own abilities. I apply the lessons given to me by Cuizon Ballet Centre both in dance and in other areas of study. There is no better place to learn the power of the mind and the potential it holds than at this unique studio. Cuizon Ballet Centre does not just foster smart dancers, it fosters persistent spirits who will stop at nothing to accomplish their dreams. 

Sammy Altenau

Dance Aspen

  I have known for almost my whole life that dance was important to me, but having a place of high standards to study the art and discipline of dance so close to where I grew up was truly fortuitous.  I am lucky to have the physical, emotional, and intellectual intelligence that comes with rigorous dance training.  Not only can I walk into almost any dance class and stand on my own, but I can also face life’s other challenges with the same confidence and skills.  I have searched, but I can’t find anything else that fulfills me quite like a good dance class.

Cuizon Ballet Centre was a place where I forgot the stresses of being a teenager (and remembered the stress of POINTING MY FEET!)  That was a very happy time in my life.  Every day I got to work hard doing what I love, and I went home dripping in sweat and contentment. 

I also had experiences teaching and choreographing at Cuizon Ballet Centre, and I made some great friends, not the least, was you, Lisa.  You have been a wonderful teacher, mentor, and friend to me.  You have done a super job providing high quality classes, teachers, and experiences for your students.  Scott, and I’m sure your whole family, have also done a great job supporting you and making Cuizon Ballet Centre what it is today, an unbelievable resource for many young people to enrich their lives like I have.  Every community should have a Cuizon Ballet Centre.

I am so proud to have been there at the beginning to help set up the studio.  I still remember walking in there for the first time and seeing the sun piercing through the blinds on those large windows.

It wasn’t only because I was tired or sore or a very responsible stretcher, but I was usually the last one to leave after class because Cuizon Ballet Centre felt like home.  I get a bit of the same feeling anytime I enter a dance studio.  I had a home away from home growing up, and it will follow me for the rest of my life.

Erin Kohout
Dancer, Choreographer, Physical Therapist

  I am forever grateful for my training at Cuizon Ballet Centre.  I trained with Lisa for over 10 years, from when I was 6 years old until I graduated high school and went to college.  Ballet is still an enormous part of my identity, and to this day, whenever and wherever I take a ballet class, the precision and clarity of my footwork, and my ability to move FAST, allow me to stand out.  My excellent Balanchine training is clear.  My exceptional training afforded me the opportunity, in high school, to attend summer programs at some of the most prestigious ballet companies in the country.  I will remember forever those amazing, challenging, rewarding, formative experiences! Aside from a lifelong love of dance and excellent technique, I bring the discipline, poise, confidence, resilience, and grace that I learned in the studio into every situation I encounter.  I hope that many more students in years to come will be as fortunate as I have been to enjoy the lifelong artistic, personal, and professional rewards of training at Cuizon Ballet Centre.

Katrina Wisdom

 Oligo Platform Scientific Leader @ GSK 

Cuizon Ballet Centre has greatly changed my life from the moment I walked in. I have been training with Lisa for almost four years now and cannot put into words how much she has done for me. I have been doing ballet since I was two years old and have been to just about every studio in LA. It wasn’t until I found Cuizon that I was truly able to take my ballet training to the next level. Before Cuizon, I had received little attention at other schools and always felt like a little fish in a big sea. I struggled with confidence in my dancing as I felt I wasn’t really improving without any personalized attention. I still remember walking into Cuizon for the first time and being absolutely blown away with the way the girls could dance. It was obvious that every girl in the room had been trained in such a personalized, effective, and professional manner. I remember dreaming that one day I could dance the way they could and thinking this dream would never become a reality. Four years later, I could not be happier with the way my dancing has evolved and flourished. Cuizon Ballet Centre does not just provide incomparable ballet training but teaches life lessons, including the importance of persistence, determination, and willpower. I can honestly say that if it weren’t for this studio and Lisa’s incredible training, I would not be the person or the dancer I am today.

Hudson Serletic

SMU

Escuela De Ballet David Campos, Barcelona

 I started with Lisa about 6 years ago , and I am so thankful I got to learn Balanchine technique from her. She only accepts the best from you, and pushes you to be the best dancer you can be. She has taught me that whatever you set your mind, your energy, and your time to, you can accomplish anything. I am truly grateful to have met both Lisa and Scott! Highly recommend this studio! 

Robin Tiedje

I started taking ballet with Lisa about 2 years ago and she has truly changed my life. I grew up always wanting to do ballet but the time never seemed right for me, and by the time I decided I wanted to join a studio, I felt I waited too long and it was too late. Lisa showed me that anything is possible through hard work and determination. The amount that I have learned from Lisa in the span of just 2 years is incredible, and I know I would not have progressed the way I have with any other teacher. I am so beyond grateful I found a teacher who cares so deeply for all of her students.

Isabelle Lundquist

 I've been extremely fortunate to train with Lisa at Cuizon Ballet Centre, and I must say she has changed my life in the best way possible! If you're looking to work your tail off and take your technique to the next level, this is the place to go. There are few people in the area who have such knowledge and passion for ballet. Every class is a challenge and a major learning experience. In all of my years of dancing, I've never seen myself improve so much in such a short amount of time. These classes are by no means easy, but you will see yourself grow. I can't recommend this training highly enough!

Hanna York

It has now been close to 20 years since I started with Lisa!. It is rare to find a ballet teacher who not only has a professional background, but can also translate that extensive knowledge in a way that makes sense. She is passionate and 100% invested--giving her full attention and individualized feedback. Lisa is not just a teacher, but also an inspirational, wise, committed mentor. You will grow leaps and bounds in this studio (as a ballet student and even in other areas of your life)! 

Kristin F.

  Cuizon Ballet Centre is without a doubt the best school for students of all ages who want to unlock real confidence, self discipline, unparalleled athleticism and critical guidance in how to excel in both dance and professional worlds alike. Lisa is not just a world-class ballet teacher but the most uniquely caring, passionate and deeply dedicated mentor to every one of her students. Under Lisa's wing, the sky is the limit when it comes to what you want to achieve--I know, because I'm living proof! As an adult, I walked into her studio out of shape with self doubt, insecurity, a serious lack of proper foundational training, a desire to dance again, and a dream of maybe some day keeping up with the many talented young women in her intermediate/advanced ballet class! She not only welcomed me with open arms, and without discrimination, but has devoted equal time and attention to my success in ballet (and life) ever since my first day, regardless of my age. Through her mentorship under late, great Balanchine trained legends like Melissa Hayden, and Willy Burmann, Lisa offers rarely taught, coveted insights into real Balanchine technique--I am often pinching myself wondering how I, a ballet nerd and mere mortal, could ever be so lucky as to have access to learn such a beautifully nuanced, magnificent style of ballet in such a professional environment and so close to the source! What's even more astoundingly effective are Lisa's teaching methods, which are forever evolving and accommodating of different learning styles. For anyone willing to put the work, focus, and determination in, a bespoke road to success is designed. Furthermore, though the gift of dancing ballet, and dancing well, should seem like enough, her studio continues to surpass all others with incredible, one-of-a-kind guidance offered through expertly taught companion tools like Guided Stretch, Floor Barre and Classical Pilates--tools that have helped me prevent injury, build strength, quiet my mind and connect to my body--tools that, most of which, are either not available or properly taught at other studios, let alone accessible to adults! Having had a childhood full of bad experiences in various neighboring studios, you can only imagine how shocked I was to find what a breath of fresh air Cuizon Ballet Centre truly is in every way! Lisa's zero tolerance policy for toxicity, discrimination, negativity, or bullying also really shows in the incredible success, maturity, and harmonious drive of every one of her students. Every class is like a protected safe haven from the stress and chaos of the outside world and I'm always surprised at how quickly several hours can pass by--time truly flies when you're having fun. In just a few years, Lisa has indirectly helped me move into the career path I've always wanted, achieve the physique I've always wished for, channel self discipline over my mind and body, and feel great doing it. My life is forever changed because of Lisa and the magic that is Cuizon Ballet Centre! I cannot recommend this business/community enough to people of all ages and experience levels looking to level up their body, mind, and life.

Darcy M.

 Cuizon Ballet Centre is the finest ballet studio in the area! After much research, this studio was the right place to learn, grow, and develop the proper dancing skills! Lisa is a passionate, dedicated teacher and mentor, showcasing heart, discipline, care, and structure for all her students. Her extensive background as a Professional Ballet Dancer translates directly into the studio, and the profound education she provides to her students is transformative. The tools you will gain from her group classes, intensives, or privates will advance you in your dance journey. Whatever your status or experience is in the dance world, Lisa will provide you with a foundation for success! If you want to gain the core teachings of ballet and are willing to work hard, this is the studio for you. The experience I have received at Cuizon Ballet Centre is invaluable, and I look forward to many more years ahead with Lisa! 

Danielle M.