Home › North Carolina › Raleigh › North Carolina Dance Institute
North Carolina Dance Institute
4.9 ★★★★★ 109 Google reviews · Ballet school in Raleigh, North Carolina
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
- 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
- Private lessons one-on-one coaching available — ask about rates and availability
- Today see hours ·
- Phone (919) 786-0555
- Website & schedule ncdanceinstitute.com — enroll and see the live class schedule
Hours
| Monday | 4–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 4–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 4–9 PM |
| Thursday | 4–9 PM |
| Friday | 4–7 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–1 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The programs they offer
“The students there are just the same, they make me - an adult dancer feel so comfortable and welcomed dancing with them, whereas in other studios I always fee intimidated.”
“All three of my children and myself included have taken many classes over the last 20(!”
“I took classes at NCDI as a preteen/teenager and always loved it.”
“Kirstie has created a beautiful studio space for dancers of all levels, but in particular, pre-professional and professional dancers.”
“I joined the studio during serious COVID times, and they're the only one that's able to offer safe private lessons.”
What families & students say
“Being someone who did not start dancing and learning technique until my third year of college (I've now been out of school for 2 years) I enjoy taking classes here so much.”
“I decided to come back to dance as an adult and try a style of dance I’d never done before (Tap) and it has been just as warm and welcoming.”
“The technical aspects of dance training can probably be learned from any dance teacher, but it takes a special kind of teacher to inspire a fundamental sense of joy for dance.”
“NCDI is a studio for serious dancers who are interested in improving their technique, becoming more versatile and working on performance quality.”
“I am a current college student at UNC Chapel Hill, and I can confidently say that coming to North Carolina Dance Institute in my free time is one of the highlights of my week.”
“I spent many months in search of a studio that offered a variety of adult classes but nothing ever compared to the studios I was used to back home.”
From the reviews
I joined the studio during serious COVID times, and they're the only one that's able to offer safe private lessons. The private lessons were well designed, and the instructor (also director) Kirstie has been very supportive and positive.
I decided to start retaking ballet after a 10 year hiatus. I spent hours researching and contacting local studios, and I’m so glad I ended up going with NCDI. The first time I talked to Kirstie on the phone she was so kind and encouraging and enthusiastic, it made me more excited to jump back in.
I can not recommend NCDI enough to ANY dancer in the area. I grew up at a small studio in Charlotte, NC. Then moved to NYC and pursued a career as a professional dancer. I was fortunate to find success in New York, and a studio there that felt like home.
I am a current college student at UNC Chapel Hill, and I can confidently say that coming to North Carolina Dance Institute in my free time is one of the highlights of my week.
Adult ballet at North Carolina Dance Institute
North Carolina Dance Institute runs classes for grown-ups, going by their listing and students’ reviews. 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 North Carolina Dance Institute
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.
More ballet studios near Raleigh
Carolina Dance Center
4.4 ★★★★☆ 38 reviews
🩰 Free trial class — check their site
Stage Door Dance Productions
5 ★★★★★ 31 reviews
City Ballet Raleigh
5 ★★★★★ 17 reviews