Founded in 1934, the School of American Ballet is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious ballet schools in the world. As the official school of New York City Ballet, it emphasizes the technical style and teaching philosophies of founder George Balanchine. The school admits 350 boys and girls to train at the school during the academic year, with an additional 200 students in attendance during the five week summer course. Many intermediate and advanced students from around the world relocate to New York City for the opportunity to train at the school and pursue careers in classical ballet.
One of the major dance training centers on the West Coast, Edge Performing Arts Center in Hollywood offers programs and classes for a wide range of ability levels and interests. If you are over the age of 14, you can take casual appropriate level classes in jazz, ballet, hip-hop, tap and contemporary in the school's open program. Beginners often enroll in the immersion program -- a structured introduction to a single style or multiple styles of dance. More advanced students can apply for the conservatory or professional program for intensive training designed to equip students to pursue careers in commercial dance.
Chicago's Lou Conte Dance Studio offers more than 70 dance and fitness classes weekly. The school invites students of all levels and ages to take classes in ballet, jazz, modern, African, and Pilates, among other styles. Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, a contemporary dance company, makes its home in the Lou Conte Dance Studio's state-of-the-art facility. The space includes five separate dance studios, sprung floors, high quality audio systems and two stage-sized dance floors. The school also offers a youth and family program designed to educate young children in the basics of dance and music.
The official school of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, The Ailey School operates several dance education programs. The Ailey Extension offers open dance and fitness classes for adults of all levels. The Professional Division allows professional level students to take open intensive courses in ballet, modern, African and jazz dance. Young students can enroll in the Junior Division to master the fundamentals of dance technique. Older advanced students may audition for the Certificate, Independent Study and Fellowship programs -- structured tracks designed to prepare students for careers in modern dance. The Ailey School also partners with Fordham University to offer a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance degree program.
Co-founded in New York City by Fred Astaire in 1947, Fred Astaire Dance Studios now has franchises located throughout the United States. Every studio offers ballroom dance classes for absolute beginners through aspiring professionals. In addition to learning the patterns and styles of smooth and rhythm dances in group classes, students can take advantage of regularly scheduled private lessons. New dance skills can be perfected during practice lessons, where students dance with multiple partners and the instructor can assess progress.