The Meredith School of Ballet in Annapolis: Pre-Professional Training and Adult Beginner Classes
The Meredith School of Ballet is a small, independent studio in Annapolis that separates its program into two distinct tracks: a pre-professional pathway for children ages 6 and up, and recreational classes for adults with no dance background. Unlike larger regional dance centers that blend recreational and serious students in the same classes, Meredith maintains separate cohorts, which means younger recreational dancers do not share studio space with pre-professional ones, and adult beginners progress without children in their sections.
What The Meredith School Actually Is
Founded in 1987, Meredith operates as a single-location ballet studio focused on classical technique rather than a multi-discipline dance center. The studio does not offer hip-hop, jazz, contemporary, or tap; ballet is the exclusive focus. It serves Annapolis proper and draws students from Anne Arundel County. The studio sits on West Street, within walking distance of downtown Annapolis but not on the waterfront. It is neither a Y-affiliated program nor part of a national franchise. For families wanting classical ballet instruction grounded in a small-studio model rather than a large academy environment, Meredith represents one of two dedicated pre-professional ballet options in Annapolis; the other is the Annapolis School of Dance, which operates as a multi-discipline studio and includes ballet among tap, jazz, and contemporary offerings.
Class Structure and Pricing
The pre-professional track begins with a placement evaluation. Children entering at age 6 to 7 typically start in a foundational class; older first-time students (ages 8 and up) also take a placement class to assess coordination and musicality. Advancement depends on demonstrated ability rather than age alone. Pre-professional students take ballet twice weekly minimum, with serious advanced students training four or more days per week. Pointe work typically begins around age 11 or 12, contingent on foot strength and technique readiness.
Tuition for pre-professional classes runs $90 monthly for one class per week, $160 for two weekly classes, and $260 for four weekly classes. Each additional class beyond four is $50. These figures are current as of early 2025 and should be confirmed directly, as tuition typically adjusts annually.
The adult beginner program meets once or twice weekly. Tuesday and Thursday evening classes run 75 minutes and cost $75 per month for one weekly attendance or $130 for both sessions. No prior experience is required; the class assumes zero ballet knowledge. Adults are taught in a separate room from children. The studio does not offer drop-in rates; enrollment is monthly.
Costumes for recitals and pointe shoes (when applicable) are separate expenses not included in tuition. The studio requires students to purchase shoes from specified vendors to ensure fit standards.
How It Compares to Other Annapolis Options
The Annapolis School of Dance, located downtown, teaches ballet alongside jazz, contemporary, tap, and hip-hop. Its ballet classes are integrated into a broader curriculum; a child may take ballet one day and contemporary another. Meredith students who want ballet-only rigor and less stylistic breadth will find Meredith's single-discipline model more aligned with classical training goals. Annapolis School of Dance tuition generally runs slightly lower ($85 for one weekly class) but covers a multi-style program; families paying per class in a broad curriculum may spend less overall if they sample multiple styles, whereas Meredith families commit to depth in one form. For adult beginners, Annapolis School of Dance also offers adult classes, but Meredith's evening schedule and separate-cohort model make it more accessible to working adults in Annapolis proper.
Who It Suits and Who It Does Not
Meredith is right for families pursuing classical ballet seriously, children who thrive in small-group settings, and adults seeking ballet without children in the classroom. It is ideal if your child has already shown strong coordination and musical listening, or if you are an adult who wants a dedicated beginner-to-intermediate progression. Parents prioritizing exposure to multiple dance forms, or families seeking drop-in flexibility and casual weekly dancing, should consider the Annapolis School of Dance instead. Meredith does not accommodate students looking for contemporary, tap, or hip-hop; it is ballet only.
What the First Visit Involves
New families should contact the studio to schedule a placement evaluation for pre-professional students. For adults, the first Tuesday or Thursday evening session functions as a trial; the instructor will briefly assess familiarity with basic terminology and posture, then integrate you into the beginner group. Dress code is leotard, tights, and ballet flats for women; black or navy leotard and tights and black ballet flats for men. The studio provides a short supply of loaners but expects enrolled students to own their own shoes within the first month.
Hours, Location, and Logistics
Meredith School of Ballet operates Tuesday through Friday, with class times between 3:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. for pre-professional students and 6:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. for adult beginners on Tuesday and Thursday. Saturday morning classes run 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The studio sits on West Street, one block north of the City Dock area, with street parking available on West and adjacent Church Street. The address is 2 West Street, Annapolis, Maryland 21401. Parking is free but competitive during downtown events; arriving 15 minutes early on performance weekends is standard practice. Contact the studio at (410) 263-7667 or check the website for the current fall and spring schedule; class times shift seasonally.
Meredith earns its place in Annapolis education by maintaining rigorous classical technique in a transparent, single-studio setting where families know exactly what their tuition supports and where children do not compete for teaching attention with students pursuing different goals.
