10 Billion Stars. PLEASE READ THIS! YOU WILL LEARN ALOT IF YOU ARE A NEW TO DANCE STUDIOS OR LOOKING FOR A NEW DANCE/THEATRE HOME.
In the beginning, my daughter and I went around to about 5 local dance studios to see where our best fit was and to sort of "interview" them. I have no dance background or perspective on what a dance studio could be, should be or even what we wanted. But boy did we learn that fast.
We have watched our daughter dance here from age 6 ish and is now almost 12, still going strong. The ballet program for the littles is adorable and right on - no spray tans, lashes or inappropriate costumes - it's sweet. And no competitions. No pressure. All of her teachers were so loving and when I learned of their own professional dance backgrounds, I was AMAZED. Your little one will learn ballet technique (you won't believe what they can do so young!) and have fun and be nurtured and loved on.
Now at a higher level - wow - I trusted the studio and her teachers for her transition into every level. You can trust these people. They aren't going to rush your child up the dance ladder. And, they aren't going to hold them back, unless there's a good reason. I've learned to be patient and so has my daughter who wanted to move up faster and have bigger roles in performances. It's been a fascinating, learning lesson - trust them, trust the process, learn patience, AND teach your children to do the same. Huge life lessons in expectations.
A word about Miss Miah for the higher levels. One cool cat. A NYC Ballet background. Heart of gold. She has instinct with dancer ability and potential. She responds quickly to every email or text. She's thoughtful and deliberate. She's a real pro. If you have a question just ask her. I've needed "perspective" a few times. And she's so helpful. My daughter has the perfect amount of fear (in a coaching healthy way), respect, admiration and love for Miss Miah. Recently my daughter was invited to be "en pointe." Miss Miah recommended an x-ray to be sure her bones were ready for this. She does not advance a whole class, they aren't cookie cutters - she looks at each, individual student for when and how they can advance. She is cautious and careful. I also know that she works around the clock to make everything just right.
A word about Miss Angela. We made an appointment to meet her like we did at all studios when interviewing, looking for our dance studio. She was the only one who led us away from the busy area and sat down to talk to us. No other studio owner did this. Then she asked my little to stand and show her certain positions. She looked at my daughter's legs and feet - at only 6 years old! We talked a long time about the dance industry, what it's become (mostly money-making competitions), their goal of keeping children children, maintaining the innocence and having HEALTHY bodies. This resonated with me. I didn't want HOOCHIE outfits, make up or music. She gave us big picture, she shared their studio philosophy. The other studios were all about "here's the schedule and pricing." Miss Angela will show up for you a million times over. She works her heart out to protect her studio, and our children. YOU CAN TRUST HER.
A note about Musical Theatre and Jazz - our daughter is mainly in Ballet but she does take a jazz class with Miss Audrey and has an absolute blast. It's good for these ballerina's to move in a different way. She has also taken a Musical Theatre class (Highschool Musical) and it was a HUGE success. Non stop singing and dancing at home. We have all the DVD's, she learned so much - memorizing lines, staging, how to manage nerves, supporting her fellow performers, putting on a show, was fantastic!!
You will love this studio!!!