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Draper Center for Dance Education
4.8 ★★★★★ 13 Google reviews · Ballet school in Rochester, New York
Plan your first class
- Ages classes for ages 3–6 — 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
- 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
- Today see hours ·
- Phone +1 585-461-2000
- Website & schedule drapercenter.com — enroll and see the live class schedule
Hours
| Monday | 9 am–5 pm |
| Tuesday | 9 am–5 pm |
| Wednesday | 9 am–5 pm |
| Thursday | 9 am–5 pm |
| Friday | 9 am–5 pm |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
The programs they offer
“We signed up our little ones and kids enjoy it, staff, teachers are very courteous and friendly noticed that other students, all very respectful towards each other.”
What families & students say
“Not only is this the main origin of professional ballet dancers in Rochester, it also offers very approachable and affordable classes for beginners.”
“ALL THE PARENTS like they are family.”
“The level of instruction and focus on both proper form and performance is unmatched.”
“Not only is this the main origin of professional ballet dancers in Rochester, it also offers very approachable and affordable classes for beginners.”
“My daughter has been a student there for two years now and has grown so much!”
From the reviews
Not only is this the main origin of professional ballet dancers in Rochester, it also offers very approachable and affordable classes for beginners. The studios are well maintained and the teachers are professional and really understand how to both dance beautifully and ensure that your form is safe for your body.
We switched our 8-year-old daughter to Draper Center for Dance Education at the beginning of the year, and the transformation in her technique and confidence has been nothing short of incredible.
I WIISH....I could put a MILLION STARS!!!! DO YOU HEAR ME...my daughter has been here for 2 years and when i tell you they treat her...ME...ALL THE PARENTS like they are family. They care about everything EVERYTHING the safeness the well being of the child the different culturea and parents....
The Timothy M Draper Center for Dance Education is amazing place to dance because I dance there so take my word for it. Draper is the feeder school so if you do go threw all the way to the end of Draper's level you might be asked to be in the Rochester City Ballet. I hope that someday I'll get into that.
Adult ballet at Draper Center for Dance Education
Draper Center for Dance Education 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 Draper Center for Dance Education
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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