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Next Step Dance

3.8 ★★★★☆ 10 Google reviews · Ballet school in Bloomington, Illinois

Free trial Adult classes Kids & teens

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
  • Recitals end-of-year performances and shows — ask about costume and performance fees when you enroll
  • Today see hours ·
  • Phone +1 309-585-1370
  • Website & schedule nextstepds.net — enroll and see the live class schedule

Hours

Monday 3–9 pm
Tuesday 3–9 pm
Wednesday 3–9 pm
Thursday 3–9 pm
Friday Closed
Saturday 9 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 Next Step Dance, confirmed in families' own reviews and the studio's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🌸 Kids Ballet 5 mentions

“They really put their hearts into it - and so do the kids.”

All studios with kids ballet →

What families & students say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 10 Google reviews — with their own words as proof.

💛 nurturing, non-competitive 4 mentions

“It's about building a supportive community for talent to nurture and thrive!”

🗓️ well-run & communicative 3 mentions

From the reviews

Our family has been dancing with Next Step Dance for 13 years. My youngest has danced at NSD for over 10 years. Her teachers have always worked to help her grow as a dancer. She has built some wonderful relationships with the staff and her classmates.

★★★★★ — Sarah, Jul 2024

Next Step Dance has such a positive and welcoming environment! The studio strives for inclusivity so that anyone and everyone can be a dancer making this studio stand out from the others!

★★★★★ — Cheyenne, Feb 2025

Miss Taylor and other instructors are so invested in all the dancers and making dance a positive, uplifting experience. It's about building a supportive community for talent to nurture and thrive! They really put their hearts into it - and so do the kids.

★★★★★ — Sonya, Jun 2025

My girls have been dancing here since beginning their dance journeys and recently started with the competition team. Instructors and owner are experienced, supportive, and friendly. We've had an excellent experience at NSD. "Have Fun, Work Hard"

★★★★★ — Robert, May 2026

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 10 reviews →

Adult ballet at Next Step Dance

Next Step 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.

Check adult classes on their site

Your first ballet class at Next Step 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 Next Step Dance

1 Auto Row Dr Unit 400, Bloomington, IL61704

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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.