The ballet school was founded in 1813 by Benedetto Ricci, as the Accademia di ballo (dance academy) of the Teatro alla Scala.

Following the defeat of Napoleon, the school's name was changed to Imperial Regia Accademia di Ballo del Teatro alla Scala (Royal Imperial Dance Academy of the Teatro alla Scala).

The famous Russian ballet dancer Olga Preobrajenska was appointed as the new school director.

Following his recommendation, Cia Fornaroli, grande prima ballerina of the Theatre La Scala, was appointed as the school new director.

The curriculum includes ballet technique, pointe classes, pas de deux and classical repertoire.

At this date, the faculty is composed of: Loreta Alexandrescu, Amelia Colombini, Vera Karpenko, Tatiana Nikonova, Leonid Nikonov, Paolo Podini.

Among them: Attilia Radice, Giuseppina Morlacchi, Teresa Legnani, Cia Fornaroli, Ettorina Mazzucchelli, Nives Poli, Edda Martignoni, Bianca Gallizia, Giuliana Penzi and Elide Bonagiunta.

In more recent times, famous dancers who have studied at the school are: Carla Fracci, Luciana Savignano, Liliana Cosi, Oriella Dorella, Paola Cantalupo, Marco Pierin, Massimo Murru, Carlotta Zamparo, Sabrina Brazzo, Gilda Gelati, Marta Romagna, Roberto Bolle, and Alessio Carbone.