The current direction in educational practice and policy focuses overwhelmingly on academic achievement and results of standardized test scores. This model encourages a product-driven, commodity-based society, which undervalues individuality and alternative ways of thinking and expressing. Academic achievement is but one element of student learning and only a part of any complete system of education.

We believe that a comprehensive approach to learning must include arts education. The study of arts, particularly dance, has been proven to be instrumental in developing children who are knowledgeable, emotionally and physically healthy, motivated, self-sufficient and versatile in the workplace. At Barriskill Dance Theatre School & Studio (BDTS) in Durham, NC, we are dedicated to nurturing the student’s creative expression of their identity by recognizing multiple types of intelligence. One student may learn more effectively by watching and mimicking the instructor, while another may need more verbal or written cues. We strive to provide various pedagogical techniques and technologies in the dance classroom in order to support these various learning styles.

BDTS is unique in its approach to dance curriculum in that we consider that the study and practice of yoga and dance sciences to be instrumental in the complete education of a dancer. We also believe that studying as many other forms of dance along with classical ballet makes for a well-rounded, more marketable dancer. To this end, BDTS offers a wide variety of dance forms including pre-ballet, ballet, jazz, tap, hip-hop, musical theatre, ballroom, dance fitness, and yoga as well as praise dance, a joyous celebration of one’s higher power through dance.

Through artistic collaborations and community partnerships, we strive to create meaningful performing opportunities for our students. We are not a competition school and we want our students to focus on the process of their learning, rather than on the final performance. We are committed to educational outreach programs in surrounding schools, retirement homes and community centers by providing workshops and lecture demonstrations.