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Ballet Academy of Charleston
5 ★★★★★ 38 Google reviews · Ballet school in Charleston, South Carolina
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
- Pre-professional a serious, conservatory-style track for committed students aiming high
- Summer intensive holiday and summer intensive programs — these fill early, so ask about dates and auditions
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule balletacademyofcharleston.com — enroll and see the live class schedule
Hours
| Monday | 9–9:45 AM, 3:30–8:15 PM |
| Tuesday | 4:15–7:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 4:15–8:15 PM |
| Thursday | 9–11:15 AM, 4–7:15 PM |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 9:15 AM–2:15 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The programs they offer
“When we bought a home in Charleston a few years ago one of the first things I did was to research adult ballet programs in the area.”
“My daughter has been attending BAC for years and I couldn't imagine going anywhere else.”
What families & students say
“Miss Jessica and all the teachers are amazing.”
“From the moment I walked in, Jessica's genuine warmth and welcoming attitude made me feel at home and eager to become part of her community of dancers.”
“My kiddo has increased confidence and has found a love of dancing because of BAC.”
“Her confidence and abilities continue to improve and she loves being a part of the performance at the end of the year!”
“My favorite part is that we have options to try out for city wide performances instead of boring and very expensive studio wide recitals.”
“I grew up dancing but had to quit as a teenager because of health issues, and I started going to BAC after moving to Charleston once I graduated college.”
From the reviews
My daughter had been dancing here this past year and loves it. She always wanted to just focus on ballet, and not all the other dance classes, so Ballet Academy fits her perfect. My favorite part is that we have options to try out for city wide performances instead of boring and very expensive studio wide recitals.
When we bought a home in Charleston a few years ago one of the first things I did was to research adult ballet programs in the area. It is not easy to find programs that have dedicated adult ballet and I was excited that BAC seemed committed to students of all ages.
Hands down, the best classical ballet studio around! Teachers are highly trained, professional, and caring. The owner is also very involved. Love this studio! Edit: 4 years later and we are still at Ballet Academy of Charleston and absolutely love it!
I came across Ballet Academy of Charleston shortly after moving here a few years ago and from day one my sweet girl was welcomed to class as if she had been there her whole life! Even with covid-19 breaks, coming back was as if we had never taken a break at all!
Adult ballet at Ballet Academy of Charleston
Ballet Academy of Charleston runs classes for grown-ups, going by their listing and students’ reviews. 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 of Charleston
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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