Deborah McCabeFinding the right creative outlet takes time. Maybe you tried singing lessons but realized your voice just isn’t ready for the stage. Perhaps you even gave swimming lessons a shot before deciding the pool isn’t your vibe.
If you want a beautiful way to build strength and focus and you’ve always had the knack for dance, taking up ballet is a smart idea. So I dug into the local scene to help you find the best ballet classes in Philadelphia.
How much does a ballet class cost in Philadelphia?
Ballet classes in Philadelphia generally range from $15 to $20 for a single drop-in session, while ongoing monthly programs usually sit between $70 and $90.
| Class Type | Cost |
| Single Drop-In Class | $15 – $20 |
| Ongoing Monthly Training | $70 – $90+ |
| Private Lessons | $70 – $80 per hour |
1. The Philadelphia Dance Academy
Website: https://philadelphiadanceacademy.com/
Address: 219 Cuthbert Street, 3rd Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Contact: 215-922-2422
Hours: Mon 12:00 PM–8:30 PM, Tue & Thu 9:00 AM–8:30 PM, Wed & Fri 3:00 PM–8:30 PM, Sat 9:00 AM–6:30 PM, Sun 9:00 AM–2:00 PM
The Philadelphia Dance Academy offers highly structured ballet programs for all ages. They mix traditional classical training with modern techniques to build versatile dancers.
You learn from instructors who are actual professional dancers with serious teaching experience.
My neighbor’s daughter takes classes here, and she loves the supportive vibe. I observed that the faculty focuses on giving everyone personalized attention to unlock their true potential.
Students also get amazing chances to participate in local recitals and build stage confidence.
But there are a few strict rules you should know about. They don’t offer flexible drop-in classes for adults or teens, making casual learning tough. Also, missing too many classes means you get excluded from the spring showcase.
Customer Review
So happy I found this school!
My 4 yo daughter started attending PDA in the beginning of 2021 and she loves it! She asked me if she could take ballet lessons there everyday. So happy I found this school! I love how they combine muscle training with storytelling and letting kids express themselves through movement. Everyone is so friendly there too.
Elmira Razakova | Google Review
2. Philadelphia Ballet
Website: https://philadelphiaballet.org/
Address: 323 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Contact: 215-551-7000
Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30 AM–8:30 PM, Sat 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
Training at a prestigious institution is a dream for any serious dancer. Philadelphia Ballet stands out as one of the oldest professional ballet hubs in the city.
Founded back in 1963, the school builds its entire curriculum directly on George Balanchine’s famous training principles. This setup creates an incredible pipeline for kids who want to reach a pre-professional level.
Students often perform right alongside the professional company in massive productions like The Nutcracker.
Led by artistic director Angel Corella, the faculty brings world-class mentorship straight to the rehearsal room.
However, this intense environment definitely has a very corporate edge. Some parents note that the management culture feels heavily business-focused rather than artistically nurturing. You might find a slight lack of personal support, as the institution clearly prioritizes its public image and revenue generation.
Customer Review
The teachers are wonderful
My daughter loves it! She’s 3 turning 4 and very excited to start her second year of classes here. The teachers are wonderful, the performance the kids could participate in was a great experience, and the summer camp was fun for her as well. Definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a great dance school for their kids.
Meredith Gammon | Google Review
3. Koresh Dance Company
Website: https://www.koreshdance.org/
Address: 2002 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Contact: 215-751-0959
Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00 AM–9:00 PM, Sat 10:00 AM–3:00 PM
Strict classical rules don’t appeal to everyone. Koresh Dance Company breaks the mold by offering a rich fusion of ballet and contemporary movement techniques. They place a huge emphasis on expressive storytelling to help students develop deep artistic depth.
I visited recently for a trial session and loved the energetic atmosphere. I found the instructors to be really professional, and they genuinely want to see you succeed on stage.
You can easily find programs for all ages, making it super accessible for both eager kids and curious adults.
Be prepared for a few facility quirks before you arrive, though. The studios famously lack air conditioning, which makes summer sessions intensely sweaty.
Plus, classes sometimes get canceled at the last minute due to low enrollment, and getting refunds for your travel trouble is basically impossible.
Customer Review
An excellent instructor
This place is fantastic. I used to come about once a month for ballet classes before having my second child. Just went back yesterday for the first time in almost two years, and it was even better than before!
Fang is an excellent instructor. I’m an adult who never took dance classes as a child, it’s strictly a hobby for me. But I felt included and like I could keep up with class.
Lady NoName | Google Review
4. Philadelphia Dance Theatre
Website: https://www.philadancetheatre.org/
Address: 7500 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19119
Contact: 215-247-4272
Hours: Mon-Fri 3:00 PM–9:00 PM, Sat 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Philadelphia Dance Theatre serves as a leading classical ballet school with a clear pre-professional pathway. They offer detailed divisions starting from preschool age all the way through advanced adult training.
The school boasts an impressive track record of alumni landing scholarships and professional dance jobs. Plus, before they even graduate, students get regular stage experience through annual signature performances like their popular spring productions.
They also do fantastic community outreach, offering sensory-friendly shows and excellent tuition assistance programs.
Just keep in mind that this isn’t a casual hangout spot for quick workouts. The structured placement system means drop-in students will feel completely out of place here. The intense pre-professional focus might feel way too demanding for someone who just wants a light hobby.
Customer Review
Pushing their older students to be the best dancers they can be
PDT has been a great place for my dancers. They LOVE participating in the Nutcracker and the spring show. When my daughter was being fitted for point shoes the person helping us described PDT as a “real ballet studio” and said she’s never been sent a dancer from PDT who isn’t ready for point yet. Joy and the whole PDT team know what they are doing from nurturing the 3 year olds in their creative pre-ballet level classes to pushing their older students to be the best dancers they can be.
Sara Lapham | Google Review
5. Symmetry Dance Wellness
Website: https://www.dancewellness.com/
Address: 2006 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Contact: 267-601-1442
Hours: Mon-Fri 5:00 PM–9:00 PM, Sat 10:00 AM–2:00 PM
Walking into a studio full of talented teenagers can feel completely terrifying for an older beginner. Symmetry Dance Wellness solves this problem by focusing exclusively on adult dance fitness.
Founded by professional dancer Kip Martin, the studio welcomes total novices with zero prior experience.
The setup is incredibly flexible for busy professionals who can’t commit to rigid schedules. They offer short series formats and drop-in options that treat ballet as a holistic fitness practice. You get a fantastic full-body workout that builds strength while reducing your daily stress levels.
However, their special performance workshops can be quite disorganized behind the scenes. Some participants report extreme confusion regarding casting timelines and actual dance roles. You might end up assigned to non-dance tasks like narration, and getting a promised refund for these messy events takes forever.
Customer Review
Passionate about dance and teaching
Kip is great and only teaches adults. Ballet is strict yes, and so is Kip– but not unreasonably so. He’s passionate about dance and teaching. Whatever level your at Kip will find a spot for you! No experience necessary. Men take classes here too regularly.
Kerri | Google Review
