Draper Center for Dance Education - Dance studio in Rochester, New York
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Draper Center for Dance Education

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Address

1200 Edgewood Avenue

Rochester, New York 14618

Opening Hours
  • Monday: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
  • Thursday: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
  • Friday: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
  • Saturday: 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Sunday: 11:30 AM - 3:00 PM
117 programs

About Draper Center for Dance Education

The Draper Center for Dance Education, located in Rochester, New York, is Western New York's premier dance academy and a nationally recognized institution for distinguished dance training. Founded in 1986 by Timothy Draper and now led by Artistic Director Jamey Leverett and Executive Director Kathy Ertsgaard, the Center has cultivated a rich curriculum for over 40 years, nurturing dancers from toddlers to adults and aspiring professionals. Emphasizing a strong foundation in classical ballet, the Center offers comprehensive programs for all levels, including Creative Movement, Pre-Ballet, and graded levels in the Student Division. For serious dancers, the intensive Professional Training Program provides daily instruction in classical ballet, Pointe, Variations, Contemporary, and Jazz. The faculty includes instructors like Stefanie Cheshire, specializing in jazz, hip hop, lyrical, and contemporary, alongside professionals with extensive backgrounds. Draper Center fosters artistic growth and physical well-being through a diverse range of styles including ballet, jazz, hip hop, lyrical, contemporary, modern, musical theater, flamenco, tap, and ballroom. Open adult dance classes focus on flexibility and coordination. Nationally renowned Summer Programs cater to various skill levels. The Center's commitment to excellence is reflected in student achievements, with graduates joining prestigious companies worldwide, including New York City Ballet and Cirque Du Soleil, and appearing on Broadway. Productions like "The Ugly Duckling," staged by award-winning choreographer Jimmy Orrante, and the End of Year Demonstration showcase student talent and dedication, instilling discipline and a strong work ethic for future dance journeys and beyond.

Programs from Draper Center for Dance Education

117 programs available

Classes

Pre-Ballet Jazz

The children’s division is a prelude to formal ballet instruction. These dance classes introduce children to musicality and movement through creativity and group interaction. Creative Movement is tailored for ages 3 and 4, and Pre-Ballet for ages 5 and 6. At the end of Pre-Ballet, students will have a strong foundation in place to advance into the Student Division.

Open Beginner Ballet

We offer classes for those just getting started or revisiting ballet/dance again as an adult! Open adult dance classes are a fun way to achieve flexibility, muscle tone, and coordination.

Open Int/Adv Ballet

We offer classes for those just getting started or revisiting ballet/dance again as an adult! Open adult dance classes are a fun way to achieve flexibility, muscle tone, and coordination.

PTP Various Styles

Students selected for this elite level of training are serious-minded dancers looking to pursue dance at the highest level. Are you looking to continue your training at the College or University level and / or pursue a career as a dancer on a professional stage? Our Professional Training Program will provide you with the skills necessary to succeed. Dancers in this program train six days each week. In addition to classical ballet technique, dancers study Pointe, Variations, Contemporary, Modern, & Jazz with additional training in Yoga, Pilates, & Stretching/ Conditioning.

PTP Jazz

Students selected for this elite level of training are serious-minded dancers looking to pursue dance at the highest level. Are you looking to continue your training at the College or University level and / or pursue a career as a dancer on a professional stage? Our Professional Training Program will provide you with the skills necessary to succeed. Dancers in this program train six days each week. In addition to classical ballet technique, dancers study Pointe, Variations, Contemporary, Modern, & Jazz with additional training in Yoga, Pilates, & Stretching/ Conditioning.

PTP Pointe

Students selected for this elite level of training are serious-minded dancers looking to pursue dance at the highest level. Are you looking to continue your training at the College or University level and / or pursue a career as a dancer on a professional stage? Our Professional Training Program will provide you with the skills necessary to succeed. Dancers in this program train six days each week. In addition to classical ballet technique, dancers study Pointe, Variations, Contemporary, Modern, & Jazz with additional training in Yoga, Pilates, & Stretching/ Conditioning.

PTP Variations

Students selected for this elite level of training are serious-minded dancers looking to pursue dance at the highest level. Are you looking to continue your training at the College or University level and / or pursue a career as a dancer on a professional stage? Our Professional Training Program will provide you with the skills necessary to succeed. Dancers in this program train six days each week. In addition to classical ballet technique, dancers study Pointe, Variations, Contemporary, Modern, & Jazz with additional training in Yoga, Pilates, & Stretching/ Conditioning.

PTP Ballet

Students selected for this elite level of training are serious-minded dancers looking to pursue dance at the highest level. Are you looking to continue your training at the College or University level and / or pursue a career as a dancer on a professional stage? Our Professional Training Program will provide you with the skills necessary to succeed. Dancers in this program train six days each week. In addition to classical ballet technique, dancers study Pointe, Variations, Contemporary, Modern, & Jazz with additional training in Yoga, Pilates, & Stretching/ Conditioning.

Boy's Class 5

This division is grounded in technique with an emphasis on classical ballet. Dance classes in the student division are carefully graded by age, physical strength, and understanding of each level’s curriculum. Students are introduced to progressive levels of ballet technique. They are promoted according to individual progress.

Stretch & Strength 5

This division is grounded in technique with an emphasis on classical ballet. Dance classes in the student division are carefully graded by age, physical strength, and understanding of each level’s curriculum. Students are introduced to progressive levels of ballet technique. They are promoted according to individual progress.

Various Styles 5

This division is grounded in technique with an emphasis on classical ballet. Dance classes in the student division are carefully graded by age, physical strength, and understanding of each level’s curriculum. Students are introduced to progressive levels of ballet technique. They are promoted according to individual progress.

Jazz 5

This division is grounded in technique with an emphasis on classical ballet. Dance classes in the student division are carefully graded by age, physical strength, and understanding of each level’s curriculum. Students are introduced to progressive levels of ballet technique. They are promoted according to individual progress.

Pointe 5

This division is grounded in technique with an emphasis on classical ballet. Dance classes in the student division are carefully graded by age, physical strength, and understanding of each level’s curriculum. Students are introduced to progressive levels of ballet technique. They are promoted according to individual progress.

Ballet 5

This division is grounded in technique with an emphasis on classical ballet. Dance classes in the student division are carefully graded by age, physical strength, and understanding of each level’s curriculum. Students are introduced to progressive levels of ballet technique. They are promoted according to individual progress.

Boy's Class 4

This division is grounded in technique with an emphasis on classical ballet. Dance classes in the student division are carefully graded by age, physical strength, and understanding of each level’s curriculum. Students are introduced to progressive levels of ballet technique. They are promoted according to individual progress.

Stretch & Strength 4

This division is grounded in technique with an emphasis on classical ballet. Dance classes in the student division are carefully graded by age, physical strength, and understanding of each level’s curriculum. Students are introduced to progressive levels of ballet technique. They are promoted according to individual progress.

Various Styles 4

This division is grounded in technique with an emphasis on classical ballet. Dance classes in the student division are carefully graded by age, physical strength, and understanding of each level’s curriculum. Students are introduced to progressive levels of ballet technique. They are promoted according to individual progress.

Jazz 4

This division is grounded in technique with an emphasis on classical ballet. Dance classes in the student division are carefully graded by age, physical strength, and understanding of each level’s curriculum. Students are introduced to progressive levels of ballet technique. They are promoted according to individual progress.

Pointe 4

This division is grounded in technique with an emphasis on classical ballet. Dance classes in the student division are carefully graded by age, physical strength, and understanding of each level’s curriculum. Students are introduced to progressive levels of ballet technique. They are promoted according to individual progress.

Ballet 4

This division is grounded in technique with an emphasis on classical ballet. Dance classes in the student division are carefully graded by age, physical strength, and understanding of each level’s curriculum. Students are introduced to progressive levels of ballet technique. They are promoted according to individual progress.

Boys Class 3

This division is grounded in technique with an emphasis on classical ballet. Dance classes in the student division are carefully graded by age, physical strength, and understanding of each level’s curriculum. Students are introduced to progressive levels of ballet technique. They are promoted according to individual progress.

Stretch & Strength 3

This division is grounded in technique with an emphasis on classical ballet. Dance classes in the student division are carefully graded by age, physical strength, and understanding of each level’s curriculum. Students are introduced to progressive levels of ballet technique. They are promoted according to individual progress.

Jazz 3

This division is grounded in technique with an emphasis on classical ballet. Dance classes in the student division are carefully graded by age, physical strength, and understanding of each level’s curriculum. Students are introduced to progressive levels of ballet technique. They are promoted according to individual progress.

Pre-Pointe 3

This division is grounded in technique with an emphasis on classical ballet. Dance classes in the student division are carefully graded by age, physical strength, and understanding of each level’s curriculum. Students are introduced to progressive levels of ballet technique. They are promoted according to individual progress.

Ballet 3

This division is grounded in technique with an emphasis on classical ballet. Dance classes in the student division are carefully graded by age, physical strength, and understanding of each level’s curriculum. Students are introduced to progressive levels of ballet technique. They are promoted according to individual progress.

Stretch & Strength 2

This division is grounded in technique with an emphasis on classical ballet. Dance classes in the student division are carefully graded by age, physical strength, and understanding of each level’s curriculum. Students are introduced to progressive levels of ballet technique. They are promoted according to individual progress.

Jazz 2

This division is grounded in technique with an emphasis on classical ballet. Dance classes in the student division are carefully graded by age, physical strength, and understanding of each level’s curriculum. Students are introduced to progressive levels of ballet technique. They are promoted according to individual progress.

Ballet 2

This division is grounded in technique with an emphasis on classical ballet. Dance classes in the student division are carefully graded by age, physical strength, and understanding of each level’s curriculum. Students are introduced to progressive levels of ballet technique. They are promoted according to individual progress.

Jazz 1B

This division is grounded in technique with an emphasis on classical ballet. Dance classes in the student division are carefully graded by age, physical strength, and understanding of each level’s curriculum. Students are introduced to progressive levels of ballet technique. They are promoted according to individual progress.

Ballet 1B

This division is grounded in technique with an emphasis on classical ballet. Dance classes in the student division are carefully graded by age, physical strength, and understanding of each level’s curriculum. Students are introduced to progressive levels of ballet technique. They are promoted according to individual progress.

Jazz 1

This division is grounded in technique with an emphasis on classical ballet. Dance classes in the student division are carefully graded by age, physical strength, and understanding of each level’s curriculum. Students are introduced to progressive levels of ballet technique. They are promoted according to individual progress.

Ballet 1

This division is grounded in technique with an emphasis on classical ballet. Dance classes in the student division are carefully graded by age, physical strength, and understanding of each level’s curriculum. Students are introduced to progressive levels of ballet technique. They are promoted according to individual progress.

Pre-Ballet

The children’s division is a prelude to formal ballet instruction. These dance classes introduce children to musicality and movement through creativity and group interaction. Creative Movement is tailored for ages 3 and 4, and Pre-Ballet for ages 5 and 6. At the end of Pre-Ballet, students will have a strong foundation in place to advance into the Student Division.

Creative Movement

The children’s division is a prelude to formal ballet instruction. These dance classes introduce children to musicality and movement through creativity and group interaction. Creative Movement is tailored for ages 3 and 4, and Pre-Ballet for ages 5 and 6. At the end of Pre-Ballet, students will have a strong foundation in place to advance into the Student Division.

Progressing Ballet Technique

Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT) is an innovative body-conditioning and strengthening program that has been designed to enhance students’ technique by focussing on training the muscle memory required in each exercise in all forms of dance.

Yoga

Yoga combines physical exercises, mental meditation, and breathing techniques to strengthen the muscles and relieve stress.

Pilates

Pilates or Physical Mind method, is a series of non impact exercises designed by Joseph Pilates to develop strength, flexibility, balance, and inner awareness.

Stretch & Strength

Stretch & Strength is part of the weekly curriculum for Levels 2 through our Professional Training Program.

Various Styles

This class is designed to introduce students to various styles of dance including floorwork, basic tumbling, modern, hiphop, and tap.

Jazz/ Contemporary

Our Jazz/ Contemporary classes include full body conditioning, progressions, center work, style, and choreography.

Mens Class

This class is specifically designed to meet the needs of aspiring male dancers.

Boys Class

Created to meet the specific needs of young boys, this class is full of energy and athleticism.

Variations

Variations class is the opportunity for the practical application of advanced ballet & pointe technique through the introduction of classical repertoire.

Pointe

Dancers progress into Pointe class after sufficient study of ballet; this usually occurs in Level 4.

Ballet Technique

Draper Center’s student division curriculum for ballet classes is based on the Cuban National Ballet School syllabus and incorporates our founder, Tim Draper’s, vision & teachings of classical ballet.

Dance Conditioning Classes

Stretch & Strength is part of the weekly curriculum for Levels 2 through our Professional Training Program.

Dance Classes

Our Jazz/ Contemporary classes include full body conditioning, progressions, center work, style, and choreography.

Ballet Classes

Draper Center’s student division curriculum for ballet classes is based on the Cuban National Ballet School syllabus and incorporates our founder, Tim Draper’s, vision & teachings of classical ballet.

Children’s Ballet & Dance Classes

Satellite classes
$0.00

Satellite classes take place in local libraries and community spaces—including Pittsford, Parma, Gates, Winton, Central, Penfield, and the Strong Museum. These 1-hour sessions are completely free and are also led by professional faculty. Children are encouraged to wear clothing they can move in; ballet shoes are welcome but not required. These playful classes are perfect for first-time dancers or families looking for a low-barrier introduction to ballet.

Ballet Jump-Start: Studio vs. Satellite Classes

Ballet Jump-Start offers two ways for children to experience the joy of dance. At the Draper Center for Dance Education, classes run from September through June and provide a traditional studio experience with professional faculty, a structured curriculum, and an immersive year-long training environment. These 1-hour classes require a leotard, tights, ballet shoes and a registration fee. For more information on studio classes click here

Ballet Jump-Start!

Bringing ballet to every community, one step at a time. In 2022, the Draper Center took an exciting step toward making ballet accessible to every child by offering free Creative Movement classes for young dancers. Recognizing the joy and confidence these classes brought, the following year the school expanded beyond its studio walls, bringing dance into local libraries and community spaces—and Ballet Jump-Start! was born.

Open Adult Ballet & Dance Classes

We offer classes for those just getting started or revisiting ballet/dance again as an adult! Open adult dance classes are a fun way to achieve flexibility, muscle tone, and coordination.

Open Beginner Ballet

Open Int/Adv Ballet

PTP Various Styles

PTP Jazz

PTP Pointe

PTP Variations

PTP Ballet

Boy's Class 5

Stretch & Strength 5

Various Styles 5

Jazz 5

Pointe 5

Ballet 5

Boy's Class 4

Stretch & Strength 4

Various Styles 4

Jazz 4

Pointe 4

Ballet 4

Boys Class 3

Stretch & Strength 3

Jazz 3

Pre-Pointe 3

Ballet 3

Stretch & Strength 2

Jazz 2

Ballet 2

Jazz 1B

Ballet 1B

Jazz 1

Ballet 1

Pre-Ballet Jazz

Pre-Ballet

Creative Movement

Pre-Ballet

Pre-Ballet is your child’s first encounter with finding excitement in the structure and detail of classical ballet training. There are many benefits to Pre-Ballet including physical preparation, flexibility, strength, and balance. There are also cognitive advantages including focus, attention to detail, and creativity.

One ballet class per week. Jazz is optional but strongly recommended.
Creative Movement

Creative Movement is a joyful way to explore self expression through music and dance. Your child will work on developing physical skills, channeling energy, and stimulate imagination and creativity. Creative Movement class is filled with structured creative play, engaging and thought provoking props, story telling, and expressive pantomime.

One class per week.
Creative Movement and Pre-Ballet

These dance classes introduce children to musicality and movement through creativity and group interaction. Creative Movement is tailored for ages 3 and 4, and Pre-Ballet for ages 5 and 6. At the end of Pre-Ballet, students will have a strong foundation in place to advance into the Student Division.

Open Adult Dance Classes

We offer classes for those just getting started or revisiting ballet/dance again as an adult! Open adult dance classes are a fun way to achieve flexibility, muscle tone, and coordination.

Professional Training Program

Students selected for this elite level of training are serious-minded dancers looking to pursue dance at the highest level. Our Professional Training Program will provide you with the skills necessary to succeed. Dancers in this program train six days each week.

Student Division – Levels 1 thru 5

This division is grounded in technique with an emphasis on classical ballet. Dance classes in the student division are carefully graded by age, physical strength, and understanding of each level’s curriculum. Students are introduced to progressive levels of ballet technique.

Pre-Ballet

Pre-Ballet for ages 5 and 6. These dance classes introduce children to musicality and movement through creativity and group interaction. At the end of Pre-Ballet, students will have a strong foundation in place to advance into the Student Division.

Creative Movement

Creative Movement is tailored for ages 3 and 4. These dance classes introduce children to musicality and movement through creativity and group interaction.

Gates Public Library
$0.00

10/2, 11/7, 12/5, 1/9, 2/6, 3/6, 4/3, 5/1, 6/5 at 10:15 am
The Strong National Museum of Play
$0.00

3rd Monday of every month 10:30 am - 11:30 am
Intermediate / Advanced Ballet

College students looking for more ballet classes? Former serious dancer looking to get back in shape? Serious adult student looking to further your dance education? Get back into your ballet classes with this inclusive, welcoming environment. Knowledgeable and professional teachers provide our adult students with a challenging and informative ballet class which includes barre and center work. It is recommended that students have a minimum of two years previous ballet training for this level.

Fridays 12:00pm - 1:30pm
Winton Branch Library (Winter Session)
$0.00

Mondays 10:30 am
Winton Branch Library (Rochester Public Library)
$0.00

Mondays 10:30 am
Penfield Public Library (Winter Session)
$0.00

Mondays 11:00 am
Central Library (Winter Session)
$0.00

Saturdays 2:00 pm
Central Library of Rochester & Monroe County
$0.00

Saturdays 2:00 pm
Parma Public Library
$0.00

Thursdays 10:15 am
Beginner Ballet

Have you always wanted to try Ballet but never had the opportunity? Then this is the perfect class for you. An inclusive, welcoming environment for all ages and body types. This class will introduce you to the basics of ballet while gaining flexibility, coordination, balance, stamina, and muscle tone. Beginner Ballet is about having fun, getting fit, and enjoying the beauty and elegance of classical dance.

Tuesdays 6:30pm - 8:00pm
PRE-BALLET & JAZZ CLASSES
$0.00

Pre-Ballet is your child’s first encounter with finding excitement in the structure and detail of classical ballet training. There are many benefits to Pre-Ballet including physical preparation, flexibility, strength, and balance. There are also cognitive advantages including focus, attention to detail, and creativity. Pre-Ballet strikes a healthy balance between structure and self expression. Some Creative Movement techniques remain in place including improvisation, story telling, and the use of thought provoking props. In addition, students begin to learn basic terminology and movement that will be utilized as they transition into the Student Division. Jazz tuition is $30.00. Ballet tuition is FREE.

JULY 7th – JULY 29th, 2026 Tuesdays OR Wednesdays Ballet~ 5:00-5:45 PM Jazz ~ 6:00-6:30PM
CREATIVE MOVEMENT CLASSES
$0.00

Creative Movement is a joyful way to explore self expression through music and dance. Your child will work on developing physical skills, channeling energy, and stimulate imagination and creativity. Creative Movement class is filled with structured creative play, engaging and thought provoking props, story telling, and expressive pantomime. Creative Movement will give your child an outlet to dance the way they enjoy to dance while helping them to develop additional coordination, balance, flexibility, and strength. Most of all, Creative Movement is filled with fun and imagination!

Tuesdays OR Wednesdays 4:15pm - 5:00pm
Beginning Ballet

Have you always wanted to try Ballet but never had the opportunity? Then this is the perfect class for you. An inclusive, welcoming environment for all ages and body types. This class will introduce you to the basics of ballet while gaining flexibility, coordination, balance, stamina, and muscle tone. Beginner Ballet is about having fun, getting fit, and enjoying the beauty and elegance of classical dance.

Wednesdays 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Pittsford Community Library
$0.00

Wednesdays 9:30 am

Courses

Two Week Ballet & Dance Intensives

The Draper Center Two Week Intensives are the perfect setting for technical and artistic growth in young and pre-professional dancers. Join the Draper Center faculty for an exciting, inspirational, and educational two-week experience with a focus on Classical Ballet & Jazz technique and movement classes.

Workshops

August Senior Intensive

Draper Center brings together an internationally renowned guest faculty to provide an inspirational and educational experience filled with excitement and opportunity. Draper Center’s August senior intensive has been developed over the past 30 years and incorporates a high level of classical ballet and technique training along with classes in Musical Theater, Contemporary Dance, Character, Modern, and several forms of cross training for dance.

August 3rd – August 21st, 2026 Monday – Friday
TWO WEEK INTERMEDIATE INTENSIVE

Curriculum includes Ballet, Pointe, Stretch/Conditioning. Students ages 9+. Placement class and/or recommendation of Draper Center faculty required.

Monday-Friday 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
TWO WEEK SENIOR INTENSIVE

Curriculum includes Ballet, Pointe, and Variations. Students ages 9+. Placement class and/or recommendation of Draper Center faculty required.

Monday-Friday 9:30 AM - 1:00 PM

Camps

Summer Program

Draper Center offers an array of options in its well-respected and nationally renowned Summer Programs. Whether your child is just starting dance, would like to improve their abilities in a short time, or is training to become a professional dancer, we offer all levels of study and intensity.

TWO WEEK JUNIOR INTENSIVE

Curriculum includes Ballet and Jazz. Students ages 7+. Placement class and/or recommendation of Draper Center faculty required.

Monday – Friday 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Ballet With Bluey
$140.00

Disney Dreams Dance Camp and Ballet With Bluey are joyful ways to explore self-expression through music and dance. Your child will work on developing physical skills, channeling energy, and stimulate imagination and creativity. Disney Dreams Dance Camp and Ballet With Bluey classes are filled with structured creative play, engaging and thought-provoking props, storytelling, and expressive pantomime. These classes will give your child an outlet to dance the way they enjoy dancing while helping them to develop additional coordination, balance, flexibility, and strength. Most of all, Disney Dreams Dance Camp and Ballet With Bluey are filled with fun and imagination!

Monday through Thursday 9:30am - 12:00pm
Disney Dreams Dance Camp
$140.00

Disney Dreams Dance Camp and Ballet With Bluey are joyful ways to explore self-expression through music and dance. Your child will work on developing physical skills, channeling energy, and stimulate imagination and creativity. Disney Dreams Dance Camp and Ballet With Bluey classes are filled with structured creative play, engaging and thought-provoking props, storytelling, and expressive pantomime. These classes will give your child an outlet to dance the way they enjoy dancing while helping them to develop additional coordination, balance, flexibility, and strength. Most of all, Disney Dreams Dance Camp and Ballet With Bluey are filled with fun and imagination!

Monday through Thursday 9:30am - 12:00pm

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I contact Draper Center for Dance Education?

Call Draper Center for Dance Education at (585) 461-2000 or visit https://drapercenter.com/.

Does Draper Center for Dance Education have Sunday classes?

Yes, Draper Center for Dance Education is open Sundays: 11:30 AM - 3:00 PM.

What is the best way to contact Draper Center for Dance Education?

The quickest way is to call (585) 461-2000 or visit https://drapercenter.com/.

Does Draper Center for Dance Education offer morning classes?

Yes, Draper Center for Dance Education has morning availability. Monday: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM, Tuesday: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM, Wednesday: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM, Thursday: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM, Friday: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM, Saturday: 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM, Sunday: 11:30 AM - 3:00 PM.

What city is Draper Center for Dance Education in?

Draper Center for Dance Education is in Rochester, New York.