We have been going to Suwanee Academy of the Arts for four years now and we absolutely love it! My daughter doesn't want to go anywhere else! Everyone these is super nice, the teachers are great, the place is great. I would recommend it to everyone!
We love SAA. We have been attending classes here for 6 years and love the teachers and dance programs. The staff and teachers are so excellent. This is not a high stress dance school. This is a school that feels like a family where kids that love to dance can learn and grow in a caring environment. The end of year shows are very well put together as well. Give them a try!
My children both go to Suwanee Academy to learn Music and Dance. It is a place where I have seen them learn, make friends, spend a truly joyful time enjoying what they do. There is a strong sense of family and community in this place and the teachers are wonderful. I am glad to be associated with this place!!!
Here are reasons we decided to forgo fully prepaid lessons for the rest of January at another school and return to SAA so my daughter A can be Ms. Bernie s student again.
1) As a former teacher, I know firsthand that students appreciate far more whether their teacher cares for them, than how much knowledge their teacher knows. Similarly, young dancers care whether a ballet teacher is willing to cherish them for their young untapped potential, more than what a ballet teacher knows about dance techniques.
In fact, it is more evident in A than my college students. Toddlers usually do not hide their true feelings. If you are looking for an unbiased review, look no further than A s feelings and thoughts about her time with Ms. Bernie at SAA. She wholeheartedly loves Ms. Bernie and looks forward to lessons every week.
Another sign that Ms. Bernie has naturally captivated the hearts of her young dancers is that after class, you will witness several students hugging her voluntarily. This speaks volumes of how much Ms. Bernie s students cherish her, and how much she cares for them.
2) Ms. Bernie and the philosophy of SAA lifts them up and builds their confidence, where they can be challenged, where they find their passion!
Any ballet teacher can teach skills, techniques, and methods, but there are few teachers who aspire to go beyond that to challenge young dancers to find their passion and use ballet to build confidence.
Being tall makes it easier to toss balls into a hoop, but being tall doesn t mean you can teach teenagers to play well, or play with integrity. Likewise, degrees from prestigious institutions and accolades by esteemed ballerinas have little value if a teacher cannot impart passion because her passion is severely lacking. Without reservation, Ms. Bernie s passion has rubbed off on A! She has also built up A s confidence through genuine praise and quality instruction.
3) In Spring 2019, Ms. Bernie organized a fathers only event for dads to accompany their daughters for a full class session. Beyond actual ballet education, Ms. Bernie truly cares about dads being involved in their daughter s all-rounded development. This holistic approach to education is rare these days.
Come let your child be a student of Ms. Bernie so you too can understand why she cherishes the involvement of dads so deeply.
4) I soon learned that not all schools welcome new students the way they do at SAA. At the beginning of A s first lesson after returning, Ms. Bernie placed her hand on A s shoulder when introducing two new students to the class. She also had the class make them feel welcome. Compare this to the literal cold shoulder and the lack of acknowledgement by her teacher at the other school. A and I could have been a fly on the wall!
Another vital detail is that the front desk staff, Tashia, remembered my name and A s name after the first lesson. As a former teacher, I learned that one of the many ways to let your students know you care is to remember their names. I imagine that SAA has many students, so it is praiseworthy that Tashia and Ms. Bernie established rapport with A by remembering her name.
Yet another gesture that meant a lot were the complimentary welcome gifts we received. A t-shirt, card, fridge magnet, sticker and candy were inside. Do not assume that every school will be as generous as SAA. At the other non-profit school, the t-shirt alone cost more than $20.
What qualities should you value in a ballet teacher/school? Is it the many awards on the wall that makes a ballet teacher great? Or is it that Ms. Bernie plays an instrumental part in directing the annual Broadway in the Park performance that attracts thousands from all over the state and is listed as a top Google search term? Is it the cost of tuition?
To paraphrase a popular quote: A mediocre ballet school teaches skills. A good school explains techniques. A superior teacher demonstrates methods. A great teacher like Ms. Bernie inspires!
Why would you settle for less?
I signed my daughter up for Ballet and I must say I'm very impressed! Amy was very welcoming and helpful. Miranda is AWESOME as an instructor. My son has joined the studio as well. I'm new to the city and glad that I was able to find this academy.
We love SAA! My oldest daughter has taken ballet there for years, and my youngest just started last year in the Tiny Tutu's. The teachers are all absolutely excellent, and we couldn't be happier here! The performance at the end of the year is always amazing, and it's a great incorporation of dance and theater. There is a large variety of classes that are offered. Princess Camp during the summer is an absolute must if you have a little girl!!
Best studio my daughter has been to, they treat everyone like family.
My two daughters attend/attended ballet here. This studio has a classical yet fun approach to ballet. The teachers (and staff) love (and are talented) what they do and it shines through in the classroom. The teachers are also warm and welcoming, particularly with the very young students. They have fun events throughout the year! VERY reasonably priced as well...Recommend!!!
Very kid and family friendly. My daughter has been signed up for dance since age 3 and she loves it every year! I hope she continues to love it. Instructors are very knowledgeable as well.
This is our 2nd season with SSA. My son is taking their drama classes. Teachers are fantastic and the end of year performance is a wonderful experience for the whole family. If you're looking for a creative, talented, professional school with a community feel, you won't be disappointed.
suwaneeacademy.com
