This was a spur-of-the-moment activity, but a friend of mine wanted to try a ballet class to see if she might get back into dance as a hobby. Another friend had taken classes at this academy before and highly recommended it, so the three of us booked an Introduction to Ballet class on Sunday at 12:00. Check-in was quick and easy. The class was $25 for an hour and a half, which I think is very reasonable considering it's from an actual ballet school. There's no strict dress code, which worked out well since none of us owned ballet attire -- we just wore regular workout clothes and socks, and it was perfectly fine. The instructor was wonderful. She started by asking who had never taken ballet before, then positioned the newer students between people with experience so it would be easier to follow along. I really appreciated that, as I have no dance background and definitely found myself lost more than once. Having people around me to follow made it much less intimidating. The class itself was energetic and fun. The instructor was patient, encouraging, and made sure to keep things approachable for beginners. I'm sure my form was atrocious and I messed up plenty of times, but nobody cared -- the atmosphere was supportive and welcoming, and everyone was just there to enjoy themselves and keep trying. The class had people of all different skill levels and abilities, and it felt very inclusive. Overall, this was a great introduction class, especially for someone nervous about trying something new. I never once felt self-conscious, and I genuinely had fun. I'd highly recommend this academy to anyone looking to take dance classes, whether you have experience or not. If I were interested in pursuing ballet, I would definitely come back. read more

Was screamed at and laughed at during my first time in the weekend morning adult beginner class by the instructor (blonde woman) and made a bad example of. Class was too packed, instructor seemed rushed and angry with equipment and pianist. Humiliating. Stay away. read more

The two stars are for the few good teachers in the adult division. I wouldn't recommend the school at all. The instruction tends to be very very bad. You'd be better off trying another school altogether. read more

The best ballet school for adult beginners. They offer introduction-to-ballet open classes. I started my ballet training here from zero a few years ago and progressed to the basic/beginner level. There are a number of great teachers--you just need to find the one that's right for you. Also, some of the pianists are really amazing, which is very important to me. You dance better--even if you can't yet, lol. read more

Ballet 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. read more

Worst workout studio I've ever been in New York in my life. Studio is packed and a mean girl said I got in her way in a beginner class. Excuse me? Who wants to get in people's way in a class? And the teacher saw that and during the class she has special attention for her, which promoted the discrimination against a new comer like myself. It's literally so traumatizing I lost interest in Ballet. read more

I was shocked to read the one negative comment above- I have taken many open classes at Ballet Academy East, including the one mentioned by the reviewer, and have found the teachers caring and patient, full of positive encouragement- mainly for new students. That, along with the music of first-class live pianists, make taking class at BAE a wonderful experience. read more

Ballet Academy East poses as a friendly, neighborhood dance studio. It is not. The studio is poorly managed and is neither a welcoming nor a comfortable place for adult dancers. The main priority at this studio is their children's program. They seemingly do not care about the adults. Studio policies are unfair and unfriendly to dancers, and management is not responsive to problems or complaints. This is not a large studio, and the halls are often packed with children running up and down and screaming. This is not conducive to destressing after a long day at work. (I always thought ballet was good to teach children discipline and some self-control. This is, apparently, not the BAE way.) The heat in the studios is inadequate. This has been a longtime problem which BAE has made little effort to address. They will occasionally put a small space heater in the studio. This is completely inadequate when it is so cold. And, for some reason, they think it's a good idea to keep the windows open in 20° weather. This situation is neither comfortable nor safe for dancers. BAE runs a handful of hybrid classes, yet after 3 years, they still do not know how to make the technology work. The in-studio classes are often delayed while a BAE staffer tries to figure out how to get dancers into the virtual studio. There are other dance studios in NYC that have excellent teachers. Choose one of them. If I could give Ballet Academy East zero stars, I would do so. Unfortunately, I have to give them a star in order to post this review. read more

I just love this place! I've been coming here for a few years now. They have the best adult program in the city in my opinion, and the staff is always friendly! read more

Amazing classes and teacher, always great to see my kids improve over time and learn something new

Anne Kelly is absolutely amazing. She's patient, corrects kindly, those Intro to Ballet classes are tougher than they look but it's so much fun and it's a great workout! I just wish she's teach more Intro classes... read more

Fantastic, experienced teachers and beautiful facilities. It's a place that really cares about health as they're one of the few places that take illness seriously- the air is filtered and clean, the bars and floors are clean and the people (staff, students and teachers) are always very supportive. Can't recommend this place enough read more

First time try this place, I did late for 15mins, she said "I can not let you take class becuase you late and I do not know you so I can not let you in. "So if she knows me well which means she will let me in? If that so. Kinda racist! I take one hour train to come here ! And teacher so strict ...super regret I did such thing In Valentine's Day ! read more

Cornell's class is really good! Took it for the first time today , you feel like you are dancing all the way through and flowing and loving it! I love the sun flowing in when you stand at the bar ( non moveable one at the window) so solid , beautiful and grounded . He is a great teacher because it's not about being with a mean face full of too many corrections , he just lets you dance and guess what you do better because of that. Also the schedule said it was an easier class but he tailored it to all of us who have already been dancing for years so how professional and cool is that! His kids and wife are dancers as well so you can feel the love and passion for dance through him which for me always makes me dance better because we are dancing from the heart and in love with what we are doing. So thank you so much for an all around lovely experience today. read more

i started doing adult ballet this year and wanted to try a class while visiting new york. i did the uber beginner adult class with julie voshell, and it was great! although it's the lowest level, it was challenging because she had us do a lot of balancing on our toes! my calves were sore! she was a good instructor and commanded attention and focus. hope i can do another drop in class in the future! read more

When Halloween 2010 rolled around, and the only costume thinkable was that of a ballerina, I understood it was time to address my unexplored preoccupation. Ballet Academy East is the place to indulge your late-onset dreams of becoming a ballerina. Adult intro classes are typically 6-10 ungainly newcomers like me or non-pro dancers of yesteryear returning for a few more plies. It's quite fun, a decent workout, and there's a piano player plinking out prancy tunes in every class. After just one session I noticed an improvement in my body awareness and consciousness of my deplorable posture. The website instructs you to wear tights, a leotard, and ballet flats. I took these instructions to heart, and to my first class I wore the purple tights I had purchased for Halloween, covering up with a little skirt thingy. I kinda felt like a doofus. Yoga pants or other items non-billowy seem fine. The staff is completely gracious and accommodating. I'm sure they offer high-quality, expert instruction to serious dancers, and they also do a nice job creating a space comfortable for those who aren't there to become America's Next Top Ballerina. You won't exactly be leaping, pirouetting, and Black Swan-ing your way through life after these classes, as I'd hoped. (Neither will you become bulimic & psychotic.) You will, however, gain some muscle tone and a touch of grace from this nonjudgmental and pleasant exercise. read more

My favorite ballet school in the city. The studios are large, well-maintained, and sun-filled. You really can't go wrong as far as teachers, but I especially like Joseph Malbrough, Shirley Bassat, Cornel Crabtree, and Julie Voshell for a good basic class. Fair warning Julie will make you sweat! Ginger Thatcher's class is great for a more advanced class. The receptionists are pleasant and attentive, and the pianists are great. The classes don't get too over-crowded, and the dressing room is nice. read more

I really like this school/studio. The place has many different rooms and huge windows. There is a large changing room. The classes are not terribly crowded, like typical NYC ballet studios. They have many levels of ballet, which is very helpful if you are a dancer and want to focus on certain techniques. You can just take a class for the level that focuses on that area and hone in on improving for the 90 minutes you are there - i.e. take a basic beginning class to focus on a move before your intermediate class the next day. The teachers are patient and detailed - they don't make you feel dumb if you haven't yet figured out how to properly move your feet or arms for that one move. They will come over and guide you. read more

Great ballet studio! I was trained in classical ballet growing up and now as an adult who had been struggling with a lot of hip complications (and surgery) have been in search of a fun, yet structured, ballet environment to help with rehabilitation. The teachers are professional and give helpful corrections. They have a wide range of adult ballet classes to fit people at all levels and teachers seem genuinely interested in new students and their progress. read more

I really like this studio! I admittedly haven't taken a dance class since I was very small child, and wanted to get back into. The instructors are wonderful - so far I have used Shirley Bassat, Anne Kelly, and Julie Voshell for the Adult Intro class. They are both very knowledgable (obviously) and patient with their students. Again, I haven't taken classes in 20+ years, but I have never felt out of place or embarrassed because I was too slow or did not get the steps. They are willing to go over things, and structure their classes to help you achieve your best. I love the flexibility of the packages they offer, and will certainly be buying another once mine is up. The studios are large, though sometimes the classes can get a bit crowded. However, I went to a class on a Thursday in the winter and was one of three students. It is kind of hit or miss. read more

This ballet studio is amazing! They have so many different classes for all age groups and levels. The teachers are great! Everyone is extremely professional and staff is super friendly! read more

I live in the East Village, just three blocks from Peridance, yet I take the subway all the way to the Upper East Side to take ballet classes at Ballet Academy East. Why you ask? Because the classes rock and are seldom too crowded. I think the teachers here are great -- high energy, beautiful dancers who always help with your technique. Unlike many other studios in the city, the classes aren't packed either. If you're looking for a fun ballet class where you can actually improve, this is the place to go. Note, it does smell like feet, but it's a ballet studio. What do you expect? read more

Came here on class pass for a barre class. The description said it was a "full body workout" HA that's funny! Ok, so let's start off with upon arrival: receptionist was rude. But then again, it's a ballet studio on the upper east side so to expect anything less is just setting yourself up for disappointment. This is a class for senior citizens. I know this because there were only 2 of us who were NOT senior citizens (surprise, the other girl was from class PAss as well). Including the teacher. There's no music, just a random dude playing a bongo drum...what? It was so bad that I LEFT 25 minutes in. The instructor yelled to me (over the drum) as I was leaving "sorry this was not what your looking for!!! What a way to call me out lady!!! DEF won't be back! And if your a classpasser like me, skip this place, it's not the kind of barre class your looking for. read more

This is a great ballet studio. The class sizes tend to be smaller, and it is generally a welcoming environment. The teachers work with you at your level, and skill/technical execution is enhanced and required ... it is not only " for fun ", even though you will have it. You learn ! My fav. read more

I got a Groupon for ten classes, which is good because it takes that long to try out all the different teachers a few times each and decide what you think. The teachers are extreme in their characters. One of them talked incessantly throughout the class; much of the time was spent standing listening to her. Another said very little during class and even said her philosophy is not to explain-- that you can only learn by doing. Which sounds reasonable but I really like that precise verbal explanation. The best instructor was good for awhile but then she just started to look at me carefully or with some reservation, as if she thought I said something about her, which I hadn't. Ultimately my overall impression and experience of the place is mixed feelings and some confusion. I signed up for the ballet classes just to do something different and I liked it enough to get a second card. However, like in many places, if something about the personalities or chemistry or dynamics just doesn't make sense, then it might be better to just go somewhere else. read more

I'm taking the intro to ballet classes at BAE and I'm a fan so far. The school is on the third floor of a building. The receptionists have always been nice and accommodating. Because of schedule reasons, I go several times a week and not always on the same days, so I get different instructors pretty much every time. Each instructor I've had has been highly qualified, highly professional, and nice (which is so important). That being said, all have their own teaching styles and focus on different things/give different degrees of workout intensity. The changing room is nice and big and has showers too, though I've never used them. read more

I love this school! Everyone who works here is friendly and welcoming, even to beginners like me. I have always loved ballet and it's great exercise too. Who cares that I'm not any good at it? It's fun and a whole lot less boring than going to the gym. The location is really convenient, easy to get to so I never have to talk myself into getting off my duff to go. The studios and dressing rooms are always well-kept. The atmosphere is bright and open. They have live pianists for every dance class which is like going to a concert while burning calories. I love all the teachers I have had there. Definitely recommend!! read more

I am in love with the Zumba classes here! The building has an odd smell upon entering, but once you step in the dance studios, it disappears. Classes are $16 each, and the multi-class cards cut the price down. There are several instructors, one on Saturday is easier but concentrates on core strength during the cooldown, and one on Sunday is more advanced. There are also classes during the week. I will definitely be back and am thinking about buying another multi-class card. Thanks, Groupon! Also, +1 for the ability to leave your bag in the back of the studio. Or use a locker, if you like...but I don't like lockers. read more

The adult ballet division can't be beat. The teachers are first rate and they are all different in their teaching style and approach. There is always live music which is fun and inspirational. There's a teacher and a class for all adult levels. read more

Adult classes with Julie Voshell were so wonderful that I signed my daughter up for classes here as well. Please note that I also had 2 other instructors who weren't the right fit. Many great dancers aren't great teachers, so you just have to look for who/what works for you. My daughter's classes went well. I have seen improvement in my daughter's technique in just a few months. However, some teachers in the pre-professional division showed favoritism towards students who paid them for private lessons on the side. Overall, I think the ballet training is top quality. Some students from BAE have gone on to SAB, ABT JKO, and other great finishing schools that led to them signing with the affiliated company. There are many class options (days and times) for both adults and children. If your child wants to study ballet recreationally, that is also an option. BAE even has all-summer-long weekly classes and intensives for children, which can be hard to find especially for younger kids. I love it here! read more

My low review is because of an issue I had with studio rentals. I had put in two requests for a studio on different days. The woman that handles the requests had gotten back to me to let me know that the second day was not available and said nothing else. I had thought that that meant that the other one had gone through and was available. My group arrive on the day that day ready to enter our studio and we are told that all the rooms are booked and we cannot get the studio time we signed up for. I spoke with the woman at the desk that handles the rentals and she says "I guess I never told you about the first day, but all the rooms are books today." No apology and no offering of alternative slot. The negligence was astounding to me. I would not recommend renting a studio at this establishment. There are better and cheaper studios you can rent at in NY. read more

Basic beginner ballet- sounds pretty basic right? After 4 years of ballet I had a break for a year and wanted to get back into it again- my feet were tired, muscles burning and hips not squared. That was expected. What was not expected was the insane level of this class- god forbid its your first time, cant do a 2 turn pirouette or mess the steps up because you will be called out on it, laughed at by the teacher infront of the other students and they will laugh as well. This did not only happen one time during the class but about 4. Thanks for making me feel so welcome BDE-_- Lets see how the other classes are and that I was just unlucky with the teacher- not the place. read more

I simply love this studio! the adult classes, especially pilates mat and yoga are usually very intimate - I dont think i've been to a class with more than 4 people in it, which is amazing! it's such a great value for the price and the instructors are fantastic - very knowledgeable, friendly, and they constantly walk around correcting your poses throughout the class. read more

I don't know. I wasn't feeling it at all when I went. I took the beginner ballet with Peter Brandenhoff at 7:30 PM on a Wednesday evening. We started with the classic warm up at the barre, except right away I noticed that he uses completely different port de bras than the one I was used to (I usually go to BDC); after the first few sequences, I noticed that almost every single dancer in the room was lost and doing it improperly every single time. This is a strong indicator of a teacher's strength! When we removed the barres and started going across the floor, almost every single dancer was completely lost yet again and FINALLY, the teacher did the left side with us once. I spoke with a few dancers before class, and while they told me he wasn't a strict teacher, I was not expecting this at all. I came in here willing to work on my ballet. I felt defeated. I am sticking with BDC. It is worth the hike to times square! read more

I purchased a Groupon for ten classes thinking it would be fun to revisit my years spent dancing. (I took mostly tap when I was younger, with a little ballet thrown in.) I've attended two of the ballet classes. The Basic Beginner's class claims that it is for people returning to dance after 10 years or so away. I was a bit trepidatious about trying it, even though I seemed to fall in that category. Turns out I was right to be worried as throughout the whole class I felt like Liz Lemon, "Keep up, ponytail!" (If you get the reference, double points for you.) The teacher was perfectly sweet, but the class was certainly not for someone returning to dance after a long time away, unless you remember all the ballet terms and positions. But the easy level class, the Introduction to Ballet, I was more than a little disappointed to find out, moves pretty quickly as well. The teachers don't call you out if you're completely off, but I'd like a bit more explanation than one run-through from the instructor before the barre exercises. I've had at least a little dance experience, I can't imagine what I would feel like if I was coming here having none at all. read more

My 3 year old daughter loves her Ballet classes. They help toddler girls transition into separation in a very clever way. The music is wonderful, live piano accompanist and the teachers and teacher helper are professional. The curriculum is unbelievable - it grows and changes each week with a different theme. So why only four stars???? Wish they would change those filthy stinky carpets, wash those dance floors every few months, dust and clean that dressing room. It smells terrible and i cringe every time my daughter steps barefoot onto that carpet - yuck!!! I've been dancing my whole life and after 30 years of being around very dingy dance studios, this one takes the cake!! Please help me raise awareness...our little ballerinas deserve more! read more

This is BY FAR my favorite ballet studio in NYC. The teachers are great. The classes are fun. The atmosphere is very welcoming, not intimidating at all. My favorite teacher is Melissa Rodnon for basic and beginning classes. read more

Came here for a class pass Pilates class and it's a little kids' ballet studio. Not equipped for adult workout class. Class was supposed to start at 6:30 pm and by 6:40 when teacher wasn't there i left. read more

This review does NOT reflect the entire studio; it's just in regards to one class I took. I took a pilates mat class through classpass. This was my first pilates class in many years. The instructor did not introduce herself or ask our names, or if we had any injuries as I've learned is customary, especially when there are many new people. She did not demonstrate any of the exercises and rather just sat on a chair in front of the class to verbally describe what our bodies should do. Since I'm not an expert, I sometimes didn't know what I was supposed to do and tried to look in the mirror (as did others). We were then told to not look in the mirror. We were given no guidance or feedback. Pilates is so much about proper form, and it's not helpful to wonder if you are doing something correct and in a way you're not going to hurt yourself. At many times the instructor seemed bored and uninterested. I absolutely will not take another class from this instructor. This class could be good for experienced pilates people who just need the physical space to practice and expect little from an instructor. The receptionist was helpful, the studio was clean and appeared well maintained, no complaints with the rest of the studio. I may consider trying another class here, but in the meantime I've found so many other options. read more

I came here for a free class during the NYC dance week. It was a complete workout. There were people of all ages and sizes as the instructor had us practice core and control exercises. It made me feel so out of shape but it was fun and rewarding. Highly recommend. read more