Chapel Hill Parent

"I recommend Barriskill Dance Theatre School to all my parent friends who are looking for a dance school for their kids and even for themselves. The staff is very personal and commited to making the art of dance a fantastic experience for all our children."

- Stacy A., mother of two BDTS dancers, Chapel Hill

My daughter's second home

Barriskill Dance Theater School is another home for my daughter, and that's not a matter of the amount of time she spends there-- it's about the way she feels there.  Michael, Elliot, Susie and the other facilty provide more than just exceptional training.  They make the kids feel noticed and celebrated for their talents and their selves.  The standards are high, but administered with a sense of compassion, humor, and shared love for performing.

- Amy S.

Process and Product

My daughter, Madelyn, truly enjoys her dancing experience at Barriskill Dance Theatre School.  This Dance Studio is unique.  She and I both love that the focus is not on a recital or big production, rather there is a sincere love and respect of dance that is felt and encouraged within the school.  She has been taking ballet with Michael Barriskill for two years.  He focuses on technique much more than any other teacher Madelyn has had in her 5 years of dance.  I enjoy the fact that our daughter is being encouraged weekly to express herself through dance in such a respectable fashion.

- Anna M.

Met my high expectations

"Being a former professional ballet dancer, I have high expectations for a dance studio for myself and my daughter and Barriskill Dance Theatre met and exceeded my expectations in many ways."
 
- Katherine H.

Confidence and self-esteem

“When my high-school daughter was asked to write an essay about a life-changing event, the subject that immediately came to mind was about finding BDTS.  Not only do they teach what dance really is, they taught her how much she could accomplish, and the confidence and self-esteem from this shows in everything else she does.”

- Jo S.

Adult Student

As an adult dancer, I personally value the commitment of Barriskill's staff to helping me achieve an understanding of my body, its movement in space. I believe that having this experience and knowledge it will guide me through my future years in order to maximize my mobility and full potential to appreciate my body and my life. My experience at Barriskill gives me an education and sustained love for the arts of music and movement.   I always look forward to coming to Barriskill classes!  I meet new friends and always feel full of life when I walk out the door.
 
- Sheila C.