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Shirley McPhail School of Dance
5 ★★★★★ 23 Google reviews · Ballet school in Austin, Texas
Plan your first class
- Ages classes for ages 3–10 — 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
- 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 +1 512-345-1284
- Website & schedule smsdance.com — enroll and see the live class schedule
Hours
| Monday | 10 am–6 pm |
| Tuesday | 10 am–6 pm |
| Wednesday | 10 am–6 pm |
| Thursday | 10 am–6 pm |
| Friday | 10 am–2 pm |
| Saturday | 9 am–4 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The programs they offer
“We have enjoyed our time there over the past few years in both children and adult classes.”
“A wonderful dance school, professional teachers who can find an approach to every child, my daughter looks after me every week when I take her to ballet.”
“Wonderful dance studio with kind, experienced staff that teaches all ages/dance levels starting at age 2.”
What families & students say
“Everyone we’ve met here, from the owner, director, manager, instructors, and sales associates at The Dancers Den have been nothing but welcoming, helpful, and kind.”
“I especially recommend this school for its super safe, nurturing atmosphere, which is so comfortable for beginners and dancers at all levels.”
“The recitals are huge productions and tons of fun for the kiddos.”
“The administrative staff are professional and friendly and there is a nice variety of skilled teachers who have different styles of classes and choreography.”
From the reviews
I really can't recommend this dance studio enough! My 2 year old daughter has so much fun at her dance class; she looks forward to it every week. The instructors are very kind and provide an inclusive environment for all dancers. Miss Kristin and Miss Bre teach my daughter's class and they are so great with her.
My daughter and I have been dancing at SMSD for over a decade. It's a very friendly, family owned business who keep things classy and fun. They not only teach dance, but also have Cotillion, various couple dance classes, and fun camps for kids when school is out.
I have danced at SMSD for more than 13 years. Every year has been a wonderful experience. The studio is great to dance in but more important are all of the incredible teachers. They provide a fun experience as well as dance lessons. Dance is a great way to exercise while having fun.
SMSD is the BEST! We have enjoyed our time there over the past few years in both children and adult classes. The teachers and staff are professional, well skilled, friendly and fair. We’ll be dancing here for years to come and encourage others to do so too ❤️
Adult ballet at Shirley McPhail School of Dance
Shirley McPhail School of Dance 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.
Your first ballet class at Shirley McPhail School of Dance
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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🩰 Free trial class — check their site