The Philadelphia Dance Academy (PDA) is located in the Old City arts community, directly behind Arden Theatre. Our dance programs prioritize refined technique, dancer wellness, and artistic development. At our main location we offer: Early Childhood Dance, Primary and Pre-Professional Ballet Programs, a Boys Ballet Scholarship Program, Theater Dance, Contemporary Dance, Adult/Teen Recreational Classes, and Pilates.
All students in Pre-Ballet 1 and up, Theater Dance 1 and up, and Contemporary Dance 1 and up are eligible to participate in our Spring Showcase, which occurs in June each year. Students learn their Showcase dance during normal class time and rehearse together at our main Old City location during the mandatory Dress Rehearsal which is typically a week or two before the performance. All students in Ballet 1/1X and higher and age 6 by the audition date are eligible to audition for our annual production of the Nutcracker. Nutcracker rehearsals take place at our main location on the weekends.
Address: The Creative Arts Building, 219 Cuthbert Street, 3rd Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19106
2023-2024 Schedule
Academic year (Sept - Jun) enrollment opens May 15.
Enrollment is for the academic year: Sept 11, 2023–June 2, 2024
Early Childhood
This program is designed to cultivate the joy for ballet in our youngest dancers while introducing them to the format of a dance class. The use of music and imagination keeps students engaged while they learn basic ballet vocabulary. Dance-Together and Creative Movement classes do not participate in the Spring Showcase.
Dance Together - Toddler/Caregiver | 2-4 years old
Dance Together-Toddler & Caregiver Creative Movement offers an opportunity for toddlers and their caregivers to experience the joy of dancing together. Caregivers actively participate in this class. Be prepared to move!
Creative Movement | 2.5-4 years old (at least 3 if joining after December)
Students go into class independently in Creative Movement.
Tuition is non-refundable. This includes changes in nap times, moving, time conflicts, etc. We will try to accommodate schedule changes if there is space available in another class.
Pre-Ballet 1 & 2 | 4-6 years old
In Pre-Ballet students use imagery and props as part of the class, but more ballet vocabulary is integrated into the curriculum than in Creative Movement. We begin to integrate more structured exercises so that students can transition smoothly into the beginner ballet class (Ballet 1) at age 6.
Primary
The Primary Program begins with Ballet 1, a beginner class for ages 6-9 years old. This fundamental class focuses on body alignment, proper external rotation from the hip, articulation of the feet, and elementary ballet vocabulary. Students progress through Ballet 1/1X, 2/2X, and 3/3X at the discretion of the faculty.
Students age 8 and older and enrolled in Ballet 3/3X and up have the opportunity to audition for The Philadelphia Youth Ballet.
Ballet 1/1X | 6-8 years old
Ballet 2/2X | 7-12 years old
Ballet 3/3X | 8-13 years old
Each class section meets twice a week; must choose one section or enroll in both sections.
Pre-Professional
The Pre-Professional Program begins with Ballet 4/4X. As students progress through these levels, their coordination and control is developed through more demanding and complex exercises. As they advance, an emphasis is placed on developing personal artistry through port de bras and epaulement (head and arm movements).
Students age 8 and older and enrolled in Ballet 3/3X and up have the opportunity to audition for The Philadelphia Youth Ballet.
In upper level pointe classes, students gain strength and perform pointe work in center, as well as at the barre. In Ballet 5, students begin to study classical variations in a weekly Variations class.
Note: A placement audition is required for students who are not starting in beginner ballet to ensure appropriate placement. Ages listed for each level are merely guidelines.
Ballet 4/4X | 9-13 years old
This class meets twice a week. Pointe work is included in both classes. Instructor approval is required to buy pointe shoes. Those not yet en pointe will take the class in ballet slippers (pre-pointe).
Ballet 5/5X | minimum 12 years old
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, & Friday classes required (8 hour minimum). All classes include pointe work.
Ballet 6/6X | minimum 13 years old
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, & Saturday classes required (8 hour minimum). All classes include pointe work.
Ballet 7 | minimum 15 years old
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday, & Sunday classes required (8 hour minimum). All classes include pointe work.
Contemporary
The Contemporary Dance Program is an opportunity for students to become more versatile dancers by exploring parallel alignment, spinal articulation, weight-shifting, and groundedness through floor work. Dancers explore strength and subtlety, movement dynamics and space, the expansiveness of their kinesphere, and movement invention through improvisation. This program helps dancers to continue to refine the balance between technique and artistry.
Theater Dance
The Theater Dance Program pulls from many techniques, genres, and styles. The class focuses on balancing technical ballet training and stylized theater choreography. Students will learn a vast repertoire of classical, as well as contemporary, Broadway, and Movie Musical choreography. In addition, they will learn to recognize and appreciate the diverse styles and techniques of such legendary choreographers as Agnes De Mille, Bob Fosse, Jerome Robbins, and Michael Kidd. Theater Dance curriculum includes a fall and spring tap session. Tap shoes are recommended but not required.
It is strongly recommended, but not required for all levels, that Theater Dance students also take ballet to help with control, strength, and refinement of their technique.
Adult / Teen
Adult/Teen classes are open to all levels.
Prior ballet experience is required for the Adult/Teen Intermediate classes.
Enrollment is for the school year (September-June), but you may join mid-session. Classes are structured and build during the course of the semester, so for that reason we do not offer “drop-in” classes. These technique classes are designed for students who wish to further their training, learn a new skill for recreational purposes, or supplement training in another art or sport, i.e. acting or ice skating.
Pilates
Group Pilates Mat classes are designed for adults of any experience level. Classes are structured and build during the course of the semester, so for that reason we do not offer “drop-in” classes.
Private Pilates sessions are also available. Customized sessions use the Reformer, Cadillac (Trapeze Table), Combo Chair, and small apparatus to train intrinsic musculature to increase flexibility and strength. The Pilates method was designed to create a more balanced, efficient body.
Private Pilates sessions are available by appointment. Contact us for availability.