History
In 1963, at the urging of her mentor, George Balanchine, Barbara Weisberger established the School of Pennsylvania Ballet. It provided classical ballet training for the dancers in her company, which premiered a year later as Pennsylvania Ballet. In 1992, the School and the Ballet became independent institutions to focus more intensely on their individual missions. Building on a strong foundation of artistic excellence, over the past fifteen years, the School has grown in reputation and programs and become the internationally acclaimed Rock School for Dance Education.
During
its 40-year history, The School has developed dancers for Pennsylvania
Ballet as well as a host of other internationally known ballet
companies in the United States, Europe, and Asia. It has a full range
of programs for all ages. The Rock School experience instills in
students self-discipline and an eagerness to learn, enriching their
lives regardless of the careers they ultimately pursue.
The Rock School owns the Ballet Centre at the southern end of the Avenue of the Arts,
providing a beautiful, state-of-the-art facility on Philadelphia’s
cultural corridor. In addition, The Rock School maintains a branch
school in West Chester, which serves over 600 students.