Business Details
20 Years
experience
Premier Classical Ballet Training in Pittsburgh
Founded in 2006, the Ballet Academy of Pittsburgh has established itself as a premier institution for classical ballet training in the greater Pittsburgh region. Our mission centers on nurturing artistic excellence through disciplined instruction rooted in the foundational techniques of classical ballet. With a faculty comprising former professional dancers and certified educators, we offer structured programs for students aged 18 months to pre-professional levels, emphasizing both technical mastery and performance artistry. Our curriculum spans from introductory Mommy & Me classes to advanced intensives, complemented by annual productions of The Nutcracker and Spring Gala that showcase student talent.The academy's philosophy prioritizes small class sizes, personalized attention, and a supportive environment that cultivates both individual growth and collective artistry. Our graduates have gained acceptance into prestigious summer programs and professional companies nationwide, validating our commitment to developing technically proficient and artistically expressive dancers. The academy's leadership brings decades of combined experience from their professional careers with renowned ballet companies, ensuring our teaching methodology remains aligned with industry standards.
Services
Classical Ballet Instruction
Children's Division
Pre-Professional Division
Summer Intensive Programs
Nutcracker Performances
Details
- Year established: 2006
Highlights and features
- We offer 25+ years of combined teaching experience from former professional dancers
- Our students gain acceptance into elite summer programs nationwide
- We provide performance opportunities in The Nutcracker and Spring Gala annually
- Our faculty includes instructors certified by The George Balanchine Trust
- We maintain small class sizes for personalized technical development
What people say
Exceptionally organized
Well-trained students
Nurturing learning environment
Superior teaching quality
Professional performance preparation
Services
Classical Ballet Instruction
Our comprehensive ballet curriculum develops technical proficiency and artistic expression through structured classes for ages 18 months to pre-professional levels. Certified instructors emphasize proper alignment, musicality, and performance quality while maintaining small class sizes for individualized attention. The program prepares students for potential careers in dance or lifelong appreciation of the art form.
Children's Division
Specialized instruction for ages 18 months to 8 years introduces foundational ballet techniques through engaging, age-appropriate classes. The Mommy & Me program fosters early motor development while progressive levels build coordination and classroom discipline. Annual performance opportunities in The Nutcracker and Spring Gala provide practical stage experience in a supportive environment without additional costume fees.
Pre-Professional Division
This intensive program prepares serious students for professional dance careers through daily technique classes, pointe work, and pas de deux instruction. Additional training in contemporary dance and variations develops versatility while faculty with professional company experience provide industry insights. Graduates have gained acceptance into major ballet companies and university programs nationwide.
Summer Intensive Programs
Four-week summer programs offer age-specific training from beginner camps for ages 3-5 to advanced intensives for pre-professional students. The curriculum includes daily ballet technique, supplementary styles like jazz and contemporary, and performance preparation. Participants receive personalized feedback while developing technical strength and artistic confidence during this concentrated training period.
Nutcracker Performances
Our annual youth-focused Nutcracker production provides students with professional stage experience in a fully-staged classical ballet. All registered students in level 1+ can participate through optional weekend rehearsals that don't conflict with regular classes. The production features professionally maintained costumes and showcases student talent in both ensemble and featured roles at Thomas Jefferson High School Theater.
People
Steven Piper
Artistic Director
Former Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre principal dancer with 25+ years teaching experience. Trained under Bolshoi Ballet's Mansur Kamaletdinov, he brings professional expertise to our curriculum development and performance preparation.
Lindsay Piper
Artistic Director
Graduate of School of American Ballet with professional experience under Patricia Wilde. Combines performance expertise with educational leadership, having taught ballet in Pittsburgh for over two decades while directing our faculty and training programs.
Dina Castillo
Faculty Member
Former Los Angeles Ballet company dancer and teacher with School of American Ballet training. Specializes in advanced technique instruction and rehearsal direction, bringing professional performance standards to our student training programs.
Nicole Rizzitano
Faculty Member
Pacific Northwest Ballet-trained instructor with professional performance experience. Focuses on student development through classical technique classes while maintaining connections to major ballet institutions nationwide.
Christy Martin
Faculty Member
Certified Romanas Pilates instructor with performance experience at Tulsa Ballet and Avant Chamber Ballet. Combines technical training with conditioning expertise to develop well-rounded dancers at all levels.
Questions
What age groups do you accept?
We offer programs for children starting at 18 months through pre-professional levels, with structured divisions for different developmental stages.
Do you offer performance opportunities?
Yes! Our annual Nutcracker production and Spring Gala showcase student talent, with optional participation and professionally staged performances.
What ballet styles do you teach?
Our curriculum focuses on classical ballet technique while incorporating Balanchine and Robbins styles through official licensing agreements.
Are there summer programs available?
We offer progressive summer intensives from beginner camps to advanced training programs with flexible one-to-four week attendance options.
How do you prepare students for careers?
Our pre-professional division provides daily technique classes, pointe work, and industry connections that have led to placements in major ballet companies nationwide.
What makes your academy unique?
We combine former professional dancers' expertise with small class sizes and official licensing to deliver specialized classical ballet training in a supportive environment.
