School of Philadelphia Ballet traces its roots back to the illustrious George Balanchine, one of the most celebrated choreographers in the history of dance. Originally hailing from St. Petersburg, Russia, Balanchine arrived in the United States with a fervent commitment to nurturing ballet and ensuring its enduring vitality through education. One of his dedicated disciples, Barbara Weisberger, established the Pennsylvania Ballet in 1963. She shared Balanchine’s unwavering passion for teaching and harbored a dream of a seamless synergy between the professional dance company and an academy for aspiring dancers. Today, the School operates from the Louise Reed Center for Dance in Center City Philadelphia, guided by the visionary leadership of Angel Corella, Artistic Director of the Philadelphia Ballet.
While the school’s origins are deeply rooted in Balanchine’s legacy, its current curriculum transcends a singular style. We embrace a comprehensive approach, drawing inspiration from the Vaganova method while incorporating other syllabi that align with the organic progression of movement and functionality.