Pennsylvania Academy of Ballet

What a gem this local ballet studio is! Two years ago, I started adult beginner classes with no prior experience, and Elena and the other instructors have been very supportive. Elizabeth, the administrator, along with the entire staff, are incredibly kind and welcoming, making every visit a positive one.

PAB teaches the Vaganova method of classical ballet—one of the few schools in the U.S. with the expertise and structure to offer this gold-standard training. Smaller class sizes (just 8 students in my daughter’s Level 1 class) allow for individualized attention, which is rare and incredibly valuable. The faculty strike the perfect balance between warmth and discipline. They maintain focus in the classroom while nurturing a true love for the art form. Many of the teachers also instruct at top-tier professional schools, which speaks to their high level of experience and demand. Students have several performance opportunities, including a spring show, parent observation sessions, and the annual Nutcracker, where professional principal dancers share the stage—offering students inspiration and real stage experience. The school culture is refreshingly grounded. There’s no overt competitiveness, but there’s a quiet determination in both the faculty and students that drives excellence. PAB alumni go on to dance with leading companies and at top university programs, so students can pursue ballet at the highest levels depending on their goals. We love PAB and highly recommend it to anyone seeking world-class classical ballet training.

A hidden gem in the beautiful and classy Narbeth neighborhood; kind, caring and hard working teachers. Love it and recommend to all levels of dancers!

If you or your child want a structured studio that provides in-depth training, precision and discipline, PAB is a great fit. My oldest daughter took classes at other studios when she was young and was frustrated with the looseness of the classes. Instructors were super nice but too laid back for her. My daughter wants to truly learn dance - she is building a full foundation here with many wonderful friendships as well.

Everybody is so kind and helpful. The open classes are amazing and perfect for dancer of all ages and levels!