Center Of Ballet & Dance Arts

As a former student many years ago, 16 to be exact, I had the time of my life. I look back fondly on my childhood and ""growing up"" at the studio. I continue to share friendships with many of my dance classmates as we share the special bond of ballet and Miss B. Miss B. would push us to bring out our best and I am so grateful. She taught us about hard work and dedication. She taught us about life and we were so prepared for life when we left. Sure it was tough to balance school and dance, but so worth it. \r \r As a student, I've seen some disgruntled students along with some obnoxious, pushy, mean parents during my time. This, unfortunately, is a reality with any adolescent activity. There is competition, for example, to be the best football player, track star, gymnist and in this case, dancer. Dance is competitive no doubt about it. Some students (and their parents) can't handle the reality of their own ability in dance. Not all dance students make it as a prima ballerina or professional football player and thats okay. It's what you come take from it.However, how can one blame a dance instructor for their own inadequecies or failures? Perhaps a look within yourself will be the answer to one's demise, and not a dance teacher. It's so unfair. \r I personally did not choose dance as a career, but have a deep appreciation for the arts, ballet and Miss B. She has taught me alot growing up. I feel I can handle anything that comes my way. Now as a mom of two boys, I understand the committment needed for all activities. My boys are into sports, but I still manage to catch The Adventures of Rudolph and the annual student recital in June, which are wonderful. It's like my little Miss Boughton fill for the year. Some of my ""old"" dance classmates have kids at the ballet school with Miss B., 2nd generation so to speak, and love it. For me, its a time to reflect and wish I could still hear some of her crazy sayings and be a student again. I loved it there! Pros: Teacher, Instruction and Performances Cons: Nothing more

I went to Center of ballet from the time I was 10 through my senior year in high school, when I quit half-way through.\r \r I had great experiences until the last few years. Ms. Boughton truly knows her stuff, and technically speaking, it's the best school in Syracuse to send your kid. It teaches them strength, dedication and honestly, it made me a better student overall because of how much time I dedicated to my dance lessons. Ms. Boughton knows how to teach younger girls (she won't accept students younger than Kindergarden level) and in all honesty, her hard classes were always the best. When she was in a good mood, that is.\r \r However, with the said, the school is not what it used to be. This school had a lot to do with the person I am today, but in the last few years I was there, Ms. Boughton started to lose it. The students were as high caliber, and I think that got to her. Yes, she would yell at her students when I was attending, but it a more ""I'm going to push your buttons because I know you can do this"" kind of way. Toward the end, it was just a tactic to take out her anger and frustration and make you feel bad about yourself. That's why I left.\r \r Years later, looking back as a former student who took dance serious her entire child and adolesent life, I'm a much better person for leaving, so I have a love-hate relationship with this school, and overall, probably wouldn't recommend it unless your kid had a true passion for the reality of the dance world. And a really thick skin. Pros: The best technical instruction Cons: Unstable director more

don't even consider sending your child here unless you have good health insurance and can afford the psyc bills you'll have to pay to undo the damage! more

My daughter loves loves loves this dance school. She is a current student (12 yrs old), loves the teachers and just can't wait to go to dance classes during the week. She loves dance because of the teachers/director at this school and looks up to them. As a parent, I am thrilled with the quality of instruction and the individual attention given to all levels at the school. This school performs in The Adventures of Rudolph, Nutcracker and other shows which allows even the younger students (8-12) the chance to perform. The year end performance is very well done and professional. Parents: Nothing negative here. I would highly recommend this school! A great value! more

I can't say enough about this dance school and the director/faculty! They are amazing!!!!!!!!! If your child wants dance as a career, there is no other dance school in the area that can prepare your child more than The Center of Ballet & Dance Arts school in Syracuse. Deborah Boughton and her faculty knows what it takes technically and emotionally to prepare their students for a career in the arts. The performance opportunities are vast and are an extremely important part of a dancer's training in addition to the top-notch classical ballet training at the school. \r \r Even if your child just wants to dance and not make it a career, Deborah teaches them life lessons that they will carry with them through life such as dedication and work ethic.\r \r Deborah Boughton's dancers have gone on to perform in many well known classical, contemporary and modern companies. Some are on Broadway! Current students attend prestigious summer intensives with Washington Ballet, Boston Ballet, New York City Ballet and American Ballet Theatre. One current faculty member is a principal dancer in a ballet company in buffalo and a former student at the school.\r \r PS: The modern class (for advanced dancers) is to die for! Modern teacher is amazing and a great choreographer!!\r \r I recommend this ballet school highly! It is truly the best in Syracuse! \r \r I should know I am a parent of a dancer who was at the school 11 yrs and who has chosen a career in the arts.\r more

I danced at the Center of Ballet and Dance Arts for many years (until I reached the highest ""Advanced"" level when I was 15). \r \r Although I learned technique, the head director/instructor was extremely verbally abusive to students. She was cruel, often taunting students about everything from their intelligence to their weight. Looking back, it was a very unhealthy environment for an adolescent girl. Luckily I was never told to lose weight or taunted about my intelligence, but a handful of girls in my class were.\r \r The head director/instructor actually liked me very much, but one day she became mad with me when she felt I was not dancing to the best of my ability. She blew up at me, asking me if I ""wanted to fight her."" Can you imagine - I was a 15 year old girl! I left the school shortly after. Parents were there to witness the entire event. \r \r Ten years later, I look back with disgust at this episode and the other episodes in which she mistreated her students. If you are a parent, I do not recommend this school for your child. more

Very strict. Amazing preformances. My daughter goes and she loves it. Great techers. I have nothing negative to say about this dance school. I love it. more