About Philadelphia Ballet School · Philadelphia
Philadelphia Ballet School is a South Philadelphia dance studio and the official school of BalletFleming, founded by former New York City Ballet dancer Christopher Fleming. Located at 1802 S. Broad Street, it serves aspiring, recreational, and professional dancers from age three through adult with group classes, private lessons, and a trainee program aimed at dancers pursuing a professional path. Open ballet classes are offered seven days a week, and the school supports the BalletFleming Dance Company, which performs in the Philadelphia area and beyond.
Philadelphia Ballet School operates out of a studio at 1802 S. Broad Street in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and was founded by Christopher Fleming, a former dancer with the New York City Ballet. The school functions as the official training ground for BalletFleming, the dance company Fleming also founded, providing a direct pathway from the classroom to the stage for advanced students. Its programming is structured to serve the full spectrum of ballet students — from young children taking their first creative-movement classes, to recreational teens and adults, to a dedicated trainee program for serious students who intend to pursue dance professionally. Offerings include group technique classes, private lessons, and individualized coaching. Open ballet classes run seven days a week, making it one of the most accessible classical ballet training environments in the city. The school has also been known to host community events such as free yoga classes in Rittenhouse Square, reflecting its connection to the broader Philadelphia dance and wellness community. Through BalletFleming, students have opportunities to perform alongside professional dancers, and the company itself has mounted productions including the pirate-themed ballet 'Gaspar – A Pirate Fantasy,' performed at venues such as the Straz Center for the Performing Arts in Tampa. The school's mission emphasizes a direct, concrete approach to ballet technique and an appreciation of ballet as an art form.
- In business
- Founded circa 2010 (school opened by Christopher Fleming, a former New York City Ballet dancer)
- Owner
- Christopher Fleming, former New York City Ballet dancer and founder of BalletFleming Dance Company
- Serves
- Greater Philadelphia area; performances have extended to Tampa Bay through BalletFleming
- Rating
- Not verified from a rating source
About Philadelphia Ballet School
Philadelphia Ballet School is a dance studio located at 1802 S. Broad Street in Philadelphia and serves as the official school of BalletFleming, a dance company also founded by Christopher Fleming, a former New York City Ballet dancer. The school positions itself as a training ground for aspiring, recreational, and professional dancers from age three through adult. Its mission is to deliver quality classical ballet education through a direct, hands-on approach to technique and a deep appreciation of ballet as an art form.
- Located at 1802 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19145
- Phone: (215) 454-2858
- Website: philadelphiaballetschool.com
- Founded by Christopher Fleming, former NYCB dancer
- Official school of BalletFleming Dance Company
Classes and Programs
The school offers programming for the full range of ballet students. In addition to scheduled group classes, private lessons and coaching are available. Open ballet classes run seven days a week, giving students flexibility to train around work or school schedules.
- Group classes (all ages and levels)
- Private lessons
- Coaching
- Open ballet classes — 7 days a week
- Children's classes starting at age 3
Pre-Professional Trainee Program
A standout offering is the trainee program designed for serious-minded students who want to go pro. This pathway feeds directly into BalletFleming Dance Company performances, giving advanced dancers real stage experience alongside professional company members.
- Intensive training track
- Performance opportunities with BalletFleming
- Designed for students pursuing professional dance careers
BalletFleming Dance Company
Philadelphia Ballet School recently launched BalletFleming, described as Philadelphia's newest ballet company. BalletFleming provides performances, teaching, outreach, and community engagement across the Philadelphia region. Students at the school have the opportunity to eventually join the company. BalletFleming has also mounted works outside Philadelphia, including 'Gaspar – A Pirate Fantasy' at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts in Tampa, with proceeds supporting local non-profits.
- Founded by Christopher Fleming
- Based in Philadelphia at Philadelphia Ballet School
- Provides performances, teaching, outreach, and community engagement
- Has performed 'Gaspar – A Pirate Fantasy' at Tampa's Straz Center
Faculty and Leadership
The school is led by Christopher Fleming, whose professional background as a former New York City Ballet dancer shapes the studio's classical approach. Faculty listings referenced on professional networks include teaching specialists affiliated with the school. Ballet training at the studio emphasizes technique, artistry, and a clear connection between classroom work and stage performance.
- Artistic Director / Founder: Christopher Fleming (former NYCB dancer)
- Teaching faculty with professional dance backgrounds
Community Engagement
Beyond its core classes, the school has been involved in community programming in Philadelphia, including free yoga sessions offered in Rittenhouse Square. BalletFleming's outreach activities and benefit performances (such as the Tampa production supporting the American Red Cross, Operation Homefront, and Drew's Shoes) reflect a broader commitment to community impact.
- Free community yoga in Rittenhouse Square
- BalletFleming benefit performances supporting non-profits
- Outreach programming in the Philadelphia community
Recognition
Philadelphia Ballet School has been listed among the top ballet studios in the Philadelphia area by CBS News Philadelphia, which highlighted its role as the official school of BalletFleming and its open-class schedule running seven days a week.
- Featured in CBS News Philadelphia's list of top Philadelphia ballet studios