Ballet and Body

I have taken a few barre classes at Ballet and Body during the past few weeks. The classes are small and the instructors are all dancers who really know their stuff. My body feels wonderful after these classes, and the improvement in my posture is amazing. The instructors always explain exactly how to do the movements and come around to give us pointers on the correct way to do them. The studio is light and airy and very clean. It’s really a pleasure to take classes here.

love love love
Each teacher’s class is a little bit different which always keeps me on my toes (hehe).
I appreciate a workout where I don’t have to stop because my muscles are shaking. To walk out and have my back feel better NOT worse is very nice.
Highly recommend.

Love the classes I am taking here. They keep them small which is great and the teachers are fantastic. The work outs are great and fun. There is a great mix of stretching, toning and bare work and the variety class to class is great. The studio is clean, quiet and the natural light from the skylight is a great bonus. Highly recommend if you’re looking for a ballet studio!

Forget all the other hyped up classes — this is legit ballet barre :) The Ballet Body Fitness class is awesome, especially the intense stretching exercises. The studio is airy and beautiful. The instructor (Shannon) came around and gave us individual pointers to make sure our form was correct, which was really helpful. Loved it!

I hadn’t danced (or, frankly, done much of any exercise) in more than 10 years. I recently lost some weight, and decided that Ballet would be a great way to «ease back in». I have started with Ballet Body Fitness class, and have taken the class with various teachers, all who have their own style but all were a great class. My absolute favorite is the class Roberta the owner teaches. She explains the «why» of things and ensures that you have proper form. I only wish there were beginning ballet class offered during the weekday as I’d like to try the next level.

I grew up taking dance classes but hadn’t done anything similar in at least five years. I’ve taken the Friday night Beginner Ballet class twice now, and I love it. Though some students in the class wore the typical ballet uniform of a leotard, tights, and ballet slippers, I’ve worn fitted workout clothes and socks both times and didn’t feel out of place. That being said I’ll probably get a pair of canvas ballet slippers because I’d like to continue going to this class.
If you have no ballet experience, this class might be a bit tough because the movements will be entirely unfamiliar. I think most people in the class had prior ballet experience. For me, the difficulty level was perfect. Very basic, but not easy. We started with about 45 minutes at the bar, and spent the last 30 minutes at the center or doing combinations across the floor.
The instructor is positive, encouraging, and makes helpful suggestions and corrections. I would highly recommend this class if you’ve got a little bit of ballet experience and are looking for a great, structured ballet class!

This is one of my favorite workouts… ever. I took a Saturday class with Ben, who was AMAZING!!! He was attentive, great at explaining the movements (I haven’t taken a dance class since I was five) and had a wonderful sense of humor. The class was challenging but flew by. It’s a great combination of strength training, stretching and cardio… you definitely work up a sweat!
Highly recommended. I’ll be back!

I can compare my ballet class with magic only! I felt so calm, so comfortable, so peaceful and safe…
I took Ballet Body Fitness with Tamara (who is amazing btw) and after class I came home with a huge smile on my face. I used to dance 13 years ago and today I’ve realised — I have to continue dancing! Thank you ‘Ballet and Body’ for making my dreams come true!

This was an excellent class and very different from the classes I have taken at Pure Barre — this is actually a ballet class where you work at the barre. It was a lot of fun and a lot came back from my childhood years of dancing ballet. The class begins with about 15 minutes of stretching which is great, the rest of the class is at the barre, pretty much a proper super-​beginner ballet class. The studio is bright and sunny and the vibe is a mix of proper ballet school mixed with casual workout class. Really great vibe, I’ll definitely return soon!

I absolutely loved Ballet and Body! The Ballet Body Fitness class was so unique because you’re doing real ballet training that the professionals do. It’s so elegant and the music is beautiful. I didn’t really sweat and it was more effective than all the other ballet barre classes you find around here. We stretch everything out for the first part of class and the workouts never build up your quads adds bulk, it really lengthens and tones your legs and works your butt muscles. It is also amazing to correct your posture. Ballet and Body is a great alternative workout that you end up looking forward to rather than dread. Can’t wait to go back! Thanks Roberta!

Really solid ballet classes in an airy sunny studio. I have taken ballet fitness, which is a good toning workout with ballet basics. I have also taken regular beginner and adv beg classes, which are up to the level of any class in town. I’ve taken classes from Leah, Sean, Osamu, Jonathan and Roberta, and enjoyed them all!

I loved this class and I cannot dance (at all!). You start with a deep stretch which makes your body feel so good. I could feel the stress melting away. I also felt more limber at the end than I have in years. The instructor was great at giving feedback and corrections to make sure you were doing the exercises properly.
Following the stretch you do a classical ballet barre. I had never had any ballet training so it was nice to learn the basics. However, this barre would be great for even experienced dancers.
After the barre, you learn a dance sequence that really anyone could do – it is just a matter of how well you do it :). In my case, not so great. Still, I had a great time, I wouldn’t have considered it a tough work out except today (the day after) I am a bit sore.
The best part of the class was the instructor. He made you feel great and taught you everything from history of classical ballet to how to do the steps. I can’t wait to go back!
Don’t be afraid to try this even if you wouldn’t consider yourself a dancer type!

I took Ballet Body Fitness, which is sort of a über-​beginners class focused on using ballet moves for a general exercise rather than choreography/​technique as a normal dance class would be.
If you have zero ballet experience and want to learn it its suggested you take the fitness classes first for awhile before you try their legit beginner’s ballet class.
I learned under Roberta and I had a fantastic time. Roberta is passionate about ballet, but also very chill. You won’t feel intimidated or overburdened in her class. I have several years of dance experience under my belt through hip hop, but even if you have no dance experience, this class was all around very beginner friendly. It was just enough to be challenging without being daunting. Even though it’s a «fitness» class rather than a dance class, every single thing you do is real ballet so it’s a really great way to ease yourself to the craft.
If I had to nitpick one thing, it would be the lack of a teacher assistant. Seriously not a big deal, just being picky/​ambitious. Roberta is demonstrating for the entirety of each exercise since us newbies need guidance for every step, so it would’ve been perfect if there was someone walking through the room and physically making sure each dancer has it right to the bone. Roberta does call out on our technique while at the barre, so it’s all good! Just make sure you listen to her instructions and apply yourself!

This studio is such a gem in Midtown East! After a long break from dancing, I wanted to find a class that was close to my home and that offered a fun, welcoming environment.
On my first visit I attended Roberta’s 75 minute class and I didn’t want it to end! Roberta reminded me of why I had loved dancing to begin with — her knowledge, passion and talent made the class endlessly enjoyable and also accessible for all levels.
I also took the Street Jazz class with Leah and had such a great time, working up a sweat and learning a really fun routine.
Ballet and Body is a wonderfully supportive company that I would recommend for everyone from those who are brand new to the world of dance to those who know exactly what a great dance class should be.

I took the Ballet and Body Fitness class for the first time yesterday. I will return and recommend the studio whole heartedly.
The space is beautiful, clean, well ventilated, full of light; the changing area and bathrooms are immaculate. Bravo — this is a refreshing change from other dance studios, both uptown and downtown …
The instruction (by Roberta Senn, the director of the school) was clear, calm, correct. This is a good place to learn, whether you are coming back to the barre with extensive background, as I am, or if you are a newbie beginner: Roberta keeps you grounded in fundamentals and she adapted the class to the different levels of experience of the various people present.
The Ballet Body Fitness class differentiated — it is 25 minutes of stretching on the floor, which felt great, and the rest of was a true ballet barre including standing stretches and a few dance-​y moves in the center and across the floor. The way it’s taught, it is not beyond anyone’s ability and still a valuable reintroduction to technique.
The emphasis is on the exercises which create long, lean dancers’ muscles. These stretches are the antidote to all those cycling and sculpting classes, where I might burn a lot of calories or build muscle, but with no attention to length, grace and beautiful carriage. Ballet is an art; it gives you a quality of movement noticeably different from other classes. This school makes the art accessible.
I picked up the schedule — it’s a real school, with classes every day; a lot of opportunities to try different teachers and levels.

I absolutely loved this place. I could tell that the instructor Shannon was highly experienced. She was motivating and attentive. I’m glad I chose to try this place out and I’ll be back for sure! Also, I could wear regular socks there

My roommate and I came here today (we both have ClassPass) for Ballet Body Fitness. It was really great! Isabelle was so sweet and was such a great instructor. I did ballet from ages 2 – 14 but haven’t danced since, but Isabelle gave great direction. I loved this class and will definitely be back again!

I’m a beginner at ballet and just started taking classes at the end of December at another studio. In February, I signed up for ClassPass and decided to try out Ballet and Body. I am so glad I found this studio!
I took the Ballet Body Fitness class for the first time today and it was wonderful. Roberta is an amazing teacher. She clearly demonstrates and explains each move so you know exactly what you need to do before it’s the class’ turn to do it. I learned so much more about ballet basics in her class than a month of ballet classes at another studio (though to be fair, the other studio’s class was a combination levels class) and I felt great.
I spoke with her after the class and she mentioned that she opened the studio last September (she’s had another studio in Great Neck, NY for the last 25 years). If you take a class with her (she teaches in the earlier part of the week), you’re in for a treat. I hope the studio is around for a long time.

First time taking class on a Monday morning with Roberta. My background in ballet zero! Was always fan of the beautiful form, poise, grace ballerinas carry. Small cozy studio with skylight, mirrored wall, barre opposite wall, intimate class (including self 4 participants), a very calming and welcoming atmosphere. I been taking barre classes for some time, was expecting to walk out with quivering legs, sore arms, what not, instead walked out of class feeling rejuvenated, calm, even a tad more flexible. Roberta is very knowledgeable and her passion for teaching and cultivating the art of ballet is remarkable. She corrected my form a couple of times, as I am not used to certain posture carrying what I’ve learned in barre class to this ballet barre. In the end we did this ballet waltz which made me feel like a real ballerina (guided by Roberta). Looking forward to the next class!

I’ve been here twice for ballet fitness and I already love the place!
Background: The extent of my ballet knowledge lies in barre classes, which is NOT ballet.
Classes: I will take Roberta’s word for it that this is classical, unmodified ballet since I have zero experience. They are not the typical fitness classes where you huff and puff afterwards and I can’t say whether or not I feel sore following class (since I usually go to other fitness classes prior to this one) but for me, it is more a mental challenge to stay in correct form and posture. You will learn coordination, poise, and balance in this class.
Instructor: I was initially shocked to see Roberta, the studio’s Director, teaching the class. In the entire experience, she is the biggest reason why I returned the second time, and will continue to show up. She is passionate and dedicated to the art of ballet and it became apparent within 5 minutes of me being in the same room as her. She obviously loves to teach and her passion is infectious. She will also correct your form without being snarky or causing embarrassment. She always seems reluctant to end a class, just as students are sad to stop as well.
Facility: The studio is a small little place far on the east side of town. It is unassuming and unpretentious. There is a small little area with cubbies and hooks. I believe there is a changing room, though no showers to speak of (I have never asked for one). Fret not, you will most likely not leave drenched in sweat from the ballet fitness classes. The studio room is a rectangle with one wall lined with mirrors, two walls lined with a barre, and a glass wall/​door leading to the reception. In the daytime, the sky lights will make the place airy and bright. The whitewashed brick is cozy. Hell, the whole place just has a cozy feel.
Customer Service: I was running late to my first-​ever class and called to tell them so. The person at reception was so wonderful about coordinating with me to either show up late and still get the most out of class or to reschedule me so that ClassPass did not penalize me (a whopping $ 20 for a missed class). Though it was incredibly rude of me to show up to class 30 minutes late, Roberta admitted me without even blinking and brought me up to date in no time. They are accommodating and polite, making the experience even more stellar. There is nothing like great customer service that makes students feel valued.
Pricing: All trials are $ 20 and Beginner Ballet is $ 30 and Ballet Body Fitness is $ 37. I don’t see much of a difference between the two ballet classes except one is much longer. They offer a discount to ClassPass participants.