Adult ballet classes in Melbourne: Complete beginner's guide

Melbourne's adult ballet classes at a glance

• North: Elancé Adult Ballet School, City Dance Centre

• South: SF Ballet, Nepean Dance

• East: Melbourne Institute of Dance, Elancé Adult Ballet School

• West: Inner West Dance

• CBD: The Australian Ballet Studios

Ballet for adults is becoming increasingly popular, and Melbourne's adult ballet scene offers something for everyone, whether you’re a lifelong dancer looking to maintain your technique or a complete beginner. It's easy to find a studio that offers adult ballet, but you may need to dedicate some time to deciding what your goal is and how far you're willing to travel. Are you looking for adult ballet where you can 'blend in', or looking for classes with closer interaction with the teacher? Are you willing to spend some time getting to and from the studio, or are you locked on attending classes just around your house?

You may also want to consider the class size. Most adult ballet classes you'll find will have about 20 to 30 dancers in a studio. There are, however, some studios that offer dedicated, smaller classes where you can get more attention and focus on the technique.

Finding the right teacher is also very important. Like with any instruction-based learning, who teaches you matters. Look for an adult ballet teacher who inspires and supports your growth. To get the most out of ballet - and any exercise - you want to make sure you join a class you can commit to visiting regularly to build a consistent practice that fits your lifestyle and work hours.

Let's now look at several adult ballet studios in different parts of Melbourne to give you some options. We'll explore some of Melbourne's standout options that we either tested personally or that come with a good reputation.

The north

Elancé Adult Ballet School has been around since 2002 and offers a non-competitive, welcoming environment with multiple class levels from beginners to advanced (multiple Entry Level 1-6, Progressive Level 1-6). The classes are scheduled daily, including Saturday so all you need to do is choose a suitable level and time. Class sizes are medium to large, so you will likely find the right fit as the studio has a range of happy learners.

Address: Level 1, 176-178 Mount Alexander Road, Flemington, 3031

Class size: Medium to large

City Dance Centre is a long-standing adult ballet studio with history going all the way to 1997, making it one of the oldest adult ballet studios in Melbourne. Led by Sakura Shimizu, a former ballerina with Hamburg Ballet, you won't regret taking classes there. CDC holds classes every day, starting from absolute beginners all the way to advanced/professional level. It's also one of the few studios to offer point classes for adults. You should be to pick. The prices start at $36 for a casual class with student concession options and industry professional rates. Bundles are also available.

Address: 4/2 Bromham Place, Richmond, 3121

Class size: Medium to large (although there are some classes throughout the week where you might hit a small one)

Melbourne's CBD

The Australian Ballet Studios take place, as the name suggests, in the studios of The Australian Ballet. If you've been searching for classes, Studios have likely come up - they've been around since 2015. That's right, you can take classes in the same ballet studios as the dancers of Australia's prime ballet company. What makes these classes different is a live piano accompanist, which is rare for adult ballet classes and you'll dance on a professional-level floor. Classes are scheduled from Monday to Thursday, running in 6-week cycles. You can choose a level from absolute beginners to advanced. The price has a little premium for the experience. Casual classes are $36 with the series package at $174.

Address: 2 Kavanagh Street, Southbank, 3006

Class size: Large (up to 30 participants)

Adult ballet in Melbourne's south

SF Ballet was newly founded in 2024. It's led by an experienced instructor, Sophie Fletcher, who has been teaching adults for several years across Melbourne. Many adult learners are searching for smaller, accessible classes that would allow them to focus on technique and proper understanding of ballet foundations. SF Ballet offers small-sized group classes from beginner to intermediate as well as private coaching.

While in a spacious studio, the classes are capped at 10 participants. The small class size allows for more individual attention, and a friendly, inclusive atmosphere that makes the lessons both technique-driven while remaining enjoyable and fun.

Sophie Fletcher is a former professional dancer with international credentials (you can read more about her ballet journey) and is known for her personalised and supportive teaching style, incorporating Pilates principles to support the muscle engagement.

Classes run on Wednesdays at 6 pm, giving you enough time to make it after work. Prices are on the more affordable end - $29 for a casual class, with calendar month passes available.

Address: 567 Glen Huntly Road, Elsternwick, 3185

Class size: Small (no more than 10 dancers)

BOOK YOUR CLASS WITH SF BALLET

Nepean Dance is the adult ballet studio you want if you're looking for something further down the coast. It offers multiple dance styles you can try, such as adult ballet, jazz, tap dance, and even wedding dance lessons. Classes are scheduled from Tuesday to Thursday. And if you need a quick energy refill after the class, Mr Banks Brewery is right next door.

Address: 13 Hi-Tech Place, Seaford, 3198

Class size: Medium

Going east

In Mitcham, you'll find another Elancé Adult Ballet School with a purpose-built studio and a wide range of class levels for adults.

Melbourne Institute of Dance offers classes for adults run on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, and you can choose from a range of adult ballet levels or even try character and contemporary. Casual class is $34 with passes available from $310.

Address: Koonung Heights Uniting Church Hall, Balwyn North, 3104

Class size: Medium

West side story

Inner West Dance could be your choice on this side of Melbourne. IWD offer a variety of dance styles beyond adult ballet. You can try adult classes of tap, musical theatre, hip-hop, jazz, and contemporary. You can buy a $205 term pass or a $250 10-class pass.

Address: Unit 11 44-56 Hampstead Road, Maidstone, 3012

Class size: Medium-large

Final notes and resources

Wherever you are, there is always a place you can go for adult ballet. Don't hesitate to try a few classes first to see what time, style and level fits you the best. If you're starting, like to work on detail, or simply prefer smaller classes, then try SF Ballet. Based on experience and feedback, we know that larger group classes can be fun, but may not always provide the level of detail and safe practice for adults to do ballet as an ongoing form of exercise. And that's what our classes do.

If you're just starting and aren't sure what to wear, make your research easier by reading our ultimate guide to what to wear for adult ballet classes and another one about what ballet shoes to choose.

And if you're still unsure whether ballet is the right choice, read more about its cognitive and physical benefits.

See you in the studio.