The Dara Pierce Ballet Academy

Would you like to learn ballet and all the life skills that can offer from a previous professional ballet dancer??

Dara Pierce from Clonard Wexford, danced with English National Ballet London, European Ballet London, Scottish Ballet Glasgow and Ballet Ireland Dublin.

She is a registered teacher with the RAD (Royal Academy of Dance) London and has also trained with the Imperial Society of Teacher’s of Dancing (ISTD) London.

The school, established in 2010, offers Ballet classes (RAD), Modern Dance/Jazz Classes (ISTD) and Contemporary Dance for three year olds to vocational level students, teen beginners and adults.

Classical ballet training is so much more than just dance education!!  The life skills that are learned along the way can arguably be deemed as important as the dancing itself!  Self awareness and reflection, problem solving, enjoyment of the learning process, grit, commitment, valuing friendship… who doesn’t want to learn or improve on these skills while learning the beautiful art of classical ballet?

Get ready for life through the freedom and self expression of dance!

Enjoyment and learning in one!

Would you like to join us at The Dara Pierce Ballet Academy?

Ballet, Modern Dance/Jazz and Contemporary classes take place at our purpose built dance studios, Unit 10, Westpoint Business Park, Clonard, Wexford Y35 YX60.

Enrolment for classes is open throughout the year. 

All levels from age 3 are catered for, including teen & adult beginners.  You can contact Dara for more information on class times and fees. 087 987 1793 / info@theballetacademy.ie or you can book straight into a class from our website. Go to the Classes tab and select Book a Class.

Join The Ballet Academy
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Classical Ballet demands finely tuned skills of communication, focus and self discipline that transfer not only onto the world stage but into everyday life. Dara Pierce teaches her students the artistry and technique of this performance art with care and attention, bringing her professional dance experience with companies such as English National Ballet and Scottish Ballet back to the heart of Wexford.

Neil Westmoreland - Resident Director for Matthew Bourne's New Adventures Company, UK
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The Ballet Academy first performed in the Jerome Hynes Theatre of Wexford Opera House in June 2013. From our initial meeting with Dara Pierce, to the get-out of the final performance, Dara was a delight to work with and professional to the core in all aspects of the production. What I liked most about Dara though, was the fact that her number one priority at all times was her dance students. Watching Dara work with her students, you see on one hand a skillful and proficient teacher, while on the other, a warm and inspiring mentor.

Aisling White - Head of Operations, Wexford Opera House
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As a member of The Dara Pierce Ballet Academy for 12 years, I can confidently say that Dara helped shape me into the dancer and person I am today. The classes offer students to progress as a dancer, learning the technical aspects of dance but also a place where they can enjoy themselves and form a new place to call home. I cannot thank Dara enough for the amazing years I have spent in the school, making friends, developing as a dancer and making unforgettable memories. I will forever carry the work ethic and discipline that Dara and ballet instilled in me and I intend on continuing to have dance play a part in the next chapter of my life in some way! I would 100% recommend anyone interested in starting ballet or dance to attend The Dara Pierce Ballet Academy!!

Rebecca Dunne
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My daughter has been attending The Dara Pierce Ballet Academy for over 11 years now and has loved every minute of it. Dara is a fantastic ballet teacher, who is also so kind, caring, patient and fair. She has a wonderful ability to bond with her students and bring out the best in them. Apart from ballet, the academy also offers classes in contemporary and modern dance.

Bernadette O'Connor
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Dara and Becky are amazing teachers. I can't say enough about how inclusive, kind, caring, talented and dedicated they are to all their students. The confidence, emotion and grace displayed at the end of year show was a testament to just how fantastic this dance academy is. I would highly recommend The Dara Pierce Ballet Academy!

Claire Frayne
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From a student perspective, the Dara Pierce Ballet Academy scaffolded my success and enjoyment as a ballet student. From a young age, Dara continued to support my confidence as a dancer. My time with Dara in the academy was so enjoyable and I will hold onto the memories.

Hollie Audsley
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Dara's dance school is incredible. She has the grace of a ballerina in presence and personality. Her students thrive under her tutelage.

Hazel Reid
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The Dara Pierce Ballet Academy is such a lovely nurturing environment, it is professional but so fun for the students. I cannot recommend it enough, my daughter looks forward to her class every week and especially to the end of year show. Dara and her team not only teach dance, they provide the girls with such a safe inclusive space to learn and grow, highly recommend!

Sarah Doyle
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Excellent dance school. Dara is loved by her students and provides a beautiful space to enjoy dance.

Ann Marie Walsh
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I am a current student in the Dara Pierce Ballet Academy. It's tricky to put into words just how amazing and lucky I feel to have Dara as my ballet teacher. She has nurtured me to progress in leaps and bounds over the past 12 years. She offers a wide range of classes to students, stretching outside the ballet genre now to contemporary and modern. I will be forever grateful for all of the opportunities I have been given whilst dancing in Dara's school and for all the friendships i have made.

Eva Cashman
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My daughter has been attending Dara's wonderful dance academy for 11 years. She absolutely loves it. Such a happy, positive and supportive environment. She has made some lovely friends over the years and the coaching she receives from Dara and her team is excellent, giving the girls the confidence to flourish. With the expansion of classes in modern and contemporary, there's something for everyone at all levels. The end of year shows are a wonderful opportunity for all to showcase themselves with each child having their special moment front of stage!

Therese Hogan
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My daughter has danced with The Dara Pierce Ballet Academy for 13 years now. She has grown to absolutely love ballet and dance and this is completely due to Dara and her style of teaching. Dara is an expert in her Art, in her classes she is completely child -centred, always kind, always encouraging, always putting the children first. In her shows, Dara gives each and every child their moment at the front of the stage, their chance to shine. The annual shows in the National Opera House are joyful the standard of performance is so high throughout all the classes, improving year on year due to the the hard work of Dara and all the super kids. I can't recommend Dara highly enough, in her school your child will be in very kind and safe hands while learning the art of dance.

Geraldine Gainford
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My oldest daughter started her ballet classes here about 9 years ago and my other two daughters followed straight after. Dara and all the teachers have amazing teaching skills, showing the girls discipline, fun and love for dancing. The girls love going to ballet and my oldest one would love to start contemporary or modern dance, also available now at the academy. Dara has always been incredibly understanding with the kids, kind, loving and gets the best out of them. Could not think of anywhere else to bring them to learn ballet. Highly highly recommend!

Montse Sans
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My daughter is 5 and goes to Dara's Ballet Academy. It has done wonders for her confidence and she loves her ballet teachers. The end of year show is a source of huge excitement and an amazing experience for anyone to dance on The National Opera House stage. The teachers are encouraging and kind and my daughter is very much looking forward to going back after the summer holidays. Thank you to Jill and everyone who worked with her this year.

Rachael Leahy
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Highly recommended- Dara and the team are really professional, the Academy is very well run and above all they are passionate about ballet and dance and this is shared and comes first, which shows. My little one has had a great boost in confidence, a new set of friends outside of school and feels part of a wider dance community now. Thanks to all at the Academy!

Leonie Nolan
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The kindest ballet teachers. Knowledgeable and professional, highly recommend!

Carmal Wallace