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Island School of Performing Arts

5 ★★★★★ 25 Google reviews · Ballet school in Gulfport, Mississippi

Kids & teens Pointe

Plan your first class

  • Ages classes for ages 2–6 — check the schedule for the right level for your dancer
  • 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
  • Today see hours ·
  • Phone (228) 863-2623
  • Website & schedule islandperformingarts.com — enroll and see the live class schedule

Hours

Monday 3–7:30 PM
Tuesday 1–7:30 PM
Wednesday 3–7:30 PM
Thursday 3–7:30 PM
Friday Closed
Saturday Closed
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 Island School of Performing Arts, confirmed in families' own reviews and the studio's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🌸 Kids Ballet 16 mentions

“Great place to have your young and older children find a love for dance, meet new friends and have wonderful guidance by talented teachers in a wholesome environment!”

All studios with kids ballet →

🩰 Pointe 2 mentions

“My 14 year old has been dancing here for 10 years and is in all the things - ballet, pointe, modern, hip hop, tap, jazz, acro, and dance team.”

All studios with pointe →

What families & students say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 25 Google reviews — with their own words as proof.

🩰 strong technique & training 3 mentions

“My daughter has grown so much in both technique and confidence and developed a love for performing.”

🧸 wonderful with young kids 4 mentions

“My daughter loves all of the staff members and loves her class.”

💛 nurturing, non-competitive 18 mentions

“The dance teachers are positive, encouraging, and teach proper technique while making it fun.”

🎭 beautiful recitals & performances 6 mentions

“My daughter has grown so much in both technique and confidence and developed a love for performing.”

💵 good value / fair tuition 2 mentions

“Very affordable prices and the instructors are extremely nice.”

🗓️ well-run & communicative 3 mentions

“A lot to offer at Island School; so happy to have the oppurtunity to participate with such professionals.”

From the reviews

ISPA is an excellent Dance / Performing Arts school! The staff is very passionate, knowledgeable, and they all work very well with the kids. Our daughter has been a part of this school since they opened 4 years ago, and we couldn't be happier! Also, they put on the best recital on the MS Coast every year.

★★★★★ — Justin, May 2013

Great experience for girls interested in dance, ballet and or cheerleading. Employees are well trained and there are many activities for girls.

★★★★★ — Grammy, Jul 2022

The best studio all around! My daughter has been taking dance since the studio opened 5 years ago! Tap, ballet, Acro, Contemporary, and Modern/Pointe; she's done thus far!!! More to come! Experienced instructors and awesome staff! Definately feel like family every time we are there.

★★★★★ — Lindsey, Feb 2014

We love our dance studio!! My daughter has been dancing here about 2 years. We had a previous poor experience at another dance studio before coming to ISPA, and it really is night and day. We are so grateful to have found ISPA!

★★★★★ — Jonae, Aug 2021

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 25 reviews →

Your first ballet class at Island School of Performing Arts

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 Island School of Performing Arts

525 Pass Rd, Gulfport, MS39507

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.