STEPS on Broadway, at 75th and Broadway, is walking distance from Lincoln Center and the theatre district and is home to an impressive array of teachers in all disciplines. With the regrettable demise of the legendary David Howard Dance Center three years ago, more ballet dancers than ever have gravitated to STEPS, but you'll also see plenty of Broadway dancers and a fair number of the Rockettes in class.

Scholarship auditions are held frequently, and "schols" work at the desk or in other capacities in exchange for their classes.

There is a full-fledged, graded Young People's Program and this is one place where the summer intensive still has some openings. (I'll be one of the children's ballet teachers, but I've got my reporter's hat on here and this is not meant to be a plug. Just wanted to get that said right up front!) Unlike the Broadway Dance Center, STEPS does not allow children under the age of 13 in regular classes. If you are bringing young students, the director will arrange a special schedule for you with members of the STEPS faculty.

The grand opening of the Barre-Cafe, an on-site coffee house, will be April 8. On April 14, Allegra Kent will be at the Barre-Cafe signing her new book, "Once a Dancer. . ."

Visit the STEPS Web site, or call (212) 874-2410 to have information mailed or faxed to you.

Update, May, 2000: STEPS has added new studios on the fourth floor. The reception area is still on the third floor.

February 2005 Update...
In my NYDS column called "Where to Dance," posted in April of 1997, I talked about the evolution of the big dance studios in NYC, including Steps. Also, please visit my March 2005 column for an account of the Steps 25th Anniversary Gala.

"Schols" are now called "Work/Study students." There is also a scholarship ensemble.

The former "Young People's Program" is now called "The School at Steps."

The big news at Steps is the "e-card." You need one to get in, and you can register for classes in advance online. Get your e-card here.