The County Ballet Dance Shop and Studio

For dancers and their families across Maryland, particularly in the Harford County and Greater Baltimore area, The County Ballet Dance Shop and Studio stands as an indispensable local resource. This unique establishment seamlessly combines a fully stocked dance retail store with a dedicated dance studio, providing a comprehensive solution for all things dance. Whether you're a seasoned professional in search of specialized attire, a parent needing reliable dancewear for your child, or an aspiring dancer looking to learn a new style, The County Ballet Dance Shop and Studio offers expertise, inventory, and instruction all under one roof. Its long-standing presence and commitment to excellent service have made it a trusted name in the Maryland dance community for over four decades.

Established in 1981, The County Ballet Dance Shop and Studio has built a reputation for its deep understanding of dancers' needs and its unwavering dedication to customer satisfaction. As highlighted by numerous positive reviews, this place excels in providing "GREAT service! Everyone is so friendly and nice." Parents appreciate their responsiveness and the convenience of finding essential items consistently in stock, while dancers rave about the extensive inventory catering to all sizes and styles, even those harder-to-find options for boys. Beyond retail, the studio side offers a strong emphasis on technique, affordability, and professional instruction. The integrated model of a shop and studio truly makes The County Ballet Dance Shop and Studio a standout destination for anyone passionate about dance in Maryland.

• Dancewear Retail (The Dance Shop): A fully stocked retail store providing a massive inventory for children and adults. This includes:

  • Leotards, tights, skirts, and warm-ups.
  • Ballet, tap, jazz, pointe, and other dance shoes.
  • Accessories, hair embellishments, and small dance-related trinkets/gifts.
  • Specialized inventory for boys, which is often difficult to find in other shops.

• Expert Pointe Shoe Fittings: Highly praised for their knowledgeable staff who provide professional and thorough pointe shoe fittings, ensuring comfort, safety, and proper support for dancers.

• Dance Classes (The County Ballet Dance Studio): Offering a range of dance classes with a strong emphasis on technique and professional instruction.

  • Children's Division: Includes "First Steps" (ages 3.5-4), "A Time To Tumble & Dance" (ages 3.5-4), "Tumble Level One & Two" (ages 6+), and "Magical Movement" (ages 3.5-7). These introduce basic dance skills, coordination, and classroom etiquette.
  • Music & Movement with Tap (ages 4.5-6): Focuses on developing gross and fine motor skills, musicality, and basic ballet elements.
  • Ballet Classes (Levels 1-2, A Level, and Classical Ballet Stories): Structured ballet curriculum based on Vaganova technique, progressing through foundational concepts to classical ballet stories and impressionistic art studies.
  • Tap Classes: Integrated within Music & Movement for beginners, then offered as separate classes at A level Ballet, covering basic hoofing and various intermediate styles.
  • Jazz Classes (ages 7-10): Introduces various styles of jazz movement.
  • Contemporary Dance & Music Appreciation (ages 7-9): Explores modern/lyrical dance movement and music appreciation.
  • Special Selections (ages 6-9, 10+): Weekly classes introducing different dance styles ranging from ballroom to African dance and improvisation.
  • Adult Classes: Adults can pay per class, making it flexible for those looking to learn or continue dancing, including tap.

• Rewards Programs: Utilizes punch card systems for items like tights (purchase 6, get one free) and pointe shoes (7th pair 50% off), along with "Dance Shop Dollars" for discounts on merchandise.

• Placement Classes: For new or returning pointe dancers, placement classes are required to ensure proper alignment and strength for continued pointe work.

• Observation Opportunities: Parents can observe classes (with prior arrangement, especially during specific times like January and May demonstrations).

• Integrated Dance Ecosystem: Uniquely combines a fully stocked retail dance shop with a comprehensive dance studio, offering a convenient one-stop solution for dance attire, shoes, and instruction.

• Extensive Retail Inventory: Praised for its "massive inventory" that caters to "all of your needs," including hard-to-find items for male dancers. This ensures local dancers have access to a wide selection of quality products.

• Expertise in Pointe Shoe Fitting: Recognized for its highly knowledgeable staff who provide professional and accurate pointe shoe fittings, a critical service for serious ballet students.

• Long-Standing Reputation (40+ Years): Established in 1981, The County Ballet has served the Harford County arts community for over four decades, demonstrating a consistent commitment to quality and longevity.

• Comprehensive Dance Curriculum: Offers a wide array of dance styles for all ages, from toddlers to adults, with a strong emphasis on classical ballet technique (Vaganova method), complemented by tap, jazz, contemporary, and unique "Special Selections" classes.

• Focus on Foundational Discipline: Emphasizes proper uniform, classroom etiquette, and a structured approach to learning dance basics, especially in beginning levels, to build a solid foundation for future study.

• Customer Loyalty Programs: Features attractive rewards programs like punch cards for tights and pointe shoes, and "Dance Shop Dollars," which provide tangible benefits and encourage repeat business from local families.

• Highly Praised Customer Service: Reviews consistently highlight the "GREAT service" and friendly, accommodating staff, making the experience pleasant and stress-free for customers, particularly "organized dance moms."

• Focus on Technique over Elaborate Recitals: The studio explicitly states that "elaborate recitals are not the purpose of dance education," instead focusing on "the development of dance movement" and "technique." This ensures a strong pedagogical focus rather than just performance. They offer "Lecture Demonstrations" as a form of performance for lower division dancers.

Address: 2232 Old Emmorton Rd, Bel Air, MD 21015, USA

Phone: (410) 515-0031

Mobile Phone: +1 410-515-0031

Additional Phone: (410) 569-0316

Email: countyballetdanceshop@gmail.com

Hours (as generally advertised): Mon - Fri 10am - 7pm, Sat 10am - 3pm. (It's always advisable to check their official website or call for the most current hours, especially during holidays or special events.)

What truly sets The County Ballet Dance Shop and Studio apart for locals is its decades-long commitment to excellence and its comprehensive offerings. Having served the community since 1981, it has built a reputation for its "GREAT service" and a staff that is "friendly and nice," as consistently highlighted by satisfied customers. This translates into a welcoming and supportive environment for dancers of all ages and abilities. From the extensive retail inventory, which even caters to specific needs like dancewear for boys, to expert pointe shoe fittings, the shop ensures that local dancers are well-equipped. Simultaneously, the studio side provides high-quality instruction with a strong emphasis on proper technique and discipline, offering a wide array of classes for children and adults alike. For any Marylander seeking a reliable, knowledgeable, and community-focused establishment for dance education or dancewear, The County Ballet Dance Shop and Studio provides an ideal, convenient, and enriching solution right in their own backyard. It’s a place where passion for dance is nurtured from the first step to advanced levels, fostering both skill and a lifelong love for the art form.

The County Ballet Dance Shop and Studio

2232 Old Emmorton Rd, Bel Air, MD 21015, USA