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Robert Ivey Ballet

5 ★★★★★ 26 Google reviews · Ballet school in Charleston, South Carolina

Ballet school 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
  • Summer intensive holiday and summer intensive programs — these fill early, so ask about dates and auditions
  • Today see hours ·
  • Phone +1 843-367-2882
  • Website & schedule riballet.com — enroll and see the live class schedule

Hours

Monday 5–8 pm
Tuesday 5–8 pm
Wednesday 5–8:30 pm
Thursday 5–8:30 pm
Friday 5–8 pm
Saturday Closed
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 Robert Ivey Ballet, confirmed in families' own reviews and the studio's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

💃 Adult Ballet 2 mentions

“I highly recommend the adult classes, as well as the student program.”

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🌱 Adult Beginner Ballet 6 mentions

“Shout-out for ADULT BEGINNER CLASSES on Mondays 6:30-8PM and Saturdays 11-12:30PM.”

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🌸 Kids Ballet 6 mentions

“Staff is so friendly, they always do creative performances and my daughter looks forward to classes each week.”

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☀️ Summer Intensives

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🧸 Toddler & Pre-Ballet

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What families & students say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 26 Google reviews — with their own words as proof.

🌱 welcoming to beginners 14 mentions

“I have always felt welcome and at home in their studio (and there are many studios where I haven’t felt that).”

💛 nurturing, non-competitive 3 mentions

“The atmosphere is a supportive and constructive one which seems to lead to overall success in both artistic/athletic and personal life.”

🎭 beautiful recitals & performances 2 mentions

“She has even been part of over 10 professional level performances, and has competed around the state and has scored very well.”

💃 great for adults 9 mentions

“Shout-out for ADULT BEGINNER CLASSES on Mondays 6:30-8PM and Saturdays 11-12:30PM.”

🗓️ well-run & communicative 3 mentions

“I've been an adult student here for several years now, and the teachers provide high-end, professional instruction all within a friendly, positive atmosphere.”

From the reviews

I've been an adult student here for several years now, and the teachers provide high-end, professional instruction all within a friendly, positive atmosphere. Students whose life passion is ballet thrive here, while students who have other primary goals also get excellent instruction and opportunities that would be…

★★★★★ — Frank, May 2018

I would give it 100 stars ⭐️ if I could. My daughter has been taking ballet with Robert Ivey Ballet for almost 7 years. She has grown into a successful and confident dancer and person. She also made it into the Charleston School of the Arts for dance because of the skills she has learned here.

★★★★★ — Lisa, Aug 2023

Outstanding in every way. Michael watches each dancer with a careful eye. He knows when and how far to correct. He knows when to be serious and when to add a splash of humor. You can trust him to provide the perfect blend of serious ballet instruction and pure enjoyment.

★★★★★ — Eileen, Feb 2024

Everyone has been so friendly and helpful with making my daughter feel comfortable in her new ballet class. She loved it so much that we signed up for a second class!

★★★★★ — Amanda, Jan 2024

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 26 reviews →

Adult ballet at Robert Ivey Ballet

Robert Ivey Ballet 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.

See their adult schedule

Your first ballet class at Robert Ivey 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 Robert Ivey Ballet

1910 Savannah Hwy, Charleston, SC29407

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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.