Ballet Academy East Introduce
For over four decades, Ballet Academy East (BAE) has been a cornerstone of New York City's dance community. Located on the Upper East Side, BAE is a highly respected institution known for its rigorous training, accomplished faculty, and supportive environment. It is a place where a lifelong love of dance is fostered, whether you are a young child taking your first steps at the barre or an adult returning to a cherished hobby. This studio's reputation is built on a commitment to excellence, offering programs that cater to all levels, from a comprehensive pre-professional division for serious students to a vibrant and welcoming open class division for adults and teens.
BAE’s philosophy is centered on creating strong, healthy, and versatile dancers. The curriculum is meticulously designed to build a solid technical foundation, ensuring students develop the strength, musicality, and coordination needed to succeed in any style. Beyond the technical training, the academy also cultivates a nurturing environment where students are encouraged to express themselves and push their boundaries with confidence. As one student review highlights, instructors like Vanessa M. are "challenging and accommodating," inspiring students to "listen to my body and take on challenging movements with confidence." This blend of high standards and empathetic teaching is what makes BAE a truly special place.
The academy's influence extends far beyond its studios. Graduates of BAE have gone on to join prestigious professional companies across the country, including New York City Ballet and American Ballet Theatre, a testament to the quality of the training provided. However, the mission of BAE is not solely to produce professional dancers. It is equally dedicated to instilling a love of ballet in every student, whether they are pursuing a career on stage or simply seeking a form of self-expression and fitness. The fact that many of BAE's adult classes are full of students who have come back to dance after a long break speaks to the welcoming and inspiring atmosphere that the academy cultivates.
Ballet Academy East is ideally located on the Upper East Side at 1651 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10128, USA. This central Manhattan address makes it easily accessible for a wide range of New Yorkers. The studio is conveniently located on the third floor, with a wheelchair-accessible entrance to accommodate all members of the community. Public transportation is readily available, with several bus lines and subway stations within walking distance, making the commute from different boroughs a breeze.
For those who prefer to drive, paid street parking is available, providing a convenient option in a bustling neighborhood. The proximity of BAE to local landmarks, shops, and restaurants also adds to the overall experience, allowing students and their families to easily integrate classes into their daily lives. The convenience of its location, combined with the professional environment, makes BAE a prime choice for dance education. The academy also accepts both credit and debit cards, which provides a seamless and easy payment experience for students.
Services Offered:
- Pre-Professional Division: A comprehensive, audition-only program for aspiring professional ballet dancers.
- Young Dancer Division: Classes for children and teens designed to foster a love and appreciation for dance in a non-professional track.
- Adult Division: Open enrollment classes in dance and fitness for adults of all ages and abilities.
- Ballet Classes: From "Introduction to Ballet" for absolute beginners to advanced levels for experienced dancers.
- Contemporary Dance: Classes that explore expressive movement and improvisation.
- Pointe and Variations: Specialized classes for advanced students to train en pointe and learn classical choreography.
- Fitness Classes: Including Mat Pilates, Floor Barre, and Stretch & Strengthen to support and enhance dance training.
- Private Lessons: For individual attention and personalized coaching.
- Summer Intensives: Programs for young dancers to receive intensive training during the summer break.
Features and Highlights:
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance, promoting inclusivity.
- Accepts major credit and debit cards for easy payment.
- Recognized as a great place for kids, with programs tailored to different age groups.
- Offers paid street parking as a convenient option for drivers.
- Acclaimed faculty of professional dancers and educators.
- A nurturing and supportive environment that encourages personal and artistic growth.
- Comprehensive programming for all levels, from beginners to pre-professionals.
- A history of alumni dancing in top professional companies worldwide.
Contact Information:
Address: 1651 3rd Ave 3rd fl, New York, NY 10128, USA
Phone: (212) 410-9140
What is worth choosing Ballet Academy East?
For New Yorkers seeking a dance studio, the decision often comes down to quality, community, and personal fit. Ballet Academy East stands out for its exceptional blend of these three elements. One of the most compelling reasons to choose BAE is the sheer quality of its training. The academy's reputation for producing technically strong, artistically expressive, and versatile dancers is well-deserved. The instructors, many of whom are former or current professional dancers, bring a wealth of knowledge and a high level of professionalism to every class. This commitment to excellence ensures that students are receiving top-tier instruction, whether they are in a children's pre-ballet class or an advanced adult session.
Furthermore, BAE's commitment to creating a welcoming and supportive environment is a key differentiator. While the professional program is rigorous, the open classes for adults and teens are designed to be accessible and encouraging. As one review noted, instructors like Vanessa M. create a space where dancers can be "supported and encouraged to push myself." This is vital for adult beginners or those returning to dance, who might feel intimidated by a professional setting. The academy’s inclusive atmosphere, highlighted by its accessibility and welcoming nature, makes it a true "dance home" for a diverse range of students.
Finally, the variety of classes offered at BAE makes it an ideal destination for anyone with a love for movement. The combination of classical ballet, contemporary dance, and targeted fitness classes like Mat Pilates and Stretch & Strengthen means students can build a well-rounded practice. This holistic approach not only improves dance skills but also promotes overall health and well-being. The positive testimonials about specific instructors and the general atmosphere speak volumes about the quality of the experience. While one customer had a negative experience with a specific instructor, the overwhelming sentiment from the community reinforces that BAE, as a whole, is a place where students feel inspired, supported, and ready to leap into their own dance journey. For New Yorkers looking for a professional, nurturing, and inspiring place to dance, Ballet Academy East is an excellent choice.
Ballet Academy East Details
Accessibility
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
Parking
- Paid street parking
Ballet Academy East Photos
Ballet Academy East Location
Ballet Academy East
1651 3rd Ave 3rd fl, New York, NY 10128, USA
Ballet Academy East Reviews
classesstudiosadultstudentsskillpianistthe nutcrackercareerpilatesdancers
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1I grew up dancing, and I'm so happy that BAE was the studio I stumbled into when I was feeling excited to move my body and get back into it. The first class I took was Mat Pilates with Vanessa M. The class was both challenging and accommodating, and Vanessa's instruction encouraged me to listen to my body and take on challenging movements with confidence.I knew immediately that I wanted to come back, and also started taking Vanessa's Beginner Contemporary class. Similar to Pilates, Vanessa's dance instruction is challenging and energizing. I'm always excited to take this class, knowing that I will be supported and encouraged to push myself. I love seeing and being inspired by all the other dancers in the room and am grateful that BAE offers these incredible adult classes with such a wonderful teacher.
April 21 · Sarah AuchesVery good school and have a lot of great teachers but NOT SHIRLEY BASSAT. I have been to her class once, she is very mean and humiliating. Unfortunately, she needs to respect the students in the adult class and learns how to be a teacher.
August 22 · DorBallet Academy East has truly become my home away from home. I started adult classes a little over two years ago and can't say enough about this incredible studio. While BAE is known for preparing young dancers for professional careers, they take their adult students just as seriously. The teachers -- special shout-out to Shirley Bassat -- are both nurturing and demanding in the best way, pushing us to reach our full potential in a warm, supportive environment. I've progressed far beyond what I ever imagined possible, steadily moving up through the levels. Along the way, I've also formed meaningful friendships with amazing women -- a true bonus. If you're an adult thinking about starting ballet or continuing your training at a high level, this is the place for you. Thank you, Julia Dubno, for creating such a special space.
May 23 · Yael TurkI’ve taken two intermediate classes (adult division) so far at the studio (each with a different teacher) and both were fantastic, relatively small classes (4-15 students each). Fun and engaging teachers who give helpful corrections and encouragement. I love that both teachers seemed to approach their classes with the perspective that adult ballet dancers want to learn and improve to be the best dancers they can be—teaching class rather than giving class. Looking forward to going back. Fun energy in the halls and locker/changing room as well- friendly and kind dancers.
July 21 · Tyler StotlandI took a beginner contemporary class with Vanessa M. She seemed like a knowledgeable and thorough instructor. However, I found the class to be significantly more advanced than a typical beginner level, making it difficult to keep up. I’ve taken around 10 beginner classes at Joffrey Ballet School, so I expected a similar pace, unfortunately, that wasn’t the case.I ultimately decided to leave early, and as I was exiting, Vanessa made a pointed remark—saying “byeee” in a way that felt dismissive and obnoxious, prompting some students to giggle. The interaction felt unprofessional and unnecessary. Additionally, I couldn’t ignore the fact that I was the only African American student in the class, which made the moment feel even more uncomfortable.Overall, while the instruction may be strong for those at a more advanced level, I wouldn’t recommend this class to true beginners and will not be returning to this studio.
February 01 · Tiffany Haines
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