Dance with elegance at the 7 best ballet schools in Adelaide
Through grace, poise, and confidence, ballet dancing offers timeless skills that you or your child might aspire to possess. Though mastering this art takes years, it’s never too late to don a tutu and attempt the pas de bourree!
Below, we highlight the top ballet schools in Adelaide that can guide you toward achieving excellence in this dance form.
Norwood Ballet Centre
Services: Classical ballet dance lessons, jazz/hip hop dance lessons, street tap dance lessons, contemporary dance lessons, ballet exams, dance competitions
Website: https://www.norwoodballet.com/
Address: 111 Kensington Rd, Norwood SA 5067, Australia
Contact Details: +61 8 8331 3010
Operating Hours:
- Monday: 9:15 AM–12:15 PM, 3:30–8:30 PM
- Tuesday, Thursday: 10:30 AM–12:15 PM, 3:30–8:30 PM
- Wednesday: 3:30 PM –8:30 PM
- Thursday: 9 AM-5:30 PM
- Friday: 9:15 AM–12:15 PM, 3:30 PM–6:30 PM
- Saturday: 9 AM–6 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Facebook reviews score | 5/5 |
Google reviews score | 4.6/5 |
Total reviews | 5/5 |
Score consistency | 4.8/5 |
Faculty | 5/5 |
– Achievements in ballet dancing/teaching | 5/5 |
– Professionalism | 5/5 |
Facilities | 5/5 |
– Maintenance | 5/5 |
– Completeness of equipment for dancing | 5/5 |
Fairness of fees | 4/5 |
Number of slots available and flexibility of schedules | 5/5 |
Pros
- Has many class slots
- Has many former students who have been accepted to WAAPA
- Highly experienced teachers
- Studio is well-equipped with audio equipment, anti-slip floors, air conditioning, and more
Cons
- A bit pricey
- Takes a couple of days to respond to the contact forms on their website
Norwood Ballet Center offers over 70 classes, making it an excellent choice for students seeking a wide range of options. A majority of these are dedicated to ballet dancing, which is the studio’s bread and butter.
The dance studio was founded 40 years ago and is mainly for children and teenagers. They have many remarkable alumni, including Cecchetti award winners and those who have been accepted to the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA).
Their instructors are also highly accomplished, as many won ballet and jazz dance competitions. Their director, Jackie Thompson, holds certificates from the Royal Academy of Dancing and the Cecchetti Society’s Advanced as well.
They also have one of the best dance studios in Adelaide. It’s fully equipped with air conditioning, anti-slip floors, fixed barres, mirrors, and professional audio equipment.
That said, a downside is that their fees are a bit pricey. Another is that they take a couple of days to respond to contact forms on their website.
Terry Simpson Studios
Services: Lessons for ballet, jazz dance, contemporary dance
Website: https://www.terrysimpsonstudios.com.au/
Address: Gay’s Arcade, 212, Adelaide SA 5000, Australia
Contact Details: +61 8 8223 4374
Operating Hours:
- Monday-Saturday: 9 AM-9 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Facebook reviews score | 5/5 |
Google reviews score | 5/5 |
Total reviews | 4/5 |
Score consistency | 5/5 |
Faculty | 5/5 |
– Achievements in ballet dancing/teaching | 5/5 |
– Professionalism | 5/5 |
Facilities | 4/5 |
– Maintenance | 4/5 |
– Completeness of equipment for dancing | 4/5 |
Fairness of fees | 5/5 |
Number of slots available and flexibility of schedules | 5/5 |
Pros
- Has full-time ballet lessons for those who want a full-time career in ballet
- Balances technical aspects of lessons with improvisation
- Has special lessons for audition techniques
- Emphasizes body conditioning for students
Cons
- Small practice rooms
- Takes a couple of days to answer emails
Terry Simpson Studios is an excellent choice for those aspiring to pursue a full-time career in ballet. They are one of the few studios that offer a program running five days a week, totaling 30 hours of lessons.
To enhance students’ competitiveness, they strike a balance between lessons on technical aspects and improvisation. Additionally, they provide instruction on audition techniques, which is crucial for those aspiring to join prestigious dance institutions.
In alignment with their mission of training full-time ballerinas, their instructors emphasize the development of work ethics and self-confidence. Some are trained in Pilates and physiotherapy, enabling them to effectively prevent injuries in students.
In connection with this, the incorporation of body conditioning sessions for all students is great for establishing a solid foundation for their bodies early on. This is especially vital for those who want to be long-term performers.
Regarding drawbacks, one issue is the small size of their practice rooms. Another area for improvement is their responsiveness to email inquiries, as they take a couple of days to answer emails.
Premier School of Dance
Services: Classes for ballet, tap dance, jazz dance, contemporary dance, lyrical dance
Website: https://www.premierschoolofdance.com.au/
Address: 4/615 North East Road, Gilles Plains SA 5086, Australia
Contact Details: +61 410 760 056
Operating Hours:
- Monday: 4 PM-8:30 PM
- Tuesday: 4:30 AM-8 PM
- Wednesday: 4 PM-8 PM
- Thursday: 4 AM-9 PM
- Friday: 5 PM-7 PM
- Saturday: 9 AM-5 PM
- Sunday: 9:30 AM-10 AM
Google reviews score | 4.6/5 |
Total reviews | 4.5/5 |
Score consistency | 4.6/5 |
Faculty | 4.5/5 |
– Achievements in ballet dancing/teaching | 4/5 |
– Professionalism | 5/5 |
Facilities | 5/5 |
– Maintenance | 5/5 |
– Completeness of equipment for dancing | 5/5 |
Fairness of fees | 5/5 |
Number of slots available and flexibility of schedules | 5/5 |
Pros
- Good for developing teamwork and social skills of children
- Majority of client base are long-term students
- Lead instructor studied in prestigious dance studios in the UK
- Excellent facilities
Cons
- Has received complaints for not communicating schedules properly
- Some instructors have less than 5 years of teaching experience
Premier School of Dance is an excellent choice if you’re looking to enroll your child in a school that places a strong emphasis on teamwork and socialization. One of their standout offerings is the ballet troupe class, which builds teamwork and social skills.
The studio, founded by Nikki Abdilla, prioritizes delivering quality education while instilling essential life skills like confidence, self-esteem, and teamwork. The fact that the majority of their client base consists of long-term students is a good sign.
Nikki brings extensive experience from training at prestigious dance studios in the UK, including Pineapple Studios, Dance Works, and The Place. She has also been a participant in So You Think You Can Dance.
Their facilities are top-notch; the building is fully equipped with mirrors, barres, anti-slip flooring, and high-quality audio systems. Moreover, their waiting rooms are comfortable and designed with children in mind.
However, it’s worth noting that there have been some complaints from clients about receiving unclear instructions regarding class schedules. Additionally, a few members of their instructional team have less than five years of teaching experience.
Simply Ballet
Services: Ballet classes for all ages, body conditioning
Website: https://simplyballet.com.au/
Address: King George Hall, 4A Koongarra Ct, Magill SA 5072, Australia
Contact Details: +61 493 030 052
Operating Hours:
- Monday: 4:30 PM-9 PM
- Tuesday: 9:15 AM-12:15 PM, 4:30-8:45 PM
- Wednesday: 4:30 PM-8:45 PM
- Thursday: 4:15 PM-9:15 PM
- Saturday: 9 AM-5:15 PM
- Friday, Sunday: Closed
Google reviews score | 5/5 |
Total reviews | 4/5 |
Score consistency | 5/5 |
Faculty | 5/5 |
– Achievements in ballet dancing/teaching | 5/5 |
– Professionalism | 5/5 |
Facilities | 4.5/5 |
– Maintenance | 5/5 |
– Completeness of equipment for dancing | 4/5 |
Fairness of fees | 4/5 |
Number of slots available and flexibility of schedules | 5/5 |
Pros
- Well-qualified dancing instructors
- Good for adult students
- Uses testing modeled after Royal Academy of Dance standards
- Curriculum is well-made to adjust depending on learner’s age
Cons
- Pricey
- Training studio is a bit small
Simply Ballet’s edge is that they possess extensive experience in training adult students. To achieve this, they adhere to the Royal Academy of Dance standards.
They have some of the most qualified instructors in Adelaide, the majority of whom have received training and performed both internationally and locally. Most have received classical training in ballet, and all hold formal teaching certifications.
Their curriculum is tailored to the age of the learner. They prioritize the development of essential foundational skills, such as coordination and rhythm, while maintaining a light-hearted atmosphere for the younger students.
Notably, they offer a Silver Swans Class designed for individuals aged 55 and older. This program is carefully crafted to be mindful of health conditions while still providing challenging lessons.
In terms of drawbacks, one consideration is that their fees are on the higher side. Additionally, it’s worth mentioning that their training studio is a little small.
Turning Point Dance
Services: Ballet lessons for all ages
Website: https://www.tpdance.com.au/about-us
Address: Holland St & Winwood Street, Thebarton SA 5031, Australia
Contact Details: +61 413 113 950
Operating Hours:
- Monday-Friday: 9:30 AM-9 PM
- Saturday: 8:30 AM-5:30 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Google reviews score | 5/5 |
Total reviews | 4/5 |
Score consistency | 5/5 |
Faculty | 5/5 |
– Achievements in ballet dancing/teaching | 5/5 |
– Professionalism | 5/5 |
Facilities | 4/5 |
– Maintenance | 4/5 |
– Completeness of equipment for dancing | 4/5 |
Fairness of fees | 4/5 |
Number of slots available and flexibility of schedules | 5/5 |
Pros
- Extra attention to mental and physical wellbeing of students (with integration of podiatry, psychology, and yoga into lessons)
- Well-experienced instructors
- Small class size, allowing more focus on each learner
- Has separate training sessions for those who want intensive training
Cons
- Pricey
- Small practice rooms
For those placing extra emphasis on prioritizing children’s overall wellbeing, Turning Point Dance is an excellent choice. They integrate principles from podiatry, psychology, and yoga into everyday lessons to ensure this.
The ballet school was founded in 1996 by Michelle Hoffman who was trained in classical music in both Adelaide and Germany. Her team of instructors all have formal teaching certifications and extensive years of experience in dance.
A standout feature of the school is their commitment to providing individual attention, particularly evident in their small class sizes. The ballet instructors are warm, placing a strong emphasis on building confidence and improving self-esteem.
They can accommodate those who want to pursue a full-time career in ballet by providing separate classes for them. They’ve had many students who were able to join the Australian Conservatoire of Ballet and the Royal Academy of Dance.
In terms of downsides, one is that their fees are pricey. Another is that their practice rooms are small.
JL Dance Productions
Services: Ballet lessons for all ages
Website: https://www.jldanceproductions.com.au/
Address:
94-102 Bartley Terrace
West Lakes Shore, SA 5020
Contact Details:
0432 043 667
[email protected]
[email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Contact for more information
Google reviews score | 5/5 |
Total reviews | 5/5 |
Score consistency | 5/5 |
Faculty | 5/5 |
– Achievements in ballet dancing/teaching | 5/5 |
– Professionalism | 5/5 |
Facilities | 4.5/5 |
– Maintenance | 5/5 |
– Completeness of equipment for dancing | 4/5 |
Fairness of fees | 4/5 |
Number of slots available and flexibility of schedules | 5/5 |
Pros
- Inviting and Caring Environment
- Quality Instruction
- Inclusive for All Ages
Cons
One of the standout features of JL Dance Productions is its welcoming and nurturing atmosphere.
Led by amazing instructors, students are greeted with warmth and encouragement, fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie within the dance family.
We think this supportive environment instills confidence and passion in aspiring dancers, making each class a joyous experience.
The ballet classes at JL Dance Productions are guided by top-quality coaching, ensuring that students receive comprehensive training that emphasizes technique, artistry, and musicality.
Whether it’s young children taking their first steps in ballet or adults fulfilling a lifelong dream, we love how the instructors tailor their approach to suit the needs and abilities of each individual, fostering growth and development in a structured yet enjoyable manner.
From young children to adults, JL Dance Productions caters to dancers of all ages and skill levels!
Avant Ballet Studio
Services: Ballet and Dance Class
Website: http://avantballet.com.au/
Address: Memorial Dr, Tea Tree Gully SA 5091, Australia
Contact Details: +61 412 956 328
Operating Hours:
- Weekdays: 10 AM–7 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM–4 PM
Google reviews score | 5/5 |
Total reviews | 5/5 |
Score consistency | 5/5 |
Faculty | 5/5 |
– Achievements in ballet dancing/teaching | 5/5 |
– Professionalism | 5/5 |
Facilities | 4/5 |
– Maintenance | 4/5 |
– Completeness of equipment for dancing | 4/5 |
Fairness of fees | 4.5/5 |
Number of slots available and flexibility of schedules | 5/5 |
Pros
- Quality Dance Training
- Diverse Dance Styles
- Experienced and Dedicated Faculty
- Positive Learning Environment
Cons
- Competitive Enrollment
Avant Ballet Studio stands as a beacon of excellence in the realm of dance education, offering top-tier ballet classes and diverse dance styles to students in the Tea Tree Gully area of South Australia. With a commitment to nurturing talent and fostering a love for dance, Avant Ballet Studio prides itself on providing quality training in a friendly and supportive environment.
They are renowned for their commitment to quality dance training, with a strong emphasis on correct dance technique and skill development. Under the guidance of experienced instructors, students receive comprehensive instruction that fosters strength, flexibility, coordination, and self-discipline, laying a solid foundation for both professional dance careers and personal growth.
In addition to classical ballet (Cecchetti Ballet), Avant Ballet Studio offers a diverse range of dance styles, including jazz, hip-hop, contemporary, tap, and acro. This diversity allows students to explore different genres, discover their unique artistic expression, and broaden their dance repertoire, catering to a variety of interests and preferences.
Led by founder Robbyn Garrett-Doyle, Avant Ballet Studio boasts a team of highly skilled and dedicated teachers who are passionate about imparting their knowledge and expertise to students of all ages. With decades of collective experience in dance education and performance, the faculty members provide personalized attention, guidance, and encouragement to help students achieve their full potential.
Avant Ballet Studio prides itself on creating a positive and nurturing learning environment where students feel supported, valued, and inspired to pursue their passion for dance. The studio fosters a sense of camaraderie, mutual respect, and artistic exploration, enabling students to develop confidence, creativity, and a lifelong appreciation for the art of dance.
Given Avant Ballet Studio’s reputation as one of the best ballet schools in Adelaide, enrollment may be competitive, especially during peak seasons or special promotions. Prospective students may need to plan ahead and secure their spots early to ensure availability, particularly for popular classes or age groups with high demand.