Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Premier Dance Training in New York City
Founded in 1953 by Robert Joffrey and Gerald Arpino, Joffrey Ballet School has remained at the forefront of American dance education. Our mission is to empower passionate dance students by providing holistic training that transforms them into resilient, versatile artists. We offer intensive pre-professional programs, after-school classes, summer intensives, and open classes for enthusiasts and professionals. Our renowned Trainee Program provides a well-rounded curriculum in ballet and jazz & contemporary dance for ages 13-25. Specialized workshops and guest artist series augment our curriculum, with performance opportunities throughout the year.Live musical accompaniment enhances dance classes across genres including classical ballet, contemporary dance, hip-hop, and tap. Summer programs operate in multiple U.S. locations and internationally in Italy, Switzerland, and Mexico. Graduates have joined major ballet companies worldwide, including American Ballet Theatre and New York City Ballet. Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance, our faculty includes industry leaders who emphasize technical mastery and artistic expression.
Services
Children's Ballet
Youth Ballet
Trainee Program
Summer Intensives
Open Classes
Workshops
Studio Rentals
Concert Group
Outreach Programs
Faculty Training
Details
- Year established: 1953
Highlights and features
- Founded by pioneering choreographers Robert Joffrey and Gerald Arpino in 1953
- Offers both Ballet and Jazz & Contemporary Dance tracks in pre-professional training
- Summer programs across the US and international locations including Italy and Mexico
- Live musical accompaniment in dance classes enhances artistic development
- Graduates have joined prestigious companies like American Ballet Theatre and New York City Ballet
Associations and certifications
- National Association of Schools of Dance
What people say
World-class instructors
Excellent performance opportunities
Comprehensive curriculum
Supportive environment
Professional facilities
Services
Children's Ballet
Creative ballet classes for ages 2-7 emphasize foundations through fun activities. Curriculum develops musicality and physicality with age-appropriate instruction. Classes available in Manhattan and Long Island City locations.
Trainee Program
Year-round training for ages 13-25 offers Ballet and Jazz & Contemporary tracks. Comprehensive curriculum includes technique, choreography, and dance history. Prepares dancers for professional careers through performance opportunities.
Summer Intensives
Immersion programs for ages 8-25 available nationwide and internationally. Genres include classical ballet, hip-hop, tap, and musical theater. Locations span New York, California, Italy, and Switzerland.
Open Classes
Walk-in classes for ages 16+ feature ballet, jazz, contemporary, and Pilates. Sessions run 60-90 minutes with experienced instructors. Available year-round at NYC studios.
Studio Rentals
Manhattan and Long Island City facilities available hourly. Spaces range from 1008 to 2200 sq ft with professional amenities. Rates vary by location and duration with special terms for non-profits.
People
Gail D'Addario
President
Gail D'Addario leads Joffrey Ballet School's strategic vision while maintaining its legacy of dance excellence established in 1953.
Frank Lee Merwin
Executive Director
Frank Lee Merwin oversees daily operations ensuring the school maintains its reputation as a premier dance education institution.
Era Jouravlev
Artistic Director NYC Ballet Trainee
Era Jouravlev directs the NYC Ballet Trainee Program, shaping curriculum that bridges classical technique with contemporary performance skills.
Bradley Shelver
Artistic Director NYC Jazz & Contemporary Trainee
Bradley Shelver leads jazz and contemporary programs while directing the Joffrey Concert Group's professional development initiatives.
Jo Matos
Artistic Director NYC Children's & Youth Ballet
Jo Matos specialized in youth ballet education, creating engaging programs that introduce foundational dance techniques to young children.
Questions
What age groups does Joffrey Ballet School serve?
We offer programs for children aged 2-7, youth 8-18, pre-professional trainees 13-25, and adult open classes.
Are auditions required for all programs?
Summer intensives require auditions, while children's/youth classes and open classes are non-audition based.
Does Joffrey offer international dance programs?
Yes, we have summer intensives in Italy, Switzerland, and Mexico with guest artist workshops worldwide.
What dance styles are taught at Joffrey?
We teach classical ballet, contemporary ballet, jazz, modern, hip-hop, tap, musical theater, and cirque arts.
Are there performance opportunities for students?
Yes, including Joffrey Concert Group performances, summer intensive showcases, and annual school productions.
Can I rent studio space at Joffrey?
Yes, we offer hourly studio rentals at both Manhattan and Long Island City locations with flexible terms.
Videos
Reviews (6)
Paula Gutierrez
Aug 07, 2021
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My kid went here for the 2021 summer intensive it was definetly a good place for dancing but defintely not all the training. If you go here before you have some technique you'll definelty be left behind and the teachers won't correct you, but my child did enjoy the classes. Ignoring that problem would definetly go again some time.
Eleonora Berger
Jul 20, 2021
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I wrote a review before, then I deleted it hoping I will change my mind, but unfortunately it is even worse than before. My daughter got into the summer intensive for 2020, of course with corona there was only the virtual option in which I do not believe. I tried getting a refund to which I received rude replies. I did a charge back and it didnt happen. I was made to pay another registration fee yet again with rude tones and replies in every email. I registered for 3 weeks specifically to be part of the performance. The clarity of which weeks are mandatory to participate in in order to
Sophie Schwenger
Jan 20, 2021
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I love this place! I am in the Youth Ballet program and it feels like my second home. The teachers are very nice and professional and I have the best ballet classes in my life! I love learning new ballet steps. Not only that, but I get the opportunity to perform twice a year (Nutcracker in the fall/winter and the Spring Performance) and to participate in the Summer Intensive and perform at the end of the Intensive as well. I would highly recommend this amazing ballet school to anyone who wants to take ballet classes.
Adding on to the review from a year ago, the teachers are doing a fantastic job
Adding on to the review from a year ago, the teachers are doing a fantastic job
Sophie S.
Nov 15, 2020
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Joffrey is an awesome place to go if you are looking for high-quality ballet classes. I am currently in the Youth Ballet program (I take class 3 days a week) and I really enjoy the progressive and fun learning environment that Joffrey offers. It really motivates me to work on my technique and increase my artistry. Not only do they offer great classes, they organize amazing performances. You get to perform twice a year, and if you're in the summer intensive, you get to dance in the final performance. They're even doing a special Nutcracker performance during COVID, which I think is really
Andrea H.
Jul 08, 2020
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Just like many other parents, I cannot recommend signing up for any Summer Intensive because they will not refund any monies even if they don't deliver the goods. I understand that they said that there are no refunds. Period. BUT, that was before the pandemic. ALL other ballet schools offered a choice, not Joffrey. I complained with the BBB of NY State but they claim they offer online classes instead. I did not sign up for online classes - if I buy one good, you cannot just replace it with another good to satisfy your needs. The response times have been horrible as well, if they respond at
C. D.
Jul 03, 2020
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Not refunding $1800 for a summer intensive, room and board they can no longer provide due to a pandemic is beyond disgusting. Offering credit for an intensive next summer that they can't guarantee will happen is unacceptable. I think parents that they stole this money from should get together and get a lawyer involved.
