Robert Joffrey and Gerald Arpino founded the Joffrey Ballet School in 1953. The school continues to strive for its founders' vision by deconstructing dance to allow dancers the ability to perfect their technique and form so it flows naturally and passionately from within. Joffrey Ballet School cultivates the individual artist within you.
In-Person auditions are your opportunity to be considered for the year-round Joffrey Ballet School Trainee Programs and the Bachelor of Fine Arts Program, in association with New Jersey City University. Experience a day with our Artistic Directors, to be considered for acceptance and potential merit-based scholarships.
In-Person auditions are your opportunity to be considered for the year-round Joffrey Ballet School Trainee Programs and the Bachelor of Fine Arts Program, in association with New Jersey City University. Experience a day with our Artistic Directors, to be considered for acceptance and potential merit-based scholarships.
Services
The school continues to strive for its founders' vision by deconstructing dance to allow dancers the ability to perfect their technique and form so it flows naturally and passionately from within. Joffrey Ballet School cultivates the individual artist within you.
The mission of the Joffrey Ballet School is to transform passionate dance students into versatile, individualistic artists able to collaborate and evolve fluidly in a fast-changing society.Robert Joffrey and Gerald Arpino founded the Joffrey Ballet School in 1953. We cultivate the individual artist within you.
The mission of the Joffrey Ballet School is to transform passionate dance students into versatile, individualistic artists able to collaborate and evolve fluidly in a fast-changing society.Robert Joffrey and Gerald Arpino founded the Joffrey Ballet School in 1953. We cultivate the individual artist within you.
The Joffrey Ballet School, 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 intensive training that is imbued with a sense of movement, clarity, and exuberant energy.
We make dance fun while learning. Classes rooted in the foundation of ballet begin at age 2 and build to age 7. The curriculum was created to encourage age appropriate creativity, musicality, and physicality. Your child will dance and have fun with an emphasis on the foundations of ballet. Dancers will be brought through creative movement and basic ballet steps and more!
The Joffrey Ballet School Trainee Program provides artists ages 13 - 25, a solid foundation for a career in dance. The program is divided between High School students and those who have graduated. Several of our Joffrey Ballet School success stories share the same plot. These featured dancers began their journeys as our summer intensive students, who were then selected to join us for our year-round Trainee Program.
Students can now earn credit for their dance courses taken at Joffrey Ballet School! Credits earned will be transferred towards a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from New Jersey City University (NJCU) in our exciting new partnership. Dancers can receive the exceptional training that the Joffrey Ballet School is known for and at the same time work towards a college degree.
Reviews (28)
Paula Gutierrez
Aug 07, 2021
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My kid went here for the 2021 summer intensive it was definetly a good place for dancing but defintely not all the training. If you go here before you have some technique you'll definelty be left behind and the teachers won't correct you, but my child did enjoy the classes. Ignoring that problem would definetly go again some time.
Eleonora Berger
Jul 20, 2021
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I wrote a review before, then I deleted it hoping I will change my mind, but unfortunately it is even worse than before. My daughter got “into” the summer intensive for 2020, of course with corona there was only the virtual option in which I do not believe. I tried getting a refund to which I received rude replies. I did a charge back and it didn’t happen. I was made to pay another registration fee yet again with rude tones and replies in every email. I registered for 3 weeks specifically to be part of the performance. The clarity of which weeks are mandatory to participate in in order to
Sophie Schwenger
Jan 20, 2021
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I love this place! I am in the Youth Ballet program and it feels like my second home. The teachers are very nice and professional and I have the best ballet classes in my life! I love learning new ballet steps. Not only that, but I get the opportunity to perform twice a year (Nutcracker in the fall/winter and the Spring Performance) and to participate in the Summer Intensive and perform at the end of the Intensive as well. I would highly recommend this amazing ballet school to anyone who wants to take ballet classes.
Adding on to the review from a year ago, the teachers are doing a fantastic job
Adding on to the review from a year ago, the teachers are doing a fantastic job
Sophie S.
Nov 15, 2020
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Joffrey is an awesome place to go if you are looking for high-quality ballet classes. I am currently in the Youth Ballet program (I take class 3 days a week) and I really enjoy the progressive and fun learning environment that Joffrey offers. It really motivates me to work on my technique and increase my artistry. Not only do they offer great classes, they organize amazing performances. You get to perform twice a year, and if you're in the summer intensive, you get to dance in the final performance. They're even doing a special Nutcracker performance during COVID, which I think is really
Andrea H.
Jul 08, 2020
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Just like many other parents, I cannot recommend signing up for any Summer Intensive because they will not refund any monies even if they don't deliver the goods. I understand that they said that there are no refunds. Period. BUT, that was before the pandemic. ALL other ballet schools offered a choice, not Joffrey. I complained with the BBB of NY State but they claim they offer online classes instead. I did not sign up for online classes - if I buy one good, you cannot just replace it with another good to satisfy your needs. The response times have been horrible as well, if they respond at
C. D.
Jul 03, 2020
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Not refunding $1800 for a summer intensive, room and board they can no longer provide due to a pandemic is beyond disgusting. Offering credit for an intensive next summer that they can't guarantee will happen is unacceptable. I think parents that they stole this money from should get together and get a lawyer involved.
Lacy H.
Jun 25, 2020
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We were beyond excited to send my daughter to NY this year for the Joffrey summer ballet intensive. Due to COVID, Joffrey Ballet has moved its summer program to a virtual learning platform. This is not the same as the in-person summer intensive. They are giving three options, change to a different location(because COVID isn't rampant in other communities???), post-pone until next summer (while keeping all of our tuition, housing fees, and registration fees), or Join the virtual learning option for the same cost as the original in-person program. I have contacted them via email several times
Pam B.
Jun 23, 2020
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I've been struggling to communicate with them. They often take weeks to respond. Most of the responses are curt border lining on rude. I've filed with the BBB and the NY Attorney General's office, the 2nd got a brief response stating I'd get a partial refund, well sort of, that was 3 weeks ago. They're still not responding again. And no refund to speak of yet. Just getting ignored.
Debra K.
Jun 11, 2020
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Stay away from Joffrey Ballet School!! Signed my daughter up for summer intensive. Due to coronavirus they have moved all the classes to zoom. That format does not work for us and they are refusing to give a refund! This is a very poorly run organization and they should be ashamed of themselves. I posted on Instagram and they deleted my post and blocked me. I will continue getting the word out on every social media format until my money is refunded. I will be disputing credit card payments, contacting the BBB as well as taking legal action if needed.
Daniyal A.
Jun 10, 2020
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Joffery is still stating they are not refunding my money on our private email thread. However on my public BBB complaint they are claiming to be refunding housing and meals and credit for classes. I have not been even offered any refund at all in anyway. I tried to give the benefit of the doubt that perhaps one hand was not talking to the other and informed the staff taking care of my email what the BBB reply was. I received a prompt email stating they are not issuing a refund. They are becoming more and more dishonest by the day. I will not change my review until they have done the right thing
Ellie R.
Jun 02, 2020
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I enrolled my daughter to their summer intensive and as they moved all their classes virtually I ask for a refund because I did not enrolled my daughter in a virtually summer intensive . I email them them asking to refund my money and they refuse to do so . I did a chargeback and report them to consumers affairs . Joffrey ballet school Claim to be a world class international school ..lol for me they are a world class thieves . If you cannot deliver a service people signed in for, the right thing to do is to refund your customers their money back , not steal it....... STAY AWAY FROM JOFFREY thief
Christie C.
May 27, 2020
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Stay Clear of Joffrey Ballet School. We paid 3k dollars for a New York Theater Intensive. It was canceled and moved to zoom. And they are refusing to refund any money. Multiple emails are returned with form letters. Phones are not returned.
They fully intend on committing fraud and keeping everyone's money.
Parents need to dispute the charges on their credit cards because this is completely unacceptable.
They fully intend on committing fraud and keeping everyone's money.
Parents need to dispute the charges on their credit cards because this is completely unacceptable.
Jennifer W.
May 18, 2020
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Ross C.
May 02, 2020
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What is happening with the June summer intensive in NY? You appear to think it's acceptable to make the classes online now instead of in person and not offer refunds. It is totally unprofessional and down right greedy to not fully refund the payments. My daughter was excited and I pre-paid for 2 weeks in June in NYC. You can't possibly say online is the same. If it is the same, what does it say about the class in person? This is unethical. This isn't a case of giving us (the parents) a credit for next year as it's a different situation. How can you plan that far ahead. It&apos
Michele S.
Feb 26, 2020
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My daughter attended 2 years here in the professional program. I have to be truthful , she suffered bullying by some of the student body . The teachers there did nothing when my daughter expressed this to them. Which caused my daughter to become depressed. Not comforting. My daughter also witnessed other girls being recipients of bullying. After learning the truth , that the school was trying to cover up , I withdrew my daughter. I have to say if it weren't for the favoritism there I believe this school might have potential. Also not much preparation in helping audition prep or fairness
Ashley H.
Jan 28, 2020
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I have 15 years of ballet experience, but have not taken a class in about 10 years. I signed up for the Beginner Ballet class, as the Absolute Beginner Ballet class states that it is for people who have no prior dance experience. The class was not at all for beginners. We jumped right into barre combinations and the instructor went over the combinations 1 or 2 times before we had to do them on our own. Just a heads up to others that are looking to take ballet class, the Beginner Ballet Class has expectations of ballet terminology and quick combo pick up. It does not touch on any of the basics or
Mary Jo Bell
Dec 17, 2019
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Excellent ballet school in NYC.
The teachers are top notch and my daughter really enjoyed her summer intensive.
The customer service was terrific. Communication between the parent and school was efficient and answered quicly. Nancy Cole was very helpful in the enrollment process.
I am very happy my daughter has been able to train at the Joffrey Ballet School.
The teachers are top notch and my daughter really enjoyed her summer intensive.
The customer service was terrific. Communication between the parent and school was efficient and answered quicly. Nancy Cole was very helpful in the enrollment process.
I am very happy my daughter has been able to train at the Joffrey Ballet School.
Ines Sun
Dec 03, 2019
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We signed up for summer musical theater intensive in 2019, which there was no audition process, no definition on the dance skill required. We have to sign long document on return policy online form so there was no way you could get refunded. My daughter, a NYC performing high school student, had all hope to learn but felt defeated. The class was unsuitable for her dance level. After watching week end performance, then it was clear that they were using Joffrey Ballet as a brand, which the ballet school was a separate identity, and NYC experience as a draw to get students from other states and and
La R.
Sep 02, 2019
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My daughter has been a student of Joffrey Ballet School for three years and she loves it! The teachers, especially Miss Jazmine and Miss Hayley, are caring and encouraging -- my daughter is learning to be not just a great dancer, but a strong, confident girl.
Young dancers are given the opportunity to take the stage with the older students and members of the dance company for the annual performances of The Nutcracker and Alice in Wonderland. The experience of learning to perform is invaluable.
If I had any complaints at all, it's that the performances are held all the way out in Queens
Young dancers are given the opportunity to take the stage with the older students and members of the dance company for the annual performances of The Nutcracker and Alice in Wonderland. The experience of learning to perform is invaluable.
If I had any complaints at all, it's that the performances are held all the way out in Queens
Theresa D.
Jul 16, 2019
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Dawn L.
Jul 01, 2019
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All I can say is stay clear. My daughter was accepted to a few we decided on contemporary ballet in San Francisco. Had 2000cdn . We went for the physical that is required and found out my daughter is quite ill and drs wouldn't sign forms . Contacted Joffrey said they would only give us 40percent back . It's ridiculous they require a medical to attend and she didn't pass also the fact that she is desperately ill and they won't refund money is appalling g to say the least they say cause they would be out money well they were told3mths before start and coincidently program was
R. C.
Feb 09, 2019
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I've been attending adult beginner classes at Joffrey for about a year, and highly recommend the school. Yes, the building is old, but it's friendlier than other studios.
Stephanie Godino and Gisela Quinteros are my favorite teachers. Stephanie has a wonderful dry sense of humor and makes the class fun. Gisela is so graceful and clearly cares about her students. She's a bit soft spoken though, so I try to stand near the front of the class to make sure I can hear her. Sidney Lowenthal is more traditional and no-nonsense. You'll get exactly the same class every time. Desiree
Stephanie Godino and Gisela Quinteros are my favorite teachers. Stephanie has a wonderful dry sense of humor and makes the class fun. Gisela is so graceful and clearly cares about her students. She's a bit soft spoken though, so I try to stand near the front of the class to make sure I can hear her. Sidney Lowenthal is more traditional and no-nonsense. You'll get exactly the same class every time. Desiree
Sakura N.
Jan 10, 2019
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I may be biased because I used to train here as a child, but I think Joffrey is the best studio in the city! There is always a live pianist, and the instructors are all very professional. Stephanie and Desiree are my favorites. Other students are also friendlier than those at Steps or Peridance. I only wish they offered open classes during the day, as well!
Gail Daddario
Nov 05, 2018
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I have sent my children there for four years in a row from NYC, to LA and San Francisco. Each time their dancing has improved dramatically. My kids were provided with superb teachers and there performance opportunities could not be better. They encouraged passion for dance and really made a huge difference in my kids work ethic. Thank you Joffrey and I will be sending my kids back again and again. Also, they made life long friends from all over the world.
Aden D.
Jul 06, 2018
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I have two little girl that have each been dancing for more than three years. They attended a Joffrey audition and were each given a 50% scholarship. It was amazing. They could not have been more thrilled. One of my girls does hip hop and the other does classical ballet. They could not be more different in their love of dance. Joffrey has tons of summer dance choices and each girl loved their teachers and were inspired by their experiences. The teachers really took the time to know my girls and help them grow as dancers. My girls loved this and talk about their dance experience all of the time
Joseph Anthony
Jun 27, 2018
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Hello all,
My son Caleb attended your summer of hip-hop program this past summer and we were absolutely blown away by the professionalism and skill level of your choreographers. We were impressed with all of the staff for the Summer of Hip-Hop program. From day one my son felt welcomed into the Joffrey program. He had the opportunity this summer to connect with professionals in the industry he continues to work on projects with as well as fellow dancers he has developed long term friendships with.
The Joffrey summer programs provide not only a great dance education but tools and resources these
My son Caleb attended your summer of hip-hop program this past summer and we were absolutely blown away by the professionalism and skill level of your choreographers. We were impressed with all of the staff for the Summer of Hip-Hop program. From day one my son felt welcomed into the Joffrey program. He had the opportunity this summer to connect with professionals in the industry he continues to work on projects with as well as fellow dancers he has developed long term friendships with.
The Joffrey summer programs provide not only a great dance education but tools and resources these
Amy D.
Oct 20, 2017
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I've been coming to Joffrey for a few months now, and have loved my time here. Joffrey has provided a wonderful environment for me to learn ballet as an adult and Friday class is something I look forward to every week. All of the instructors give really helpful corrections and I feel that the class emphasizes technical learning in addition to fun in class.
Background: I was a total beginner when I started. Apart from a year of ballet when I was five and later a year of lyrical around age eight, I've never danced. Day one of class, all I knew were the 5 basic foot positions of ballet
Background: I was a total beginner when I started. Apart from a year of ballet when I was five and later a year of lyrical around age eight, I've never danced. Day one of class, all I knew were the 5 basic foot positions of ballet
Ava Davis
Nov 28, 2013
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My Daughter has been going to Joffrey for 3 years now. She absolutely loves it. The teachers are amazing and teach in a way that truly brings out the best in her. Since she has started there, her grades and overall attitude has improved. You can see she wants to do well. I recommend any parent to enroll their child. It is a great experience for them.
