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School for Swans

5 ★★★★★ 11 Google reviews · Ballet school in Alexandria, Virginia

Ballet school Adult classes Kids & teens Pointe

Plan your first class

  • 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 +1 703-338-1330
  • Website & schedule schoolforswans.com — enroll and see the live class schedule

Hours

Monday 8 am–8 pm
Tuesday 8 am–8 pm
Wednesday 8 am–8 pm
Thursday 8 am–8 pm
Friday 8 am–8 pm
Saturday 10 am–6 pm
Sunday 12–5 pm

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 School for Swans, confirmed in families' own reviews and the studio's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🌸 Kids Ballet 5 mentions

“My child looks forward to every class - and I so appreciate how the teachers foster a vibrant community and a love and joy of dance.”

All studios with kids ballet →

🧸 Toddler & Pre-Ballet

All studios with toddler & pre-ballet →

What families & students say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 11 Google reviews — with their own words as proof.

💛 nurturing, non-competitive 6 mentions

“It's a wonderful and inclusive environment where children can grow in their confidence and dance abilities.”

🎭 beautiful recitals & performances 3 mentions

“Attended the annual recital last evening.”

🗓️ well-run & communicative 2 mentions

“The teachers are incredible, professional, knowledgeable, nurturing, and very kind.”

From the reviews

My child and our friends’ children loved this school 20 years ago, and the Swan’s annual spring recital demonstrates that these wonderful professional instructors live to bring the joy of ballet to children and young adults. Highly recommended!

★★★★★ — Tom, Sep 2023

I used to take at School for Swans and I loved it!... teachers will push you but they're personal and nurturing. Every class is fun, and should leave you feeling sweaty and nicely worked out. Recitals were a highlight. Highly recommend.

★★★★★ — Laura, Oct 2023

Attended the annual recital last evening. My grand daughter was a participant. I was impressed with the theme, music, and appropriateness of the dance for the age group. Seems very family oriented.

★★★★★ — Barbara, May 2024

I cannot say enough positive things about School for Swans!! Their expertise and genuine dedication to each student's growth and positive experience shine through in all they do. My child looks forward to every class - and I so appreciate how the teachers foster a vibrant community and a love and joy of dance.

★★★★★ — Morgan, Aug 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 11 reviews →

Adult ballet at School for Swans

School for Swans 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 School for Swans

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 School for Swans

430 S Fairfax St, Alexandria, VA22314

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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.