10 Best Ballet Schools in the World

If you’re serious about pursuing ballet, choosing the right school is a crucial step in your journey. Whether you dream of performing on world-renowned stages or simply want to master the art of dance, the best ballet schools in the world offer top-tier training, expert instructors, and unparalleled opportunities to grow as a dancer.

In this blog, we’re going to explore some of the most prestigious ballet schools across the globe, where talent meets tradition and passion transforms into performance.

• What Are the Top 10 Best Ballet Schools in the World?
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

What Are the Top 10 Best Ballet Schools in the World?

Curious about the most prestigious ballet schools globally? In this section, we’ll highlight the top 10 best ballet schools in the world, where aspiring dancers receive elite training and unforgettable opportunities to grow their craft:

1. The Juilliard School of Dance

Location: New York, USA

The Juilliard School offers a rigorous 4-year undergraduate program leading to a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Dance, encompassing ballet, modern, and contemporary techniques alongside a liberal arts curriculum.

Juilliard dancers have unparalleled opportunities to work with renowned choreographers, performing both classic repertory and new works. In addition to technical training, students immerse themselves in choreography and other facets of dance. The program also emphasizes entrepreneurship, with courses like Essentials of Entrepreneurship, allowing dancers to explore the business side of the arts.

The Juilliard School’s Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Dance program accepts approximately 18-26 students annually. Applicants for Fall 2025 must submit prescreening videos, which, if successful, lead to in-person callback auditions. Eligibility requirements include:

• A high school diploma
• At least three years of ballet and modern or contemporary dance training
• Current training of 10 hours per week
• Being 17 years old by enrollment

While there are no specific GPA, standardized test score, or coursework requirements, Juilliard evaluates applicants’ academic records and essays for scholastic competence.

For the prescreening, applicants must submit videos that demonstrate a solo performance, ballet and modern technique, and improvisation, following the provided guidelines. The audition itself includes ballet and modern technique classes, coaching, solo performance, and an interview, with no elaborate costumes or props allowed.

Additionally, the BCJ Program offers cross-registration with Barnard College and Columbia University for liberal arts courses.

2. Canada’s National Ballet School 

Location: Toronto, Canada

Canada’s National Ballet School (NBS) has been a global leader in ballet training for over 60 years, providing a progressive curriculum that is both innovative and inclusive. As one of the best ballet schools in the world, NBS offers a holistic education that supports aspiring professional dancers and those discovering the joy of dance at any age.

The school’s programs are designed to meet the needs of future ballet artists by emphasizing creativity, transparency, and a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

The audition process for NBS includes two stages:

• Stage One involves an in-person or video audition.
• Stage Two includes a Summer School for students entering grades 6-8, and a 1-week audition experience for students entering grades 9-12 or the Company Life Program.

Successful candidates may join NBS’s Professional Ballet Program, Company Life Program, or other specialized programs for the 2025/26 school year.

3. San Francisco Ballet School

Location: California, USA

San Francisco Ballet School is renowned as one of the best ballet schools in the world, offering a challenging curriculum led by faculty from San Francisco Ballet and prestigious companies globally. The School’s close ties with the company are integral, with nearly 70% of SF Ballet’s dancers trained at SF Ballet School.

The curriculum emphasizes strong classical technique, movement flow, and athleticism, with a style that adapts to any choreographer’s demands, reflecting the energy and freedom that define SF Ballet’s performances.

Under the leadership of Director Grace Holmes and Artistic Director Tamara Rojo, SF Ballet School has a dual mission: to develop professional classical ballet dancers who can join SF Ballet and other renowned companies, and to introduce ballet to young children and adults in the Bay Area. Programs include:

• Pre-Ballet (offers classes to students 2-7 years old)
• Swanson Community Scholarship Program (partners with the SF Unified School District to offer free ballet classes to local elementary students)
• School Year Program (provides year-round training)
• Trainee Program (provides the experience necessary to ease the transition from student to professional dancer)

Students progress through eight levels based on age, experience, and ability, with the curriculum designed to develop technical skills, stamina, and artistry. Each level builds on techniques such as:

• Classical
• Pointe work
• Pas de deux
• Contemporary dance

With over 400 students from around the world, SF Ballet School attracts top talent and is recognized globally for its excellence in training. Faculty members have danced with world-renowned companies like SF Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, New York City Ballet, and the English National Ballet, ensuring students receive top-tier education from experienced professionals.

4. Australian Ballet School

Location: Southbank, Australia

The Australian Ballet School, established in 1964 by Dame Peggy van Praagh, is recognized as one of the best ballet schools in the world, renowned for its commitment to excellence in dance education.

Over six decades, the School has shaped aspiring dancers into professional artists, many of whom have gone on to lead major ballet companies, including The Australian Ballet. The School maintains a strong, independent relationship with The Australian Ballet, while being fully self-governed with its own staff, finances, and Board.

The Australian Ballet School offers full-time and after-school programs, with entry based on auditions. Over 100 students train full-time, with many coming from across Australia and neighboring countries. The School’s Boarding Program provides a supportive environment for out-of-town students, while its community outreach includes classes, early learning programs, holiday intensives, and masterclasses for children of all abilities. Senior students also perform with The Australian Ballet on national tours.

As a Registered Training Organisation, the School offers accredited courses combining intensive studio training and academic studies. Graduates have gone on to become principal artists at The Australian Ballet and performers in leading international companies such as Paris Opera Ballet. The Australian Ballet School is also a member of Arts8, alongside other elite Australian arts institutions like:

• Australian Film, Television and Radio School
• Australian National Academy of Music
• Australian Youth Orchestra
• Flying Fruit Fly Circus
• National Institute of Circus Arts

The School is committed to diversity and welcomes dancers of all cultures and orientations to audition, either in person or online.

5. Joffrey Ballet School

Location: New York, USA

Founded in 1953 by Robert Joffrey and Gerald Arpino, Joffrey Ballet School is one of the best ballet schools in the world, famous for its innovative approach to dance education.

The school offers comprehensive pre-professional training, including its prestigious Trainee Program, which caters to dancers aged 13 to 25. The program offers two tracks: Ballet and Jazz & Contemporary Dance, with classes covering classical ballet (technique, pointe, variations, adagio, men’s classes), contemporary ballet, modern, choreography, hip-hop, Pilates, street jazz, and more.

Special workshops and performance opportunities are integrated throughout the year, and classes feature live musical accompaniment from instruments such as piano, percussion, cello, and African drums.

In addition to its year-round programs, Joffrey Ballet School hosts immersive summer intensives across the United States and abroad. These programs span a wide range of genres like:

• Classical ballet
• Contemporary ballet
• Jazz
• Hip-hop
• Musical theater

These are held in locations including New York City, California, Texas, Florida, Georgia, Colorado, Nevada, Mexico, and Italy. Auditions for these summer intensives are held worldwide, including in Canada, Europe, Japan, and Australia, attracting dancers from across the globe.

6. John Cranko Schule

Location: Stuttgart, Germany

John Cranko Schule, founded in 1971 and named after its visionary founder, is one of the best ballet schools in the world. Established in Stuttgart, Germany, it offers world-class training in classical ballet, directly linked to the renowned Stuttgart Ballet.

The school was a groundbreaking institution, as it was the first in former West Germany to provide comprehensive ballet education from basic training to a professional degree, recognized by a state diploma.

Under the leadership of Tadeusz Matacz since 1999, the John Cranko Schule has become a prestigious institution. The school includes the Ballet School of the State Theatre Stuttgart and the State Ballet Academy, a vocational school offering a two-year program for students with high technical proficiency. The curriculum covers subjects like:

• Classical technique
• Variations
• Repertoire
• Pas de deux
• Contemporary dance
• Dance theory
• Anatomy

Students are given ample performance opportunities with Stuttgart Ballet, gaining valuable stage experience. The school is renowned for its international guest performances in countries such as Russia, Japan, and the USA, and its students have won numerous awards at prestigious ballet competitions.

Admission is based on a rigorous entrance examination, and the education is fully funded, though students must cover living expenses.

John Cranko Schule’s close association with the Stuttgart Ballet and its long history of producing top-tier dancers firmly establishes it as one of the leading ballet schools in the world.

7. School of American Ballet

Location: New York, USA

The School of American Ballet (SAB) selects students aged 6 to 18 who exhibit the potential for high achievement in classical ballet, with the goal of placing graduates in leading dance companies globally. The school emphasizes diversity, welcoming students from all backgrounds, and provides $2 million annually in scholarships and financial aid to ensure equal access for all talented individuals.

SAB’s program curriculum is designed for students of all levels, from beginners to advanced dancers, offering a rich learning experience that teaches ballet technique as well as the discipline and focus necessary for success in all areas of life.

The training spans from basic instruction for young children to highly advanced courses that prepare students for professional ballet careers. The school follows a syllabus influenced by the classical ballet traditions of:

• George Balanchine
• Russian
• English
• Danish

SAB also offers specialized boys-only classes, live piano accompaniment for all classes, and a range of supplementary programming, including performance opportunities, to develop well-rounded dancers.

Students are continuously evaluated, with advancement based on progress and professional potential, making SAB a premier institution dedicated to producing some of the finest ballet dancers in the world.

8. Royal Ballet School

Location: London, England

The Royal Ballet School, one of the best ballet schools in the world, is a leading institution for classical ballet training, renowned globally for producing some of the most talented dancers and choreographers.

Founded in 1926 by Dame Ninette de Valois, the School has significantly contributed to the world’s dance heritage, with alumni including legendary figures like Margot Fonteyn, Kenneth MacMillan, and Darcey Bussell. Today, a new generation of dancers such as Francesca Hayward, Vadim Muntagirov, and Lauren Cuthbertson continue the School’s legacy of excellence.

The Royal Ballet School admits students based solely on talent and potential, regardless of academic ability or background. Approximately 90% of students receive financial support to attend, ensuring equal opportunities for all aspiring dancers.

The School offers a comprehensive education, combining full-time classical ballet training with academic studies, preparing students for professional careers with The Royal Ballet, Birmingham Royal Ballet, and other prestigious companies worldwide.

The curriculum at the Royal Ballet School covers:

• Classical ballet
• Pointe work (introduced in Year 7 and evolved through the years as feet and ankles strengthen)
• Contemporary dance
• Character
• Variations
• Choreography
• Pas de deux (from Year 11 up)
• Pilates
• Strength and body conditioning (from Year 10 up)
• Upper body programme (upper School only)

Students also benefit from additional programs like the Choreographic Programme, Creative Artist Programme, and Healthy Dancer Programme, aimed at nurturing well-rounded artists with a deep appreciation for the art form.

9. Paris Opera Ballet School

Location: Paris, France

The Paris Opera Ballet School, one of the best ballet schools in the world, has built a prestigious reputation since its establishment under the reign of Louis XIV. Known for its exceptional training and world-class faculty, the school offers a multidisciplinary curriculum that includes:

• Classical ballet
• Character dance
• Contemporary
• Folk

These can be taken alongside additional subjects like music, mime, theatre, dance history, anatomy, and physical preparation.

Open to children, the school follows a six-level program and incorporates general education, following the national curriculum from primary school through to the baccalaureate. Even after the age of 16, students must continue their academic studies while training.

Key events in the curriculum include the Défilé of the corps de ballet, Ballet School Demonstrations, and the annual show, all of which are performed on the iconic stage of the Palais Garnier. In some years, tours in France or internationally may also be part of the program.

Students are assessed throughout the year, with grades determining their progression to the next division. Graduates of the first division have priority recruitment to the Paris Opera’s corps de ballet through an internal competition, where those who succeed can join as trainee “quadrilles.”

10. Vaganova Academy of Russian Ballet

Location: St. Petersburg, Russia

The Vaganova Academy of Russian Ballet, one of the best ballet schools in the world, has a rich history of producing stellar dancers and choreographers.

Founded in 1738 and named after the legendary Agrippina Vaganova in 1957, the academy is famous for its codified ballet syllabus, which was developed by Vaganova herself after she became a teacher in 1921. Her systematic approach to ballet education revolutionized training, and her legacy continues to influence dance globally. The academy is renowned for preserving the finest traditions of classical ballet while evolving with modern techniques.

Currently, the academy enrolls 340 students, and competition for admission is intense, with thousands applying annually. Only around 70 students are accepted, and the rigorous training process ensures that only 30 or so students complete their studies. Graduates often go on to join leading ballet companies both in Russia and internationally.

In addition to its full-time program, the Vaganova Academy offers an International Trainee Program for ballet students aged 16-20, providing comprehensive training in classical dance, character dance, pas de deux, history, modern dance, acting, and stage practice. This program accepts students through auditions, which include submission of a classical dance video and optional variations.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the best ballet schools in America?

The School of American Ballet, Juilliard, and the San Francisco Ballet School are among the top ballet schools in America. SAB is the official school of the New York City Ballet and focuses on classical training. Juilliard blends ballet with modern and contemporary techniques, and the San Francisco Ballet School offers intensive training and a renowned Trainee Program.

2. What is the average salary of a ballet dancer in the US?

The average salary of a ballet dancer in the US is around $98,000.

3. How old should you be to apply to a top ballet school?

Most of the best ballet schools accept students as young as 6 or 7 years old for beginner-level training, though many schools have higher age requirements for their professional programs. Pre-professional programs generally admit students around 14-16 years old. It’s important to start early, as ballet requires years of training to develop the technical skill and physical conditioning necessary for a successful career.

4. What is the cost of attending a top ballet school?

Tuition can range from several thousand to over $30,000 per year, depending on the school and the level of training. Some schools, like the Vaganova Academy of Russian Ballet, offer free tuition, but students are responsible for accommodation and living expenses.

5. What career opportunities are available after graduating from a top ballet school?

Graduates of the best ballet schools have a range of career opportunities, with many joining prestigious ballet companies such as the New York City Ballet, Royal Ballet, and Paris Opera Ballet. Others may pursue careers as independent choreographers, dance teachers, or in contemporary dance companies.

Takeaways

• Choosing the best ballet school in the world is an important step in your dance journey, and it all comes down to finding the right fit for your goals, style, and dedication.
• Whether you’re dreaming of performing with top ballet companies or simply want to immerse yourself in the art form at the highest level, the best ballet schools in the world offer the training, mentorship, and opportunities to help you succeed.
• Some of the best ballet schools in the world include The Juilliard School of Dance, Joffrey Ballet School, Royal Ballet School, Paris Opera Ballet School, and John Cranko Schule.
• Dreaming of pursuing ballet? Working with a college admissions consultant can help sharpen your application strategy and increase your chances of being accepted to your target program.