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Philadelphia School-Dance Arts
4.9 ★★★★★ 12 Google reviews · Ballet school in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Plan your first class
- Ages classes for ages 4–6 — check the schedule for the right level for your dancer
- 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
- Today see hours ·
- Phone (215) 424-9811
- Website & schedule philadanco.org — enroll and see the live class schedule
Hours
| Monday | 5–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 5–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 5–9 PM |
| Thursday | 5–9 PM |
| Friday | 5–9 PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM–2 PM |
| Sunday | 10 AM–2 PM |
The programs they offer
“My daughter has been dancing here (WOL branch) since she was 4 years old (now almost 14).”
How they train
From the reviews
There are 2 locations. This is about the West Oak Lane location only! I love the teachers and staff. They are family. We respect each other and there's never any nonsense. The admin staff is courteous and I've never felt like there was attitude.
Start here and you will have the strongest foundation in dance you will ever need! My love for dance started here (West Oak Ln) in 1977 with Joan Brown as my very first ballet teacher. My Mother couldn't always afford classes for me, but the school always found ways to help us out.
My daughter has been dancing here (WOL branch) since she was 4 years old (now almost 14). We love it here, the instructors are top-notch, and the staff is like family! If you want solid dance instruction for your child this is where you need to be.
Adult ballet at Philadelphia School-Dance Arts
Philadelphia School-Dance Arts 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.
Your first ballet class at Philadelphia School-Dance 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.
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