Barbara's School of the Dance
Award-winning dance studio in Delmar, NY. 52 seasons of ballet, jazz, tap, hi…
Barbara's School of the Dance is celebrating its 52nd season in Delmar, NY, serving dancers from toddlers through adults.
Photo: Norine Hodges via Google
Before your first class
The studio welcomes dancers of all skill levels and ages, with non-performative classes and adult classes specifically for those new to dance or returning after years away.
$10 per child for Toddler Time drop-in play
About this studio
Barbara's School of the Dance is celebrating its 52nd season in Delmar, NY, serving dancers from toddlers through adults. The studio was founded on the philosophy "It's not where you start, it's where you finish," and is now led by Caley Dalpe, who has danced at BSOTD since she was 2½ years old and purchased the studio in 2018 from founder Miss Barbara.
The studio offers five class tracks: Recreational Recital classes for students learning choreography and performing on stage; Wizard of Oz, a full-length production for dancers ready to develop technique and stage presence; Competition Team training for higher-level performers building friendships and resilience; Youth Non-Performative classes for those who prefer movement without performance; and Adult Classes welcoming all experience levels. Summer programming includes themed day camps (ages 3–18) packed with ballet, jazz, hip-hop and more, 7 weeks of flexible evening classes, and Competition Team Intensives.
The physical space includes five spacious studios with professional sprung flooring and dimensions that match Proctors Theatre for recital preparation. The studio is designed with families in mind, featuring a comfortable lobby area with spacious seating, a play zone for toddlers, and space for quick shoe changes.
The teaching team includes over 20 instructors, many trained by Miss Barbara herself. Teachers bring diverse experience: Miss Madeline Baitholts trained with Redemption Dance Institute and Albany Berkshire Ballet's Junior Company; Miss Lexy Brown graduated from Siena College with a degree in Creative Arts with a focus on dance and trained at Broadway Dance Center; Miss Cali Buxton-Pham danced competitively for 20 years under RAD style ballet training and performed in over 40 stage shows; Miss Jeanna Campbell trained on both coasts in New York and Los Angeles with professional choreographers; Miss Dominique Cettina danced on the Siena Dance Team for four years and taught at CDU Dance in Wantagh, NY; Miss Livi Conroy attended BSOTD from age 3 and studied communications at SUNY Oneonta. Other team members include Miss Mackenzie Costigan, Miss Allie Fried, Miss Averi Friedwald, Miss Jen Fuld, Miss Olivia Harmon, Miss Elizabeth Hite, Miss Sofia Gray, Miss Giada Leigh, Miss Christina Lombardi, Miss Carly Martin, Miss Rory McFerran, Miss Lauren Quinn, Miss DeAnna Ritano, Miss Grace Seager, Miss Maddy Spath, and Miss Erika Whipple.
The studio also hosts Toddler Time @ BSOTD, drop-in play for ages 1–5 held Tuesdays and Fridays 10:00 am–12:00 pm, featuring three rooms focused on fine motor skills, gross motor skills, and dance play. Birthday party hosting is available, and the studio rents space for private events.
What to expect
Your first visit
Classes are structured by skill level and interest, from recreational to competitive training. The studio emphasises a supportive environment where you learn to try, imagine what's possible, and build connections with other dancers. Teaching focuses on technique, confidence, and the joy of movement.
Instructors
Who teaches here
The teaching team includes over 20 experienced instructors, many trained by founder Miss Barbara. Teachers hold degrees in dance and related fields from Siena College, SUNY Oneonta, and other institutions, and bring experience from competitive dance backgrounds, Broadway training, professional choreography study, and long-standing careers at the studio.
New to dancing?
What beginners can expect
The studio welcomes dancers of all skill levels and ages, with non-performative classes and adult classes specifically for those new to dance or returning after years away.
Studio history
Barbara's School of the Dance was founded by Miss Barbara Gallager over 50 years ago on the principle "It's not where you start, it's where you finish." In 2018, Caley Dalpe, who began dancing at the studio at age 2½, purchased it from Miss Barbara and has continued the legacy while guiding the studio into a new era.
Styles offered
10 dance styles taught here
Gallery
The people, the parties and the dancing here
Amenities
Pricing
Approximate lesson costs
Class schedule
Weekly classes and workshops
Barbara's School of the Dancehasn't set up a public class schedule yet.
If you own Barbara's School of the Dance, claiming the studio lets you add a public schedule in about 2 minutes. A free Google Calendar is the easiest path — visitors see your class times inline + can add events to their own calendar.
Frequently asked about Barbara's School of the Dance
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does Barbara's School of the Dance teach?
Barbara's School of the Dance teaches General, Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Hip-Hop, Lyrical Jazz and 4 more. The full list of styles is shown above on this page along with each genre's classes and lesson options.
Where is Barbara's School of the Dance located?
Barbara's School of the Dance is located in Delmar, NY. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does Barbara's School of the Dance offer private lessons?
Contact Barbara's School of the Dance directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does Barbara's School of the Dance teach kids and adults?
Barbara's School of the Dance welcomes students of varied ages and experience levels. Contact the studio to learn which classes fit your age group and level.
How do I sign up for classes at Barbara's School of the Dance?
The fastest path is to visit Barbara's School of the Dance via their website or check the class schedule above. Many studios offer a free or discounted intro lesson — contact them directly to ask.