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Richmond Academy of Ballet

4.9 ★★★★★ 34 Google reviews · Ballet school in North Chesterfield, Virginia

Ballet school Adult classes Kids & teens Pointe Pre-professional

Plan your first class

  • Ages classes for ages 3–12 — 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
  • 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
  • Today see hours ·
  • Phone +1 804-601-3024
  • Website & schedule raballet.com — enroll and see the live class schedule

Hours

Monday 9 am–8:30 pm
Tuesday 9 am–8:30 pm
Wednesday 9 am–8:30 pm
Thursday 9 am–8:30 pm
Friday 9 am–8:30 pm
Saturday 9 am–4 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 Richmond Academy of Ballet, confirmed in families' own reviews and the studio's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🌸 Kids Ballet 26 mentions

“I absolutely loved it the staff was great and the service was even wonderful my daughter loved it this was her 1st going and will definitely be going back”

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🧸 Toddler & Pre-Ballet 2 mentions

“Both my daughters attend RAB (one is in ballet 2b and the other in creative movement and they LOVE everything about RAB.”

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☀️ Summer Intensives

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How they train

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

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 34 Google reviews — with their own words as proof.

🧑‍🏫 caring, skilled teachers 3 mentions

“Michelle and Jack are wonderful instructors and people.”

🩰 strong technique & training 3 mentions

“I’m extremely impressed with the way the instructors are able to balance artistry, technique and FUN with each class my daughter attends.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 4 mentions

“Thank you RAB for welcoming our family and making our daughter feel confident and welcomed!”

🧸 wonderful with young kids 3 mentions

“I absolutely loved it the staff was great and the service was even wonderful my daughter loved it this was her 1st going and will definitely be going back”

💛 nurturing, non-competitive 13 mentions

“Knowledgeable instructors who are kind and patient with youngster newly introduced to this classical style of dance.”

🎭 beautiful recitals & performances 3 mentions

“Taylor, and Miss Eleanor have coaxed out a little performer who loves dance and is excited to enter the studio every chance she can.”

From the reviews

This place is an amazing place to bring your children who want to learn ballet. The teachers are amazing at what they do! Highly recommend it as an alternative for cheer and dance!

★★★★★ — Pappa, Sep 2024

We love RAB! Michelle and Jack are wonderful instructors and people. There is a reason dancers are flocking to RAB. The instructors there are top notch! My daughter is learning poise and grace through ballet.

★★★★★ — Kristin, Feb 2026

My daughter started at 3, very shy, and nervous. She has been with Richmond Academy of Ballet for 2 seasons and a summer camp now. Her confidence has bloomed!! Ms. Alison, Ms. Taylor, and Miss Eleanor have coaxed out a little performer who loves dance and is excited to enter the studio every chance she can.

★★★★★ — Jerica, Jun 2025

Great dance studio at a fantastic location with a professional and caring staff. As a professional dancer myself it is wonderful to see a school this caliber in the Richmond area.

★★★★★ — Maté, Jun 2021

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 34 reviews →

Adult ballet at Richmond Academy of Ballet

Richmond Academy of Ballet 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.

See their adult schedule

Your first ballet class at Richmond Academy of Ballet

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 Richmond Academy of Ballet

413 Branchway Rd, North Chesterfield, VA23236

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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.