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Barriskill Dance Theatre School

4.3 ★★★★☆ 31 Google reviews · Ballet school in Durham, North Carolina

Free trial Kids & teens Pre-professional

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
  • Class price classes around $45 — many studios bill by term or month instead, so ask about tuition and any trial rate
  • 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
  • Today see hours ·
  • Phone (919) 489-5100
  • Website & schedule barriskilldance.com — enroll and see the live class schedule

Hours

Monday 10 AM–8 PM
Tuesday 10 AM–8 PM
Wednesday 10 AM–8 PM
Thursday 10 AM–8 PM
Friday 10 AM–5 PM
Saturday 9:30 AM–12 PM
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 Barriskill Dance Theatre School, confirmed in families' own reviews and the studio's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🌸 Kids Ballet 8 mentions

“My daughter has been attending Barriskill for many years now and I just have to say how appreciative I am for this place!”

All studios with kids ballet →

What families & students say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 31 Google reviews — with their own words as proof.

🌱 welcoming to beginners 3 mentions

“The other students were very welcoming and when they started to practice for the recital they kept eyes on her and helped her with her poses and placement.”

💛 nurturing, non-competitive 6 mentions

“The teachers are all incredibly supportive and inclusive, and are clearly very passionate about what they are doing.”

🎭 beautiful recitals & performances 4 mentions

“I also appreciate the recitals and how they do not rush the kids (especially the girls) to grow up too fast and dance/dress like they are 10 years older than they are.”

From the reviews

I was a student at Barriskill for over a decade, and I can sincerely say that it has been my second home. It has changed me in so many ways. In the dance world, more often than not you are met with toxic, disrespectful people, which is why I feel like I won the lottery with Barriskill.

★★★★★ — Ceci, Nov 2025

This place is like a family to me. You learn so much in one year, and every one is so sweet and welcoming. There’s so much energy and excitement, it’ll lift your mood as well. The teachers are great, I just can’t say it enough.

★★★★★ — Liesl, Oct 2018

My 5-yr old daughter and I have been looking for the perfect dance school and Barriskill has met every need and expectation we had. We recently went and had a free trial class. The front desk was extremely helpful with any questions I had.

★★★★★ — Brittany, Jul 2018

Barriskill Dance Theatre School has established itself as the Best Dance Studio in Durham and Chapel Hill by having the highest quality instructors, great location, affordable pricing and 5 studios, which makes for lots of dance classes for youth and adults alike.

★★★★★ — Mindful, Mar 2013

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 31 reviews →

Your first ballet class at Barriskill Dance Theatre School

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 Barriskill Dance Theatre School

3642 Shannon Rd, Durham, NC27707

Get directions Instagram · Facebook

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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.