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The Ballet Center
5 ★★★★★ 22 Google reviews · Ballet school in Bristol, Rhode Island
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
- Ages classes for age 3 — 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
- Recitals end-of-year performances and shows — ask about costume and performance fees when you enroll
- Today see hours ·
- Phone (401) 254-2847
- Website & schedule theballetctr.com — enroll and see the live class schedule
Hours
| Monday | 4–8:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 4–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 9:30–11:30 AM, 4–8 PM |
| Thursday | 4–9 PM |
| Friday | 4–7:30 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–1 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The programs they offer
“I've been enjoying the adult ballet class for a couple of years now and keep going back for a challenging creative workout with a lovely group of people.”
“After taking a couple years off, my daughter came back to The Ballet Center because she had such a great experience there.”
“Every June show includes jazz, tap, ballet, hip hop, contemporary, pointe, in the first Act, and then there is a story ballet for Act II.”
What families & students say
“The teachers are amazing at what they do, not only teaching students dance but instilling confidence, strength and integrity in each dancer.”
“Garance's adult classes are focused not only on technique, but fun- I love her wry sense of humor which breaks up the stress of re-learning steps and combinations!”
“The moment I walked in for my first class back, Garance, herself met me at the door, gave me a tour and got to know me.”
“The Ballet Center had been a great experience for my daughter. She has gained more and more confidence each year.”
“Garance was so wonderful, I learned so much about how to use my body and I grew up with an appreciation and sense of confidence because of her and the other dance teachers.”
“Dance is a way of telling and showing stories and messages, and everyone of her staff members tells a beautiful story through their dancers when they’re on stage.”
From the reviews
You don’t want your children to miss out on what Garance Nienhuis and The Ballet Center have to offer. So much more than just dance education—they will instill in your child: ethics, teamwork, sportsmanship, accountability, grace, humility, determination; an eye for precision, a goal of excellence and the growth…
My daughter has been going to The Ballet Center for the past six years and she absolutely LOVES it. Despite the fact that we moved to another town, we still make the trip to The Ballet Center 3-4 times a week because it is so worth it. Miss Garance, who owns the studio, teaches dance and the students love her.
I have danced here and basically lived at this studio for at least 15 years. While Garance has taught for many years and taught many classes, her staff is also the same. Providing so many opportunities and different ways to grow. She carefully picks her staff and makes sure her dancers enjoy the classes and teachers.
Being Dancing here for 8 years on and off during the summer months. Wonderful teacher and dance studio. There's 2 performances a year and they are fun to help out back stage. All the dancers have a really fun time. There are adult class's and many other class's available. Tap, Pointe, Ballet.
Adult ballet at The Ballet Center
The Ballet Center 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 The Ballet Center
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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