2006
12
$115,500
$42,000
$196,250
No
Bella Ballerina is a premier children's dance studio franchise that offers a unique blend of creativity, education, and entrepreneurship. Founded on the belief that dance should be fun and accessible, Bella Ballerina provides a nurturing environment where young girls can explore movement, build confidence, and develop a love for the arts. With a storybook-themed curriculum designed for children aged 18 months to 10 years, the franchise combines imaginative play with structured dance instruction, making learning an enchanting experience.
Positioned in the rapidly growing children's education and enrichment sector, Bella Ballerina stands out by offering a scalable business model that empowers franchisees to own and operate their own studios. The brand's commitment to quality, community, and creativity has established it as a trusted name among parents and a rewarding opportunity for entrepreneurs.
Proven Business Model: Bella Ballerina offers a tested and scalable franchise system, providing franchisees with a clear roadmap to success.
Comprehensive Support: From site selection to grand opening and beyond, franchisees receive ongoing assistance to ensure smooth operations.
Creative Curriculum: The proprietary storybook-themed dance program engages children and sets the brand apart in the market.
Community Impact: Franchisees become integral parts of their local communities, fostering relationships and making a positive difference in children's lives.
Flexible Ownership: Whether you're a first-time business owner or an experienced entrepreneur, Bella Ballerina offers opportunities to fit various skill sets and investment levels.
Founded: 2006
Franchising Since: 2012
Headquarters: Leesburg, Virginia
Founder: Natalie Perkins
Total Franchise Units: 12 across 5 U.S. states
Industry: Education & Children / Sports & Recreation
Franchise Fee: $42,000
Investment Range: $115,500 – $196,250
Average Gross Revenue: $324,789
Royalty Fees: $0–$989/month
Bella Ballerina was established in 2006 by Natalie Perkins in Leesburg, Virginia, with the vision of creating a dance studio that combined the elegance of ballet with the imaginative world of storytelling. The unique concept quickly gained popularity among parents seeking a nurturing and creative environment for their young children.
In 2012, Bella Ballerina began franchising, allowing the brand to expand its reach and bring its storybook-themed dance classes to various communities across the United States. The franchise model was designed to empower entrepreneurs, particularly women, by offering a flexible and fulfilling business opportunity that aligns with family-oriented values .
Bella Ballerina specializes in providing dance lessons for children aged 18 months to 10 years. The studio's curriculum is centered around storybook-themed dance classes that incorporate elements of ballet, tap, jazz, and creative movement. Each class begins with an engaging story time, followed by dance instruction, and concludes with a dress-up session, allowing children to immerse themselves fully in the narrative .
Pre-Launch Support: Assistance with site selection, lease negotiation, and studio build-out ensures a solid foundation for new franchisees.
Operational Training: Comprehensive training programs cover all aspects of studio management, including scheduling, staffing, and customer service.
Marketing Support: Franchisees receive branded marketing materials, digital marketing strategies, and guidance on local advertising to attract and retain customers.
Curriculum and Educational Materials: Access to a year-round, storybook-themed curriculum that includes choreography, music, and teaching resources.
Ongoing Support: Regular communication with the franchisor, annual retreats, and a community of fellow franchisees provide continuous learning and networking opportunities.
Entrepreneurial Spirit: Individuals with a passion for education and a desire to own and operate a business.
No Dance Experience Required: While a background in dance is beneficial, it is not necessary. The franchise provides all the training needed.
Community-Oriented: Franchisees should be committed to making a positive impact in their local communities.
Investment Capability: Candidates should have the financial resources to meet the initial investment requirements and sustain operations during the startup phase.
Location Preference: Ideal for individuals looking to establish a business in suburban or family-oriented communities with a demand for children's educational services.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Franchise Fee | $42,000 |
| Total Investment Range | $115,500 – $196,250 |
| Minimum Cash Required | $115,500 |
| Royalty Fees | $0 – $989 per month |
| Brand Fund | 0% |
| Average Gross Revenue | $324,789 |
Franchise Fee: A one-time payment of $42,000 grants access to the Bella Ballerina brand, proprietary curriculum, and comprehensive support systems.
Total Investment Range: The estimated initial investment ranges from $115,500 to $196,250, encompassing expenses such as studio build-out, equipment, marketing, and initial working capital.
Minimum Cash Required: Franchisees should have at least $115,500 in liquid capital to ensure sufficient funding for the startup phase.
Royalty Fees: Ongoing royalty fees range from $0 to $989 per month, depending on the franchise's revenue. Notably, Bella Ballerina does not impose a percentage-based royalty fee, which is advantageous for franchisees aiming to maximize profitability.
Brand Fund: There is no mandatory contribution to a brand fund, providing franchisees with greater control over their marketing expenditures.
Average Gross Revenue: Franchisees average approximately $324,789 in annual gross revenue, surpassing the sub-sector average for children's activity franchises.
🧾 Additional Financial Considerations
Break-even Time: While specific break-even timelines can vary, the combination of low startup costs and strong revenue performance suggests a potentially quicker return on investment compared to industry averages.
Potential Revenue Streams: Franchisees can generate income through various channels, including tuition fees, merchandise sales, and special events or camps.
SBA Loan Eligibility: Bella Ballerina has been approved for Small Business Administration (SBA) loans, indicating that franchisees may be eligible for government-backed financing options.
