Central Oregon School-Ballet

This studio is top notch! It puts on amazing shows each year - Nutcracker and spring/summer productions. We've been to other studios that do not include all the dancers in their school productions. But luckily for us, Central Oregon School of Ballet does include everyone. Dancers are shown appropriate dance choreography for their age range and level of dance. It's a fun time for both students and audiences alike. My daughter has been dancing at COSB since she was 5 years old - she is now 11 and in Pointe classes. The Sawiels teach at a high level, specializing in Classical Ballet. The level of instruction your child will receive is incredible for such a small town. They have both danced professionally and are now spreading their knowledge and expertise along to their students. They have never been critical of a dancer's weight. There are students of all heights and body types here and each one is looked at as an individual. But Trevor is correct in pointing out - If you have aspirations of being a professional dancer than weight will be an integral part of your life. The competition in the dance world is fierce and an individuals height and body type is constantly under scrutiny. This studio has produced some top rate pre-professional and professional dancers who have gone on to schools/companies such as - Kirov, Boston, Pacific Northwest, etc. Sarah and Zygmunt are well known throughout the dance-world. They are seriously committed to what they do and teach at a high level of instruction. So, naturally their standards and expectations are very high for both themselves and their students. I don't believe any other studio in Bend can say their students have gone on to such prestigious schools/companies. My daughter's favorite quote of the Sawiels is - "Three languages, Two Dancers, and One Passion!" I highly recommend this studio to anyone who wants an amazing dance education for their child. It's SERIOUS fun!

Posted 09/16/09 | Report Abuse

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These two teachers taught me for my first eight years of dancing. It was their nutcracker that inspired me to dance when i was three years old. Both have danced throughout Europe and have had their fair share of experiences in the dance world, and love relaying them onto the students. The comment about weight is absolutely ridiculous, not once did i hear either of them mention the subject. If they did, let me remind you that this is ballet we are talking about, and weight will be critical all through a dancer's life. The training at this school is the best anywhere in Bend so far, and just as fun as terpsichorean, where i have also taken classes. The annual nutcracker production, and the spring show every other year allow students to experience what it is like to be in a full length production. The training at this school is very reliable. I now attend Kirov Academy of Ballet in Washington, DC, and i was accepted solely on COSB's training. When i visit, i am pleasantly surprised to find that the level of technique in the Sawiel's classes is high enough to keep me in shape while I am home. In short, if you are looking for a studio for you or your child, for fun or for serious training, Central Oregon School of Ballet can offer it.

Posted 11/16/08 | Report Abuse

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I'm an older student at this school (post college w/ a career) and I've studied ballet up and down the west coast. The owners (both of whom teach) are both former professional ballet dancers. Many of the advanced students (and some intermediate students) are accepted into and attend prestigious summer programs offered by some of the country's best ballet companies (Kirov, ABT, Boston,etc). Several of the school's graduates have gone on to join professional companies. Strengths of this program include detailed technical work (accuracy), opportunities to work on partnering (as recommended), and as students advance, classes are offered up to 5 days a week. Less instruction is given on jumping, turning, group prescision (don't expect drill team prescision), and stage presence (projection).
The comment below regarding strict instruction and attention to dancer's weight, I cannot relate to. I've found that the instructors do run a tight ship, and do point out to students that companies consider a dancer's build when making hiring decisions, however, the advanced class which includes primarilly Sr. High School Students, has students with a mix of all body types, which does not seem to effect placement in performance roles (placement is based on ability).
I would recommend this school for anyone interested in classes from ballet professionals, especially if there may be a career interest as a professional ballet dancer.

Posted 04/23/07 | Report Abuse

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I think that the structure of classes at Central Oregon School of Ballet is good because it helps the girls have respect for their teachers, but I would like to see more technique in the annual showing of the Nutcracker.

Posted 07/27/05 | Report Abuse

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this is a pretty good studio, but only for those who are serious in ballet. if you have a young child and want a fun dance experience, this isnt the place (try terpsichorean dance studio). they are very strict, especially with weight. but they do put on really nice performances of the nutcracker every winter.

Posted 07/27/05 | Report Abuse

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