Arrais Ballet

- 858 Great Plain Ave, Needham, MA 02492

Located in the vibrant community of Needham, Massachusetts, Arrais Ballet offers a unique and exceptional dance education experience. Founded by Paulo Arrais, a world-renowned former Principal Dancer with the Boston Ballet, the studio embodies a philosophy that combines the technical precision of classical ballet with the joy and freedom of artistic expression. The mission here is to provide a supportive and high-quality environment where dancers of all ages and abilities can thrive, nurturing not only their physical skills but also their creativity, individuality, and confidence. Whether you are a young child taking your first steps in Pre-Ballet or an adult looking to refine your technique, Arrais Ballet provides a home where passion and discipline go hand-in-hand.

The instructors at Arrais Ballet are a team of experienced, talented, and deeply passionate professionals who genuinely care for each student. Their approach is highly individualized, offering concrete, personalized feedback that helps dancers improve their technique while boosting their self-confidence. The studio’s founder, Paulo Arrais, brings his extensive experience from dancing with prestigious companies like the Paris Opera Ballet and the Norwegian National Ballet to his teaching, ensuring that students receive a world-class education. The a studio aims to instill a love for ballet in a way that is challenging yet positive, helping students work harder than they ever have while finding genuine happiness in their progress. This commitment to both physical and emotional well-being is a core part of the studio’s identity, making it a truly special place to learn and grow.

Arrais Ballet is situated at 858 Great Plain Ave, Needham, MA 02492, placing it in a convenient and accessible location within the heart of Needham. Its position on a well-known thoroughfare makes it easy for families to find and travel to from surrounding towns like Wellesley, Newton, and Dedham. The studio's proximity to major roads and residential areas makes it a central hub for dance enthusiasts in the Greater Boston area.

In its effort to be inclusive and welcoming to all members of the community, Arrais Ballet provides a wheelchair-accessible car park. This thoughtful feature ensures that individuals with mobility challenges can easily access the studio's facilities, demonstrating a commitment to creating an environment where everyone feels welcome.

• Youth Programs: From Pre-Ballet and Toddler Programs to multi-level children's classes, the studio offers a structured curriculum for young dancers.
• Classical Ballet Technique: Core training in the fundamentals of classical ballet for all levels, from beginner to advanced.
• Pre-Professional Programme: A rigorous and comprehensive training program designed for serious students who aspire to a career in dance.
• Ballet Intensives: Special, intensive training sessions like the "Intensive Sundays" program, which offers summer-intensive-style training throughout the year.
• Specialized Ballet Classes: Advanced training in Pointe ballet and Pas de deux ballet (partnering).
• Repertory Ballet: Opportunities for students to learn and perform pieces from classical ballet repertoire.
• Adult Classes: Programs tailored for adult dancers of all experience levels, including Adult Ballet and Pilates.
• Pilates Training: Mat Pilates classes and private sessions are offered, focusing on core strength, flexibility, and injury prevention, which are essential for dancers.
• Private Lessons: Personalized, one-on-one coaching for students to receive highly specific and focused feedback to meet their individual goals.

• World-Class Founder and Faculty: The studio is led by Paulo Arrais, a former Principal Dancer with the Boston Ballet, whose extensive experience and passion for teaching are praised by students and parents alike.
• Rigorous and Joyful Environment: Arrais Ballet successfully balances the demanding nature of classical ballet with a positive, supportive, and joyful teaching style, helping students thrive both technically and personally.
• Holistic Training Philosophy: The curriculum goes beyond dance steps to promote holistic mind and body wellness, including offerings like Pilates training to enhance core strength and prevent injury.
• Individualized Attention: Instructors are known for their ability to provide concrete, individualized feedback that helps students make tangible progress.
• Programs for All Ages and Levels: The studio offers a wide range of programs, from Creative Dance for toddlers to a Pre-Professional Programme for aspiring dancers, catering to the entire community.
• Wheelchair-Accessible Car Park: The facility is designed to be accessible, demonstrating a commitment to welcoming everyone in the community.

Address: 858 Great Plain Ave, Needham, MA 02492, USA

Phone: (617) 784-8482

When it comes to selecting a ballet school in the Greater Boston area, Arrais Ballet stands out as a top-tier choice for several compelling reasons. The most significant is the quality of the instruction, which is directly linked to the professional experience of its founder, Paulo Arrais. As one satisfied parent review highlights, he is a "wonderful teacher" who has given their daughter "so many things to think about and focus on to improve her technique." This level of expertise and personal attention is a rare find and a major draw for families seeking serious ballet training.

Beyond the technical prowess, Arrais Ballet is praised for its ability to foster a positive and uplifting environment. The same review notes that Paulo "brings such joy to the teaching of ballet," and the student "comes home with a smile after every session." This emotional and psychological support is just as important as the physical training, as it builds confidence and a lasting passion for dance. The studio’s commitment to a holistic approach, which includes Pilates to strengthen the body and prevent injury, further demonstrates its dedication to the well-being of its students. Whether your child is just starting out or preparing for a professional career, the balance between demanding, hard work and positive reinforcement makes Arrais Ballet an exceptional and worthwhile choice. It is a place where students are challenged to reach their full potential while being "quite happy to do it." For a dance education that is both technically rigorous and emotionally enriching, Arrais Ballet is a highly recommended option for anyone in the Massachusetts area.

Arrais Ballet

858 Great Plain Ave, Needham, MA 02492, USA