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Premiere Academy of Performing Arts

5 ★★★★★ 22 Google reviews · Ballet school in Salem, Oregon

Adult classes Kids & teens Pre-professional

Plan your first class

  • Ages classes for ages 3–14 — check the schedule for the right level for your dancer
  • Class price classes around $20 — many studios bill by term or month instead, so ask about tuition and any trial rate
  • Adult classes classes for grown-ups, including absolute beginners — it's never too late to start at the barre
  • 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 (503) 763-8815
  • Website & schedule papadancers.com — 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 3–7 PM
Saturday 9 AM–3 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 Premiere Academy of Performing Arts, confirmed in families' own reviews and the studio's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🌸 Kids Ballet 4 mentions

“My daughter has been dancing here for almost 3 years and loves it.”

All studios with kids ballet →

🧸 Toddler & Pre-Ballet

All studios with toddler & pre-ballet →

How they train

The training methods and syllabi Premiere Academy of Performing Arts teaches, drawn from their own info and students' reviews — the quickest way to tell how a studio approaches classical technique.

👑 Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) 2 mentions

“She's worked incredibly hard to become RAD certified which is evidence of her dedication.”

Other studios teaching royal academy of dance (rad) →

Methods are mined from the studio's own info and reviews — they tell you the approach, not a formal certification or exam board. If a specific syllabus matters to you, confirm it with the studio before enrolling.

What families & students say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 22 Google reviews — with their own words as proof.

💛 nurturing, non-competitive 6 mentions

“Jena care not only about teaching dance with the highest standards but also about cultivating leadership, teamwork, artistry and confidence in the dancers.”

🎭 beautiful recitals & performances 2 mentions

“The studio does a summer show (all), Halloween show (modern and jazz/hip hop), and Nutcracker (ballet).”

💪 builds confidence & discipline 2 mentions

“Jena care not only about teaching dance with the highest standards but also about cultivating leadership, teamwork, artistry and confidence in the dancers.”

From the reviews

I LOVE this studio! My daughter is 6 and on her 3rd year at PAPA. She is so excited when it's time to go to class. All the teachers and staff are incredible and very good at what they do. They really care about their students and have great communication with parents too!

★★★★★ — Liv, Sep 2017

I've danced at this amazing studio for 14 years!! It's been nothing but amazing. I love the teachers and the staff. The students are super welcoming and also give off a positive vibe. O recommend this studio 5 stars because I have nothing negative to say about this wonderful place.

★★★★★ — Vanessa, Feb 2017

I've been dancing at the studio for six and a half years... It's a positive place to be and the teachers are great.. and it's a lot of fun... I love being apart of the recitals!

★★★★★ — Karissa, Feb 2017

Best place to take your kids for dance classes in Salem. They do ballet, tap, modern, and jazz/hip hop. The upper level ballet classes offer Royal Academy of Dance testing annually. The studio does a summer show (all), Halloween show (modern and jazz/hip hop), and Nutcracker (ballet).

★★★★★ — Audrey, Aug 2024

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 22 reviews →

Adult ballet at Premiere Academy of Performing Arts

Premiere Academy of Performing 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.

Check adult classes on their site

Your first ballet class at Premiere Academy 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 Premiere Academy of Performing Arts

241 State St, Salem, OR97301

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.