Bridging Cultures at the Djanbazian Dance Academy

With its shiny white studio, tiny pink dancing tutus and perfectly mirrored walls, Djanbazian Dance Academy seems to have all the ingredients for training the best dancers in La Crescenta and Montrose.

Anna Djanbazian, Director and Choreographer at the academy, is hopeful in passing on her passion for dance and tradition to her students, “Our mission is to bring cultures together and have a connection with the kids,” explained Djanbazian.

“I see kids right now constantly playing on computers and here they are talking, dancing and creating. I love to see them becoming more creative,” she added as the energy of the studio permeated the hallway where students eagerly scurried into the studio. 

At Djanbazian Dance Academy, students range anywhere from four to adult, making this one of the best-known and accepted dance academies in the area. But before opening her doors to La Crescenta in 2003, this distinguished academy opened a location in Glendale back in 1988, just a little too far for her students to travel.

“Most of my students live around here. So it’s much easier,” said Djanbazian. “I just love this location. It’s artsy.”

The Armenian daughter of Russian Ballet Master Sarkis Djanbazian, Djanbazian grew up in Iran, where she began dancing at the age of three and fell in love with the art. Her father Sarkis, who was a principal dancer in Russia's esteemed Vaganova Academy of Russian Ballet (then known as the Leningrad State Choreographic Institute), established the Djanbazian Dance Academy in 1942.

Djanbazian's father, unfortunately, passed away when Djanbazian was only 11, but even as young girl, she was determined to continue his legacy. “When he passed away, I went to Russia to continue my dance studies.”

In 1972, Djanbazian then returned to Iran after graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in ballet and traditional dance from the Yerevan Choreographic Pedagogical Dance Institute. Restoring the school and honoring her father’s dream, Djanbazian has been teaching and choreographing ever since.

Saturated in artistic expression and circumventing a palpable creative force, Djanbazian Dance Academy exemplifies the culmination of through the arts. Djanbazian prides herself on the personal relationships she has with her clients and on the heels of May’s dance recital at the , an 800-seat theater in La Cañada Flintridge, Djanbazian takes pride in the success of her tiny dancers. 

“Usually we have different performances within the company throughout the year,” said Djanbazian. “I am so proud of the students here.”

Although locally known for its Russian ballet training, this dance academy offers a wide variety of classes including ballet, creative dance, folk stage dance, traditional and modern dance and exercise for all levels. With ongoing lessons beginning at a young age, many students practice dance at the academy for over 18 years and professional instructors offer classes at various levels from beginner through advanced. 

With a yearly registration fee, students are welcome to use all the amenities of the studio and dancers pay a per-class or per-month charge in addition to or in lieu of personal one-on-one private sessions.

For Djanbazian, the goal is simple: to break down the cultural barriers among the youth, build positive experiences by exposing and educating them and assisting them in moving forward in today’s society. Her mission is to promote the development and appreciation of dance by producing cultural and educational programs for residents of La Crescenta and beyond.

For class schedules and private training, please visit the academy's website at www.djanbaziandance.com. The academy is located at 2600 Foothill Blvd. Call them at 818-248-4458.