Academic Programs

The pursuit of excellence in the company of friends.

Creative Movement

For 3 and 4 year olds (combined), 5 year olds, 6 year olds

Our primary goals for young dancers are enjoyment and discovery. Elementary classical ballet concepts are combined with modern dance to introduce dance as a means of expression. The curriculum gradually expands with more complicated modern and improvisational exercises, folk dances and pre-ballet study, laying a foundation for the creative, cognitive, and athletic demands of classical dance training.

Youth Division

Beginning Ballet: Levels 1, 2, 2X

Formal classical ballet training begins in these introductory levels. In this curriculum, particular attention is given to postural
alignment and the child’s developing anatomy. Proper technique and musicality are emphasized, while still allowing time for natural movement and self-expression. As the
student progresses, additional weekly classes are added to further develop muscle memory, coordination, balance and strength.

Intermediate Ballet: Levels 3, 3X, 4

Three or more weekly classes are required as technical skills increase and more vocabulary is introduced. Strength and stamina are the focus. Preparation for pointe work, beginning pointe work and introductory partnering are introduced at this point in the curriculum. Students are encouraged to expand their studies through additional classes in modern and jazz, our Winter Workshop classes, The Bridge master class series, and Summer Intensive programs. Students in levels 4x and above are eligible to audition for Metropolitan Ballet Company, Metropolitan’s affiliated Performing Company.

Pre-Professional Division

Advanced Ballet: Levels 4X, 5 & Advanced

A minimum of four weekly classes is required for students in the pre-professional division. Girls and boys who wish to pursue a career in dance should attend technique classes daily. Longer and more difficult choreographic combinations are introduced as students strive for both athletic and artistic development. Repertoire, variations, men’s class, partnering and modern dance are provided for this level. Participation in all of our enrichment programs, including Winter Workshop, The Bridge master class series, Summer Intensive and Metropolitan Ballet Company is encouraged and provides students with specialized coaching, guest choreographers and teachers, and additional performing opportunities.

Check out some rehearsal footage from our Company’s performance of Maleek Washington’s When It Rains, It Pours, from our 2023 Variations/Collaborations performance!

Boys’ Scholarship Program
Ages 7-18

The Boys’ Scholarship Program provides tuition-free dance training in all-male classes designed to enhance athletic skills, motor intelligence, balance, flexibility and strength. Approximately 55 boys ages 7-18 enroll each year to study beginning, intermediate, advanced ballet and partnering with distinguished male dancers who serve as teachers and role models, while addressing boys’ unique movement and learning styles.

Metropolitan’s Boys’ Scholarship Program faculty includes Bolshoi-trained Denis Gronostayskiy and Sergey Pupyrev, a former principal dancer with the Russian State Ballet in Moscow. Boys in the Scholarship Program also enjoy classes taught by guest artists in modern, jazz and character dance, and diverse performing opportunities with Metropolitan Ballet Company, the pre-professional performing company affiliated with Metropolitan Ballet Academy. Students are accepted by audition. No prior dance experience is required.

The Program was created by Metropolitan Ballet founder and Artistic Director Lisa Collins Vidnovic in 1999 as a way to make ballet accessible to boys in the greater Philadelphia region. Over 250 boys have participated in the Program to date, and several Program alumni have successfully pursued professional careers in dance, earning summer scholarships to regional intensive ballet programs and performing with companies nationwide. Whether boys are bound for a career in dance, musical theater, figure skating, gymnastics or team sports, all enjoy the opportunity to study dance in an all-male atmosphere from truly great teachers.

Adult Classes

Morning and evening classes in classical ballet for adult dancers of all levels. Class encompasses a full barre and range of center exercises designed to get you moving and improve your fitness, focus, and flexibility! All are welcome.