New York City is one of the world's great capitals of dance. For aspiring dancers, that means unmatched access to legendary institutions—but also the challenge of finding the right fit among dozens of options. Whether you're a four-year-old taking your first plié, a teen aiming for a professional career, or an adult returning to the barre after years away, the right training environment matters.
Below, we've selected five top NYC ballet schools and broken down what makes each one distinctive, who it's best suited for, and what you should know before applying.
School of American Ballet (SAB)
Best for: Pre-professional students, ages 8–18
Location: Upper West Side, Manhattan
Affiliation: New York City Ballet
Founded by George Balanchine in 1934, the School of American Ballet is the official school of New York City Ballet and one of the most selective pre-professional academies in the world. Its curriculum is built around the Balanchine aesthetic—fast footwork, musical precision, and an expansive, athletic style of classical ballet.
SAB does not offer open classes or beginner programs for adults. Admission is by audition only, with students progressing through a carefully structured division system. Alumni include Tanaquil Le Clercq, Peter Martins, and generations of principal dancers with NYCB and other major companies. Tuition is substantial, though need-based financial aid is available.
Consider SAB if your child is serious about a professional ballet career and ready for intensive training.
The Ailey School
Best for: Dancers of all levels, ages 3 through adult
Location: Hell's Kitchen, Manhattan
Affiliation: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
Where SAB is narrowly focused on classical ballet, The Ailey School offers a broader dance education. Students train in ballet, modern, Horton, Graham, and jazz techniques, making it ideal for dancers who want versatility or are still exploring styles.
The school runs several distinct programs: a junior division for children and teens, a pre-professional division for advanced students, and open classes for adults at all levels. The atmosphere is notably inclusive and diverse, with a faculty drawn from working professionals across genres.
Consider The Ailey School if you value technical rigor across multiple styles or want a welcoming environment for dancers from all backgrounds.
The Joffrey Ballet School
Best for: Pre-professional and recreational students, ages 2 through adult
Location: Greenwich Village, Manhattan
Established in 1953, the Joffrey Ballet School trains dancers in classical ballet while also emphasizing contemporary, jazz, and musical theater styles. Performance opportunities are woven throughout the curriculum—students regularly appear in Nutcracker productions, regional showcases, and summer intensives.
The school offers both a year-round pre-professional program and open enrollment classes for children, teens, and adults. Its summer intensive in NYC draws students from around the world. Faculty members include former dancers from American Ballet Theatre, the Joffrey Ballet, and Broadway.
Consider Joffrey if you want strong classical foundations paired with frequent stage experience and cross-training in contemporary dance.
Steps on Broadway
Best for: Adults, teens, and working professionals; open to all levels
Location: Upper West Side, Manhattan
Steps on Broadway is not a degree-granting conservatory—it's a professional training center famous for its drop-in open classes. Here, you can study ballet at 9 a.m. alongside Broadway ensemble dancers, retired principals, and complete beginners.
Class levels range from beginner ballet and basic pointe to professional/advanced, with additional offerings in modern, jazz, tap, and hip-hop. No audition is required. Single-class cards and monthly memberships make it one of the most flexible options in the city.
Consider Steps if you're an adult learner, a professional maintaining technique, or a dancer who wants high-quality training without a full-time program commitment.
Peridance Center
Best for: Recreational and pre-professional dancers; strong adult program
Location: Union Square, Manhattan
Peridance Center occupies a Georgian-style church building near Union Square and houses one of NYC's most diverse dance communities. Its Peridance Capezio Center offers open ballet classes for all ages, while the ertificate Program provides more structured, multi-year training for advanced students.
The ballet faculty includes former dancers from major companies such as American Ballet Theatre and Dance Theatre of Harlem. Peridance is also home to the Peridance Contemporary Dance Company, giving students regular exposure to professional rehearsal and performance processes.
Consider Peridance if you want an affordable, flexible entry point into ballet with a clear pathway to more advanced training if you choose to pursue it.
How to Choose the Right Ballet School
Finding the best school
