Columbia Conservatory of Dance
Professional classical ballet training from South Carolina Ballet's founding…
Columbia Conservatory of Dance is a professional ballet school founded by leaders of South Carolina Ballet.
Photo: Alexandra Woodlief via Google
Before your first class
Beginner classes focus on foundational technique and terminology; all students are placed thoughtfully by faculty based on age, experience, and training level.
About this studio
Columbia Conservatory of Dance is a professional ballet school founded by leaders of South Carolina Ballet. The studio is now in its 38th year of professional dance instruction and serves as the official home and training ground for South Carolina's Premier Professional Ballet Company. This close institutional link means you train under the same artistic vision that shapes a professional ballet company—your instructors are actively engaged in the professional dance world, many of them current or former company members.
The faculty is led by South Carolina Ballet Artistic Director William Starrett and famed Prima Ballerina Mariclare Miranda, both founding directors. They are joined by Principal Dancer Claire Rapp and Soloists Jordan Hawkins and Gabrielle Gardner. This is not a studio staffed by part-time teachers; your classes are taught by accomplished artists with real performance credentials and ongoing professional practice.
The Conservatory's philosophy centres on classical tradition and long-term development. Classes are organised by age and level, with careful faculty-guided placement to ensure you receive instruction appropriate to your experience. The school offers a structured progression from early childhood through advanced training: Creative Movement and Pre-Ballet for the youngest dancers; Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced Ballet for those building serious technique; Pre-Pointe and Pointe classes (placement by faculty approval only); and supplemental Technique classes to strengthen alignment and consistency. Beyond ballet, the studio teaches Contemporary & Lyrical, Jazz, Tap, and offers Repertory/Performance-Based Training for students learning choreography for performances.
Classes run Monday through Friday for ages 3 through adult. A Day Program is available for advanced students seeking focused, comprehensive instruction by faculty invitation or approval. The studio also offers private lessons and SCB II training. The academic year follows a traditional structure, with classes beginning in late August and continuing through spring. Enrollment is open year-round, subject to availability, and the studio encourages prospective students to contact them for placement guidance before registering.
The Conservatory has been voted Best Dance School three times in a row by readers of the Free Times, with the most recent award in 2025. The studio is located on Main Street in downtown Columbia.
What to expect
Your first visit
Contact the studio to discuss your age and training background; faculty will guide your placement into the appropriate level and class. Classes are structured and disciplined, rooted in classical technique and aimed at long-term development rather than quick advancement. You'll find a supportive environment where instruction reflects both strong technical foundations and real-world professional practice.
Instructors
Who teaches here
Faculty are led by founding directors William Starrett (South Carolina Ballet Artistic Director) and Mariclare Miranda (famed Prima Ballerina), alongside Principal Dancer Claire Rapp and Soloists Jordan Hawkins and Gabrielle Gardner. All are accomplished artists actively engaged in the professional dance world.
New to dancing?
What beginners can expect
Beginner classes focus on foundational technique and terminology; all students are placed thoughtfully by faculty based on age, experience, and training level.
Studio history
Founded by leaders of South Carolina Ballet, Columbia Conservatory of Dance has been providing professional dance instruction for 38 years. The success of the Conservatory and South Carolina Ballet remain inextricably entwined; the studio serves as the official school of the company and benefits from the artistic direction and professional expertise of its founders.
Styles offered
15 dance styles taught here
Gallery
The people, the parties and the dancing here
Class schedule
Weekly classes and workshops
Columbia Conservatory of Dancehasn't set up a public class schedule yet.
If you own Columbia Conservatory of 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 Columbia Conservatory of Dance
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does Columbia Conservatory of Dance teach?
Columbia Conservatory of Dance teaches Ballet, Creative Movement, Pre-ballet, Pre-Tap, Pre-Jazz, Beginner Ballet and 9 more. The full list of styles is shown above on this page along with each genre's classes and lesson options.
Where is Columbia Conservatory of Dance located?
Columbia Conservatory of Dance is located in Columbia, SC. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does Columbia Conservatory of Dance offer private lessons?
Contact Columbia Conservatory of Dance directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does Columbia Conservatory of Dance teach kids and adults?
Columbia Conservatory of 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 Columbia Conservatory of Dance?
The fastest path is to visit Columbia Conservatory of Dance via their website or check the class schedule above. Many studios offer a free or discounted intro lesson — contact them directly to ask.