Cathy MerrittWhen my daughter told me she wanted to do ballet, my brain almost short-circuited. I’m easily the most rhythm-challenged person in our bloodline, and I had zero clue where to begin.
Luckily, a family friend pointed me to some Toronto ballet schools where his child, now a soloist, attended. Long story short, I trusted his suggestions, and just this May, my kiddo did her first solo routine!
It can happen to your little one, too (or even you). The trick is finding an institution with ace teachers, solid programs, and first-class equipment—features our picks below all have.
How much do ballet studios in Toronto charge?
In Toronto, ballet studios typically charge between $115 (5-class bundle) and $220 (10-class bundle) for in-person classes. Single-person classes, meanwhile, can range from $25 to $45.
How We Chose the Best Ballet Schools in Toronto
Ontario School of Ballet
Address: 1133 St Clair Ave W
Contact Details: +1 416-656-9568
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Fri – 11 am to 9 pm
- Sat – 9 am to 6:30 pm
- Sun – 9 am to 3 pm
If you know someone who’s into this revered dance form, chances are, they know about the Ontario School of Ballet (OSB). The institution opened in 1979, and from what I’ve gathered, their rep remains stellar.
A commonly raised perk is their strong teacher qualifications; OSB’s instructors are all accredited. For instance, Shannon Whelan, their competitive choreographer, passed her RAD and ADAPT exams and has even appeared in Hairspray, featuring John Travolta!
Personally, I gave them higher marks for keeping class sizes limited. This makes one-on-one guidance more manageable, plus it’s easier to build connections and confidence in a room of fewer than 20 people.
Great syllabus, too. I’d even say it’s one of the most holistic here, as it targets three crucial facets of ballet: musicality, grace, and core strength.
The catch? Slots can run out fast. It also wouldn’t hurt if they add ballet classes specifically for adults.
All of the Instructors and Staff Are Amazing
Our daughter has been going to the Ontario School of Ballet since the age of 3. She started off with ballet and continued to do jazz and tap, she loves it. She is now 7 and is still attending. All of the instructors and staff are amazing!!! 🤩 Professional, friendly and care so much about their students. We wouldn’t recommend anywhere else. Ontario School of Ballet 🩰 rocks!!
-Mar AL, Google Review
Miss Jenna Has Done Wonders
I can’t say enough about how great our experience has been with OSB. My two year old started with them a couple sessions ago and it was her first time being on her own in a class like that. The staff was so kind and accommodating about helping her, and within a couple weeks she was running happily into class each week on her own. Miss Jenna has done wonders for her confidence and her love of movement and dance. Would highly recommend for little ones!
-Erin Knoll, Google Review
T&Y Ballet Studio
Address: Our Lady of Perpetual Help, 76 Clifton Rd
Contact Details: +1 437-329-2816
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Tue – 4 pm to 9 pm
- Wed – 10 am to 9 pm
- Thu – 3:30 pm to 9 pm
- Fri – 3 pm to 9 pm
- Sat – 9:30 am to 4 pm
T&Y Ballet Studio’s faculty has some serious calibre. Sabina Yapparova, for example, earned an honours degree at the prestigious Rudolf Nureyev Bashkir Ballet, performed in 10+ countries, and has been the Mikhailovsky Theatre’s soloist since 2007.
Then there’s Konstantin Tkachuk, a National Ballet of Canada dancer who won numerous international awards. He even took on leading roles in The Sleeping Beauty and Swan Lake.
Moreover, they have comprehensive, age-appropriate programs, starting with classes for toddlers and progressing to professional levels. That’s a notable feature for those who want to turn their passion into a profession.
Classes are limited in size as well, so personalized training is almost a given. What’s more, you can book a private session, which, as per clients, is extremely helpful for dancers looking to audition or compete.
However, T&Y is closed on Sundays. Parents aren’t allowed to watch studio sessions either, which may be a hiccup to some.
Very Positive and Welcoming Atmosphere
I’ve had a great experience taking ballet lessons at T&Y studio as an adult beginner. I can already see improvement in my posture and flexibility in my day to day! Sabina is an excellent teacher that creates a very positive and welcoming atmosphere in class while also challenging and encouraging students do their very best. It is truly a great place to be part of the wonderful world of ballet. If you are thinking about taking ballet lessons, I highly recommend T&Y Ballet studio, you will not be disappointed!
-Isabel Ruiz, Google Review
The Adult Class Was an Absolute Dream
I’ve been searching for a ballet class that would make me feel both challenged and cared for — and I finally found it at T&Y Ballet Studio. The adult class was an absolute dream: beautifully structured, elegant, and full of warmth. Sabina and Kostya are not only incredibly skilled professionals, but also the kindest, most genuine people. You can feel how much they love what they do, and that energy fills the entire studio. I walked out of the class feeling strong, graceful, and so happy. Can’t wait to come back!
-Елена Лотник, Google Review
Canada’s National Ballet School
Address: 400 Jarvis St
Contact Details: +1 416-964-3780
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 hours
With a legacy that started in 1951, Canada’s National Ballet School’s longevity can’t be disregarded. The same thing can be said of their staff, as most instructors here bring international performance and teaching experience.
Class-wise, we gave them bonus scores for offering custom group sessions. What sets it apart is how it balances accessibility with professional instruction, making it a go-to for recreational learners.
Now, we’re not saying they’re only for novices. Masterclasses for advanced learners, regardless of age, are also available here.
As for downsides, one issue almost every client mentioned is the lack of parking spaces.
The studio can also get hot, especially in spring, so their ‘facility score’ had to be deducted a few points.
Nevertheless, they remain one of the most ideal ballet studios in Toronto, thanks in part to their reasonable rates and unique offerings, mainly classes that combine ballet and modern dance.
My Daughter Had a Lot of Fun
Went there for NBS Block Party – my daughter had a lot of fun!
-Madhur, Google Review
Staff Are Very Friendly
This is one of my favourite places ever. It is very professional, and all the teachers and staff are very friendly and helpful.
-Avril Y., Google Review
Bayview School of Ballet Inc.
Address: 148 Willowdale Ave, North York
Contact Details: +1 416-222-5111
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Fri – 4 pm to 9 pm
- Sat – 10 am to 5 pm
- Sun – 10 am to 1 pm
Bayview School of Ballet is an established name in the industry. Their faculty ticks the right boxes; most of their instructors were educated overseas, with some even bagging national and international titles.
That said, their rates are slightly above average.
On the upside, they have classes not offered by competitors, namely the two-year Teaching Training Program, a theoretical and practical course. This is beneficial for advanced learners dreaming of working in the field of dance instruction.
An alternative path is enrolling in the Vaganova Syllabus. Training here is intense, tailored, and highly technical, which is why it’s often viewed as a pre-professional pipeline.
The sweet part is they’re not only for soon-to-be pros. In fact, my daughter attended recreational classes here, and she enjoyed the low-pressure environment.
If there’s a true weak spot, it has to be their slow response to emails and texts.
Remarkable Institution
For over 12 years, my family—myself, my daughter, and my granddaughter—have been part of the Bayview School of Ballet community, and we couldn’t be happier with our experience. This school is truly exceptional. Despite being over 50, I thoroughly enjoy attending the adult ballet classes. My daughter also participates in the adult classes, and she’s loving the Intermediate/Advanced Ballet classes, as well as her new journey with beginner pointe this year. As for my granddaughter, this is her first year of ballet at 3 ½ years old, and she absolutely loves it. Every time she comes home from class, she’s twirling, singing, and just beaming with joy. It’s clear that the school fosters a love for dance from a young age, and we’re so grateful to be part of this community. Bayview School of Ballet is a remarkable institution, catering to everyone from 3 years old to 83 years old! It’s, without a doubt, the best ballet school in Toronto, and I highly recommend it to anyone.
-Chantal Reeves, Google Review
Wonderful Dancing
It is a wonderful organization, very supportive of the community around them, on top of all wonderful dancing!
-Anca Barbuc, Google Review
Dance Kids Toronto
Address: 108 Spenvalley Dr
Contact Details: +1 416-880-6521
Operating Hours:
- Mon – 9:30 am to 5 pm
- Tue to Thu – 9:30 am to 7:15 pm
- Fri to Sun – 9:30 am to 5 pm
Dance Kids Toronto is an excellent choice for parents seeking a non-competitive school. Programs here are designed for kiddies ages 3 to 11, so character-building and enjoyment are more prioritized than rigorous training.
Naturally, that approach comes with drawbacks: the age range is limited, and it’s not meant for advanced or competitive learners.
If that’s not a concern, you’d probably love their open-class setup. Unlike traditional studios, parents and guardians can watch every session here instead of waiting until recital day.
Take-home and online materials are provided, too, which means you can practice or bond with your little one.
The brief, manageable class times are also a win in our book. Lessons just run for 30 minutes, and if you have kids, you’d know how short their attention span is.
On top of that, there’s a 14-day money-back guarantee, which is something most ballet schools don’t offer.
My Daughter Has Gained Confidence
Dance kids is an amazing experience! My daughter has gained confidence, made new friends and learned new skills throughout the years we have been going!! I would recommend Dance Kids Canada to anyone for their child whether it be Ballet 🩰 or Hip Hop… Terrific!! Looking forward to this year already!
-Trish Hall, Google Review
Fun and Adorable
Dance kids is really fun and affordable. Miss Amanda gave my three siblings, Leal Sousa family, the chance to dance and be happy.
-Catarina Leal Sousa, Google Review
