The School of FSBT, Whitehall

- 727 Mapleton Ave, Middletown, DE 19709

For Delaware residents seeking top-tier classical dance instruction, The School of FSBT, Whitehall in Middletown offers an exceptional and highly structured program. As a satellite school of the prestigious First State Ballet Theatre (FSBT)—Delaware's only professional ballet company—the Whitehall location extends the company's long-standing tradition of excellence in dance education to Southern New Castle County and beyond.

This is more than just a local dance studio; it is a dedicated Dance school with a mission to support a child's artistic and technical growth from their very first steps. The curriculum is rooted in the renowned Vaganova syllabus of classical Russian ballet. This progressive system is internationally recognized for its disciplined approach, which meticulously focuses on building core strength, enhancing flexibility, and developing strong technical precision, all while prioritizing injury prevention—a critical component for serious young dancers.

The program serves a broad age range, welcoming students from toddlers (as young as 18-24 months in some sessions) through Adult lessons. Whether a student is exploring movement through Beginner's classes or is a focused dancer progressing into Advanced classes, the School of FSBT provides a pathway for development. The faculty consists of warm, experienced, and highly qualified teachers who are dedicated to fostering a love for the art form, as affirmed by many parents and students who praise the quality of instruction and the supportive atmosphere.

The School of FSBT, Whitehall is conveniently located in the thriving community of Middletown, Delaware. This location serves as an ideal hub for families throughout southern New Castle County, Delaware, and those coming from nearby areas in Maryland and Pennsylvania who are seeking professional-level training without the commute to Wilmington.

The facility is located at:

Address: 727 Mapleton Ave, Middletown, DE 19709, USA

As a center of learning and a local point of interest, the school ensures accessibility for all community members:

• Parking: The location provides a Wheelchair accessible parking lot, making it easier for all families, including those with mobility needs, to attend classes and drop off/pick up students.
• Financial Transactions: For the convenience of Delaware families, the school accepts Credit cards for tuition payments, class cards, and other related fees, simplifying the enrollment process.
• Environment: The atmosphere is consistently described as a welcoming space, confirmed by the tag Good for kids, indicating a child-friendly and nurturing setting for youth of all ages.

The core offering of the School of FSBT, Whitehall is classical ballet instruction based on the Vaganova syllabus. Their class structure is comprehensive, covering all levels of student development and accommodating various interests:

• Youth Classes (Pre-Ballet to Advanced Levels):
  • Creative Movement: Classes for the youngest dancers (often beginning as early as age 2 or 3) that use playful, imagination-based games to develop basic gross motor skills, musicality, and awareness of classical music.
  • Ballet Levels 1-3: Progressively structured Youth classes that transition students from creative movement to more traditional, structured ballet classes, introducing age-appropriate terminology, coordination, and technique.
  • Intermediate classes / Advanced classes: For dedicated students, the syllabus guides them through rigorous barre work, center floor exercises, conditioning, and preparation for pointe work, aligning their training with professional standards.
• Adult and Open Classes:
  • Adult lessons / Teen and Adult Open Ballet: Structured ballet classes designed for both beginners and experienced dancers. These sessions focus on maintaining mobility, flexibility, and strength, providing a great fitness and artistic outlet for the local community.
  • Specialized Adult Classes: The Whitehall location often offers classes beyond classical ballet, such as beginner-level Mat Pilates and Teen and Adult Musical Theatre Open Class, which includes jazz warm-ups and learning choreography to Broadway hits.
• Individualized and Special Needs Instruction:
  • Private lessons: Available for students who desire one-on-one coaching to refine technique, prepare for auditions, or focus on specific areas of improvement, including preparation for competitions.
  • Adults with Down Syndrome Program: A specialized class focusing on Jazz technique designed to nurture range of motion and flexibility, allowing for self-expression through dance in a supportive environment.

The School of FSBT, Whitehall stands out in the Delaware arts community due to its affiliation with the state’s only professional company and its dedication to student welfare and professional standards.

• Official Connection to First State Ballet Theatre (FSBT): The school is directly linked to Delaware's sole professional ballet company, offering students the unique advantage of learning a professional curriculum and potentially working within the company's orbit.
• Vaganova Syllabus Excellence: The use of the rigorous and structured Vaganova curriculum ensures that students receive a world-class education focused on technical proficiency and artistic development, setting them up for success in highly competitive academies and professional careers worldwide.
• Performance Opportunities: Students of the School of FSBT have the invaluable opportunity to perform for thousands of patrons in the annual, professional-level production of The Nutcracker at The Grand Opera House. A significant benefit to families is that the school maintains a policy of NO costume or performance fees for this production.
• Commitment to Child Safety: FSBT was the first performing arts organization in the country to implement child protection policies in partnership with the Beau Biden Foundation for the Protection of Children, demonstrating a paramount commitment to the safety and well-being of every student.
• Highly Qualified and Nurturing Faculty: Reviews consistently highlight the "warm & experienced teachers," who are often internationally recognized artists and professional dancers, ensuring students receive both high-level technical training and compassionate mentorship.

For Delaware residents interested in enrolling in classes, from Beginner's classes to Private lessons, or for general inquiries about the Whitehall location, please use the contact information below:

Address: 727 Mapleton Ave, Middletown, DE 19709, USA

Phone: (302) 374-0370

For Delaware families and adults, choosing The School of FSBT, Whitehall is an investment in a professional and comprehensive dance education, backed by the credibility of the First State Ballet Theatre. What is truly worth choosing here is the unparalleled combination of professional affiliation and a meticulously structured training method. Unlike many recreational studios, FSBT offers a clear pathway for students, providing the discipline and technique required for those who aspire to professional careers—as evidenced by graduates accepted into elite academies and companies globally.

However, the school’s value extends beyond the professional track. For recreational dancers and adults, the availability of high-quality Adult lessons and open classes provides a chance to "Connect with your body on a deeper level" for beginners and experienced movers alike, focusing on mobility, flexibility, and strength. The warm, positive environment and the highly experienced teachers ensure that every student, whether a two-year-old in a creative movement class or an adult in an open ballet session, receives supportive and passionate instruction. This blend of professional standard and supportive community makes the School of FSBT, Whitehall the premier destination for classical dance training in central Delaware.

The School of FSBT, Whitehall

727 Mapleton Ave, Middletown, DE 19709, USA