Metropolitan Ballet Academy & Company

For families across Pennsylvania, particularly those in the Philadelphia metropolitan area, Metropolitan Ballet Academy & Company stands as a highly respected institution in the world of classical ballet. Founded with a commitment to providing exceptional dance education, this academy offers rigorous training, a supportive environment, and unparalleled performance opportunities for aspiring dancers of all ages and genders. It's a place where the foundational discipline of ballet is balanced with joy, artistic expression, and a strong sense of community, fostering both technical mastery and a lifelong love for the art form.

Under the fearless leadership of founder and director Lisa Collins Vidnovic, Metropolitan Ballet Academy & Company (MBA/MBC) emphasizes proper technique and serious training from the earliest stages of dance education. Their curriculum is designed to nurture each student's unique artistic qualities, incorporating aspects of various renowned ballet schools (Vaganova, Bournonville, Balanchine) into more advanced lessons. Beyond the studio, MBA/MBC is deeply committed to providing diverse performing experiences. Students frequently have opportunities to perform in wonderful school shows and have even appeared in the Philadelphia Ballet’s prestigious production of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker at the historic Academy of Music, showcasing the caliber of training offered. The academy's dedication extends to creating a supportive atmosphere, notably through its nationally recognized Boys' Scholarship Program, which actively encourages and nurtures male dancers in a welcoming environment.

Customer reviews frequently laud the high quality of instruction and the nurturing atmosphere. One parent shared, "I cannot recommend Metropolitan Ballet highly enough. When we first moved to the area, I was determined to find a school with a strong faculty that emphasized proper technique and serious training. My daughter began with Creative Movement and right from the start, I was impressed with how the teachers balanced discipline with fun." The same parent highlighted the excellent opportunities: "As our children have progressed through the levels, they’ve had numerous opportunities to perform in wonderful school shows and even in Philadelphia Ballet’s The Nutcracker. The opportunities for growth and performance at Metropolitan are unparalleled." They further emphasized the community aspect, stating, "Metropolitan Ballet works to build connections amongst families. The creation of a parent committee and the recent potluck gathering were wonderful ways to bring families together and create community." This strong sense of belonging, combined with the top-tier training, makes MBA/MBC a significant factor for families in choosing to remain in Pennsylvania.

Metropolitan Ballet Academy & Company is conveniently located at 700 N Cedar Rd, Jenkintown, PA 19046, USA. This accessible address places the academy within easy reach for families across Montgomery County and the wider Philadelphia metropolitan area, including towns like Abington, Glenside, Willow Grove, and Elkins Park, as well as parts of Philadelphia itself. The Jenkintown location benefits from its suburban setting, often providing easier parking and less traffic congestion compared to city-center studios, which is a significant convenience for parents managing busy schedules.

The facilities are designed to support rigorous ballet training in a professional environment. While specific details of the interior are best confirmed by visiting, a serious ballet academy typically features spacious studios with sprung floors (essential for dancer safety and injury prevention), high ceilings, full-length mirrors, and professional barres. Adequate changing facilities and waiting areas for parents are also standard. The location on N Cedar Road likely provides a tranquil setting conducive to focused artistic work, yet remains well-connected to major roadways, making the daily commute for students from various parts of the region practical and efficient. This balance of professional training space and convenient accessibility is a key factor in its suitability for dedicated dance students.

Metropolitan Ballet Academy & Company offers a comprehensive range of classical ballet programs and related dance forms, designed to cater to various ages and aspirations, from recreational interest to pre-professional training.

• Creative Movement: Introductory classes for the youngest dancers, focusing on developing coordination, musicality, and a love for movement in a fun, disciplined environment.
• Early Ballet: Building upon creative movement, these classes introduce basic ballet positions, terminology, and studio etiquette.
• Classical Ballet: Core curriculum focusing on rigorous training in classical ballet technique, emphasizing proper alignment, strength, flexibility, and artistry. This is the foundation of the academy's offerings.
• Pointe: Specialized instruction for advanced female students deemed ready for pointe work, focusing on strength, balance, and classical repertoire.
• Jazz: Classes exploring various jazz dance styles, emphasizing rhythm, dynamics, and expressive movement.
• Contemporary: Incorporating elements of ballet, modern, and jazz, these classes encourage fluid movement, improvisation, and emotional expression.
• Modern: Focus on the fundamental principles of modern dance, including various techniques and approaches.
• Tap: Rhythmic footwork and percussive dance, developing musicality and coordination.
• Boys' Scholarship Program: A nationally recognized tuition-free program providing specialized classical dance training for male students in all-male and co-ed classes, fostering a supportive community for male dancers.
• Recreational Division: Classes for dancers (ages 12+) who wish to begin or continue training with fewer classes per week, offering flexibility for those with other commitments.
• Adult Open Classes: Classes for adults of all levels, from beginners to advanced, allowing individuals to pursue or rekindle their passion for ballet and other dance forms.
• Private Master Classes: One-on-one instruction for dancers preparing for competitions, needing choreography assistance, or seeking intensive personalized training.
• Summer Intensives and Camps: Immersive programs during the summer months for focused training and accelerated learning.
• Performance Opportunities: Regular participation in school shows, annual Spring Showcases, and opportunities to audition for professional productions like Philadelphia Ballet's The Nutcracker.

Metropolitan Ballet Academy & Company distinguishes itself through several key features and highlights that underscore its esteemed position in the Pennsylvania dance community.

• Strong Faculty and Rigorous Training: The academy is consistently praised for its highly qualified faculty and its emphasis on proper technique and serious classical ballet training, preparing students for pre-professional or recreational paths.
• Nationally Recognized Boys' Scholarship Program: A significant highlight is its long-standing and highly successful tuition-free program for male dancers, which has provided training to over 425 boys and offers a supportive, all-male class environment led by talented male faculty (e.g., Daniel Mayo).
• Unparalleled Performance Opportunities: Students have numerous opportunities to perform, not only in internal school shows and the annual Spring Showcase but also in prestigious external productions, notably Philadelphia Ballet’s The Nutcracker, offering invaluable stage experience.
• Fearless Leadership of Lisa Collins Vidnovic: The founder and director is consistently recognized for her dedication, care for students, and ability to push them to reach their full potential, creating a truly exceptional learning environment.
• Supportive and Caring Environment: Despite the rigorous training, the academy fosters an atmosphere that balances discipline with fun, ensuring students feel supported, encouraged, and part of a caring community.
• Strong Sense of Community: The academy actively works to build connections among families through initiatives like parent committees and social gatherings, creating a welcoming "FADS family" environment. This deep sense of community is a major reason why families choose to stay.
• Alumni Success: Graduates of Metropolitan Ballet Academy & Company are frequently accepted into prestigious year-round dance training programs, professional companies (including major ballet companies), and top-tier colleges and universities, demonstrating the high caliber of their training.
• Holistic Development: Beyond dance technique, the academy aims to develop well-rounded individuals, instilling discipline, work ethic, and life skills that benefit students regardless of their future career paths.

For inquiries, class registration, or to learn more about the diverse dance programs offered, you can contact Metropolitan Ballet Academy & Company using the information below:

Address: 700 N Cedar Rd, Jenkintown, PA 19046, USA

Phone: (215) 663-1665

Mobile Phone: +1 215-663-1665

For Pennsylvania locals, particularly those in the greater Philadelphia region, Metropolitan Ballet Academy & Company stands out as an exceptional choice for dance education. Its convenient Jenkintown location makes it accessible for families across a wide area, while its structured curriculum and dedicated faculty provide a clear path for serious dance training. What truly makes this academy suitable for local families, however, is its unique blend of rigorous classical ballet instruction with a profoundly supportive and community-oriented environment.

As highlighted by committed parents, this is a rare school that offers "top-tier training, a caring environment, and a sense of community." The unparalleled performance opportunities, including appearances in the Philadelphia Ballet's The Nutcracker, provide students with invaluable real-world experience. Furthermore, the nationally recognized Boys' Scholarship Program underscores the academy's commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive dance community, a significant asset for local families with sons interested in ballet. The supportive leadership of Lisa Collins Vidnovic and the strong bonds among families ensure that Metropolitan Ballet Academy & Company is not just a place to learn dance, but a cherished "home" where children can truly thrive and pursue their artistic passions for years to come.

Metropolitan Ballet Academy & Company

700 N Cedar Rd, Jenkintown, PA 19046, USA