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Manhattan Movement & Arts Center

4.5 ★★★★★ 105 Google reviews · Ballet school in New York, New York

Ballet school Kids & teens Pre-professional

Dance center offering a range of classes for kids & adults, a theater & studio rentals.

Plan your first class

  • 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 +1 212-787-1178
  • Website & schedule manhattanmovement.com — enroll and see the live class schedule

Hours

Monday 9 am–9 pm
Tuesday 9 am–9 pm
Wednesday 9 am–9 pm
Thursday 9 am–9 pm
Friday 9 am–9 pm
Saturday 9 am–6:30 pm
Sunday 9 am–5:30 pm

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 Manhattan Movement & Arts Center, confirmed in families' own reviews and the studio's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🌸 Kids Ballet 8 mentions

“Kids love it and the teachers are fantastic, especially Miss Kathleen who is able to teach young toddlers how to follow directions and be ready to dance on stage.”

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🧸 Toddler & Pre-Ballet 3 mentions

“Kids love it and the teachers are fantastic, especially Miss Kathleen who is able to teach young toddlers how to follow directions and be ready to dance on stage.”

All studios with toddler & pre-ballet →

Pre-Professional

“Wonderful and supportive program with incredible pre-professional instruction.”

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What families & students say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 105 Google reviews — with their own words as proof.

🎭 beautiful recitals & performances 4 mentions

“Kids love it and the teachers are fantastic, especially Miss Kathleen who is able to teach young toddlers how to follow directions and be ready to dance on stage.”

🗓️ well-run & communicative 5 mentions

“Wonderful and supportive program with incredible pre-professional instruction.”

From the reviews

Go see the Knickerbocker instead of the Nutcracker. It's the real NYC experience. The kids are amazing in it. It's literally more entertaining than the professional Nutcrackers. The school is also a gem. With faculty like Ashley Bouder and Daniel Ulbricht you have the 2 best technicians at NYCB training students.

★★★★★ — Peter, Dec 2021

Highly recommended as a theater venue and rented space for the studios. The staff is always knowledgeable, accommodating, friendly, and responsive. I have nothing but positive experiences, and stories to share, after working with MMAC for years. Cheers!

★★★★★ — David, May 2026

Best dance school in NYC. Kids love it and the teachers are fantastic, especially Miss Kathleen who is able to teach young toddlers how to follow directions and be ready to dance on stage. Trully awesome !

★★★★★ — Julien, Jun 2019

I took a ballet class here and the facilities are lovely - clean bathrooms/changing rooms, large classrooms with big mirrors and good soundsystems, helpful and friendly staff.

★★★★★ — Hannah, Feb 2018

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 105 reviews →

Your first ballet class at Manhattan Movement & Arts Center

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 Manhattan Movement & Arts Center

248 W 60th St, New York, NY10023

Get directions

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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.