Top Ballet Schools In New York

With over 60 years of experience, Joffrey Ballet School offers comprehensive pre-professional training in ballet, jazz, and contemporary dance for ages 12 to 25, along with summer intensives and open classes. Students benefit from diverse genres and live musical accompaniment, though some find the additional fees and communication less accommodating.

The School of American Ballet focuses on training young dancers aged 6 to 18 for professional ballet careers, with a strong emphasis on classical technique and student development. Offering financial aid and wellness programs, the school supports a diverse student body, though some families have expressed concerns about the audition process and inclusivity.

Fusion Dance Studio focuses on building confident and skilled dancers through a strong recreational program that culminates in a large end-of-season recital. The team offers instruction in current dance styles while encouraging creativity and expression. Families appreciate the supportive environment, though some note occasional issues with favoritism and parking.

With a history dating back to 1937, Ballet Arts Center for Dance offers classes for all levels in a spacious, beautifully designed studio. The team provides a supportive environment where students appreciate skilled instruction that balances technical rigor with artistic expression. Some find class sizes smaller, but many enjoy the welcoming community and inspiring atmosphere.

Ballet Tech specializes in providing classical ballet training to New York City public school students, many of whom have gone on to perform with major dance companies and attend prestigious universities. The school offers a close-knit environment where instructors are described as caring and supportive. Some note that its small size contributes to a family-like atmosphere.

With a focus on both children and adult students, New York Theatre Ballet School offers ballet training grounded in technique and creativity. The school provides classes following the Cecchetti syllabus, with a warm, attentive team known for personal attention and a supportive community. Some adult students note the need to arrive early for warm-ups before class.

Focused on providing dance education and cultural enrichment to minority youth, Buffalo Inner-City Ballet Co offers training in Modern and Contemporary African Dance using the Russian Vaganova Method. Students often perform locally with Buffalo City Ballet, where pre-professional dancers and guest artists present a mix of classical and contemporary ballets. Families appreciate the caring… more...

Focused on providing dance education and cultural enrichment to minority youth, Buffalo Inner-City Ballet Co offers training in Modern and Contemporary African Dance using the Russian Vaganova Method. Students often perform locally with Buffalo City Ballet, where pre-professional dancers and guest artists present a mix of classical and contemporary ballets. Families appreciate the caring instructors and the supportive environment for young dancers.

French Academie of Ballet focuses on teaching the classical French ballet technique with small classes that allow for personalized instruction. Since 2011, the school has helped students build strong foundations in both dance and professional ethics, preparing many for careers with respected companies. The team is known for rigorous training balanced with a supportive, family-like atmosphere.

Known for its focus on technique and artistic expression, Royal Academy of Ballet has nurtured dancers since 1947. The studio offers classes in well-equipped spaces with floating floors and mirrored walls, plus an online shop for dancewear. Students appreciate the supportive, encouraging environment, though some find the atmosphere less professional over time.

American Liberty Ballet School offers ballet training that emphasizes individual attention through small classes and detailed technique corrections. With a welcoming atmosphere for all levels, their instructors provide professional, knowledgeable guidance in both in-person and virtual formats. Students appreciate the supportive environment and the opportunity to grow their skills at a comfortable… more...

American Liberty Ballet School offers ballet training that emphasizes individual attention through small classes and detailed technique corrections. With a welcoming atmosphere for all levels, their instructors provide professional, knowledgeable guidance in both in-person and virtual formats. Students appreciate the supportive environment and the opportunity to grow their skills at a comfortable pace.

Focused on accessible, professional ballet training for children of all ages and abilities, Chrystie Street Ballet Academy offers classes designed to build strong classical technique and discipline. Students progress through levels at their own pace, gaining confidence and musicality in a supportive environment. Some families note the commute and recent location changes as minor challenges.

With over 35 years of teaching experience, Clark Academy Dance Center welcomes dancers of all ages in a modern, well-equipped studio. The team offers a variety of dance styles in a friendly, encouraging atmosphere where students often feel right at home. Some find the classes so engaging they return again and again.

South Buffalo Dance Academy welcomes dancers of all ages with a focus on self-expression and a relaxed dress code tailored to each dance style. The family-run studio offers both in-person and Zoom classes, maintaining careful health protocols. Visitors often note the warm, community atmosphere and enjoyable recitals.

AS Ballet New York Ltd offers ballet training for all ages, blending Swiss precision with American creativity. Classes focus on technique and cultural appreciation, fostering both dance skills and personal growth. Students and parents appreciate the supportive, family-like atmosphere and the director’s patient, inspiring approach.

Manhattan Ballet School has focused on classical ballet training for over 50 years, welcoming children from beginner to advanced levels. Students can join two annual productions, including the Nutcracker Suite, gaining performance experience and confidence. While many appreciate the supportive atmosphere and skilled teaching, some have raised concerns about the school’s communication and staff… more...

Manhattan Ballet School has focused on classical ballet training for over 50 years, welcoming children from beginner to advanced levels. Students can join two annual productions, including the Nutcracker Suite, gaining performance experience and confidence. While many appreciate the supportive atmosphere and skilled teaching, some have raised concerns about the school’s communication and staff interactions.

Celebrating 20 years in dance education, this studio specializes in preschool dance programs that introduce children as young as 3 to tap, ballet, and movement through age-appropriate lessons. Weekly classes encourage observation and skill-building in a group setting, with many students noting both technique improvement and lasting friendships.

Festival School of Ballet offers a professional dance program for students of all ages and levels, emphasizing technique and musicality over recital pressure. Classes include children and adults, with optional, low-key performances rather than mandatory, costly recitals. Students appreciate the welcoming atmosphere and personalized instruction in a supportive setting.

Focusing on Classical Ballet alongside Isshin-Ryu Karate, this family-friendly academy offers personalized instruction aimed at developing body, mind, and spirit. Classes emphasize both artistic growth and discipline, with students benefiting from a supportive environment that encourages expression and learning. Some families appreciate the balance of ballet and martial arts training available.

Sergio Neglia, a husband-and-wife duo from Buffalo founded the Neglia Conservatory of Ballet in 1994 on the fourth floor of the Pierce-Arrow Building at Elmwood Avenue. Their professional experience in ballet and their teaching skills were combined to provide Western New York students with a higher level of ballet education. We value and promote a diverse, inclusive, and accepting society based… more...

Sergio Neglia, a husband-and-wife duo from Buffalo founded the Neglia Conservatory of Ballet in 1994 on the fourth floor of the Pierce-Arrow Building at Elmwood Avenue. Their professional experience in ballet and their teaching skills were combined to provide Western New York students with a higher level of ballet education. We value and promote a diverse, inclusive, and accepting society based on respect for others, compassion, and mutual understanding. The dancer's soul is expressed through the art of dancing. This involves teaching the feeling and transmitting it to the audience. The students find their own artistic voice and gain the confidence they need to share it. The need to create or do something that fills your soul is respected and understood. Dance is a way to express yourself and celebrate your openness and vulnerability. All humans are interconnected. Engagement on a human level with peers, educators, and professional artists around the world builds empathy, which makes us better people. Students and supporters continue our values and tradition and enhance their success on stage and in life.