Naples Academy of Ballet

Address:	1005 5th Ave N, Naples, FL 34102, USA
Phone:	+1 239-732-1000
Site:	naplesacademyofballet.com
Rating:	4

Location

Photos 5

Reviews 4

Wanda Adamson

I am a former adult ballet student of Naples Academy of Ballet. Yes, if you are confused by my email name, I now work for a non-profit dog rescue organization out of state. I am writing this to let others who might be considering this studio for their children or themselves. This studio has gone downhill since Ms. Marilo left. I left after several conversations with the director Miss Toshiko and Mr. Christophe. They openly talk negatively about their students both past and present to everyone adults and children. I was saddened when they talked negatively numerous times about Taylor (former best student). Miss Toshiko spoke about what a mistake Taylor made going to Joffrey in Chicago, how she failed as an apprentice after only a few months in Chicago, and how she should have gone to Ballet Met instead. Miss Toshiko has no place talking about other students to anyone adults or children. It just shows a lack of etiquette and respect. I knew if NAB talked about someone as nice as Taylor they would throw anybody under the bus. NAB treated their next best dancer Megan horribly, and she left for another studio. Instead of investing and training one of their older dancers to fill the vacant role left by Megan, they had Ms. Toshiko’s daughter fill the role. These are young impressionable girls even if they are teenagers, and these grown adults should know better. Even worse, some of the older girls at NAB now are spreading nasty rumors which have no truth whatsoever. They may talk sweet to your face, but they throw girls under the bus as soon as your back is turned. If these girls could only learn that pulling someone else down, does not help you reach the top. Mr. Christophe went on a 20 minute tirade of yelling expletives at the Dec. 2013 dress rehearsal of The Nutcracker while in front of the all the children and adult dancers onstage. He then proceed to storm off, and left the rehearsal altogether. A year ago, tickets were sold out for the Spring Performance of Swan Lake. This year, the Sugden Theater had a lot of empty seats. I have since moved ballet studios. I find it disheartening that both the owner of the studio and the Ballet Master talk so negatively about their students both past and present. I can only hope that Taylor, Megan, and the countless other students who have left have moved on to much bigger and better places than Naples Ballet.

Patrick Junkroski

I was brought into the dance world through my daughter, who has absolutely thrived in the environment the Naples Academy of Ballet provides. She asks us to go to class even on days she doesnt have to be there. She dances around the house, working on her own hours at a time, showing off to the family everything shes learned. The combination of respect and discipline the staff shows towards the students (and which they expect FROM the students) has helped shape my girl into a confident, skilled young woman. The academy is serious, but fun. As with most things, you get out of it what you put into it. Personally, I had ZERO interest in dance myself, but because of my daughter, was asked to perform an adult part in The Nutcracker a few years ago. I started taking classes (which probably provides great laughs for the other adult students) and have finally understood the appeal of ballet as an art for the first time. I LOVE being a part of this family and would recommend it to anyone - adult or child - for a permanent dance home.

David Greene

Absolutely great Ballet school. Has been an amazing experience for my daughter and my wife as dancers, and for myself as a non-dancing but involved dad and husband. This non-profit foundation provides scholarships to kids who otherwise could not afford to learn ballet, and teaches students from toddlers to folks in theirs 80s. The Artistic Director Christophe Maraval is amazing. He was principal dancer at Pacific Northwest Ballet, and trained at Paris Opera Ballet. Its like having LeBron James coach your kids basketball team!!!

Anonymous User

Top notch. Love the adult classes. They attract fabulous instructors. I can not wait to take classes again after the summer time when I return.