Business Details
Professional Dance Training in a Positive Environment
The Philadelphia Dance Academy is dedicated to providing exceptional dance training in a professional and positive environment. Our approach focuses on individualized attention, ensuring each student reaches their maximum potential through carefully structured programs. With a faculty of experienced professionals, we emphasize refined technique, dancer wellness, and artistic development. Our offerings include Early Childhood Dance, Primary and Pre-Professional Ballet Programs, a Boys Scholarship Program, Theater Dance, Contemporary Dance, and Adult/Teen Recreational Classes including Pilates. Recognized as the 2025 Best Dance Studio by Philadelphia Family Magazine, we serve students in Old City Center City Philadelphia and Ardmore on the Main Line.Our commitment to quality training spans over two decades, combining technical excellence with a supportive learning atmosphere. We prioritize student growth through tailored placement in programs that match their skill level and aspirations. The academy fosters a community where artistic expression and technical mastery coexist harmoniously. Our facilities in historic arts districts provide accessible locations for both urban and suburban students. Through annual performances and specialized training tracks, we prepare dancers for both professional careers and lifelong appreciation of the art form.
Services
Early Childhood Dance
Pre-Professional Ballet
Boys Scholarship Program
Theater Dance
Contemporary Dance
Adult/Teen Pilates
Highlights and features
- Experienced professional faculty with decades of combined teaching experience
- Individualized program placement for optimal student development
- Comprehensive offerings from early childhood through pre-professional levels
- Recognized as Philadelphia's top dance studio by Philadelphia Family Magazine
- Dual locations in Old City Philadelphia and Main Line's Ardmore district
Associations and certifications
- Philadelphia Family Magazine Best Dance Studio 2025
What people say
Best Dance Studio 2025
Experienced faculty
Positive environment
Individualized attention
Professional training
Services
Early Childhood Dance
Structured introduction to dance fundamentals for young children. Focuses on basic movements, rhythm, and creative expression in a nurturing environment. Develops coordination and musicality while building foundational skills for future dance education. Classes incorporate playful activities that enhance motor development and classroom etiquette.
Pre-Professional Ballet
Advanced training program for serious ballet students. Combines rigorous technical instruction with performance preparation. Develops pointe work, partnering skills, and classical repertoire knowledge. Designed for dancers aiming for professional careers or collegiate dance programs. Includes audition-based placement and individualized coaching.
Contemporary Dance
Technique-focused program blending ballet foundations with modern expression. Teaches fluid movements, floor work, and improvisation techniques. Emphasizes emotional storytelling through choreography. Classes include strength training and flexibility development. Prepares students for contemporary performance opportunities.
Theater Dance
Musical theater-focused dance instruction combining technical skill with performance elements. Integrates jazz, tap, and character dance styles. Teaches stage presence and storytelling through movement. Prepares students for theatrical auditions and ensemble performances. Includes costume and prop integration for stage readiness.
Adult/Teen Pilates
Recreational movement classes combining Pilates principles with dance conditioning. Focuses on core strength, flexibility, and body alignment. Designed for non-professional dancers seeking physical fitness benefits. Includes mat work and equipment-based exercises. Emphasizes injury prevention and posture improvement.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We specialize in ballet and contemporary dance, with theater dance and Pilates programs for diverse training needs.
Do you have programs for different age groups?
Our curriculum includes early childhood classes, youth programs, and adult/teen recreational options at both locations.
Are there performance opportunities?
Students participate in annual performances including the Nutcracker and Spring Showcase at our affiliated theaters.
How are instructors qualified?
Our faculty includes professional dancers and certified instructors with extensive experience in dance education.
What locations do you serve?
We operate studios in Old City Center City Philadelphia and the heart of Ardmore on the Main Line.
Reviews (6)
Elmira Razakova
Feb 01, 2021
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Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality
My 4 yo daughter started attending PDA in the beginning of 2021 and she loves it! She asked me if she could take ballet lessons there everyday. So happy I found this school! I love how they combine muscle training with storytelling and letting kids express themselves through movement. Everyone is so friendly there too.
My 4 yo daughter started attending PDA in the beginning of 2021 and she loves it! She asked me if she could take ballet lessons there everyday. So happy I found this school! I love how they combine muscle training with storytelling and letting kids express themselves through movement. Everyone is so friendly there too.
Fmla Lvmn
Dec 24, 2020
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Positive:Professionalism
PDA's program is both professional and nurturing. The teachers and guest teachers work together to create an environment which fosters learning and love of dance -- no matter the discipline. Highly recommend PDA for any aspiring dancer.
PDA's program is both professional and nurturing. The teachers and guest teachers work together to create an environment which fosters learning and love of dance -- no matter the discipline. Highly recommend PDA for any aspiring dancer.
Amy Rasmussen
Dec 29, 2019
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My daughter traveled from California to take their summer intensive. I looked very hard for a school that I felt would be a good match for her and we could find some sights to enjoy during our travels. This school turned out to be a fantastic decision. My daughter was starting at an ABT summer workshop this week and I really needed a school that would prepare her, her current studio is not quite cutting it.
She had her placement audition at ABT today and was placed in a level higher than we expected. I have to give so much credit to the time she spent at this studio, they were welcoming, had experienced
She had her placement audition at ABT today and was placed in a level higher than we expected. I have to give so much credit to the time she spent at this studio, they were welcoming, had experienced
Beth Seyle Fenton
Jul 09, 2019
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Our 12 year-old daughter started studying dance with Miss Lori when she was 2! We followed her when we moved from the city to the suburbs and she opened a studio out here; each year the offerings have expanded. The teachers are excellent. We are looking forward to the new studio in Ardmore and many more years of Nutcrackers and Spring Showcase performances.
Mary McCrossen Kelly
Mar 12, 2019
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The Philadelphia Dance Academy has been a fabulous fit for our daughter. She has fallen in love with ballet and is learning and developing in an environment that is disciplined but also very fun. We are so grateful that we found PDA!
Freddie Alfonso
Nov 18, 2017
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Showcase 2017 was amazing. Once again Phila Dance Academy did a fantastic job and top last year's performance. Every year it gets better and better. Ms. Lori and her staff of wonderful teacher's did an excellent job with all the performers. Can't wait for next year to do it all over again.
