Margo Dean School of Ballet
Fort Worth's longest-established ballet school, training ages 3 to profession…
A ballet-focused dance school offering classical ballet training along with related dance disciplines.
Before your first class
Pre-school ballet classes begin at age 3 with informal movement and music; beginner classes are available at multiple age levels with progressive technique instruction.
Formal dress code required: girls in solid black leotards and ballet shoes; boys in white T-shirt, black tights, and ballet shoes.
Girls and ladies wear a solid black leotard (no lace, spider backs, or stringed leotards) with black ballet shoes; boys and men wear a white T-shirt, black tights, and black or white ballet shoes with white socks.
Annual registration fee $50 (additional family members $25 each, capped at $80 per family).
About this studio
Margo Dean School of Ballet has been a fixture of Fort Worth's cultural life for over 60 years, operating as the longest-established ballet school in the DFW Metroplex. The school was voted Best Dance Studio in 2025 and 2026 by 76107 Magazine. It occupies a location in Fort Worth's Cultural District at 3803 Camp Bowie Blvd.
The school teaches ballet for ages 3 through professional level, along with flamenco dance, jazz/contemporary, adult tap, musical theater dance, and Gyrotonic exercise. Classes are organised by level: pre-school ballet begins at age 3, with children's classes progressing through numbered levels (I–IV), teen classes, and adult classes. The curriculum emphasises strict discipline and formal dress code alongside the joy of dance. The school recognises that some students aim for professional careers—many alumni have danced with major companies including Ballet West, Royal New Zealand Ballet, Milwaukee Ballet, Ballet de Marseilles, San Diego Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, Orlando Ballet, Atlanta Ballet, Ballet Magnificat, and Dance Theater of Harlem; others have pursued Broadway careers. At the same time, the school creates space for students who love dance without professional ambitions.
Classes run year-round across a full weekly schedule. Fall semester runs from August through December, spring semester from January through May. Summer intensive programmes are available: the Advanced Ballet Workshop (ages 13+) runs daily 9:30 am–12:30 pm for the first two weeks of June, with additional flamenco, jazz, pointe, and variations classes. Intermediate Ballet (ages 10–16) runs 9:00 am–11:30 am the first two weeks. Company class for professional dancers is available by audition. Evening adult and teen ballet classes meet on Tuesday and Thursday at 6:30 pm during summer. A year-end Spring Performance takes place each May, with dress rehearsals and a stage show featuring story ballets; students also have the opportunity to perform in Ballet Concerto's outdoor Summer Dance Concert in June.
The faculty includes resident instructors and distinguished guest teachers. Webster Dean serves as associate artistic director and has taught at the school for 23 years; he is a former soloist with Ballet West and Royal New Zealand Ballet. Melanie Malone teaches musical theater dance and modern dance and holds an MFA from SMU in performance and choreography. Perla Montoya teaches flamenco and Spanish dance and is a principal Spanish dancer with Ballet Concerto, with over 10 years' teaching experience at the school. Guest master teachers rotate through the summer intensive and have historically included Bruce Marks, David Howard, and many other internationally recognised figures. The school policies include a parent observation week before Christmas break and allow students to make up missed classes within the semester.
What to expect
Your first visit
Classes follow a formal structure with a strict dress code. Pre-school children learn basic ballet exercises and terminology through movement and music. Older students progress through levelled classes with increasing technical demands. Parents are not permitted in the classroom during normal instruction but may observe during the final week before Christmas break.
Instructors
Who teaches here
Webster Dean (associate artistic director, former Ballet West and Royal New Zealand Ballet soloist, 23 years at the school); Melanie Malone (musical theater dance and modern dance, MFA from SMU, former professional touring dancer); Perla Montoya (flamenco and Spanish dance, principal dancer with Ballet Concerto). Guest master faculty rotate through summer workshops and have included Bruce Marks, David Howard, and many internationally recognised artists.
New to dancing?
What beginners can expect
Pre-school ballet classes begin at age 3 with informal movement and music; beginner classes are available at multiple age levels with progressive technique instruction.
What to wear and bring
Before your first class
Dress code
Formal dress code required: girls in solid black leotards and ballet shoes; boys in white T-shirt, black tights, and ballet shoes. No rubber pants or T-shirts allowed in class.
What to bring
Girls and ladies wear a solid black leotard (no lace, spider backs, or stringed leotards) with black ballet shoes; boys and men wear a white T-shirt, black tights, and black or white ballet shoes with white socks. For flamenco, students need shoes with heels.
Studio history
Margo Dean School of Ballet was established in 1950 and has operated continuously for over 60 years as the longest-established ballet school in the DFW Metroplex. It has been a vital part of Fort Worth's cultural life, developing students who have gone on to professional careers with major ballet companies and Broadway.
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Class schedule
Weekly classes and workshops
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Frequently asked about Margo Dean School of Ballet
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does Margo Dean School of Ballet teach?
Margo Dean School of Ballet teaches Ballet, Flamenco dance, Jazz, Adult tap, Musical theater dance. The full list of styles is shown above on this page along with each genre's classes and lesson options.
Where is Margo Dean School of Ballet located?
Margo Dean School of Ballet is located in Fort Worth, TX. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does Margo Dean School of Ballet offer private lessons?
Contact Margo Dean School of Ballet directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does Margo Dean School of Ballet teach kids and adults?
Margo Dean School of Ballet 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 Margo Dean School of Ballet?
The fastest path is to visit Margo Dean School of Ballet via their website or check the class schedule above. Many studios offer a free or discounted intro lesson — contact them directly to ask.