KP Ballet Review - If you are looking for a ballet school for your daughter, you will not find a more excellent school than Kristina Pulcini Ballet Academy. The school is especially wonderful in many respects: 1. A Nurturing Environment - As the mother of 2 dancing daughters, one of whom has danced professionally, I have experienced first hand that ballet is an art form riddled with mean divas who bully each other and vie for the best roles. Not so at KP Ballet. In this school parents are treated respectfully, dancers are assigned roles in a fair and inclusive manner, bullying is not tolerated, and kindness is the rule, not the exception. Director Kristina Pulcini is a beautiful and accomplished professional ballerina, yet she does not carry herself as a diva but is a role model of excellent character for her dancers. 2. Quality of Instruction - The teachers at KP Ballet are all professional dancers or college dance majors. They are all wonderful people. They will actually teach your child how to dance and they will do so with fun and age appropriate instruction. Many schools just throw younger kids in a room and let them run around. Not so at KP Ballet. Other ballet schools are so rigid in their instruction that they turn kids off to ballet. Not so at KP Ballet. Although the school is well suited to younger students, the upper level classes also provide plenty of challenging classes, including pointe and partnering. Tuition is affordable although it is true that ballet can be expensive, especially as dancers get older. 3. Quality of Performances - KP Ballet's features 2 performance companies: Delaware Valley Ballet Theater which puts on classical style ballets and Delaware Valley Contemporary. Both provide excellent performance opportunities. I can't say enough for KP Ballet performances. Aside from PA Ballet, there is no other school in the area that puts on full-length, classical ballets aside from Nutcracker. KP Ballet. In addition to the yearly Nutcracker, my girls were able to perform in Don Quixote, Swan Lake, and The Wizard of Oz. Instead of using the same choreography every year, the choreographers at KP Ballet change it up every year to keep it interesting. Your dancer will be delighted to dance in these performances as they are truly magical. The theater is top notch! They use professional quality backdrops and props. The attention to detail is remarkable. 4. Costumes - KP Ballet's costumes are more beautiful than any found in any area school. They are professionally made, beautifully embellished, meticulously maintained, and they are absolutely immaculate! Hundreds of gorgeous costumes hang on display and serve to decorate the studio and to inspire the dancers. After all, ballet's reward is to be able to perform in a tutu. Prior to joining KP Ballet, my daughters danced in another school and often had to wear dirty, stained, and smelly costumes. In many schools, students have to pay for their own costumes. KP Ballet charges a reasonable performance fee but does not require dancers to buy the costume. This makes ballet much more affordable. 5. The Studio - Are you disgusted by dirty dance studios and fear that your child may pick up a disease from the facility? I have been in too many of these. Not at KP Ballet. The studio in Havertown is in a freshly renovated building. The building is cleaned and sanitized every day. Safety is paramount at KP Ballet. They have closed circuit cameras in the studios and waiting area. Parents can watch class if they wish through the large windows that look into the studio from the waiting area. 6. The Community - Kristina, Janis, and Frank Pulcini have created a more than just a wonderful school for aspiring ballet dancers. They have built a community of neighbors who appreciate beauty and grace. The studio has hosted parties, movie nights, and other social activities for the dancers. My girls made many lasting friendships here. Kristina and Janis have been supportive of their endeavors beyond taking class at the studio. If you decide to have your dancer take class at KP Ballet, you will not be disappointed. read more

Who would have thought that signing up our 2-year-old daughter up for her first ballet class would have been such an important decision? After all, at that age, it is all about fun and fancy, right? Well, for me, it involved a little bit more. I wanted an environment that would allow our daughter, who loves horses and swords more than princesses and flowers, to feel comfortable being her own little self. Honestly, from the first time we walked into the original studio on Eagle Road, our daughter felt at ease. Miss Janis, with her wonderful way of physically getting down to the girls' levels and speaking directly to them with interest and kindness, immediately won over both my daughter and myself. Meeting Kristina - kind, gentle, compassionate Kristina - was the icing on the cake, and the decision to take classes at Kristina's was made! Hearing many stories from many mothers of dancing daughters, there were three areas in which I knew I had to be comfortable, even if it was only a little class, once a week. Firstly, I needed the people interacting with the tiny dancers to actually care about the dancers, not just the dance. These girls, packages of tutu tulle and sparkly skirts, are so affected by the beauty of the dance teachers, and as such they are so influenced by them! When I see a teacher speak kindly to a girl who may not do a perfect pirouette, I am thrilled again and again. When I see the older girls encouraged to and praised for showing kindness and care for the little ones, I am reminded that we have come to the right place! Secondly, since our daughter is "not the girliest of girls" (her words, not mine!), I worried that she would feel odd or strange, surrounded by pastels and petals. Far from it! She feels completely at home, and that is because of the emotional environment that Janis, Kristina, Britney, Heather and Leslie have provided for her. My favorite example is when, in the younger classes, the teachers would place a flower mat on the floor and ask the girls to pretend to be something as they jumped over. As I watched through the glass, I could make out what the girls were telling Miss Kristina they wanted to be - butterflies, birds, fairies. Pru approached, whispered something, screwed up her face into a look of total determination, and proceeded to fly across the petal, arms out. She looked so pleased, and Kristina had a lovely smile across her own face. I later asked Pru what she choose - I have to admit, I did not think it would be a butterfly. She beamed - "I was a dragon! Did you see me?" Anyone like Kristina, who can be so graceful and delicate, and still have a smile when she sees a girl be a dragon, and let that girl feel just as good about being a dragon as being a butterfly, is worth her weight in gold. Finally, of course, the level of professionalism in the instructors is important to me. The excellence of the teachers and of their instruction is truly amazing. I marvel at what these young girls can accomplish when it comes time for the performances, and that is a direct result of the wonderful teachers' efforts. The fact that it all seems like such lovely fun makes me forget, at times, how much work is put into it. Christmas is no longer Christmas for my family without watching the performance of The Nutcracker - from tiniest to tallest, these young ballet dancers put on an absolutely stunning performance - a testament to the skill and talent of the teachers. The bottom line of our experience over the past 4 very formative years for our daughter is that at Miss Kristina's, our daughter has been safe, treasured, appreciated, encouraged, and allowed to shine with her own light. She has been given technically excellent instruction, and has been shown not only how to become a beautiful, graceful dancer, but how to become a girl and eventual woman, who acts with beauty and grace. Thank you!! Claudia, Havertown read more

Kristina Pulcini is by far the best ballet studio in the MainLine area for young girls. I am the mother of three girls, ages 4-7. My middle daughter has been coming to Kristina Pulcini's for two years now, and has done three shows with them (two Nutcrackers and one Sleeping Beauty), and we absolutely love it. The family we got the recommendation from has been with the studio for 4 years now. My pastor's daughter has been with them for 3 years... Do you see the pattern? Families who come here love it! The mother who runs the studio, Janis, is very nurturing and goes out of her way to accommodate all the various needs of her families. Miss Kristina and Miss Kristin have been our teachers the whole time, and I still have no idea what magic they are using in there, because that is the calmest I have ever seen so many small, happy girls! While they are a serious studio, they are not so strict as to make anyone feel pressured or uncomfortable, and they definitely promote dance as a passion but not an obsession. Their practices encourage strong, healthy girls without the madness you sometimes see at other studios, but their teaching is many levels above the average "ballet/tap" or "creative movement" classes we tried. As for the shows, they are the most organized, well-managed shows I have found from any school. I have chaperoned three times now, and the experience for these girls is amazing. Every show is a real (albeit abridged) form of the actual ballet, complete with professional dancers. The smaller children are paired with adult dancers so they can get the full experience of participating in a real show, their costumes match with the adult costumes so they can see what they themselves can do when they grow up, and the audience is not bored with yet another recital where tiny toddlers are dragged out onto the stage to giggle for their three minutes. Even my husband didn't complain about this show! Honestly, when I began my search for a serious studio for my daughter, I was very concerned with her falling into the terrible ballerina stereotype of bone-thin, neurotic dancers. Instead I found this wonderful place where my family can feel at home and my daughter can dance safely and beautifully. I expect we will be there for many years to come. Thank you Kristina Pulcini! read more

You will never find a studio quite like Kristina Pulcini Ballet Academy. I began my training at KPBA 8 years ago, just shortly after it first opened. I attended many dance schools and performed with various performing companies prior to finding KPBA. Nothing compares to the quality training and the incredible experience you get at the Kristina Pulcini Ballet Academy. While the classes have anywhere from 10-16 girls in them, the attention that each student receives is similar to a one-on-one session. Kristina and Janis know each and every student by name. All of the teachers are kind, caring and helpful. The staff members are They help each and every student work through their strengths and weaknesses and finds ways to use them as empowerment. It is very difficult to find dance studios that are a safe and nurturing environment as well as give high quality training. As a graduate of KPBA(2017), I have been given many incredible opportunities throughout my years. As a former member of the performing company, DVBT, I have been able to perform leading roles in various professional level ballets. I have made amazing friendships with all of the girls in the company. Everyone is so kind and welcoming and encouraging. KPBA is the perfect place for girls who aspire to be a professional dancer (like myself) and also for girls who just love ballet as their hobby but would like to continue expressing interests in other areas; I continued my love for the theater while still keeping a rigorous schedule dancing and rehearsing. I have been fortunate enough to have been a student teacher for the past 5 years. Kristina has helped me find my love for not only dancing, but for helping young girls find their passion for ballet as well. Kristina Pulcini Ballet Academy is the perfect place for girls of all ages and levels who have a love for ballet. read more

This studio is absolutely wonderful for any girl interested in dancing ballet. Starting with the littlest girls all the way as the girls grow up, this studio can introduce a love of dancing and teach them great ballet skills. The owner, who also teaches classes, is extremely sweet and caring. The office manager is also very loving. Both are extremely dedicated, very involved and strive to make all of the girls feel comfortable and happy. They certainly go above and beyond to be considerate to everyone. The environment is very relaxed and fun. The girls learn serious, great ballet skills and have a great time while doing it. The classes are taught at age-appropriate levels, keeping them fun. The teachers are extremely kind, and the girls admire them. They engage the girls and interact with them in such a nurturing way. The studio produces 2 wonderful, professional shows each year. All of the girls have roles with great costumes. The girls enjoy the shows, as they are fun and exciting. My daughters have really flourished in such a great environment. Ballet classes have helped them both become much more confident in themselves and even more graceful. All communication is well-organized, and classes, rehearsals and performances are calm, safe, and very well-run. The studio has a great set-up with windows to observe classes and is always very clean! This school was very well-recommended by several friends, and we find that families return year after year. My girls are thrilled that they dance here. They look forward to class and enjoy being at the studio. It has truly been a positive experience in their lives. read more

Our fourteen-year-old daughter, Charlotte, has had a deep love of ballet since she was about three years old. Over the years I've had to learn a lot about dance to be sure Charlotte gets the proper training to reach her fullest potential without damaging her body. I've also learned that it's equally important to find a ballet studio where her heart and soul will be nourished and not harmed. When we moved to Philadelphia this year, we researched all of the top ballet schools in the area and found many studios where Charlotte could receive excellent training. We chose Kristina Pulcini Ballet Academy because, here, Charlotte not only gets the best pre-professional ballet training available, but the people here are KIND. I cannot over state how important this is (and sadly, kindness is not the norm at many ballet schools.) The teachers, staff, students, and parents are remarkably friendly, helpful, non-judgmental, and focused on keeping the atmosphere here positive and joyful. You can see it in the dancers' faces as they work very hard to be the best they can be, knowing that they're supported by the entire community. Kristina herself is an inspiration to our aspiring ballerina, a teenager who rarely gushes like this, but who burst into the room a few weeks ago and said to my husband and me "I love KP Ballet! I love my teachers, my classes, and my friends! I just want to live there 24/7!!!!" As a parent of a serious ballet student, sometimes it feels like she is dancing 24/7 and so, it's important to me that my child is in good company as she pursues her passion. We're very glad we found KP Ballet. read more

Our 8 year old daughter has been taking classes at KP Ballet since she was 3 years old at which time the studio was brand new. Our other daughter, now 6, also started at age 3 in the Creative Movement class. We have been delighted to see the studio grow from its very beginning to a bustling and thriving, multi-room studio. Kristina, the studio owner, lends her expertise and her gracious and gentle personality to every class, and she has a very competent, friendly, and organized team of instructors and staff. The twice annual recitals (The Nutcracker in December, and a rotating selection in June) are extremely well organized, incorporating all the children from age 3 up through high school plus adult dance professionals. Since the studio has grown, each recital is now split into two performances so that the total performance time is manageable for the audience while not taking performance time away from the students. We have met new friends at the studio over the years and often run into friends we already know from the Havertown/Ardmore area. Our daughters always enjoy the classes and especially the performances, and we have seen them improve greatly in their dancing. Now that they are older, they have taken up ice skating and gymnastics and have done very well from day one with those activities, which I attribute largely to the balance and skills they have learned in their KP Ballet training. read more

A friend referred me to KP Ballet after telling me what a wonderful experience her daughter has had at this academy. I called and spoke with Janis, who immediately made me feel comfortable. She invited me to visit the studio, which I did after I hung up the phone. She welcomed my daughter and me into the studio and it was evident from the word "go" how much dedication and love these ladies have for the girls. My daughter is tall and was hunching because of her height, and she was also lacking in self-confidence. After just one year at KP Ballet, she is standing tall, moving gracefully and her self-confidence has soared. My daughter has had several teachers. Each one takes such care with the girls. This academy is professional and meticulous in everything they do. They are clear communicators and give detail in their instructions, which makes my busy life so much easier! Any time I've had a question, my email has been responded to immediately. The studio itself is beautiful and very clean. There are large windows in each room to observe your child's class. The Nutcracker was such a delight and Swan Lake was beautiful. KP Ballet will give you and your child memories that will be cherished for a lifetime. Thank you KP Ballet! read more

Kristina Pulcini Ballet Academy is truly one of a kind. Kristina Pulcini, the owner and founder of the school, has created a dance studio with an impeccably nurturing spirit. She strives to make sure each and every dancer at the school feels important and safe while still offering professional level classical training. The artistic staff is composed of wonderful teachers with different backgrounds that make up such a well rounded studio. I danced at Kristina's for around 12 years. I broke away from the school for a short period of time to explore options and inevitably came back to KPBA because there really is no where as professional and as caring. The gorgeous full length performances, the kind and constructive corrections given in class, and the commitment to help each and every dancer at the school succeed is something to marvel at. I met my best friend at KPBA and I honestly can't imagine who I would be without my time there. From the preschoolers to the seniors in high school, I have seen first hand how much the school benefits young dancers and really shapes them to be kind, courteous, and strong dancers. If you couldn't tell already, I highly recommend this lovely dance studio! read more

My daughter is beginning her fourth year of studying at Kristina Pulcini Ballet Academy. She has had a superior level of training and grown tremendously as a dancer. More importantly, Kristina and the staff have been exemplary role models as she has transitioned from child to young woman. All of the teachers are talented dancers and educators with attention to detail serving to continually improve her technique. They also are compassionate and show genuine interest in her development as a person. Middle school is a time of turmoil for many girls. Kristina Pulcini Ballet Academy provides a place where my daughter feels safe, self-confident, healthy, strong, and cared for while she is being challenged to expand her ballet skills beyond what she initially believes she is capable of. As she responds to this challenge with hard work, she is rewarded with increasingly exciting roles in beautiful, professionally run shows. The opportunity that she is being afforded to work hard, show perserverence, and be rewarded with an experience that is important in her life is a life lesson that will serve to shape her as an adult well beyond her time in pointe shoes. read more

I have two daughters that attended the KP Ballet studio last year. After being at another local dance studio for over six years and not being happy for the last two years, I started asking around as to where other families take their children to dance. Through these discussions, we had heard from many families how happy they were at KP Ballet. My older daughter has found her love of dancing again and my younger daughter loves going to her classes. The studio is such a warm and friendly environment and I have recommended this dance studio to many families. Kristina and her mother are very approachable and warm and the teachers we have met have all been wonderful. Additionally, Kristina has been an amazing role model and teacher to my older daughter, as her experience as a professional dancer has provided her the ability to know how to mentor the girls in the dance company. She also visited my younger daughter's class last year and all the 5 year old girls love her! We feel so fortunate to have found KP Ballet and are excited to start our second year at this studio. read more

As a former dancer, I was delighted to find a studio right in our neighborhood with such a wonderful environment for our daughter. We were invited to sit in on a class and immediately registered her. Five years later she is thriving and loves going to ballet classes. Kristina and Janis have been wonderful to our family and the teachers at KP ballet are world class. The quality of the instruction is unmatched in the area. In a culture where girls struggle with body image and self-esteem, we are thankful for a ballet studio who's philosophy focuses on a healthy view of body image and development not on weight or body type. The teachers and staff are kind and nurturing to all of their students. They consider the needs of each student individually and are willing to work with families to make sure students are placed in the best class for their abilities. The facilities are also wonderful. We also look forward to the yearly performances. The outstanding costumes and choreography make the experience truly delightful. read more

KPBA is such a lovely studio! I have been dancing at the studio for 12 years and could not have had a more beautiful experience! I have always felt known and supported by Kristina and all of the staff. Some of my best friends over the years have been other girls in my classes! We all LOVE to dance, but are also encouraged by Kristina balance and pursue our academic studies. Kristina does a wonderful job of creating magical performances with professional costumes, lighting and backdrops!! It is amazing at any age to dance in a full length professional ballet like Swan Lake or Sleeping Beauty. I have also had the opportunity to be a part of Kristina's Modern and Contemporary Company which has been a really fun challenge!! It has broadened my technique and quality of movement in all of my dancing. I have flourished as a dancer a Kristina Pulcini and would definitely recommend the studio to young and experienced dancers alike who are looking for a friendly, professional and fun dancing experience!!! read more

We (my teenage daughter and I) came to Kristina Pulcini about three yeas ago. After having been loyal to a ballet teacher in Ardmore, for many years, time for a change had come. Since my daughter usually needs time to get used to a new environment with new students and teachers I was expecting some trouble but the opposite was true! Kristina and her mom Janis are friendly,warm and professional people who manage to make you feel comfortable instantly. When issues arise, unavoidable if you put a group of girls together, they are dealt with appropriately and in a positive way. Kristina, next to being an excellent and accomplished dancer, is a wonderful teacher and role model as are the other teachers at the studio. Janis has impressed me with managing the studio, girls safety comes first, keeping the studio tidy and organized etc., and this only a fraction of what she does. We are very fortunate to have found this gem, where having fun and enjoying what you do comes first! read more

I am so thankful for KPBA! My daughter had been dancing in multiple styles for years when she decided to focus on ballet. Thanks to a friend (a college dance professor), we gave KPBA a try. Not only did my daughter receive excellent training, but both staff and students were welcoming and kind (she came when she was a sophomore in high school). Also, the performance opportunities are top notch as KPBA performs two ballets a year. This past year my daughter applied to several colleges and auditioned for several dance programs. KPBA's staff was very supportive throughout this process. I'm thrilled to say my daughter received dance scholarships from each dance program she auditioned, and she could not have done it without KPBA. Lastly, we live 30+ minutes away from KPBA (without traffic). Although my daughter has many hours a week driving to and from KPBA, it has all been worth it! I highly recommend KBPA! read more

This dance studio is lovely. My daughter wishes everyday was "ballet day" and the girls have a race to see who can sit next to Miss Kristina during the stretching circle. Neither I nor my daughter get the feeling of high pressure dance studio and that's what I love about it. As for the sibling issue, I bring a 6-year-old boy and an infant each time I go and never has there been an issue where they were not welcome or even told to be quiet. Perhaps this was the case at the old facility where there was a half wall? Now the ballerinas dance in a room behind a window so moms can watch, chat, and bring other kids as needed. Janis is also sweet, kind, organized, and very concerned for each child who dances at the studio. I am not sure why others would go on the Internet to insult her and be so unkind. Overall, my daughter and I are thrilled and will be returning next year for sure. read more

My children have been attending this dance school for many years now; and if Kristina Pulcini Academy didn't exist, my daughters would not be dancing in this area! I am thankful for the genuine care and concern my daughters are given by this wonderful mother/daughter team who runs this school! I am always greeted with a smile and I know my children are protected and truly cared about. Kristina and her staff are great teachers of small children. I've stayed and watched many of my children's practices and they are gentle in guiding our young children and professional in how children are corrected. Their performances are so beautiful and I've seen such growth in the dancers and in their confidence. I am thrilled with this dance school and so are many other parents. Your smile, friendliness, protectiveness, and modesty are as good as it gets!!!!!!! THANK YOU!! read more

I LOVE this studio! I started late in my dancing career and was extremely nervous to start dancing with girls my age. It wasn't a problem at all! Kristina and her wonderful staff gave me the knowledge and the confidence I needed to successfully grow and improve, and eventually become a soloist in their company! Kristina and Miss Janis create an amazing, nurturing, and loving environment that you don't really see anywhere else. They are willing to do whatever it takes to make every individual girl, and her family, feel as comfortable as possible. They are extremely encouraging and welcome girls of all ages and body types. I am now a junior in high school and will continue to dance at this studio as long as I am able. I highly, HIGHLY recommend this studio to anyone who wishes for a safe and nurturing environment for their daughter to thrive in :) read more

My teenage daughter moved to Kristina Pulcini's dance studio after having been loyal to a teacher in Ardmore for 8 years. The time had come for a change and we felt at ease almost immediately after entering the studio. Kristina ,and her mom Janis,who manages the studio, are both genuinely nice, warm and friendly. They will do everything in their power to make sure students are safe and parents are happy. Kristina is talented and a very accomplished dancer but more importantly she is able to impart her knowledge of ballet very effectively to all of her students. Both Janis and Kristina treat the girls equally with respect and dignity. My daughter is flourishing as a dancer in this studio to the credit of Kristina, Janis and all the other teachers. We very highly recommend this studio. read more