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University of Iowa Youth Ballet and Community Dance School

5 ★★★★★ 11 Google reviews · Ballet school in Iowa City, Iowa

Ballet school Kids & teens

Plan your first class

  • Recitals end-of-year performances and shows — ask about costume and performance fees when you enroll
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule youth.dance.uiowa.edu — enroll and see the live class schedule

Hours

Monday 4:30–8:30 pm
Tuesday 5:30–8:15 pm
Wednesday 5–8:30 pm
Thursday 4:30 am–8:40 pm
Friday 9:30–10 am, 4–7 pm
Saturday 8:45 am–3:30 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 University of Iowa Youth Ballet and Community Dance School, confirmed in families' own reviews and the studio's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🌸 Kids Ballet 12 mentions

“Both of my daughters have taken classes with the UI Youth Ballet and Community Dance School and have loved every class.”

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🧸 Toddler & Pre-Ballet 2 mentions

“I like that my kids enjoy learning dance thru creative movement classes or ballet in a low pressure kid-centric environment.”

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What families & students say

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

🧸 wonderful with young kids 2 mentions

“No matter where life takes our daughter we know the foundations of ballet, the confidence to express herself & the love she feels from her UIYB family will always be with her 🩰❤️”

💛 nurturing, non-competitive 3 mentions

“No matter where life takes our daughter we know the foundations of ballet, the confidence to express herself & the love she feels from her UIYB family will always be with her 🩰❤️”

🎭 beautiful recitals & performances 3 mentions

“She thrives under the instruction of her teachers, lives for spring performance & has developed beautiful friendships through the seasons.”

From the reviews

A wonderful program! I started taking my daughter to Wee Dance when she was 2 or 3 and she’s continued ever since. She’s now 12 and in youth ballet classes and loves it. The teachers are incredibly knowledgeable and I’m constantly amazed at my daughter’s progress. The annual spring recital is lovely.

★★★★★ — Sara, Jul 2024

My children have participated in UIYB dance classes for several years now. As a former dancer, I chose UIYB from the other dance studios in the area because of their focus on solid fundamentals with an intentional progression and, most importantly, helping the dancers find the joy in movement.

★★★★★ — Erin, Aug 2024

We discovered the University of Iowa Youth Ballet and Community Dance school when our daughter was three. She began taking Creative Movement classes and fell in love with the art of dance. This fall she will start her 7th year of ballet with UIYB.

★★★★★ — S, Jul 2024

This is my happy place! I started taking adult ballet classes here with Jason and Juliet and fell head over heels for the classes. The loft dancing space and beautiful and inspiring, the people are so kind and welcoming, and the instruction is superb.

★★★★★ — Lola, Jul 2024

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 11 reviews →

Your first ballet class at University of Iowa Youth Ballet and Community Dance School

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 University of Iowa Youth Ballet and Community Dance School

Halsey Hall, 114, Iowa City, IA52240

Get directions Instagram

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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.