Orlando Ballet School S.T.E.P.S. Free Classes for Low Income Children

Orlando Ballet is entering its 22nd year of providing free ballet classes to low income inner-city children through the Scholarship Training for the Enrichment of Primary Students (STEPS) program, modeled after a similar award-winning program developed by New York's Dance Theatre of Harlem.

Students receive full tuition scholarships, leotards, tights, ballet slippers, and transportation to and from Orlando Ballet School from their partnering school for weekly dance classes. Students also receive complimentary tickets to a variety of Orlando Ballet and Orlando Ballet School performances.

STEPS is designed to inspire children to stay in school and possibly even discover a career path. From her experience with the program, one of our first graduates Tarsha Thomas went on to receive a full dance scholarship at the University of South Florida. If it was not for the STEPS program, this opportunity might have been missed. The program has been shown to limit the incidence of at-risk related behavior with academic school. Orlando Ballet School's professional staff teaches STEPS participants in a structured syllabus that recognizes cognitive, emotional and physical development.



7600 Dr. Phillips Blvd. Suite 28
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 352-9733

415 East Princeton St.
Orlando, FL 32803
(407) 418-9818