Business Details
20 Years
experience
Premier Classical Ballet Training in Pittsburgh, PA
Established in 2006, the Ballet Academy of Pittsburgh has provided exceptional classical ballet instruction to students aged 18 months and older across the greater Pittsburgh area. Our dedicated faculty, trained under New York City Ballet legends, prioritizes technical excellence while fostering a nurturing environment. Through carefully structured programs from Mommy and Me classes to pre-professional training, we cultivate discipline, artistry, and lifelong appreciation for ballet. Annual performances including The Nutcracker and Spring Gala showcase students' progress while maintaining optional participation with rehearsals separate from regular classes. Located centrally in Castle Shannon on Library Road with convenient access to surrounding communities, our academy maintains strong relationships with renowned institutions like The George Balanchine Trust.Over 15 years of experience ensures every student receives personalized attention while benefiting from a curriculum rooted in authentic Vaganova and Balanchine techniques. Our graduates consistently gain acceptance to elite summer programs and professional careers in major ballet companies nationwide. We maintain transparent communication with families through regular updates and accessible administrative support. This commitment to excellence has made us a trusted institution for serious ballet education in the region.
Services
Classical Ballet Instruction
Nutcracker Performances
Summer Dance Programs
Spring Gala Series
Mommy and Me Ballet
Pre-Professional Training
Balanchine Technique Workshops
Youth Competition Preparation
Performance Choreography
Dance Theory Classes
Details
- Year established: 2006
Highlights and features
- Our faculty includes former Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre principal dancers trained by NYCB legend Patricia Wilde
- Exclusive staging rights for Balanchine and Robbins works for young dancers in Western PA
- Over 15 years preparing students for elite summer intensives and professional careers
- Central South Hills location accessible via routes 19, 51, and trolley transportation
- Structured curriculum developing dancers from toddler age through pre-professional levels
Associations and certifications
- The George Balanchine Trust
- The Jerome Robbins Trust
What people say
Exceptional organization
Highly professional
Well-trained students
Nurturing environment
Serious approach
Services
Classical Ballet Instruction
Age-specific instruction from toddlers to pre-professionals develops technical mastery through traditional Vaganova and Balanchine methods. Daily classes build strength, flexibility, and artistic expression while maintaining a supportive atmosphere. Our systematic approach prepares dancers for elite summer programs and professional careers, with faculty personally trained by New York City Ballet luminaries.
Nutcracker Performances
Annual December production of The Nutcracker offers students professional stage experience with rotating casts to maximize participation. Optional rehearsals separate from regular classes allow flexible involvement while maintaining production quality. This cherished holiday tradition features both student and guest artist performances at Thomas Jefferson High School Theater.
Summer Dance Programs
Specialized summer training combines technique classes, variations, and performance preparation with guest instructors from major ballet companies. Three-week sessions accommodate levels from beginners through advanced dancers, featuring masterclasses in Balanchine and Robbins choreography for serious students seeking intensive development.
Pre-Professional Training
Advanced curriculum includes daily company-style rehearsals, pointe work, partnering, and audition preparation. Personalized coaching develops individual artistry while building technical stamina required for professional auditions. Graduates regularly gain acceptance to top-tier programs and careers in major ballet companies nationwide.
Mommy and Me Ballet
Creative movement classes for 18-month-olds introduce foundational ballet concepts through playful activities with parent participation. Gentle structured routines foster motor development and musicality in a joyful environment, serving as the first step in our comprehensive training pathway.
People
Lindsay Piper
Artistic Director
Former Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre principal dancer trained by NYCB legend Patricia Wilde, Lindsay brings extensive performance and teaching experience to her role. She specializes in Balanchine technique and has placed numerous students in elite programs.
Steven Piper
Artistic Director
Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre veteran with deep knowledge of classical repertoire, Steven co-founded the academy to share his expertise. His teaching focuses on male dancer development and partnering techniques from the NYCB tradition.
Garielle Whittle
Guest Stager
Designated repetiteur for The George Balanchine Trust and The Jerome Robbins Trust, Garielle has staged over 20 productions for the academy. She provides authentic instruction in 20th-century classical works for young dancers.
Questions
Do you offer ballet classes for toddlers?
Yes, we provide Mommy and Me Ballet classes for children as young as 18 months, introducing foundational dance concepts through parent-assisted activities.
Are performance opportunities mandatory?
No, participation in The Nutcracker and Spring Gala performances is entirely optional with rehearsals scheduled separately from regular classes.
What ballet techniques do you teach?
Our curriculum focuses on classical Vaganova and Balanchine methods, delivered by faculty trained directly through the New York City Ballet tradition.
Do you accept students with prior dance experience?
Yes, we welcome experienced dancers through placement evaluations that determine appropriate class levels for continuing students.
Are your instructors professionally trained?
All instructors are former professional dancers with extensive teaching experience, including direct training from New York City Ballet artists.
Do you offer summer dance programs?
Yes, we host three-week summer intensives with guest faculty from major ballet companies focusing on technique, variations, and performance preparation.
