The ideal studio would be large, airy and uniform in shape, although many teachers do outstanding work in less than ideal conditions. As ballet class begins at the barre, the studio should have barres, which are simply rounded lengths of wood, mounted roughly 30 centimetres from the wall, and 100 centimetres from the floor. Portable barres are also fine, especially in a space that is used for other activities, provided they are sufficiently weighted and stable. You should be able to stand sideways to the barre, and easily kick your legs forward and backward without disturbing other students.

To ensure your safety when jumping, the floor should be sprung and finished in wood, vinyl or linoleum. A sprung floor has some give to it, which allows you to land from jumps without jarring yourself. Dancing on concrete is never a good idea.

Mirrors can be helpful, as they allow students to check their work, but young dancers should not focus on their mirror images throughout class, as this restricts the use of the head, and the development of line through the upper body. High ceilings are also a plus, both practically and psychologically.

Finally, it is important that the temperature in the studio be well regulated, in order to allow the dancers' muscles to warm up easily and then stay pliable throughout class.