Metairie's home for exceptional dance training where Together We Take The Stage.
The Studio School of Dance is a place where every dancer is seen, challenged, and encouraged to grow. We believe dance education should develop not only strong technical artists, but also confident, resilient young people who carry those skills into every aspect of life.
Our curriculum combines a strong classical ballet foundation with training in jazz, contemporary, hip hop, tumbling, and more. Whether a student is taking their very first creative movement class or preparing for advanced performance opportunities, our programs are designed to meet dancers where they are while inspiring them to reach their full potential.
We intentionally foster a welcoming, family-centered environment where students feel supported by both their teachers and peers. Every dancer is encouraged to work hard, celebrate progress, and contribute positively to our studio community.
For dancers seeking additional performance experiences, opportunities are available through NOLA Dance Project, our pre-professional performance organization.
At The Studio School of Dance, we believe that great dancers are built through consistency, quality instruction, and a genuine love for the art form.
Confidence • Technique • Community. Together We Take The Stage.
Our faculty is made up of experienced educators and working artists who are passionate about helping every student succeed. Under the direction of Artistic Director Diana Madrigal-Barnitz, our teaching philosophy blends strong technical training with positive mentorship and age-appropriate instruction.
Students receive individualized attention in an environment that emphasizes proper technique, artistry, musicality, discipline, and creativity. We believe excellent dance education comes from teachers who continue to grow professionally while creating meaningful relationships with their students.
Many of our faculty members bring diverse professional experiences from performance, choreography, and specialized certifications, allowing students to experience a broad range of dance styles and perspectives. Throughout the season, dancers also have opportunities to learn from nationally recognized guest artists through master classes, workshops, and choreographic residencies.
Above all, our faculty is committed to helping every dancer build confidence, discover their artistic voice, and develop a lifelong appreciation for dance.
See what families are saying.
The Studio has been a great place for my daughter to build a strong foundation in classical ballet technique while having the opportunity to try different dance styles. The culture and community is nurturing and inclusive. She has grown up there and learned so much along the way and always looks forward to going to dance. Her dance community is her home away from home.
We love that our daughter has gained confidence, skill and grown her love of dance. The Studio truly has the best family atmosphere!
The Studio has taught my child technique that can not be found at other studios. My daughter’s ballet is far more advanced than other studios. I highly recommend the studio if you want your child to grow with technique. The smaller size is so much nicer than many studios that have 20+ kids on stage at once. Also the opportunity to perform throughout the year instead of one recital at the end.
When I first came to The Studio I had almost no ballet training. After training for some time, I really came to understand ballet technique and ended up getting en pointe in two years. The Studio has helped grow as a dancer and exposed me to many types of dance.
The Studio is a wonderful inclusive dance family. My daughter has grown in not just dance but teamwork and maturity. She has made life long friendships that are fostered by the loving environment. The teachers focus on technique, learning ballet and then applying those skills across all dance. Would highly recommend our studio to anyone looking for a dance home!
I’ve been a student at The Studio School of Dance since 2017, and I truly can’t imagine growing up anywhere else. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to grow not only as a dancer, but also as a person. The teachers genuinely care about their students and push us to become stronger, more confident dancers while still making the studio feel like a second home. What I love most about The Studio is the sense of community. I’ve made some of my closest friendships here, had so many unforgettable experiences, and gotten to learn from teachers who have supported me throughout every stage of my dance journey. For families looking for a studio where their child can build strong technique, confidence, friendships, and a genuine love for dance, I couldn’t recommend The Studio more. I’m so grateful that I’ve been able to call it home for so many years!
All the teachers are amazing and friendly, and all the dancer are very welcoming and kind.
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