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Encore Academy of Dance

4.9 ★★★★★ 50 Google reviews · Ballet school in Durham, North Carolina

Ballet school Free trial Adult classes Kids & teens Pointe Private lessons

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
  • 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
  • Recitals end-of-year performances and shows — ask about costume and performance fees when you enroll
  • Private lessons one-on-one coaching available — ask about rates and availability
  • Today see hours ·
  • Phone (919) 383-5048
  • Website & schedule encoreacademyofdance.com — enroll and see the live class schedule

Hours

Monday 4–7 PM
Tuesday 4–7 PM
Wednesday 4–7 PM
Thursday 4–7 PM
Friday 4–7 PM
Saturday 9–11 AM
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 Encore Academy of Dance, confirmed in families' own reviews and the studio's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🌸 Kids Ballet 23 mentions

“My daughters come out of class telling us how much the love it here and as a parent I am so thankful for the patience and grace the teachers show all the students!”

All studios with kids ballet →

🧸 Toddler & Pre-Ballet 3 mentions

“Our daughter is thoroughly enjoying her class and teacher, and she is already growing as a little dancer!”

All studios with toddler & pre-ballet →

What families & students say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 50 Google reviews — with their own words as proof.

🌱 welcoming to beginners 3 mentions

“Everyone has been kind and welcoming…and the customer service and communication was awesome.”

🧸 wonderful with young kids 3 mentions

“Rates are reasonable and my daughter loved the class.”

💛 nurturing, non-competitive 7 mentions

“My twin daughters (5 years old) are in the kinder dance classes here at Encore, we could not be happier with this studio!”

🎭 beautiful recitals & performances 2 mentions

“The end of year performance is always excellent and professionally done at the Carolina Theatre.”

serious pre-professional training 3 mentions

“I Love Encore dance it is such a family oriented company.”

💵 good value / fair tuition 2 mentions

“PARENTS NIGHT OUT is affordable, safe and a lot of fun.”

From the reviews

We love Encore. The dance instructors are amazing. Our girls are 6 and 8 and have been a part of the Encore family since they were 3. The very BEST part is PARENTS NIGHT OUT. We don't have access to trustworthy babysitters so anytime we can get the kids into Encore's PARENTS NIGHT OUT, we do.

★★★★★ — Tricia, Mar 2023

I Love Encore dance it is such a family oriented company. Mrs. Dawn is a true asset to the company, she always makes the parents feel appreciated and she loves the children like they are her own. My grandson would need a little encouragement when he came to class and she would step right in to assist. Mrs.

★★★★★ — Teretha, Apr 2023

Our experience has been great with this dance company! Our daughter is still getting used to the classes but the instructor is very nice and is understanding. The Dance With Me class is so much fun for our toddler. And also affordable!!

★★★★★ — Breeana, Jun 2024

We registered our 4 y/o for dance classes this summer and have had a wonderful experience so far! Communication with the Academy has been easy and efficient. They are very responsive, which is so valuable, as a parent!

★★★★★ — Jessica, Jul 2024

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 50 reviews →

Adult ballet at Encore Academy of Dance

Encore Academy of Dance 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.

See their adult schedule

Your first ballet class at Encore Academy of Dance

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 Encore Academy of Dance

3823 Guess Rd, Durham, NC27705

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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.