Metropolitan Ballet Theatre & Academy vs District dance

[Anonymous]

I have narrowed down to Metropolitan Ballet Theatre in Gaithersburg or District Dance in Gaithersburg for my 4 year old girl. She loves to dance with music on. I don't even know if she likes ballet or dance, but it seems like it does not matter for that young age. Anyone has reviews on these two dance studios?

We are thinking for long term (like committed for at least 1-2 years) which one should we go since we are certain that she really loves dancing with other little girls even though I don't see any talent yet. One thing is that she is not shy, and she has gone up to stage to dance in the public event by herself.

[Anonymous]

Honestly, neither. We travel into Bethesda for a better school. I want my child to love to dance and move, make friends, and have a positive experience. Districtvis slightly better then MBT in the joy department. MBT was just old school mean. District was ok, not great, but not mean.

[Anonymous]

Honestly the studios are far apart and you should pick the one that is more convenient. My child is at MBT—Metropolitan Ballet. If
Your child is willing to handle some pointed corrections and become the best dancer they can be, I recommend it. I don’t know about district dance but if it is more laid-back that might be a better fit for your child’s personality.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Honestly, neither. We travel into Bethesda for a better school. I want my child to love to dance and move, make friends, and have a positive experience. Districtvis slightly better then MBT in the joy department. MBT was just old school mean. District was ok, not great, but not mean.

What do you mean by old school mean for MBT? And how about bella ballet in kentland?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Honestly, neither. We travel into Bethesda for a better school. I want my child to love to dance and move, make friends, and have a positive experience. Districtvis slightly better then MBT in the joy department. MBT was just old school mean. District was ok, not great, but not mean.

What do you mean by old school mean for MBT? And how about bella ballet in kentland?

Bella ballet is very into costumes and cutesy. They often have little treats at the end of class and very expressive teachers. For a four year old this might be a good choice.
MBT is much more serious. No costumes. Uniform leotards. But better technique than Bella.
Honestly, the kid is four years old. No commitment required. Go where she enjoys going and is convenient to your family.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Honestly, neither. We travel into Bethesda for a better school. I want my child to love to dance and move, make friends, and have a positive experience. Districtvis slightly better then MBT in the joy department. MBT was just old school mean. District was ok, not great, but not mean.

What do you mean by old school mean for MBT? And how about bella ballet in kentland?

Bella is just dress up babysitting. Not worth the $$$$.

[Anonymous]

MBT can be fun and easy to make friends. But young age ballet classes through 10-11 are taught very slowly.

Anonymous wrote:I have narrowed down to Metropolitan Ballet Theatre in Gaithersburg or District Dance in Gaithersburg for my 4 year old girl. She loves to dance with music on. I don't even know if she likes ballet or dance, but it seems like it does not matter for that young age. Anyone has reviews on these two dance studios?

We are thinking for long term (like committed for at least 1-2 years) which one should we go since we are certain that she really loves dancing with other little girls even though I don't see any talent yet. One thing is that she is not shy, and she has gone up to stage to dance in the public event by herself.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:MBT can be fun and easy to make friends. But young age ballet classes through 10-11 are taught very slowly.

If you are a recent dancer, I can understand why you might have this impression, but I think it is temporary due to the pandemic. The studio has a gap where dancers would have progressed more quickly had the pandemic not interrupted in-studio classes. I don't think there is any actual slow-down in the curriculum, but the dancers are still catching up. At least from academic levels 7-9, the pace has been good and my dancer has improved significantly. Also, younger levels have not yet weeded out kids that aren't willing to work as hard.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:MBT can be fun and easy to make friends. But young age ballet classes through 10-11 are taught very slowly.

If you are a recent dancer, I can understand why you might have this impression, but I think it is temporary due to the pandemic. The studio has a gap where dancers would have progressed more quickly had the pandemic not interrupted in-studio classes. I don't think there is any actual slow-down in the curriculum, but the dancers are still catching up. At least from academic levels 7-9, the pace has been good and my dancer has improved significantly. Also, younger levels have not yet weeded out kids that aren't willing to work as hard.

Weeded out kids....gross. This, right here, is exactly why you should steer clear of this place. Disgusting.

[Anonymous]

t's very clear there is someone with an ulterior agenda on Bella Ballet's posts. Looks like a competitor which is sad to go that low verses put time into your own business.

At Bella, it is mind-blowing the vocabulary that my child was able to show her grandparents at just three years old. Having a fairytale atmosphere taps into the imagery of a child but does not mean they aren't learning and growing into strong dancers-- it's just age-appropriate and exciting for them.

I now have a technically sound 12 year old who has taken many different styles of dance at Bella and absolutely loves herself, her craft, and the teachers.

To the parent with a four year old, have your child come and try a free class and you will see for yourself.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:t's very clear there is someone with an ulterior agenda on Bella Ballet's posts. Looks like a competitor which is sad to go that low verses put time into your own business.

At Bella, it is mind-blowing the vocabulary that my child was able to show her grandparents at just three years old. Having a fairytale atmosphere taps into the imagery of a child but does not mean they aren't learning and growing into strong dancers-- it's just age-appropriate and exciting for them.

I now have a technically sound 12 year old who has taken many different styles of dance at Bella and absolutely loves herself, her craft, and the teachers.

To the parent with a four year old, have your child come and try a free class and you will see for yourself.

It's very clear to me that you own Bella. I am a parent of 2 girls that thinks the program is wasteful, poor curriculum, and just expensive play time. We found better instruction elsewhere. Choose to believe what you want or take the criticism to heart and try to improve. Your choice.

[Anonymous]

Just a parent making sure to defend my daughters happy place with honest feedback. Best of luck to you and your business.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just a parent making sure to defend my daughters happy place with honest feedback. Best of luck to you and your business.

What does online wedding invitation printing have to do with any if this? Good in you if your kid is happy. My 4 and 9 years olds weren't.

[Anonymous]

Cant oeople differ in opinions and experiences?
Chill!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:MBT can be fun and easy to make friends. But young age ballet classes through 10-11 are taught very slowly.

If you are a recent dancer, I can understand why you might have this impression, but I think it is temporary due to the pandemic. The studio has a gap where dancers would have progressed more quickly had the pandemic not interrupted in-studio classes. I don't think there is any actual slow-down in the curriculum, but the dancers are still catching up. At least from academic levels 7-9, the pace has been good and my dancer has improved significantly. Also, younger levels have not yet weeded out kids that aren't willing to work as hard.

The problem is that most kids have plenty of time at elementary school or middle school. Very few actually have time to learn ballet at high school. Academic level 7-9 are for 8th grade and above. Most dancers at this age quit ballet already, especially when level 7-9 requires 6-9 times a week classes. How many high schoolers have so much time? I’d rather to have them learn more at younger age.