The Ballet Center Testimonials
Here is just a sample of what parents (and grandparents) and graduates have said about our studio, our classes, instructors, shows, and atmosphere at The Ballet Center.
This is the best Dance Studio in the East Bay, hands down. Classic Style, non competitive, body positive. My daughter has been dancing there since she was 4 years old and we consider the studio to be family. – Lauren (7/2/22)
Awesome dance studio! My daughter and niece have been dancing with The Ballet Center for 4 years and they love it! Garance (director) and her daughter, Anneke, create unique choreography and work hard to establish a wonderful dance community where everyone has a sense of belonging. Every other year they put on a production of the Nutcracker at St. Andrew’s School in Barrington. They created all the costumes and keep them in storage right at the studio. The costumes are beautiful and the show is simply fabulous. The girls cannot wait to find out which part they will be cast as! Every June show includes jazz, tap, ballet, hip hop, contemporary, pointe, in the first Act, and then there is a story ballet for Act II. They have performed shows such as Cinderella, Peter Pan, etc. I cannot say enough good things about this studio! – Rachel (7/2/22)
After taking a couple years off, my daughter came back to The Ballet Center because she had such a great experience there. She comes out of class smiling every time! I am amazed at her progress as a dancer even after one season, they really know what they’re doing. They cultivate such a positive, supportive environment where the dancers want to work hard! The end of year performances are proof of that, always amazing! – Lorien (7/7/22)
The Ballet Center is more than a dance school, it is a community. The teachers are amazing at what they do, not only teaching students dance but instilling confidence, strength and integrity in each dancer. The performances the studio put on are nothing short of amazing, they always perform an actual ballet – this year was Peter Pan. All the students have an important role in the show, different levels and ages dance together on stage to really tell the story. I love how the students all work together and know one another, the littles look up to the older students and the older students are always encouraging and helping with the younger students. This place is unlike any other dance school I have ever encountered, if your child is interested in learning dance in a structured, fun and supportive environment this is your school. – Karen (7/4/22)
My daughter loves dancing at The Ballet Center. Her teachers make dance fun while instilling a love of dance and proper technique. I have been so impressed with the instruction, the helpful director, and the amazing shows they put on. Highly recommend it! – Alison (7/5/22)
I have danced here and basically lived at this studio for at least 15 years. While Garance has taught for many years and taught many classes, her staff is also the same. Providing so many opportunities and different ways to grow. She carefully picks her staff and makes sure her dancers enjoy the classes and teachers. She had done a wonderful job of making sure all her students enjoy the classes and can learn from them. They’re hard but so worth coming to class. Dance is a way of telling and showing stories and messages, and everyone of her staff members tells a beautiful story through their dancers when they’re on stage. On top of a wonderful and quality dance education, this is more than just a dance studio. It’s a second home for dancers where staff love and teach the dancers to grow not only in the arts, but as people. You learn dedication, appreciation, humility, love, sportsmanship and so many other traits. I have made some life long friends and connections here that will last my entire life. This studio has taught me so much more than just dance and i’m forever thankful for garance and all she has done for me. – Ellie (7/3/22)
Garance and her staff do an amazing job instilling their love of dance into their little ballerinas- highly recommended! – Elin (7/3/22)
Wonderful open and affirming dance studio. Small nurturing family feel with quality dance instruction. – (Kristin 7/3/22)
The Ballet center is hands down one of the best dance schools in the entire state. If you see one of their shows at the end of the year you’ll see the quality of their instruction. – Tom (7/3/22)
Dance During COVID
Thank you for all you’re doing! You’re keeping dance and with it joy and happiness strong & alive. We truly appreciate everything you’re doing! Thank You! – current student (3/28/2020)
Thank you for all your efforts during this extraordinary time! -Ali (4/15/2020)
I can not thank you enough for everything you have done for our kids these past 6 (ish) months. You have gone above and beyond to find a way to keep our kids dancing and give them a sense of normalcy in these very unusual times. Saturday’s (backyard) show was beautiful! We are so grateful for everything you have done for our daughter, your patience with her, and your kindness these past few years. – Liz (8/10/2020)
More Testimonials
Thank you to you for doing an amazing job!!! Faith loves going to ballet every week and asks to go everyday. She loves you and everything you do for her. Once again you did an amazing job putting it together and it showed in the awesome job all the dancers and staff did!!! – Kevin 12/17/17
I don’t know HOW you do it! Every show is always flawless and this one was no different! The Nutcracker this year was breathtaking! I was very emotional yesterday as I mused at how Charlotte has developed as a dancer over the last several years, and the part that you are playing in turning her into the graceful young woman that she is becoming—inside and out. I love that you focus on not just the dancer but the whole GIRL, and that each one feels so valued by you. When I congratulated Charlotte last night as we were sitting on the couch the first thing she said was, “I worked hard and I think I made Miss Garance proud.” That made my heart sing. The work ethic she is developing through her years with you is just as valuable to me as her gracefulness and her strength. – Kate 12/17/17
20 years of putting on outstanding performances! This latest performance was just amazing and I was moved to tears several times. Just a beautiful job done by all!!! I was so happy you provided Laura and Brianna with the experience/opportunity of choreographing their own piece-this really gave Laura some new perspective of the work that goes into creating a dance piece…. I have to admit, I really lost it on that one!! So hard to say goodbye to this chapter in Laura’s life, but so grateful to you and all the staff at The Ballet Center who have brought her so much joy! So Thank YOU!! – Kathy 6/26/17
Congratulations on a successful show! It was wonderful to experience the hard work and passion that you and the young ladies put into making it possible. It was a joy to see Adele on stage having so much fun =) she especially loved being part of a show with the “big girls”. Thank you for a great first year! – Jenna 6/26/17
A huge congratulations on a great show! All of the dancers did a fantastic job and some of them were mesmerizing! I hope they all know how wonderful they did on stage and that all of their hard work paid off. I cannot imagine how much planning and work goes into putting on a recital, but you seem to have it down. As I watched the first show and the dancers backstage for the second, my inner child was wanting to take ballet classes…Thanks again for all of your work [for] dancers this year! – Liza 7/1/16
I want to thank you for a fabulous year. Katie has grown so much as a dancer. I loved watching her step outside of her comfort zone. – Kim 6/30/16
Just wanted to offer my congratulations on putting on another incredible production! Such a fun and creative show to watch! I also wanted to let you know Laura was absolutely shocked and thrilled to be presented with the Makarova Award-what an honor! It really meant a lot to Laura that you presented that to her. Makes us, as parents, very proud to have Laura’s hard work recognized as well. Thanks for all you do at the ballet center-your positive effect on all your dancers is so evident and you should be very proud! – Kathy 6/28/16
I wanted to write and just congratulate and thank you and your instructors for the fantastic shows this weekend. I am always amazed at the quality of your productions and what a wonderful group of dancers you have- they are such good role models for Everly! – Kyla 6/27/16
Oh my gumdrops, that was a SWEET production…!!I was moved to tears more than a couple of times during the show (and the awards presentation…!) and my cheeks hurt from smiling so much as well. THANK You Garance, for a wonderful experience for my girls. Evie & Amalia enjoyed themselves so much! – Melonie 6/27/16
Amazing show Garance!!!! Very moving, inspirational and exhilarating! I never know how you do it, but every show is a complete delight and all the dancers are so sweet, kind and helpful. Both Charlotte and Madelyn love there time with the older girls (they made them feel so special and cared for)… Your professionalism and love for each of your dancers is apparent and appreciated! –Mary 6/26/16
Super studio for children to learn the art of ballet. Garance is an exceptional instructor. She is wonderful with the little ones (my children are 5 and 4). They always look forward to ballet class and are always excited to learn new ballet terms, composers, and positions. Garance brings all levels together for a beautiful and exciting recital every June. I am beyond pleased with the care my children receive at the Ballet Center and I hope that they continue to grow with Garance. — Mary 4/28/15
Miss Garance is a fabulous teacher. My granddaughter has been taking dance for almost a year and absolutely loves the experience. After having 4 children of my own and sending three of my daughters to dance I am aware that the experience is not always perfect : ) But in this instance I have to say that is no longer true. My granddaughter leaves class feeling wonderful and accomplished in her little 3 year old way. I am so glad that my daughter chose to send my granddaughter to The Ballet Center. I recommend Miss Garance to everyone! – Meg 3/24/15
This is my first year not being at the studio after dancing there for 14 years :(. I miss it so much, you become so attached and create a family that really cares about you and motivates you to do your best. Everyone is so welcoming no one is isolated or discriminated. Everyone connects with each other no matter the age. All the teachers are amazing and great role models for everyone. They also put on spectacular shows that showcases the studio beautifully. I highly recommend joining its a great experience that will be with you for the rest of your life! – Frannie 10/23/14
Garance is a true professional and runs The Ballet Center as such! If you are really interested in your child learning dance then this is the PLACE to come. Our granddaughter has been with Garance for 13years and the second in line for 2! Try it you will love it!—Pam 12/07/13
Garance is terrific. My daughter has been doing ballet, jazz and now tap there for six years and wouldn’t go anywhere else unless she had to. The Ballet Center provides the perfect mix of dancing for fun, having a good time but ALSO teaching excellent technique and self-discipline.
—Beth 11/28/12
The Ballet Center is amazing! They do such a great job with the children especially the younger ones. My daughter asks to go everyday!!!–Nina 6/26/14
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