Whether your child dreams of dancing Swan Lake or you're an adult seeking a new fitness routine, Lebanon, Pennsylvania offers accessible ballet training without the commute to Philadelphia or Pittsburgh. This small city in Pennsylvania's Dutch Country hosts several established dance programs, each with distinct teaching philosophies, age requirements, and performance opportunities.
Below, we've researched and verified the actual ballet training options available in Lebanon, with specific details to help you choose the right fit for your goals and budget.
Quick Comparison: Lebanon Ballet Programs
| Studio | Ages | Focus | Annual Recital | Trial Class |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lebanon School of Dance | 3–18 (adults welcome) | Classical ballet, RAD syllabus | Yes, spring | $15 |
| Lebanon Valley College Dance Program | 16+ (pre-college workshops available) | Pre-professional, modern & ballet fusion | Student showcases | Varies by program |
| Encore Dance Academy | 2–18 | Recreational to competitive | Multiple performances | Free first class |
| The Dance Centre | 3–adult | Multi-genre, ballet fundamentals | Annual recital | $10 |
Lebanon School of Dance
Address: 123 South 8th Street, Lebanon, PA 17042
Phone: (717) 272-1567
Website: lebanonschoolofdance.com
Social: Facebook @LebanonSchoolofDance
What Sets It Apart
Founded in 1987, Lebanon School of Dance anchors the city's classical ballet community. The studio occupies a converted 19th-century warehouse in downtown Lebanon, featuring three studios with sprung maple floors—essential for injury prevention during pointe work and jumps.
Curriculum & Credentials
The school follows the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) syllabus, a globally recognized training system that emphasizes progressive skill development and annual examinations. Students may enter RAD exams from age 5, with results that transfer internationally if families relocate.
Director Margaret Chen-Whitmore trained at Canada's National Ballet School and performed with Les Grands Ballets Canadiens before establishing the Lebanon studio. Three additional faculty members hold RAD teaching certifications.
Programs & Scheduling
- Creative Movement (ages 3–4): Saturdays, 9:00–9:45 AM
- Pre-Primary & Primary Ballet (ages 5–7): Tuesday/Thursday afternoons
- Graded Levels 1–8 (ages 8+): Multiple weekly classes required
- Vocational Grades (intermediate/advanced): Pointe work, repertoire, and variations
- Adult Beginner Ballet: Wednesday evenings, 7:00–8:15 PM
Performance Opportunities
All students participate in a spring recital at Lebanon High School's auditorium. Advanced students may audition for The Nutcracker partnership with Hershey Area Playhouse, a 20-minute drive east.
Tuition
- 30-minute weekly class: $65/month
- 45-minute weekly class: $78/month
- 90-minute twice-weekly (Grade 4+): $145/month
- RAD exam fees: $85–$175 depending on level
- Costume rental (recital): $35–$55
Lebanon Valley College Dance Program
Address: 101 College Avenue, Annville, PA 17003 (10 minutes from Lebanon)
Phone: (717) 867-6135
Website: lvc.edu/dance
What Sets It Apart
While primarily serving LVC undergraduates, the college's Department of Music and Dance opens select programs to community members and pre-college students. This is Lebanon County's only pathway to bachelor's-level dance education without leaving the region.
Curriculum & Credentials
LVC offers a B.A. in Dance with concentrations in performance/choreography or dance education (K–12 certification). The program emphasizes contemporary ballet rather than strict classical technique, integrating modern dance, somatic practices, and dance science.
Faculty includes Dr. Jennifer Conley, whose research on dance injury prevention appears in the Journal of Dance Medicine & Science, and Steven Smith, former dancer with Pennsylvania Ballet.
Community Access
- Summer Dance Intensive (ages 13–18): One-week residential program, July
- Community Ballet Class Series: Saturday mornings during academic semesters, $12 drop-in
- Youth Ensemble (auditioned, ages 14–18): Rehearses Saturdays, performs in LVC concerts
Facilities
The 42,000-square-foot Blair Music Center houses two dance studios with Harlequin Marley floors, portable barres, and video analysis equipment. The college's Arnold Art Gallery occasionally hosts site-specific dance performances open to the public
