Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Premier Ballet Training in Narberth, PA
Founded in 1974, Pennsylvania Academy of Ballet has been dedicated to cultivating excellence in classical ballet training for students of all ages. Our founders, Margarita and John White, established the academy to provide rigorous instruction rooted in the Vaganova method, a globally recognized pedagogical system. Over five decades, we have nurtured generations of dancers, from preschoolers discovering movement to pre-professionals preparing for careers on international stages.Our faculty, including co-director Melinda Pendleton, brings extensive performing and teaching experience, ensuring continuity in technique and artistic development. The academys alumni have achieved success in prestigious companies worldwide, while our community programs foster creativity and confidence in local students. Located in Narberth, Pennsylvania, we maintain a welcoming environment that prioritizes personalized instruction and lifelong engagement with dance.
Services
Ballet Classes
Summer Camps
Adult Programs
Pre-Professional Training
Boys Scholarship Program
Creative Movement
Nutcracker Production
Faculty Training Seminars
Details
- Year established: 1974
Highlights and features
- We offer Vaganova method training developed by Soviet ballet masters.
- Our faculty includes internationally acclaimed performers and educators.
- Alumni have secured positions in global ballet companies and competitions.
- We provide tailored programs from preschool to pre-professional levels.
- Our studio fosters personalized teacher-student relationships in a community-focused environment.
Services
Ballet Classes
Our ballet classes follow the Vaganova method, offering structured training for ages 3.5 to adults. Students develop technical precision, musicality, and artistic expression through progressive curricula. Classes range from beginner to advanced levels with specialized focus on pointe work, partnering, and variations for advanced students.
Pre-Professional Training
The Apprentice Program and Pre-Professional Day Program provide intensive training for aspiring dancers aged 18-22. Participants receive tuition scholarships, stipends, and personalized coaching. The curriculum includes 36-week sessions with performance coaching and competition preparation for career advancement.
Summer Camps
Our summer camps combine dance, music, and art for children aged 5-7. Daily activities include themed movement classes, arts and crafts, and music lessons. The program runs weekly sessions from 10 AM to 2 PM, fostering creativity through interdisciplinary arts education.
Adult Programs
Adult ballet classes cater to all skill levels from beginner to advanced. The curriculum focuses on improving balance, posture, and flexibility while teaching classical techniques. Classes feature live piano accompaniment and emphasize progressive skill development for mature students.
Boys Scholarship Program
This free program trains boys aged 8-12 in classical ballet with weekly classes and performance opportunities. Participants gain technical skills, stage experience, and access to professional ballet events. The program includes three-month commitment periods with progression-based milestones.
People
John White
Founder
Co-founder of Pennsylvania Academy of Ballet, John White trained under Soviet masters and developed the Vaganova Teachers Seminar. He has mentored over 700 educators globally and authored two instructional books on classical ballet.
Margarita de Sa White
Founder
A former Prima Ballerina with Ballet Nacional de Cuba, Margarita de Sa co-founded the academy to share her expertise. She has shaped generations of dancers through her commitment to technical excellence and artistic expression.
Melinda Pendleton
Owner and Teacher
Daughter of the founders, Melinda Pendleton joined as co-director in 1991. A PAB alumna and former professional dancer, she continues the legacy of Vaganova method instruction across all academy programs.
Questions
What ballet training methods do you use?
We teach the Vaganova method, a structured eight-year syllabus emphasizing technical precision and artistic development.
What age groups do you accept?
We offer programs for children as young as 3.5 years old through adult classes for seniors.
Are there performance opportunities for students?
Yes! Students participate in annual Nutcracker productions and community performances throughout the year.
Do you offer scholarships or financial aid?
We provide a Boys Scholarship Program with free training and performance opportunities for ages 8-12.
Can adults start ballet training?
Absolutely! Our adult program accommodates beginners through advanced dancers with flexible class levels.
How do I schedule an audition for pre-professional training?
Auditions occur February-July. Contact us directly or submit a video of your dancing for consideration.
