Collenette School of Ballet in San Marino has rich history in ballet, celebrates 100th anniversary

SAN MARINO, Calif. (KABC) -- For years, toes have been tipped, spins have been spun and 'ara's ' have been 'besqued!' Ballet has not only survived through the ages, it has owned the stage.

But to get to the stage, you have to practice. And for generations of ballet students, that practice has meant the Collenette School of Ballet.

It's tucked away in an old brick building in the heart of San Marino.

Emily Bratmon Hand has owned and taught at Collenette for the past 20 years, which is just a fraction of the dance school's life, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary.

Its studio walls testify to its rich history, with photos dating all the way back to its birth in the 1920s and its inspiration.

"I wish my mother and grandmother were alive today," said Claudia Collenette Damon. "They would be amazed!"

Beatrice Collenette was the original owner, and studied under Anna Pavlova, one of the most famous ballerinas of all time.

We caught up with Damon at the school's 100th anniversary celebration at Arcadia High ,where past students pored over photobooks from decades ago. That link to the past is now a bridge to the future.

Watch Rob Hayes' full report above.