Ballet Theater of Carmel Academy

I took my mother and daughter to see the Ballet Theater of Carmel put on the Nutcracker Ballet! It was WONDERFUL! What we loved most is how my young child can see that not all of these performers are older... many are only a little older than her... and this is great for role modeling! The performance was great! Performers were very good and professional. This year it was help at Carmel High School auditorium. Good props and theatrics, too!Before hand they had a few tables selling goodies to snack on, crafts and such. We love the low price for taking the kids... but yet, still a wonderful performance! Highly recommend each winter! Take you kids to THIS one for sure!!!

My daughters have been dancing since they were 2 years old. As we have moved around the area from East Carmel/Noblesville to West Carmel - they have attended 4 local dance schools in 14 years. I can say good things about all of the dance schools. However we made a major decision to move from competition dance to a ballet studio last year. There are several wonderful ballet programs in the local area - however - my daughter, as well as myself both felt strongly there is not a better program than what is offered at BTCA. BTCA really provides the total package for both care for the dancer and the person. She had auditioned at BTCA for a summer program previously and we both really liked the "vibe" of the studio when she simply attended that audition. At the time - she wasn't considering leaving her competition studio - she just really liked her audition experience at BTCA. When she got serious about changing studios - and auditioned at multiple programs in the city - she knew the right choice for her was at BTCA immediately. As a parent - I became immediately aware of the differences in all the programs she looked at vs her competition studio - in fact every instructor had notated the "gaps" in her technique that were created by her competition training. I point this out as I learned these "gaps" can lead to significant injury for young dancers. I would encourage others to look at a studio and the number of injuries their students suffer. If it seems like an extraordinary number of students are on a first name basis with the orthopedic dr's and physical therapists in the city - you should seriously worry. This would apply for gymnasts as well. Of course kids will get injured in athletics sometimes - but it's when the numbers of kids become a statistical anomaly I would worry. Most importantly Jane - the director at BTCA - immediately identified how she could work with my daughter to not only address these deficiencies in her training - but most importantly how this would protect her from further injuring her body. Moreover - I was impressed by the CARE that Jane puts into EVERY DANCER in the program. Other studios have a few "super stars" and then "the rest" of the kids. I have seen first hand how kids are built up emotionally and then cast aside when they struggle, plateau, or get injured. The emotional effects on these kids is very damaging. Coaches will say they are "toughening them up" which holds some truth - but not if the methods are in fact just hurtful not helpful. Many kids drop out entirely but the coaches do not care as there is always more kids coming in the door. It creates an unhealthy environment that leads to those stereotypes of "dance moms" that people assimilate with the TV show of adults behaving badly. That kind of environment is not present here at BTCA. In fact - when Frank and Jane's names come up in the "industry" - you will find that everyone respects and admires them and their program. I would echo that sentiment. They instill in their dancers great technique, performance, and most importantly decorum. I encouraged both of my daughters to dance as I realized they were learning much more than just how to pirouette through their training. They are confident, well spoken, brave, and grounded young ladies. Whether you are looking for a fun activity or hoping for your child to become the next ballet superstar - this is the best program you could find. Your child will flourish here whether they are just beginning to dance or advanced and looking for a day program as well as everything in between. And if you are looking to see a wonderful ballet - make sure to come see these talented dancers! The show they put on is better than many professional productions!

My daughter is a young dancer at Ballet Theatre of Carmel Academy. My favorite thing about the studio is how kind the instructors and students are. The staff coaches students to become extremely skillful and beautiful pre-professional dancers within a nurturing environment that meets students right where they are and doesn't ask them to be anything but themselves. The performances are so professional and colorful, and every dancer, regardless of age and ability, has a special place in the show. I started going to the Nutcracker performances - and LOVED them - long before my daughter started dancing, and now they have become a Christmas tradition for our family. We could not ask for a better dance studio.

We've found our "ballet family" at the Ballet Theatre of Carmel Academy! A fabulous combination of high quality training offered by skilled faculty members, and a supportive, inclusive group of dancers and parents. Classes are well run and performances (two full length ballets and an annual showcase) are top notch. If you haven't seen the BTCA production of The Nutcracker, it's a must for every family during the holiday season! Spectacular dancing, beautiful costumes and sets, iconic music.

My daughter, 11, just began ballet last year and Ballet Theater of Carmel has been wonderful for her. The directors' talent and expertise, coupled with the loving and supportive environment, has been key to her development, not only as a dancer, but as a young woman. I cannot speak more highly of Ms. Nicole and Ms. Sarah as her instructors either. There is definitely a family feel to this studio and yet they also produce professional ballerinas. Beginner and pre-professional alike are invited to participate fully in the performances each winter and spring. Bonus opportunities also arise to perform at art fairs--what a fun experience for my girl! My daughter loves BTCA. Thank you!