Reviews on Google
"Top notch instructors who have your child at heart. Professional environment that embraces your child's love for dance. Lots of opportunities to improve technique by having multiple classes of the same level weekly. We are very happy with the improvement from just 1 years at this studio."
~ Eva L.
"Fantastic dance school. Teachers are often company dancers. High standards but in an inviting and friendly way. Our daughter loves the school and has improved every year."
~ D. Shoen
"Both of my daughters learn ballet here. Professional teachers, best in town."
~ Tim H.
"Great dance school with lots of class offerings. Many are taught by dancers in the company. Most classes are for school aged children, but there are adult classes I love that they have an adult beginner ballet class. Michael is a great teacher. Sessions start in the fall and run all year. If you are a true beginner, start at the beginning of a session. If you are an intermediate or advanced beginner, you could join mid-session. Drop-in rate is $20 per class. You can also buy a class card, or pay monthly tuition. Staff is helpful and responsive with questions or assistance."
~ Monica K.
"My daughter loves her ballet class and she absolutely adores Ms Dana! She knows every week which day she gets to go to ballet, and she is always so excited about it. She frequently tells me about how much she loves Ms Dana- my daughter can’t wait to see her and give her a hug every time she goes to class. I’m definitely glad we picked SLB for my daughter!"
~ Megan R
"Amazing atmosphere for the technical aspects of dance especially ballet. My daughter continues to love the experience and has grown so much!"
~ Dr. Albert S.
Mommy & Me
Age 2
Of age by October 1
Tap 1-8
Ages 6-18
Teen Beginner Ballet
Ages 13-17
PreBallet 1-3
These are age specific:
PreBallet 1= age 3yrs old,
PreBallet 2 = 4yrs old,
Preballet 3 = 5 yrs old
Of Age by Sept 1
Contemporary 3-8
Ages 9-18, must have at least 2 years of ballet
Adult Classes
Ballet (Beg/Int/Adv),
Tap (Int/Adv)
Ballet 1-8
Ballet technique classes ages 6-18
Jazz 1-8
Ages 6-18
Variations
Level 7-8 students learn classical ballet dances
Pointe
Offered to approved students in Levels 5 +
Hip Hop (3 levels)
Ages 8 and up
For the serious ballet students, audition required
School Leaders
Founded in 2000 by Gen Horiuchi—former principal dancer with New York City Ballet and star of Broadway’s CATS in both London and New York—St. Louis Ballet School was established on the belief that ballet builds more than just dancers; it builds character, discipline, and a lifelong appreciation for the arts. Whether a student is pursuing a professional dance career or exploring the joy of movement, ballet training fosters focus, confidence, and work ethic that benefit every area of life.
The school is co-directed by Tanya Strautmann, a St. Louis native and former principal dancer with Saint Louis Ballet. She trained on scholarship at Joffrey Ballet School, Gus Giordano Dance School, and Kansas City Ballet, bringing a diverse and accomplished background to her leadership and teaching.
Together, Horiuchi and Strautmann have shaped a program that values both classical technique and artistic expression. In addition to ballet, students receive a well-rounded dance education that includes other styles and music training—developing versatile, musical, and thoughtful performers.
Performance is a key part of this education. All students are invited to participate in the school’s annual year-end performance, and dancers in upper levels may audition for Saint Louis Ballet’s professional productions, including St. Louis’ holiday favorite The Nutcracker at the Touhill Performing Arts Center.