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Wilmington Conservatory of Fine Arts
4.8 ★★★★★ 49 Google reviews · Ballet school in Wilmington, North Carolina
Plan your first class
- Ages classes for ages 3–11 — 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
- Pre-professional a serious, conservatory-style track for committed students aiming high
- Private lessons one-on-one coaching available — ask about rates and availability
- Today see hours ·
- Phone (910) 240-2222
- Website & schedule wilmingtonconservatory.com — enroll and see the live class schedule
Hours
| Monday | 4:30–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 3:30–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 3:30–9 PM |
| Thursday | 3:30–8:45 PM |
| Friday | 4–6:30 PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM–12 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The programs they offer
“The studio also offers adult classes for those, like myself, who love to dance in whatever free time they have.”
“Strongly recommend signing up for classes here, even if you or your child has never danced before, as this is an amazing place to start!”
“We have loved the professional staff and appreciate how they have poured into our children excellence in instruction, while expressing genuine care and love for the students.”
“Even at a young age through the teen years we have never worried of the appropriateness of costumes , music or choreography.”
“I have known Cory Smith, the owner of the conservatory and founder of the non-profit Turning Pointe Dance Company, for over 25 years.”
“I have known Cory Smith, the owner of the conservatory and founder of the non-profit Turning Pointe Dance Company, for over 25 years.”
How they train
What families & students say
“WCFA combines a safe space to grow and learn as a dancer and doesn't sacrifice technique or quality in the process.”
“My daughter loved being challenged in her skill and learning, growing and encouraged in her passion for/of dance.”
“The director and other staff or extraordinarily kind and encouraging to all children, making it a perfect place for your child to learn dance.”
“The performances WCFA puts on are that of a professional company and I know my daughter is getting the best and most well rounded training in our area.”
“The performances WCFA puts on are that of a professional company and I know my daughter is getting the best and most well rounded training in our area.”
“The studio also offers adult classes for those, like myself, who love to dance in whatever free time they have.”
From the reviews
As a recent graduate of the Wilmington Conservatory of Fine Arts, I can say with complete confidence that it is the absolute best place in Wilmington for not only dance training, but a dance family. I have danced at the conservatory since I was 6 years old, and the friendships I have made are priceless.
My 13 year old son has been dancing with the conservatory since he was 4. In a world of Dance Moms and cutthroat competition, WCFA has managed to build something remarkable, while taking the high road to do it.
My daughter has been studying dance at WCFA since kindergarten and is now a rising high school junior! This is a unique place where you can say things like "studying dance" and fit right in! The instructors know what they're doing.
We could not be happier with our experience at Wilmington Conservatory of Fine Arts over the last 3 years! We have loved the professional staff and appreciate how they have poured into our children excellence in instruction, while expressing genuine care and love for the students.
Adult ballet at Wilmington Conservatory of Fine Arts
Wilmington Conservatory of Fine Arts 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 Wilmington Conservatory of Fine Arts
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.
More ballet studios near Wilmington
Turning Pointe Dance Company
Evolution Dance Complex
5 ★★★★★ 35 reviews