The Rock School for Dance Education

1101 S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19147, USA

Address:	1101 S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19147, USA
Phone:	+1 215-551-7010
Site:	therockschool.org
Rating:	3.5
Working:	7:30AM–7:30PM 7:30AM–8PM 7:30AM–7PM 7:30AM–6:30PM 7:30AM–6:30PM 8AM–2:30PM Closed

Location

Photos 12

Reviews 12

Doug Stuff

My daughter outgrew her current dance company and elected to finish her senior year of HS and dance training at the Rock School. They pitch a good story but in reality they hone in on a very small group of favorites (about 10 - 15 at her higher level) who get 90% of the attention and 100% of the performance opportunities. Even in the final Showcase its the same darn favorites and most insulting is several of them have multiple dances. Why not allow others to participate? The rest are merely background dancers. There is an exodus of current students perhaps after realizing the culture. I know my daughter has solid dance skills as she was accepted in nearly every summer intensive pgm that she auditioned for over the past 4+ years. She also got accepted into every college she auditioned for. She came to the Rock with a solid dance confidence and true love for the art. And what they did was to crush both. Shes been dancing continuously since 6 years old and is now questioning her future. By the later part of this season, she admitted to clock-watching in class and wasnt even trying because she realized it was pointless as she knew she was not getting any performance opportunities or challenges. If we could go back in time, the Rock School wouldnt get a moments consideration because of their favorites culture and the neglection of 90% of the students. If you know youll be in that elite group of 10 - 15 then this might be a good place for you. Otherwise, youll just get ignored and used for background dancing to support their pets. And the strangest thing is several of the current favorites are not even strong dancers. Perhaps there is something more (than the $3,640/month we paid) to becoming a favorite. There was not a single parent meeting, phone call, text, evaluation, progress report,,,, from the dancing side of this school. How is that even possible? And the obscenely expensive boarding facilities in the Marine Club are gross . The R&B costs (considering what you get) should be about 50% less. The actual dance facilities at the Rock School are very good. But this place was a total disappointment for my daughter and our family. It probably needs to be shaken up. And I love the 5-Star review here by "Sebastian Spassoff" who comically appears to be Stephanie Spassoffs son (husband and wife Bo and Stephanie are the Rock School Directors as in the same ones who pick the favorites) . Do you think theres a problem here?.

Anonymous User

While this may be the best ballet school in Philly, it isnt saying much for dance education in the city. For serious dancers, this place is as bad as it gets. There are about a dozen students (out of more than 300) who receive specialized instruction. For the rest of the dancers, they must do the best they can in classes of over 40 students. There are some very good instructors, but the administration selects who receives special instruction and the teachers must accomodate them. Fingers crossed that the new school of Pennsylvania Ballet (due to open in fall 2012) will offer more to the aspiring ballet dancers in the city.

anna missano

Outstanding ballet school with wonderful directors Bo and Stephanie, great teachers and academic program! my daughter is a student here the past 3 years. Juliana had excellent training here along with incredible performing opportunities , we will miss the Rock School as she is graduating in June. Juliana has a professional contract and had many other job offers as well , I would strongly recommend The Rock School and always have incredible memories of everyone here !

Paul Duggan

The fees were ridiculously high for the value received. The dance instruction was inferior. If you have a talented daughter, live in the Midwest (or anywhere), and are fortunate enough to be able to pay their ridiculous fees, please look elsewhere. It reminds one of a Ponzi scheme. SHADY! I am simply glad our daughter wasnt taken advantage of. It has a creepy vibe.

Gretchen Palmer

My Daughter attend 2 years in a row and received a partial scholarship for the year round program. She loved it and grew as a dancer. I wish we could of sent her year round but at that moment in time the cost was too much for us to handle. If you are a dancer who wants that life , it is a great place to be. It was fantastic in every way.

ashley quiltanilla

this ballet school is the capital of eating disorders and favoritism! also the price is unessecarily high do not come here!

Arielle Clay

the worst 7 years of life now i have to get new training and i have bad knees and memories

Christine888

The lady and man in the front was really nice to me today and i didnt even go yet

Miri Son

rude staff over the phone

Catriana Young

I want to register

Prabhu Baskar

nice place