Vonder Haar Performing Arts Center

It's truly a shame to hear such awful reviews from such a wonderful studio. I especially love the "counterculture" comment in a previous review. "Freaky hair" and "tattoos" are a horrible way to judge the quality of instruction here- and that's what we come for, right? I've found that the previous ownership was FAR stricter in enforcing rules and regulations. The quality of this studio is top-notch, and the instructors have current and real world experience.

The previous owners used to promote the students based on an ISTD examination- the process which costs extra money & time, and is only on one single day. If my child works hard all year and has a bad day at the test, should she not be promoted? That hardly seems fair.

Quality of productions is outstanding; far beyond what one would expect from a pre-professional school.

It's ballet. It's dance. It's supposed to be disciplined. I want my children to work hard to achieve their goals. It's not about perfection, it's about trying your hardest and doing your best, and that's what this studio will bring out in your children.

I couldn't recommend the studio highly enough.

*And to quell this before it starts, I neither work for the Vonder Harr Center, nor do I know any of the staff outside of classes or functions.

Posted 07/29/09 | Report Abuse

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I am currently a dancer at Vonderhaar Performing Arts Center and I admit things have been a little tough. We lost a leader whom we all loved very much and we had to adjust to the new rules of the "newcomers". But I am very pleased with this studio and I hope to remain here until I graduate from high school.

Yes the rules are strict and your child will be given consequences. But rules are rules and everyone must abide by them. No one who pays more gets better treatment, if your child is yelled at it is most likely for a reason, and the whole no eating no drinking rule has a purpose. The water rule is that no child is allowed to leave in the middle of class to go and get water. The same goes for the bathroom. This is for the child's benefit. If they leave the classroom in the middle of class they are losing valuable dancing time, they distract the teacher and students, and it is rude. Each child should bring his or her own WATER bottle so that they may drink in class. And the bathroom should be used before class that way you do not disrupt the teacher. And that teacher you talk about with the crazy hair coloring and tattoos happens to be the most kind and most beautiful dancer I have ever met. She has her own company and is constantly creating new and exciting pieces for us here in the Senior Company.

Lastly, Vonderhaar Performing Arts Center continues to send young women to college (encouraging them actually)to pursue the career as a dancer or actress. This year there are 4 girls going to college as a dance major. They have taken auditions and have been given outstanding reviews. One of my friends is going to be a theatre major.

Overall, I understand change is hard, I had to go through it myself. I admit, there were some times when I wanted to pack up my backs and leave, but you have to stick through it. If you take your daughter to a new studio every time you run into a wall, what lessons are you teaching her? Get up and run in times of trial? No. You should be teaching her to climb over the wall and overcome her challenges. That is a truly valuable lesson. I hope you all just give the "newcomers" a chance and if you have a problem, talk to them, don't yell, and I'm sure they would be more than happy to listen to you and resolve any problem that arises.

I love this studio no matter what and I have noticed that my dancing has improved tremendously and my character continues to grow.

Posted 01/05/09 | Report Abuse

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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