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ADF's Samuel H. Scripps Studios
4.9 ★★★★★ 16 Google reviews · Ballet school in Durham, North Carolina
Plan your first class
- Adult classes classes for grown-ups, including absolute beginners — it's never too late to start at the barre
- Summer intensive holiday and summer intensive programs — these fill early, so ask about dates and auditions
- Today see hours ·
- Phone (919) 797-2871
- Website & schedule americandancefestival.org — enroll and see the live class schedule
Hours
| Monday | 10 AM–6 PM |
| Tuesday | 10 AM–6 PM |
| Wednesday | 10 AM–6 PM |
| Thursday | 10 AM–6 PM |
| Friday | 10 AM–6 PM |
| Saturday | 9:30 AM–2 PM |
| Sunday | 12:30–4:30 PM |
The programs they offer
“I love the American Dance Festival and their regular adult classes at the Scripps studio!”
What families & students say
“Our amazing teacher, Gerri Houlihan, as well as all of my fellow students are so supportive and exude the joy of dance so much that it's contagious!”
“Our amazing teacher, Gerri Houlihan, as well as all of my fellow students are so supportive and exude the joy of dance so much that it's contagious!”
“The dance studios are spacious and well kept.”
“He makes space for community in every class, he values every student, and he communicates the role of dance in making our lives beautiful and full.”
From the reviews
LOVE MY MODERN CLASSES with GERRI HOULIHAN and the feeling from a supportive, joyful community of dancers! Fabulous facility! The dance studios are spacious and well kept. The lobby and bathroom facilities (showers!) are always clean.
Wonderful class! Gerri Hoolihan is the best dance teacher I’ve ever had. A seasoned professional who instills a love of dancing in her students, she also builds community and creates a wonderful class experience. I highly recommend this class!
Geri Houlihan’s Joy of Movement class is a complete gift. What an amazing opportunity to have the chance to move each week in a lovely space with live music and her warm and supportive teaching style!
I signed up for my first dance class in many years with some trepidation and concern that I would feel intimidated and inadequate, but with the first class, I felt completely welcome and absolutely capable.
Adult ballet at ADF's Samuel H. Scripps Studios
ADF's Samuel H. Scripps Studios runs classes for grown-ups — confirmed on their own site. If you've never taken ballet, or you're coming back to it after years away, this is for you — and a good studio genuinely welcomes a nervous first-timer. A few things worth asking before you go. First, which class to start in — look for one labeled "absolute beginner" or "adult beginner" rather than an open or "all levels" class, so you learn the fundamentals at the right pace. Second, drop-in or term — many adult programs let you pay per class to try it, then move to a term or monthly package once you're hooked. Third, what to wear — comfortable clothes you can move in, plus socks or bare feet, are plenty for a first class; you won't need a leotard or ballet shoes to walk in the door. It's never too late for first position.
Your first ballet class at ADF's Samuel H. Scripps Studios
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.
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