RVA's Newest Dance Studio for Kids: Bella Ballerina

If you've been wanting to sign your child up for dance, you need to check out Bella Ballerina, the newest dance studio for children in Richmond. Their fall semester just started, so you still have time to sign your young dancer up for one of their dance classes. Click here for more details on the fall semester. 

With studios in Short Pump and Midlothian, Bella Ballerina's studio and classes are designed specifically for young families with storybook themes and age appropriate instructions. Young dancers between the ages 18 months to 10 years old can enroll in dance classes for ballet, jazz, tap, and hip hop! Bella Ballerina also hosts birthday parties, summer camps, and special events throughout the year!

ICYMI: Bella Ballerina Short Pump is hosting its grand opening this Sunday, September 8, 2024. Journey into WONDERLAND with crafts, special cookies, a dance party, and photo opportunities with The Wonderland Girl herself! This is a FREE even from noon to 5pm, but make sure you reserve your spot by signing up here.

Follow @thewestendmom on Instagram for things to do with kids in Richmond!

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Everything YOU need to know about Bella Ballerina:

Bella Ballerina is a dance studio that specializes in dance programs for children 18 months through 10 years old. Their dance curriculum is taught in 12 week sessions rather than year-long programing. But if your kiddo wants to sign up for the whole year, you can do that too!

Bella Ballerina provides a storybook based dance program for the youngest dancers. This means that the dance classes in the Bella Boppers (ages 18m-2.5yo), Bella Bunnies (2.5yo-4yo) and Bella Butterflies (4yo-6yo) start with reading a story, and that story is integrated throughout that day's class as the children learn new dance moves. Classes end with the children dressing up and reenacting the story.  For example, this week the Short Pump classes are reading about Elena of Avalor and they have Elana costumes to wear during their class.

Children who are between 6 years old and 10 years old will transition into Bella Ballerinas. This class transitions dancers into a "grown up" studio, covering ballet, jazz & tap. Both beginners and experienced dancers are welcome in this class. If your child loves hip hop, check out Bella Beats. This hip hop class is for children 5 years old to 10 years old.

Bella Ballerina offers a FREE, trial class for dance classes. To check out the dance schedule, click here. When you're viewing the schedule, make sure you have the right location (either Short Pump or Midlothian) and the class that fits your child's age group. You will need to create a "family account" (aka register) to participate in this free class.

Where is Bella Ballerina located?

This children's dance studio just opened two locations in Richmond! Bella Ballerina RVA is now open in Chesterfield and in Short Pump.

The address of Bella Ballerina Short Pump is 3411 Cox Road, ​Henrico, VA 23233

Nearby: Short Pump Park (5 minutes), Springfield Park (7 minutes) and Pouncey Tract Park (9 minutes)

The address of Bella Ballerina Chesterfield is: 13924 Hull Street Road, Midlothian, VA 23112

Nearby: This location is between the Moseley and Brandermill neighborhoods.

When are classes offered?

You will find classes at various times throughout the week. There are classes on weekdays between 9-12:30 and 3:30-6:45pm, and you will find class times on Saturdays from 9:30am-3pm and Sundays from 1pm to 4pm.

Bella Ballerina is closed on Mondays.

What types of classes are offered at Bella Ballerina?

Bella Ballerina offers 5 classes for 4 different age groups.

Bella Boppers : This 45 minute class is for children ages 18m-2.5 years old. This class focuses on learning about dance and incorporates fine and gross motor skills. Children will also learn rhythmic awareness to jazz and tap. This class is centered around a story, so children will bring the story to life through ballet movements and get to dress up.

*This is a grown-up and me class.

Cost Per Seasonal Session (~12 classes): 3 Equal Payments of $99

Bella Bunnies: This class is for children 2.5yo-4 years old. This class focuses on learning the basics of ballet, jazz and tap. All movements are tailored to toddler learning.  Similar to Bella Boppers, this class is centered around a story, so children will bring the story to life through ballet movements and get to dress up. Children also get to use props like wands, balls, and stuffies!

*This is a child-only class. Parents can watch the entire class from the studio. It is an open concept space.

Cost Per Seasonal Session (~12 classes): 3 Equal Payments of $99

Bella Butterflies: This 60 minute class is for children 4 years old-6 years old. This class focuses on preparing young dancers for the big kid classes! With a combination of ballet, jazz and tap, children will stories to life with dance movements. Proper ballet manners will also be introduced, preparing children for kindergarten and elementary school.

Cost Per Seasonal Session (~12 classes): 3 Equal Payments of $105

*This is a child-only class. Parents can watch the entire class from the studio.

Bella Ballerinas: This 60 minute class is for children 6 year to 10 years olds. This structured class prepares children for the "grownup" dance studio experience. Dancers will learn ballet, jazz and tap in this class. Beginners and experienced dancers are welcome.

Cost Per Seasonal Session (~12 classes): 3 Equal Payments of $105

Bella Beats: This 45 minute hip hop class is for children ages 5 years old to 10 years old. Young hip hop enthusiasts will learn fun dance choreography with upbeat & age appropriate music. This is the perfect class for high energy dance-enthusiasts.  

Cost Per Seasonal Session (~12 classes): 3 Equal Payments of $99

How does Bella Ballerina compare to other children's dance studios around RVA?

Sessions: You can sign up for a 12 class session or select the year-long program. Many other dance studios require a yearlong commitment for all ages.

Curriculum: Dance classes are storybook based for 18 months to 6 years old. This means that children dance through storybook and fairy tale themes - it's all about imagination, movement and fun!Dance instructors open class with a story, and the entire class is based upon that. The traditional dance movements and choreography - jazz, tap, ballet - are taught surrounding that story, and at the end of class, students dance out the story with costumes. Younger children get to use props like tiaras, stuffies, shakers & more.

Classes for children 6 and older resemble a traditional dance class, preparing them for a "grown up studio."

Clothing/Attire: Bella Ballerina provides fun, age-appropriate dance instruction in a relaxed environment - children don't have to wear a specific-color leotards or tights. Younger children, specifically, can wear what he or she is comfortable in and that allows easy movement.

Recitals: Recitals happen as a culmination of the Fall and Spring classes. These are not required, as they are an extra cost. Even if a child does not participate in the recital, (s)he will learn the recital material and perform it at the parent showcase.

It costs ~$179 to participate in the recitals, and this includes you child's costume, accessories, garment bag, tights, a ticket for one adult, and a high quality recording of the show.

How much does Bella Ballerina cost?

This varies per program, and you have the option of participating in a seasonal session or signing up for a yearlong commitment. There is no registration fee associated with signing up either.

Cost Per Seasonal Session for Kids 18 months to 4 years old: 3 Equal Payments of $99

Cost Per Seasonal Session for Kids 4 years old to 10 years old: 3 Equal Payments of $105

Bella Ballerina also offers a "Dance All Year" program for $80 a month. Payments are in 12 month installments.  You can begin your Dance All Year package as soon as you have completed at least one "seasonal session" with Bella Ballerina.

What should my child wear to dance class?

There isn't a required dress code! The only requirement is ballet slippers or tap shoes for children 2 years old and older. For toddlers, they can wear whatever shoe they can move the best in.

Children are encouraged to wear a leotard and tights OR a t-shirt and leggings.

Bella Ballerina has a dance store in the studio, so you can also purchase tutus, leotards, dance shoes and more during your dance class.

Is this a drop-off class children?

This is a family-friendly studio with an open concept. You can stay for the entire class in the viewing section. It has benches with a full view of the studio. You will also find an espresso machine, coffee, tea. The bathrooms have a changing table with extra diapers, too!

If you have a kiddo 5 years old or older, you also have the option of dropping them off at dance class!

About the Local RVA Owner: Ms. Allie --

Allie Wine is the owner of Bella Ballerina RVA, opening her first studio in Midlothian this year. Her dance career started at age 2 years old, and she's studied numerous styles of dance!

Once Ms. Allie became a mother, she decided to leave the corporate world and focus on dance. Her goal with Bella Ballerina RVA is to provide new and unique programs to RVA families, a magical space for children to grow and learn, and to build confident, strong dancers.

As a mother herself, she also made it a priority to provide classes at various times so that she could reach as many families as possible. By providing morning, evening and weekend classes, Ms. Allie hopes that all families can enjoy Bella Ballerina!

Looking for more things to do during the week with your kiddo? Check out my guide on The Best Weekly Activities for Little Kids.

For more things to do with kids around Richmond, follow @thewestendmom on Instagram!