I'd seen a review that baffled me so much that I felt compelled to leave my own review of ABA. Unfortunately, their insight was libelous. In this age of keyboard warriors, you never know who will try to bring you and all you've worked for down with just a few clicks. We are halfway through our 3rd year at Art Ballet Academy and everything about the Academy is truly incredible. My daughter started in pre-ballet and is now entering level 2 this summer. When she found out she graduated to the second level she told me she was so happy she thought she was going to faint. A few things: Ms. Masha and Ms. Desiree honestly leave me speechless with their hard work. *I do not know how they do what they do.* If you want a visual definition of hard work, they provide it every single week. Ms. Masha in my opinion is a just incredible. Patient, kind, hardworking, and dedicated. I have never met an unkind instructor or parent. But then again, I think judgment of others comes from within yourself, and your own personal state of happiness in life. I am an introvert and have made plenty of friends out of other parents just from standing in the hallway to watch my daughter dance. The cost is far from crippling and if you're entering into any kind of dance you're a fool to think you won't be spending money. We live on a modest single income budget and do not find ABA stifling in costs in the slightest. Far from it! I do not have a ballet or dance background. I did sports and theatre. I could not have imagined or asked for a more warm and kind environment for my daughter to grow up in learning ballet. I look forward to many more wonderful years here. read more

I do not recommend this place. They are frigid and unwelcoming. We have been to other studios, but this was the only one my child has ever dreaded going to. Pros: Conveniently located--right off the service road and very close to restaurants, grocery stores, and a dance shop. Affordable--tuition is much less than other studios in the area. Very good technique--teachers are extremely knowledgeable. This is a great place to advance skills and prepare for a career in ballet. This studio is for serious dancers. Cons: Toxic--students are clique-ish, teachers are condescending, and moms are snooty. I can't stress enough the frigidity of this place. They only encourage a career in ballet, not love of dance. If your child isn't serious about ballet, consider going elsewhere. They are very obvious with who their favorite students are. Every time you walk through their door, be prepared to get snubbed by teachers and/or parents. Cheap--tuition may be low, but they will nickel and dime you for every little thing. Those things may be optional, but you will stick out like a sore thumb and be made to feel like an outcast. Also, there are kids who run around acting like they live there, bringing in fast food and stinking up the place. (Contradicting right? How dare you snub people but bring in fast food?) read more

We love this studio so much. We have been here since 2022 and I think, somehow, we walked in and never left. Our daughter has loved every minute in this place. We have to drag her out of there every night. And don't get me started on holiday breaks, you'd think we're punishing her by not bringing her every single day imaginable! The teachers here are excellent, the director is exceptional, and the parents are "all hands on deck" kind of parents. I highly recommend this studio! Our daughter has truly thrived here! read more

Art Ballet Academy is not a studio - It is a second home. This place is the absolute best for ballet training! The knowledge of the Vaganova method is exceptional. I truly believe this is the place you come to be the best dancer you can be. But not only that, it's also where children learn hard work, dedication, love for your craft and your instrument, and self discipline. All of which will take them so far in life despite their chosen paths. The teachers treat the children as their own. We always refer to the teachers as our kid's second, third, and fourth (and so on) mom! They absolutely look out for their best interest. The director is amazing. Her knowledge of ballet and her expertise is not something you'd expect to get here, and if so, definitely not at the prices she charges. It's so affordable and there are no costume purchases or crazy fees! You will not find anything like this elsewhere! She also loves and cares for her students so very much. This place is a rare diamond that Arlington is blessed to have. It truly is an honor to be a part of this dance family. I can't imagine our life without Art Ballet Academy, and I know many families and students can agree. The proof is at the end of the night, when it's time to go, and every kid in that lobby is doing everything they can to delay leaving. If they could sleep there, they wouldn't think twice about it! They love their home away from home... read more

Art Ballet Academy - Dance Studios Near Me - Arlington, Texas

Art Ballet Academy is not a studio - it is a second home. This place is the absolute best for ballet training! The knowledge of the Vaganova method is exceptional. I truly believe this is the place you come to be the best dancer you can be. But not only that, it's also where children learn hard work, dedication, love for your craft and your instrument, and self discipline. All of which will take them so far in life despite their chosen paths. The teachers treat the children as their own. We always refer to the teachers as our kid's second, third, and fourth (and so on) mom! They absolutely look out for their best interest. The director is amazing. Her knowledge of ballet and her expertise is not something you'd expect to get here, and if so, definitely not at the prices she charges. It's so affordable and there are no costume purchases or crazy fees! You will not find anything like this elsewhere! She also loves and cares for her students so very much. This place is a rare diamond that Arlington is blessed to have. It truly is an honor to be a part of this dance family. I can't imagine our life without Art Ballet Academy, and I know many families and students can agree. The proof is at the end of the night, when it's time to go, and every kid in that lobby is doing everything they can to delay leaving. If they could sleep there, they wouldn't think twice about it! They love their home away from home... read more

I want to respond to the 2 star review left on 5/20/26. I 100% agree that this is a GREAT school to receive very technical training. The teachers are/were professional dancers themselves and are very well versed in Vaganova style ballet, which my two dancers preferred. It is a convenient location and the prices are very reasonable. I am not sure about the nickel and diming you to death. We do pay for private lessons, performance costumes and tickets to shows and also competition fees if our child competes, but this is standard at all studios. I also want to dispute that this school is only for dancers who want to dance professionally, quite the contrary! If you look at the hundreds of dancers who have trained there, you will see that you can literally count on one hand the number that have gone on to dance on stages as professionals being paid to dance! Many have used Art Ballet Academy as a stepping stone to a college dance team and/or dance major. As far as toxic kids, I am sorry that you or your dancer feel that way. ABA has always been a second family to my 2 dancers (who are grown and gone) and we always refer to Mariya and Sasha as Harris' (my son who is a professional dancer thanks to them) dance mother and dance father. They will forever be our family! I would venture to say that my kids ran around acting like they lived there because they did feel loved and accepted there. They spent 20+ hours a week there outside of school, so it was indeed their second home. I encourage you to speak to Mariya about your dancer's negative experience. I have always been able to speak to her about anything, even unpleasant stuff. Trust me when I say this! Ballet teaches children so much more than just "preparing them for a dance career." It teaches discipline, self-control, love of art, and I could go on and on and on. I so highly recommend Art Ballet Academy to anyone with a child who just wants to dance. As far as favorites, that literally can be said of everywhere, school, dance schools, jobs, you name it. At Art Ballet, yes, they look for talent, but they also look for children who are disciplined, behaved, respectful and hard workers. read more

Art Ballet Academy is an wonderful place! If you are interested in Vaganova method ballet, this is the place to be. My family has had a dancer there there since 2011. Our director, Mariya Kudyakova, is an exceptionally excellent teacher, who is well qualified. Additionally Mrs.Kudyakova is very good with children and teens. She has many, many years of dedicated experience. Many former students all over the country call her their mentor, and ABA her their home studio. From professionals, to those that move on to college and other endeavors, she helps so many students learn to have grace, poise, strength, and a true love of the arts, including the very best of ballet! Professional productions / performances happen twice a year, including The Nutcracker and another performance of choice (ex.: Don Quixote, Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, Alice). We are grateful to have such an extraordinary studio in our very own city, for our beloved daughter to attend. read more

One of the greatest pleasures of my life has been to see my grandchild on stage dancing with beauty and grace. Whether at two years old, just being adorable waving at the audience, to dancing with gained technical training that only Art Ballet Academy could provide her with. I have enjoyed every performance, every dance, every move. I'm amazed watching them all up there, from the five year olds to the advanced ballerinas that just wow on stage! You forget they're just teenagers the way they dance and present themselves. This place is truly extraordinary! read more

I cannot give this place enough stars! We have been with them since their 2nd year because I would not place my girls in just any "dance" studio. This is a school, and there's no better place in the area for a ballet student. read more

My daughter has been attending Art Ballet for just over 2 years and we are so thankful to have found this studio! The teachers and instruction are wonderful! read more

My daughter has been a student at Art Ballet Academy for at least 6 years and it has been a wonderful experience. Ms. Mariya and all of her teachers have provided strong professional training and in a very caring and supportive environment. In our experience the attitudes of the ABA families and parents have also been extremely positive and supportive. Because the training is focused on the Vaganova school and method of teaching it is not for everyone who loves dance. If you want to focus on other styles such as tap, hip hop, etc this is not for you. But for classical training with a good strong exposure to contemporary dance ABA is an excellent choice. read more

Ms. Mariya's expertise in ballet and compassion with her students is amazing. She is a wonderful teacher and joy to work with. Looking for a mentor in becoming a professional ballerina or just beginning ballet you must contact Art Ballet Academy. read more