Ballet Studios / Dance Academy of Virginia

[Anonymous]

Soliciting opinions or feedback on this studio. My kids have been going for several years and I'm starting to feel frustrated. They are required to take several classes per year to stay at the right level, with the total cost currently over $5000 for each kid, and each year the cost and commitment required continues to increase. But I get no real, meaningful feedback on how any of my kids are doing.

What has recently added to my frustration is realizing there is an "Academy" program that only some kids get invited to. The studio is completely opaque about what the standards are for getting invited. And because they give no real feedback on how the kids are doing, I have no idea how to help my kids improve or whether the time commitment we are making is worth it.

Does anyone else feel frustrated with this studio? Is there another studio in Northern Virginia, specifically McLean, that you have found to be more transparent?

[Anonymous]

Have you tried talking to your dancer's teachers or the owner for feedback if the teachers are providing it? My child is at VDC in Arlington in the pre-pro program and the vibe is pretty similar. They have an "exam" at the end where feedback is provided but there isn't regular feedback unless you ask. Prior to VDC and DAV forming after COVID - we were at Adagio and it was similar. However when one of my other daughters wasn't recommended for the pre-pro program I met with the head of the studio for feedback. Usually they are looking for physical characteristics (certain turnout, flexibility, etc. - so things that can be out of their control) or things like ability to remember combinations, paying attention, etc. I don't have personal experience but City Dance in Falls Church is one I'd look into (they opened a beautiful studio last year) or Ballet NOVA in Arlington. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

My daughter goes there. I think one big issue is no one on site is in charge. It seems that everyone who is a decision-maker works from home most of the time. There has been a lot of change with teachers, subs, etc for my daughter’s classes this year.

The academy program is upsetting for my daughter. She really wants to be invited to do it and the feedback she gets is that she is a very good dancer. She has no idea what she needs to improve to be invited to the program or even what the process is. The communication and corrections are very lacking.

[Anonymous]

Can't provide NoVa recs for another studio, but if you're willing to drive a little, Séber Method Academy in Bethesda has been amazing, they are so helpful with feedback and corrections, have a great eye, and communicate so much more meaningfully with parents due to the individualized instruction format

[Anonymous]

I was also frustrated with the studio and have switched my child to Perfect Pointe in Arlington. I highly recommend Perfect Pointe.

[Anonymous]

Look into Skye Ballet Center in Herndon. They have excellent training.

[Anonymous]

I do think the teachers are very nice and supportive there. They seem to promote good values and create a supportive environment. It seems to have really grown since my daughter started there, so some of this might just be growing pains. My daughter likes it a lot and has made good friends there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Can't provide NoVa recs for another studio, but if you're willing to drive a little, Séber Method Academy in Bethesda has been amazing, they are so helpful with feedback and corrections, have a great eye, and communicate so much more meaningfully with parents due to the individualized instruction format

+1 supportive environment and excellent training