Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about The Philadelphia Dance Academy - classes, tuition, dress code, performances, and more.
Getting Started
What sets The Philadelphia Dance Academy apart?
PDA has been serving Philadelphia-area families for more than 20 years and was named Best Dance Studio by Philadelphia Family Magazine and Best Dance School for Children by Metro Philly, both in 2025. We operate two convenient locations: Old City in Center City Philadelphia and Ardmore on the Main Line.
What distinguishes us is our commitment to professional training in a positive, supportive environment. Every student is treated as an individual, placed in the right program for their level, and taught by an experienced, professional faculty. Our curriculum prioritizes refined technique, dancer wellness, and artistic development — not just performance and competition. But beyond the training, PDA is a community. We have students who began with us in Early Childhood and stayed through graduation, going on to pursue professional dance careers. We take pride in creating a studio where students feel seen, challenged, and encouraged every step of the way.
We offer one of the widest ranges of programs in the region, from toddler classes through pre-professional ballet training, with a dedicated Boys Scholarship Program, Pilates, Theater Dance, Contemporary Dance, and summer intensives. Students in our Pre-Professional program have the opportunity to perform with the Philadelphia Youth Ballet, our pre-professional company.
Where is The Philadelphia Dance Academy located?
PDA has two studio locations. The main office and Old City studio is at The Creative Arts Building, 219 Cuthbert Street, 3rd Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19106 (215-922-2422). We also serve the Main Line community with a second location in Ardmore at 116 Cricket Avenue, Ardmore, PA. Faculty and programming are the same at both locations.
Separate class schedules are available for each location on our website.
What age can my child start dance classes?
We welcome dancers of all ages. Our Dance Together class is designed for toddlers, age 2 and up, and their caregivers. From there, young dancers progress to Creative Movement and Pre-Ballet. We also offer Adult/Teen Recreational classes for older beginners, as well as Pilates for teens and adults.
What dance programs does PDA offer?
The Philadelphia Dance Academy offers Early Childhood Dance (Dance Together, Creative Movement, and Pre-Ballet), Primary Ballet, Pre-Professional Ballet, a Boys Scholarship Program, Theater Dance, Contemporary Dance, Adult/Teen Recreational Classes, Pilates, and Summer Intensives. Students are placed in the appropriate program based on age, experience, and a placement assessment.
How do I register for classes?
New families can register online through the PDA student portal. Early Childhood, Ballet 1/1X, Ballet 2/2X, Theater Dance 1/1X, Contemporary 1/1X, and Adult/Teen classes may be joined directly based on age and experience. Experienced dancers with prior training are encouraged to contact the studio to arrange a placement assessment before registering.
How is student level placement determined?
Entry-level classes may be joined directly based on age and experience. Experienced dancers should contact the studio to arrange a placement assessment. At the end of each school year, all students receive a progress report with their level placement for the following year, along with detailed feedback on strengths and areas for growth.
Is there a program for boys?
Yes. PDA offers a Boys Scholarship Program. Boys wear a white tee shirt, black pants, white socks, and white or black ballet slippers. Black tights and slippers are required for the Pre-Professional program; black jazz shoes are worn for Theater Dance. Contact the studio for information on scholarship opportunities.
Can I visit the studio before registering?
Absolutely! The best way to get a feel for our studios, meet our staff, and ask questions is to come visit us in person. We'd love to give you a tour and help you find the right program.
Get in touch to schedule a visit →
Can students join classes after the school year has already started?
Yes! We welcome new students throughout the year, space permitting. Tuition is prorated based on your enrollment date. Registration for most classes closes February 15. Registration for Creative Movement, Dance Together, and Adult/Teen classes remains open through March 1.
Does PDA offer summer programs?
Yes. Summer Intensives, Camps, and Classes for all ages are offered each year. A $50 non-refundable deposit is charged at enrollment, with the remaining balance automatically charged two weeks before the program start date.
Tuition & Payment
How much does tuition cost?
tuition is billed in two installments per year, due August 15 and January 15. Rates are based on a dancer's total weekly class hours and range from $475 per installment for 1 hour per week up to $2,600 for unlimited hours. A $30 annual registration fee is charged per family at enrollment.
View the full tuition schedule →
Is there a payment plan?
Yes. Payment plans are available for families enrolled in two or more hours per week. The plan consists of four payments per semester. Please email the studio if you would like to set up a payment plan.
What payment methods are accepted?
We accept Visa, Mastercard, and Discover via the customer portal. We also accept cash (in person at the Old City location only) or checks made payable to The Philadelphia Dance Academy.
What is the refund policy?
Tuition is non-refundable. This applies to all classes, including Creative Movement and Pre-Ballet, regardless of schedule changes, moving, or other personal circumstances. The studio will try to accommodate schedule changes if space is available in another class. The annual registration fee and all dancewear and costume sales are also non-refundable.
Are private lessons available?
Yes. Private lessons start at $80/hour. Instructors set their own rates and may offer package discounts. Your account must be in good standing to schedule lessons. Cancellations must be made at least 24 hours in advance; otherwise, full payment is due.
Classes & Dress Code
What is the dress code?
Each level has a specific leotard color and footwear requirement. Hair must always be neatly secured away from the face, and jewelry, legwarmers, and skirts are not permitted (skirts are allowed in Pointe class only).
View the full dress code by level →
What if a student misses a class?
Students may make up a missed class in another section of the same level, a lower level, or a similar genre. Make-up classes are not available during the first three weeks of a session. Email the studio to check availability. Students with absences exceeding 20% may not be able to participate in the Spring Showcase.
What is the sick policy?
Please keep dancers home if they have a fever (until fever-free for 24 hours without medication), an excessive runny nose or cough, difficulty breathing, or signs of a gastrointestinal illness. Dancers may return from a stomach illness 24 hours after symptoms have fully stopped.
How do I know if class is cancelled due to weather?
The Old City location follows the School District of Philadelphia for weather-related closures. The Ardmore location follows the Lower Merion School District. Families are notified by email, the studio voicemail is updated, and social media posts on Facebook and Instagram (@philadanceacademy).
Performances
Does PDA offer performance opportunities?
Yes. PDA holds an Annual Spring Showcase each spring, which students may opt into for an additional participation fee (due November 15). PDA also produces a Nutcracker performance. Students in the Pre-Professional program are affiliated with the Philadelphia Youth Ballet, which presents its own Spring Concert.
What is the Philadelphia Youth Ballet?
The Philadelphia Youth Ballet is PDA's pre-professional performance company, open to advanced students in our Pre-Professional program. PYB presents its own full productions and gives serious young dancers the experience of performing at a high level. Learn more about the Philadelphia Youth Ballet →
Staying Connected
How does the studio communicate with families?
PDA's primary communication method is email. Please save phildanceacademy@gmail.com and noreply@jackrabbittech.com to ensure you receive all updates. A bi-monthly newsletter is sent on the 1st and 15th of each month. Follow us on Instagram (@philadanceacademy) and Facebook for announcements and highlights throughout the year.
How do I contact the studio?
Phone: 215-922-2422 | Email: phildanceacademy@gmail.com
Still have questions? We'd love to hear from you. Contact us at 215-922-2422 or phildanceacademy@gmail.com.