Business Details
40 Years
experience
Premier Ballet School in Rochester, NY
Founded in 1986, the Draper Center for Dance Education has established itself as Western New York's premier ballet school and one of the nation's most respected training institutions. Our professional faculty, dedicated to the art of instruction, guides dancers from preschoolers discovering movement to advanced students preparing for professional careers. We cultivate technical excellence, confidence, and creativity while inspiring a lifelong love of dance through programs like our Children's Division, Student Division, and elite Professional Training Program.Our initiatives, including Ballet Jump Start! and World Class Dance Education for All, provide free early childhood classes, financial aid, and diversity scholarships. With alumni performing on global stages and in prestigious companies, we pride ourselves on building not just dancers but disciplined, creative individuals prepared for success in any field.
Services
Ballet Classes
Dance Training
Children's Division
Professional Training Program
Open Adult Classes
Details
- Year established: 1986
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of professional ballet instruction with nationally recognized faculty
- Our graduates have joined prestigious companies like New York City Ballet and American Ballet Theatre
- We provide free early childhood classes and diversity scholarships for accessibility
- Our curriculum develops technical mastery while building confidence and creativity
- We maintain a 98% college scholarship placement rate for graduating students
What people say
Stellar reputation
Welcoming nature
Tremendous growth
Perfect balance of challenge
World-class instructors
Services
Ballet Classes
Our ballet classes provide structured training for ages 3 to adult. Students develop technical proficiency, musicality, and artistic expression through progressive curriculum. Classes prepare dancers for professional careers or lifelong appreciation of the art form.
Professional Training Program
This advanced program offers six-day-a-week instruction for serious dancers. Curriculum includes classical ballet, pointe work, variations, and conditioning. Students gain performance experience with Rochester City Ballet and prepare for professional careers.
Children's Division
Creative movement and pre-ballet classes introduce young children to dance fundamentals. Our age-appropriate instruction builds coordination, musicality, and classroom etiquette while fostering joy in movement and self-expression.
Open Adult Classes
Recreational ballet classes accommodate adult learners of all experience levels. These sessions improve flexibility, strength, and coordination while providing a supportive environment for personal growth and artistic exploration.
Summer Programs
Our intensive summer programs offer skill development for beginners to advanced dancers. Participants receive focused instruction in technique, performance preparation, and artistic growth through specialized curriculum.
People
Jamey Leverett
Artistic Director
Jamey Leverett became Artistic Director in 2004 after Timothy Draper's passing. With decades of dance experience, she has expanded the school's national reputation while maintaining its commitment to excellence.
Kathy Ertsgaard
Executive Director
Kathy Ertsgaard serves as Executive Director, overseeing operations and strategic development. Her leadership has helped establish Draper Center as one of America's premier dance training institutions.
Questions
What age should a child start ballet classes?
Children can begin at age 3 with creative movement classes. Starting early builds foundational skills, but we offer programs for all ages up to adult learners.
Does Draper Center offer adult dance classes?
Yes, we provide open adult classes for beginners and returning dancers. These sessions focus on technique development, physical fitness, and artistic expression.
What makes Draper Center different from other dance schools?
Our nationally recognized faculty, comprehensive curriculum, and proven track record with professional placements distinguish us as one of America's top training institutions.
Are private dance lessons available?
Private instruction is available for students needing specialized attention. Lessons help overcome technical challenges and accelerate progress in weekly classes.
What performance opportunities exist for students?
Students participate in annual productions with Rochester City Ballet and various recitals. Advanced dancers gain stage experience through multiple yearly performances.
Does Draper Center offer financial assistance?
We provide diversity scholarships, financial aid, and free early childhood programs through our World Class Dance Education for All initiative.
Reviews (2)
Grant Gliniecki
Sep 14, 2016
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Not only is this the main origin of professional ballet dancers in Rochester, it also offers very approachable and affordable classes for beginners. The studios are well maintained and the teachers are professional and really understand how to both dance beautifully and ensure that your form is safe for your body.
Maddy Leaz
Sep 11, 2013
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The Timothy M Draper Center for Dance Education is amazing place to dance because I dance there so take my word for it. Draper is the feeder school so if you do go threw all the way to the end of Draper's level you might be asked to be in the Rochester City Ballet. I hope that someday I'll get into that. As a paid professional.
