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Ballet Academy East
4.7 ★★★★★ 116 Google reviews · Ballet school in New York, New York
Dance school with youth & pre-professional programs, plus adult classes in ballet, tap & Zumba.
Plan your first class
- Ages classes for ages 6–19 — 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
- Pre-professional a serious, conservatory-style track for committed students aiming high
- 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 +1 212-410-9140
- Website & schedule balletacademyeast.com — enroll and see the live class schedule
Hours
| Monday | 8:30 am–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 8:30 am–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 8:30 am–9 pm |
| Thursday | 8:30 am–9 pm |
| Friday | 8:30 am–9 pm |
| Saturday | 8:30 am–4 pm |
| Sunday | 8:30 am–4 pm |
The programs they offer
“As an adult student returning to dance after decades, I felt intimidated by my lack of strength and flexibility and even embarrassed to put on a leotard due to being out of shape.”
“I highly recommend this studio for all levels of dancers--- from absolute beginners to professional dancers.”
“Amazing school for children and adults of all skill levels.”
“I also enjoy seeing the pre-professional dancers.”
“Great place for boys and girls to learn ballet from age 2 to 18 and beyond at a professional level.”
How they train
What families & students say
“I love seeing and being inspired by all the other dancers in the room and am grateful that BAE offers these incredible adult classes with such a wonderful teacher.”
“These classes go beyond just improving ballet technique—they are also a form of meditation.”
“There's also a live piano with creative fun pianists who will make dancing to the music a breeze even for a first time beginner.”
“The teachers -- special shout-out to Shirley Bassat -- are both nurturing and demanding in the best way, pushing us to reach our full potential in a warm, supportive environment.”
“While BAE is known for preparing young dancers for professional careers, they take their adult students just as seriously.”
“As an adult student returning to dance after decades, I felt intimidated by my lack of strength and flexibility and even embarrassed to put on a leotard due to being out of shape.”
From the reviews
Perhaps my favorite place on earth. Okay, top five. I am an adult student, I travel frequently so in addition to trying to a couple other studios in NYC I've tried several in other cities in the US and even a few abroad, so I feel I can say with some authority NOTHING COMPARES TO BALLET ACADEMY EAST.
Amazing , dedicated teachers who give each dancer personal attention and are committed to developing individual skills. Classes are offered both virtually and in studio due to COVID-19. The teachers are also wondering at making the most of whatever space you have to dance in when joining virtually.
My daughter started classes here recently. We got very lucky, and the first teacher we went to, she fell in love with. Both the teacher and the assistants go an extra mile to support my shy girl, and make her feel comfortable and engaged. She’s all smiles to go in and come out.
The best for adult ballet classes. Great teachers, small classes and a wholesome diverse group of adults. There's also a live piano with creative fun pianists who will make dancing to the music a breeze even for a first time beginner.
Adult ballet at Ballet Academy East
Ballet Academy East 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 Ballet Academy East
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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