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Ann Freeman Dance Academy

4.8 ★★★★★ 17 Google reviews · Ballet school in Hickory, North Carolina

Free trial Adult classes Kids & teens Pointe

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 3–18 — check the schedule for the right level for your dancer
  • 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
  • Today see hours ·
  • Phone +1 828-324-6058
  • Website & schedule annfreemandanceacademy.com — enroll and see the live class schedule

Hours

Monday 3–8 pm
Tuesday 3–8 pm
Wednesday 3–8 pm
Thursday 3–8 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 Ann Freeman Dance Academy, confirmed in families' own reviews and the studio's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🌸 Kids Ballet 4 mentions

“Amazing teachers and the children actually learn proper words, movements, and techniques.”

All studios with kids ballet →

What families & students say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 17 Google reviews — with their own words as proof.

🩰 strong technique & training 2 mentions

“A wonderful studio that focuses on technique first as well as classroom etiquette, performance opportunities and more!”

🧸 wonderful with young kids 2 mentions

“Took my daughter here for ballet/tap class. And she loved her class and her teacher!”

🎭 beautiful recitals & performances 3 mentions

“Even though of the events of covid-19 they have been doing the best they can with resuming classes online, and rescheduling their recitals!”

💪 builds confidence & discipline 2 mentions

“The program has been great in facilitating the development of confidence and self esteem.”

From the reviews

Love this place! Amazing teachers and the children actually learn proper words, movements, and techniques.

★★★★★ — Stephanie, Jan 2022

Took my daughter here for ballet/tap class. And she loved her class and her teacher! Even though of the events of covid-19 they have been doing the best they can with resuming classes online, and rescheduling their recitals! They are responsibly priced and friendly staff that will answer all your questions.

★★★★★ — Sara, May 2020

A wonderful studio that focuses on technique first as well as classroom etiquette, performance opportunities and more! At AFDA we are a dance family!

★★★★★ — Cookie, Aug 2025

Very suppportive of the students and their families. The program has been great in facilitating the development of confidence and self esteem.

★★★★★ — Sonja, Apr 2026

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 17 reviews →

Adult ballet at Ann Freeman Dance Academy

Ann Freeman Dance 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 Ann Freeman Dance 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 Ann Freeman Dance Academy

532 10th St Blvd NW, Hickory, NC28601

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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.