American Youth Dance Theater

Susan Kim

I highly recommend this dance school for families who are committed to the art, physicality and discipline that dance has to offer kids interested in all styles of dance. My daughters have taken a variety of classes at AYDT and will begin their 8th year dancing with the studio. They both take their ABT curriculum ballet and thoroughly enjoy the discipline it has instilled in their daily and weekly routines. Each semester you can see their personal growth and commitment to dance itself, their fellow dancers and the studio/staff. Initially they only took ballet and one elective class, hip hop. As their ballet classes increased we dropped this class for a bit and have in the last two years (yes, during COVID!) picked up other styles (Contemporary and now Broadway). Both of my daughters look forward to their Nutcracker (ballet) roles year after year as well as their additional performances in other styles. The choreography, costumes, communication and organization of AYDT recitals does not go unnoticed. We really appreciate the attention to detail and priority for previously enrolled students to sign up each semester. Lastly, the staff are fantastic. We've thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the teachers and know that they have the best interests of the students in mind when they come to teach, create choreography and follow up if they have feedback. Throughout our time before, during and since COVID has become a norm to deal with, the studio and staff have been thoughtful, attentive, communicative, patient and caring. If you told my kids they were leaving and couldn't dance at AYDT you'd break their heart. AYDT is their afterschool & Saturday home. They have made many dance friends and we look forward to several years of classes and performance to come!

Tri Corr

My daughter loves ballet and loves her teacher here. I think they do a great job of putting together programs for the kids. My daughter was the first one to come back into classes when they opened back up. There was her and one other girl for the longest time. She was so happy to be back doing what she loved. We were very happy with the overall curriculum. We decided to remove our daughter from AYDT because they refused to make masking children optional. Even though everyone must be vaccinated. Even though covid is mild and rarely effects children. Even though every other ballet school I checked with in the city allows for optional masking. The director has held on to her paranoia and I could not longer allow them to push their erratic beliefs on my child. As a parent I get to decide what is best for my child’s well being. I have put mental health of my kid above a virus that is no different than a mild cold for her. I hope some day they come to their senses but I doubt it. No where else in the world force masking kids like this. All her work towards her beautiful performance and she can’t even share her smile. She can’t see other smiles. Heartbreaking. As I said this is the only school I found that still forces masking so I would encourage parents who feel the same to look elsewhere.

Lain Walls

I take class here through my college. The staff is amazing, friendly, and so committed to keeping everyone safe and clean. The space is also fantastic and welcoming and I thoroughly enjoy the time I spend at AYDT!!

Sigi Benjamin-Hong

Wonderful teachers, very helpful staff. It’s a great school for creative kids to express themselves in a fun, supportive and empowering way.