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West End Academy of Dance
5 ★★★★★ 30 Google reviews · Ballet school in Richmond, Virginia
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
- Private lessons one-on-one coaching available — ask about rates and availability
- Today see hours ·
- Phone +1 804-740-0842
- Website & schedule westendacademy.com — enroll and see the live class schedule
Hours
| Monday | 3–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 3–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 3–8 pm |
| Thursday | 3–8 pm |
| Friday | 3–8 pm |
| Saturday | 9:30 am–2 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The programs they offer
“The many instructors my daughter has had have been incredibly knowledgable, skilled, and excellent at teaching their dance style.”
What families & students say
“My daughter does Ballet and Hip Hop and we love it.”
“Have always been supportive of my daughter in dance and push her because they see the potential.”
“They have gone above and beyond to make sure that their students have opportunities to practice and perform while maintaining strict guidelines to keep everyone safe and healthy.”
“All of the teachers here are professional and extremely talented.”
From the reviews
I go to the West End Academy of dance on Mondays where they have a special 1 hour class, Parkinson's Dance Project. It's for those with Parkinson's and spouses and care takers.
The entire team at WEAD is just fantastic. They have always been friendly, helpful, and accessible, even throughout the pandemic. They have gone above and beyond to make sure that their students have opportunities to practice and perform while maintaining strict guidelines to keep everyone safe and healthy.
We've been going here for a long time. The instructors are fantastic and go out of their way to help each student succeed.
We absolutely love this studio!!! Small and sweet! All the teachers and staff are awesome! Highly recommend! 😊
Adult ballet at West End Academy of Dance
West End Academy of Dance 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.
Your first ballet class at West End Academy 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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