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Ankeny Dance and Performing Arts Academy

4.6 ★★★★★ 29 Google reviews · Ballet school in Ankeny, Iowa

Ballet school Adult classes Kids & teens Pointe Private lessons

Plan your first class

  • Adult classes classes for grown-ups, including absolute beginners — it's never too late to start at the barre
  • Pointe pointe and pre-pointe work for dancers who are ready — the pre-pointe strengthening comes first
  • Recitals end-of-year performances and shows — ask about costume and performance fees when you enroll
  • Summer intensive holiday and summer intensive programs — these fill early, so ask about dates and auditions
  • Private lessons one-on-one coaching available — ask about rates and availability
  • Today see hours ·
  • Phone +1 515-964-5048
  • Website & schedule ankenydanceandperformingarts.com — enroll and see the live class schedule

Hours

Monday 4:30–7:30 pm
Tuesday 4:30–7:30 pm
Wednesday 4:30–7:30 pm
Thursday 4:30–7:30 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 Ankeny Dance and Performing Arts Academy, confirmed in families' own reviews and the studio's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🌸 Kids Ballet 10 mentions

“Averie, the competition director, has been an amazing addition to the studio, and has also been wonderful for my daughter to work with and learn from.”

All studios with kids ballet →

☀️ Summer Intensives

All studios with summer intensives →

What families & students say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 29 Google reviews — with their own words as proof.

🧸 wonderful with young kids 2 mentions

“Over the years, I've watched both of my daughters grow in confidence, build lifelong friendships, and develop not only as dancers but as people.”

💛 nurturing, non-competitive 16 mentions

“We have been an ADPAA family since 2016, and the growth I've seen in my dancers over the years has been truly remarkable.”

🎭 beautiful recitals & performances 12 mentions

“So much to say about Ankeny Dance and Performing Arts Academy.”

serious pre-professional training 2 mentions

“Great studio and competition company!”

🗓️ well-run & communicative 3 mentions

“Katelyn, the owner is wonderful to work with, has open communication and really cares for every student no matter how much or little they are at the studio.”

💪 builds confidence & discipline 4 mentions

“Over the years, I've watched both of my daughters grow in confidence, build lifelong friendships, and develop not only as dancers but as people.”

From the reviews

We have been an ADPAA family since 2016, and the growth I've seen in my dancers over the years has been truly remarkable. More importantly, the confidence and positivity this dance studio instills in its students is what makes it so special.

★★★★★ — Laura, Jun 2026

So much to say about Ankeny Dance and Performing Arts Academy. We have been proud ADPAA parents for 11 years with two students taking classes and participating in their competition teams. We Love Ankeny Dance!! The staff is outstanding and for a studio this size they make every child feel special.

★★★★★ — Craig, Jul 2019

I could not recommend this dance studio enough! I grew up dancing at ADPAA and not only is it such a positive environment, but the dancers and teachers become family. The teachers know what they are doing and want the best for each dancer!

★★★★★ — Mikaela, Jul 2025

My daughters are 14 and 10 and have been part of Ankeny Dance since they were three years old. We originally chose the studio because of its convenient location and class schedule, but we've stayed for more than a decade because of the people. It has truly become a second home for our family.

★★★★★ — Ashley, Jun 2026

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 29 reviews →

Adult ballet at Ankeny Dance and Performing Arts Academy

Ankeny Dance and Performing Arts Academy 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.

Check adult classes on their site

Your first ballet class at Ankeny Dance and Performing Arts Academy

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 Ankeny Dance and Performing Arts Academy

515 N Ankeny Blvd, Ankeny, IA50023

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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.