Manhattan Dance Schools

Step through these doors in Midtown and you'll find yourself immersed in rhythms and movements that span continents. What began in 1992 as a mission to unite people through cultural expression has grown into a thriving nonprofit hub where dancers and drummers of all backgrounds learn together. The winter months bring a particular energy here—folks escape the cold to lose themselves in the pulse of African, Caribbean, Latin, and Asian traditions, with over 35 instructors guiding more than 100 weekly classes across 30+ distinct styles. From children taking their first steps to adults discovering new passions, thousands walk through these doors each year. It's a rare space in New York where minority ownership meets genuine multicultural celebration, offering world dance and percussion instruction you won't find duplicated anywhere else.

Providing wellness services in an un-intimidating environment to those seeking health and happiness. Our focus is an integrated lifestyle of physical fitness, personal awareness and self-expression. With sincere integrity and excellence, our forward-thinking professionals support and guide you through this portentous journey to a rewarding, more energized life.

A non-profit organization dedicated to extending the dream, dance legacy, and indomitable spirit of Isadora Duncan. The Foundation is based in New York City and supports the work of its resident performing troupe, Lori Belilove & The Isadora Duncan Dance Company. The Company offers hundreds of performances annually of Isadora's original choreography as passed down through generations of Duncan dancers, in addition to new works, educational workshops and creative programs that nurture the soul and lift the spirit.

Founded in 1981, bridges cultural barriers through the universal language of dance. From its earliest recognition on the world stage in 1982 as “best company” at the International Dance Festival of Paris, the company has succeeded for over two decades.

The foundation of any dance company is its energy and creative artistry. Here at IBC and The Lindt Ballet Theater, companies can be proud of the artistic directorship of Rosemarie Lindt-Piccolo who not only has brought with her experience in working with such legendary performers as Maurice Bejart, Roland Petit and Mathilde Kschessinskaya, but her training with the world famous Madame Nora Kiss forms a link to history's greatest dancers such as Pavlova and Carlotta Brianza. Ms. Lindt-Piccolo has also studied with the great choreographer Kurt Jooss, and has extensively studied various dance forms such as Classical Spanish, Modern Tap, Pas de Deux, and the Rudolf von Laban method of Kinetography.

"We offer dancing in a cozy, intimate atmosphere. Both Beginner and Intermediate students can always feel comfortable learning new dancing skills. Learn all of the latest dances, like Salsa, Swing, Tango, Ballroom, Bollywood, and Bhangra."

Lotus Music & Dance, a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization, was founded in 1989 by master Bharata Natyam dancer Kamala Cesar. It is a performance space, sanctuary, and center of education for traditional and indigenous performing arts forms. The mission is to keep alive and accessible the music and dance traditions of all world cultures. Lotus Music & Dance remains the only institution of its kind in New York City where master artists from India, Korea, Burma, the South Pacific, Middle East, the Mohawk Nation, West Africa, and Spain collectively call home.

An integrated arts enrichment program which provides a meaningful introduction and foundation in the arts for lifetime enhancement. In over sixty public and private schools throughout the New York Metropolitan Area we teach preschool through high school students of all populations including Special Education, Bilingual/ESL, and Gifted/TAG. Our program stimulates creativity and intellectual growth while contributing to emotional and physical well-being.

Located in New York City’s Greenwich Village, was founded in 1953 by Robert Joffrey and Gerald Arpino to develop and train professional dancers. The School continues to strive for the founders’ vision of dance based on rigorous classical training that is imbued with a sense of movement, clarity and exuberant energy.<br> In more than fifty years of existence, the Joffrey Ballet School has remained on the forefront of American dance education. Graduates of the School have gone on to dance for major classical ballet companies, as well as for numerous modern and contemporary companies, both in the United States and abroad.

Melissa Marotto has been dancing for over 20 years, beginning her dance training at The Walnut Hill School for the Arts in Natick, Massachusetts. She earned her BFA in dance with a concentration in pedagogy from The Boston Conservatory, where she revived the historical work for Jose Limon with Jennifer Scanlon and worked with contemporary choreographers such as Donald Byrd and Sean Curran. With a strong background in ballet, Ms. Marotto has also studied Graham, Horton, Limon, and Simonson techniques with certified instructors from all over the country.

Performs on the world's stages, teaches, presents, and advocates for the field of dance. Battery Dance Company is dedicated to the pursuit of artistic excellence and the availability of the Arts to everyone. An integral part of the fabric of New York City for 30 years, Battery supports the creative process; educates children in the New York City schools; enriches the general public through local programs and performances, national and international tours, and international arts exchange programs.<br> Based in Lower Manhattan, Battery Dance Company has produced nearly 100 original dance works choreographed by its founder and artistic director Jonathan Hollander, in collaboration with a diverse array of composers and designers, and its cast of outstanding dancers.

"Over the course of my 42+ year career, studies and research trips, I have striven to collect all music, steps and styles possible of each dance from many on-site viewings, questions and participation, etc. and to choose a variety of the most typical steps and figures, presenting them in choreography true to their origins, while, hopefully, pleasing to the eyes and ears of the theater public."

Sculpt your strength through a fusion workout that blends ballet, yoga, and dance movement into one flowing experience. Created specifically with women in mind, this approach celebrates curves while building genuine fitness across all ages and body types. The classes weave together grace and power in ways that leave participants feeling stronger and more self-assured than when they walked in. What started in a single studio has grown into a network spanning Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Houston, San Francisco, Encino and Orange County. The brand has caught attention from major media outlets including Oprah, 20/20, 48 Hours, The View, Late Night With Conan O'Brien and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, plus coverage in US Weekly, People and In Touch. Winter classes offer a warm, energizing escape from the cold months ahead—the kind of indoor session that gets your heart pumping and leaves you glowing despite the chill outside. If you can't make it to a studio location, DVDs and instructional books bring the experience directly to your home, reaching people worldwide who want to tap into this method wherever they are.

Rebecca Kelly creates abstract and narrative ballets which convey her humanistic outlook. The works features Kelly's vibrant expression, fusing classical dance with modern forms resulting in an arresting lyrical yet earthy quality. Kelly brings out strong individuality with a culturally diverse group of dancers. Themes range from topical issues about the environment and astute social commentary, to poetical works involving the sheer energy and beauty of the highly skilled dancer and the complex use of the body. Classical line and touching performance, coupled with intense musicality and energy distinguish each of Kelly's works. No matter what topic, Kelly reveals provocative and compelling images, with a directness of expression which easily engages the audience. The Company spends a portion of its summer in a second home in the Adirondack Mountains, where as artists-in-residence in Lake Placid, NY since 1987, it has developed many new ballets.<br/ ><br/ > <a class="syncfu syncfu_545 red" style="display:none">Socially quick? Claim your social listing and group offer today!</a>

Dance Classes For Fun, Fitness & Inspiration!

The School has the distinction of being the longest continuously operating school of dance in America and is a charter member of the accrediting organization, the National Association of Schools of Dance. Students come from around the world to study at the Martha Graham School of Contemporary Dance, the only school primarily focused upon teaching the Martha Graham Technique and Repertory. <br> Classes are taught by faculty members who worked with Martha Graham and who are or have been members of the Martha Graham Dance Company. The course structure culminates in the professional training of young dancers, who perform locally and nationally as Graham II. <br> Martha Graham students and dancers represent a broad range of cultures and backgrounds, and they take this unique American art form around the world to teach and perform.

With facilities all over the world, the original Fred Astaire Dance Studio was founded in New York in 1947. Fred Astaire, himself, and the City of New York alike personify style, sophistication and excellence. All the more reason, New Yorkers have chosen Fred Astaire Dance Studios – it suits them perfectly.<br> Staffed by professional and champion level dancers themselves, Fred Astaire Dance Studios are internationally known as the cultivators of superior dancers and superior dance instruction, raising the standards of ballroom dancing in the United States to exceptional heights. <br> Fred Astaire Dance Studios match New Yorkers demand for excellence. Whether you are preparing for an event, mastering a powerful social skill or desire to become a competitive-level dancer, Fred Astaire Dance Studios design your program individually to uniquely satisfy you.

Dedicated to strengthening family connections by providing creative, nurturing, and meaningful experiences that allow children to grow as active learners while engaging the whole family in this process.

The history of Santo Rico dates back to 1995. The name of the dance company is derived from the initial members of the group being half from Santo Domingo (Santo) and half from Puerto Rico (Rico), hence the name "Santo Rico." Santo Rico was initially formed by Wilton Beltre, a Dominican native, who expressed his love for dance by displaying his street style of dancing Mambo/Salsa in local nightclubs in New York City. Prior to forming Santo Rico, Wilton received dancing instruction from the well renowned Eddie Torres. This gave him professionalism, grace and ultimately led to the development of a unique style. During his stint with Mr. Torres Wilton excelled and brought his dancing ability to such a high level that he became one of the most outstanding members of The Eddie Torres Dance Company.

Since opening its doors in 1996, Uptown Dance Academy is considered the premiere dance school for urban youth interested in making dance their primary focus. The Academy has been dedicated to providing high-quality dance disciplines, training and professionalism for youth ages 3-19. The well-rounded curriculum designed by founder and director Robin Williams exposes children to the diverse world of dance as they prepare for the professional stage. <br> No one does it better than Uptown Dance Academy in providing structured training programs and performance opportunities that reinforce the principle of dance as well as the physical, artistic and creative skills inherent in learning dance. Its mission is to train students in the performing arts while instilling a higher level of cultural enrichment, self-discipline, and personal achievement

Dance Theatre of Harlem School (DTHS) is a cultural, social, and educational institution committed to providing young people of diverse backgrounds with an opportunity to receive training in classical ballet and the allied arts.<br> Throughout their training at DTHS students receive onsite physical therapy, nutrition and wellness workshops made possible through a partnership with The Harkness Center for Dance Injuries. These classes also engage the parents because they are a significant component in any student’s progress. Our commitment to prepare our young people for respective career choice includes a series of diction classes. This comprehensive program is designed to instill discipline, heighten self-esteem and encourage creativity while enabling students to reach their full potential and excel in their chosen endeavors.

Small classes, personal attention, kind, positive and expert teaching make New American Youth Ballet the most caring and correct ballet experience in New York City. Enjoy a unique and beautiful location surrounded by lovely gardens. "The little school with the big heart." Your child will learn in a creative professional environment that nurtures natural talents.