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Academy of Dance Arts

4.8 ★★★★★ 48 Google reviews · Ballet school in Rapid City, South Dakota

Free trial Kids & teens Private lessons

Plan your first class

  • Free trial / first class new students can usually try a class free or at a discount — call ahead or check their schedule to book your first one
  • Ages classes for ages 3–8 — check the schedule for the right level for your dancer
  • Private lessons one-on-one coaching available — ask about rates and availability
  • Today see hours ·
  • Phone (605) 719-5678
  • Website & schedule rcdancearts.com — enroll and see the live class schedule

Hours

Monday 3:30–7 PM
Tuesday 3:30–7 PM
Wednesday 3:30–7 PM
Thursday 3:30–7 PM
Friday Closed
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed

Studio hours shift for holidays, recitals, and term schedules — worth a quick check before a special trip.

The programs they offer

Ballet programs on the schedule at Academy of Dance Arts, confirmed in families' own reviews and the studio's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🌸 Kids Ballet 15 mentions

“After moving, our next couple dance studio experiences were focused on making money, and one of the dance instructors really had no business working with young children.”

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🧸 Toddler & Pre-Ballet 2 mentions

“We’re currently in the process of finding a preschool for my daughter, and I wish it could be as easy as setting this dance class up, was.”

All studios with toddler & pre-ballet →

How they train

The training methods and syllabi Academy of Dance Arts teaches, drawn from their own info and students' reviews — the quickest way to tell how a studio approaches classical technique.

Methods are mined from the studio's own info and reviews — they tell you the approach, not a formal certification or exam board. If a specific syllabus matters to you, confirm it with the studio before enrolling.

What families & students say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 48 Google reviews — with their own words as proof.

🩰 strong technique & training 7 mentions

“Dancers are taught to uphold their technique while also embracing their own personality, in these other cities, while dancing with young folks from Chicago, Denver, Milwaukee, etc.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 6 mentions

“If you want your child to attend a dance studio focused on the student, with a warm and welcoming environment, then I highly recommend you consider this studio.”

🧸 wonderful with young kids 2 mentions

“Needless to say my daughter loved it and he teachers as well as the other staff working were amazing and very welcoming!”

💛 nurturing, non-competitive 26 mentions

“Not only has she learned good technique across all styles from ballet to tap, modern, jazz, hip hop and contemporary her fellow dancers and teachers are a second family.”

💪 builds confidence & discipline 4 mentions

“Looking forward to her next class and seeing her grow in confidence and build friendships along the way.”

From the reviews

As a family, we have lived in several states across the US. We originally moved to Rapid City in 1999, and our oldest daughter started dance that year. After trying two other disappointing dance studios, we listened to the advice of several friends and finally decided to switch our oldest daughter to yet another dance…

★★★★★ — Tracey, Dec 2018

We have been a part of the Academy family for over 6 years now and have been impressed and inspired by the quality dance education and the commitment to developing each dancer as a whole. Kindness, positivity, and encouragement are values that are seen, felt, and shared at every lesson by instructors and dancers alike.

★★★★★ — Courtney, Dec 2017

I have danced with Academy since I was four-years-old. In my 13 years at Academy I have not only grown as a dancer but as a person as well. The faculty and fellow dancers are among some of the nicest, most nurturing, and humble people I've ever met.

★★★★★ — Maia, Jan 2017

After just 1 year of enrollment, we have fallen in love with Academy. We have 5 dancers currently enrolled in classes, ranging in age from a very shy 6 year old girl to a first time dancer that is our 16 year old son. These and everyone in between has been welcomed with open arms and made to feel like they belong.

★★★★★ — Annie, Dec 2019

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 48 reviews →

Your first ballet class at Academy of Dance Arts

Nervous about walking into your first class? Almost everyone is — and a good studio expects beginners, whether your dancer is five or you're returning at fifty. Here's what to know. What to wear: comfortable clothes you can move in, with socks or bare feet; a leotard and tights are nice if you have them, but not required, and pointe shoes are years down the road — never day one. What to expect: class usually starts at the barre with slow, simple movements to warm up, then moves to the center — follow along, copy the teacher, and don't worry about getting it "right" the first time. Arrive early: come 10–15 minutes ahead to change, find a spot, and let the teacher know it's a first class so they can keep an eye out. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.

Ballet is for every age and every body. If you're returning from an injury or have a health concern, mention it to the teacher before class so they can offer modifications.

Where to find Academy of Dance Arts

4251 Canyon Lake Dr, Rapid City, SD57702

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Listing verified July 2026 from public business records and student reviews. Something out of date? Report a correction. Own this studio? Claim your listing — it's free.