Six levels including a pre professional level that took place during the day.
Dancer Age
12
13
15
Hours of Dance Each Week
11-15 hours
16-20 hours
Gender
Female
Was Student Scholarshipped?
No
Years At School
1 year
Leveling by Age or Skill?
Age
Skill
Teacher Background
Former professional ballet dancer
Parents Required to Volunteer?
No
Parent Volunteer Requirement
During the first Nutcracker most parents chose the volunteer role they'd like to fill
Although hours were not a requirement. Parents often volunteered their time. This would often occur during Nutcracker season.
Parents helped out with the Nutcracker production by getting kids in costumes, preparing props, etc.
Curriculum
Days Per Week
5
Classes Per Day
1
Weekend Classes?
Yes
Weekend Schedule
Full day
Half day
Students Per Class
10-15
Less than 10
Weekly Repertoire or Variations?
No
Yes
Pointe Classes Per Week
2
5
Live Music in Technique Class?
No
Dedicated Men's Program?
No
Unsure
Men Taught by Male Teacher?
Yes
Men Taught Batterie?
Unsure
Yes
Boys In Level
Less than 5
Separate Technique Class for Boys
No
Unsure
Yes
Techniques Taught
General Classical
Technique Teacher Rotation
The school rotated teachers on a fixed schedule
Did School Director Teach?
Always
Often
Classroom Corrections
Dancer specific: almost every dancer got specific corrections each day
Attention From Teachers
Very Little
1
2
3
4
5
A Lot
Quality of Instruction
Poor
1
2
3
4
5
Excellent
Did Technique Improve?
Not at all
1
2
3
4
5
Tremendously
Curriculum Comments
Rigorous European classical ballet training ranging from early ballet classes (4/5) through Advanced and pre-pro. Classes at the Advanced level were 3+ hours M-F, 4 hours on Sat, and 5 hours on Sunday. Contemporary is also offered.
3-hour technique class Monday; Tuesday and Thursday 1.5-hour technique with pointe work-Thursday-weekly contemporary class-1hr; Saturday-Technique class 2 hours. Sunday-4hrs. Strength and conditioning, Technique and Variations.
The curriculum is based on French/European technique and focuses on precision and artistry. Usually there are 5 classes, three to four hours each class, a week for the advanced and advanced intermediate levels. Monday-Friday classes are 3 hours starting with pilates and then moving to regular technique class and pointe. One day a week there is a contemporary class. On the weekends there is a full day intensive of 6 hours starting with pilates and technique in the morning, and a pointe/variations class in the afternoon.
Partnering
Frequency of Partnering Class
1x per week
No partnering
Partner Ratio
Everyone had to share a partner.
Who Taught?
Male and female teacher together
Male teacher
How Much Partnering Improved
No
1
2
3
4
5
Tremendously
Quality of Pas Teaching
Poor
1
2
3
4
5
Excellent
How Were Corrections Given?
Attention and corrections were evenly distributed between the males and females
Description of Partnering Class
Partnering typically occurred on the weekends when class time was longer
Girls were split up by height and assigned a male partner. In the class students worked on basic pas de deux steps as well as some more challenging steps depending on previous experience. Sometimes dancers worked on excerpts of pas de deuxs from classical ballets.
Additional Comments
As a small and new school they do pretty well with limited enrollment of boys. As the year went on more boys joined which was good to see
The school is growing rapidly and is actively recruiting more male-identifying students. The school emphasizes partnering as an important component of their curriculum.
Other Classes
Other Dance Styles
None
Contemporary Offered?
Yes
Types of Contemporary Classes Taught
Choreography workshops
Improv
Repertoire
Technique
Contemporary Quality
Poor
1
2
3
4
5
Excellent
Master Classes?
Yes
Master Classes Description
A Winter & Spring Intensive (long weekends) are offered with professional guest faculty. This is optional, outside of class time, and for an additional fee.
Through the year, the school offered spring and variation intensives. Guests artists included faculty from Royal Ballet and former professional dancer from Boston Ballet, English National Ballet.
Throughout the course of the year famous guest teachers who are current or former principal dancers of top companies around the world (Royal Ballet, Boston Ballet etc) would come and teach intensive classes. During this time students would often do technique class and then learn classical variations. It's incredible that the Director/Founder of the school can provide these amazing opportunities and exposure for the students.
Strength & Conditioning
Physical Training Offered?
Yes
Physical Training Types
Body conditioning
Gyrotonic or Gyrokenisis
Pilates (mat or reformer)
Stretch class
Physical Training Schedule
Daily
Several times a week
Were Trainers Certified?
Yes
Physical Training Quality
Poor
1
2
3
4
5
Excellent
Strength & Conditioning Comments
The school has a strong philosophy about the importance of pilates/conditioning
The school puts a real emphasis on cross training, especially pilates to help students build strength, flexibility, and help their placement in technique class, and prevent injuries. The main teacher is a certified professional who has deep knowledge and expertise in this area.
Injuries/Health/ Mental Health
Are Doctors Available?
No
Unsure
How Parents Notified?
My student did not get injured
How Treatment Obtained?
Although we didn't have to go through this ourselves last year, the Director/Teacher would talk to the parents and recommend a doctor or physical therapist for the students to go to.
PT Available?
No
Unsure
Was There a Recovery Plan?
My dancer did not get injured
Yes
Describe Recovery Plan
My dancer got injured (not in class). The faculty is very conservative about managing injuries, often works with doctors and PT (they have amazing contacts!), and develops a plan to bring dancer back to full dance.
My daughter had an injury that she developed to her Achilles and a sprain that occurred outside of the dance studio. My daughter routinely saw a physical therapist who specialized in dancer recovery. Her plan was communicated from her physical therapist to her studio and modifications were made to her dance training in order for her recovery to take place. They were in weekly communication and very receptive to physical therapy recommendations.
Mental Health Therapists Available?
No
Unsure
Were Students Given Fat Talk?
No
Staff Made Comments About Bodies?
No
Were Students Weighed?
No
Was "Coded Language" Used?
No
Yes
Additional Comments
Arrais Ballet faculty are not only concerned about a dancers physical health but also want to ensure that each dancer is aware that the studio is a safe space. They treat each dancer with dignity and respect. The instructors are engaging and will reach out if they happen to note that the dancer may seem “off” in class. not only will they check in with the student, but also take the time to engage the parent.
The Director and other teachers at the school are extremely sensitive about body image. They never made the students feel self-conscious about their body or weight. My daughter feels very comfortable in this supportive and sensitive environment.
Communication
Formal Orientation?
No
Unsure
Yes
Handboook & Paperwork
Adequate but missing several key pieces
Comprehensive and complete. I knew what to expect for the year
Quality of Communication?
Poor
1
2
3
4
5
Excellent
Who Received Communication?
With parents and students
Exams
Formal Exam?
Yes
Written Feedback?
No
Yes
Exam Adjudicator
Internal
Exam Rubrics Clear?
Agree
Strongly agree
Who Attends Exam Meeting?
Yes and parents are included. The meeting was with Artistic Director and my teachers
Yes and parents were included. The meeting was with the Artistic Director
Positive, uplifting, friendly, warm, and inclusive.
Placement Notification Timing
During the post exam meeting
Notified of placement after meeting with artistic director to review exam results.
We were notified a couple weeks after the exam.
How Dancer Was Notified
In-person meeting with school director/staff
Dancer Had Mentor?
No
Yes
Mentoring Details
There is no formal mentoring program as this is still a new and small school. However faculty is both very available and very willing to talk and work with dancers
This school is very much a community. Although no formal mentor program, each level of students integrate with each other and offer support camaraderie.
The atmosphere of the school is very supportive and encouraging. The Director and teachers often communicate with students and parents to offer guidance and feedback specific to each dancer. We feel this high level of engagement from the Artistic Director himself contributed significantly to the progress that our daughter made this past year.
Overall School Culture
Lord of the Flies
1
2
3
4
5
Warm & Inclusive
Building & Surrounding Area
Security Around Building
No
Yes
Safety of Area Around School?
Not Safe
1
2
3
4
5
Extremely Safe
Studio Space
Cramped
1
2
3
4
5
Lots of space
Studio Cleanliness
Dirty
1
2
3
4
5
Spotless
Performance Opportunities
Company Affiliated?
No
Programs Performed
1-3
Shows per Program
2
3
Casting
School staff chooses students for roles - no auditions
Peformance Calendar
This was the first full year for this school in its current iteration. They produced their first Nutcracker and the director/faculty cast students. It was an amazing production and the students performed beautifully. I know there are plans for next year to again stage a Nutcracker but hold traditional auditions for roles. There is also talk of a formal spring ballet - also with auditions. There is also a year end Showcase which includes prepared pieces in classical ballet & Contemporary. As a fledgling school it is impressive what was accomplished this year.
The school put on their first full length Nutcracker, December 2024. They offer a spring showcase.
There was an annual Nutcracker that took place in a theater as well as a spring showcase that also took place in a theater. Finally, there was an end of summer show in the studio.
Competition
Competitions required?
No
Did Dancer Compete?
No
Yes
Competition Categories
Ensembles
Solos
Competitions Attended
and The Connecticut Classic.
Connecticut Classic
UBC
YAGP
Solo Rehearsals
Take place outside of regular classes
Pas de Deux Rehearsals
Our school doesn't have students compete pas de deux
Ensemble Rehearsals
Take place during regular class time
Take place outside of regular classes
Costume Responsibility
School provides and charges rental fee
Student responsible for sourcing and paying for costume
Did School Tution Cover Competition Fees?
No
What Were the Additional Fees?
Families would be responsible for the fees associated with competition registration. We would get billed separately from our regular tuition. Coaching for competition took place outside of class time and would be billed as private lessons for competition prep.
Students pay the entry fees and for the costumes.
Competition Fees Clear?
Yes
Competition Fees Reasonable?
Yes
Why?
I do think that there was variation in fee pricing. Particularly found YAGP to be the most expensive. Overall felt fees were reasonable.
The fees are set by the competitions so it's reasonable.
Experience Description
Overall positive experience. She found the competitions safe a way to meet other dancers, camaraderie with her classmates, a way to strengthen her technique, and exposure to repertoire, and additional performance opportunities.
It was a very positive experience that helped improve our dancer's confidence, technique, and artistry. It also helped her gain tremendous experience with stage performance and receive inputs from other judges and experts in the field.
Non-Competing Dancers Left Out?
No
Why?
Competitions are by choice. Faculty may suggest to some students, and some parents and students are very pro-competition and want to participate in competitions. My dancer wasn't interested and didn't feel pressured to participate and also didn't feel left out.
Private Lessons
Private Lessons Available?
Yes
Are Private Lessons Encouraged?
Not at all
1
2
3
4
5
Strongly recommended
Who Takes Privates?
Anyone who wants them
Private Lessons equally available to all students?
Strongly disagree
1
2
3
4
5
Strongly agree
Explain
With only two classical faculty members available this first year there was just not enough time in the schedule for everyone to have private lessons. With additional faculty coming next year there will be wider availability.
Summer Intensives
School Holds an SI?
Yes
School's SI Required?
No
Outside SI OK?
Yes, it's strongly encouraged
How Did School Help?
Auditioning for summers elsewhere was up to individual students. Faculty were available to discuss options and even recommendations. They really encouraged a minimum of 3 weels at the Arrais intensives (8 weeks offered). If you wanted to add private lessons to prepare for auditions you could. Additionally, private lessons could be booked to prepare and record video auditions - a number of students did that last year. No audition is needed for the Arrais Summer Intensive weeks.
The school is very supportive to all dancers if they would like to branch out and attend other summer intensive programming. I think they are very mindful in helping the student and parent decide on location of summer intensive as to align with their style and curriculum paying close attention to class size and solid classical technique. The school for their own summer intensive has brought in incredible guests, teachers from not only well known schools from the United States, but also international schools as well.
The school helps prepare students for auditions, and supports students throughout the process. The Artistic Director himself was available to help students make the audition videos. The school arranged a professional photographer to help students take audition photos to give the students the best chance to succeed. The Director and teachers are always available to talk to students about their audition results, and help navigate acceptances/rejections.
Outcomes
Percent That Went Full-Time
None
Percent That Went To College
None
How Much Support Did Dancer Receive in Taking the Next Steps in Ballet?
No support
1
2
3
4
5
Lots of support
Support Description
My dancer is still there, but faculty has been open to talking about what will happen next for her.
Program Grades
Overall Dance Instruction
A+
Continuing Ballet Placement
A+
Emotional Support
A
A+
Performance Opportunities
A
A+
Program Comments
Program's Best Aspect
Incredible training with very experienced faculty
There are several aspects of the program that make Arrais Ballet the BEST school in the Boston area in our opinion. First, Paulo Arrais, the Artistic Director, is an amazing artist and highly gifted teacher and leader. He brings years of training with two of the best schools in the world, The Royal Ballet and The Paris Opera, and vast experience dancing for Boston Ballet as a Principal Dancer. Not only is Paulo an extremely talented artist, he is a deeply passionate, caring, and gifted teacher with a real vision for the school. Paulo has an innate ability to communicate with students about how to improve their technique and artistry. When he focuses on a specific detailed correction, he has an incredible capacity to identify what is not working and intuit what the dancer feels physically and is able to explain how the dancer should adjust their position and how that change should feel. Other teachers at the school are also very caring, positive, and knowledgeable. Second, the school focuses on a well-rounded training with a strong foundation in technique and artistry while providing opportunities for students to participate in high-level competitions and school-wide performances. This is a very unique aspect of Arrais Ballet as there are other schools in the Boston area, but they focus on competitions or performances or technique but not all three. Third, the school provides small classes in which students can get individual attention. Finally, there is an intimate, positive atmosphere for all students. Almost everyone we know at the school is happy because of the positive and encouraging feedback Paulo and his team constantly provide to the students and parents. Paulo himself is a very sensitive and emotionally intelligent teacher. The school leadership (Paulo and his partner) tries very hard to make everyone feel cared for and included in the school. My daughter has made great friends with many other dancers at the school, and we feel the school leadership has created a warm and supportive community. We couldn't be happier with our experience at the school.
Program's Worst Aspect
nothing yet!
None
Nothing really. We love Arrais Ballet!
What Changes Would Be Helpful?
add additional performance opportunities (these are coming I know), add exposure to additional dance styles
Anything Else We Should Know?
This school is in it's early days but already has a very, very strong foundation. The training is excellent, and the positive & supportive environment is so welcome (we came from a prior toxic environment). The school is growing tremendously and implementing lots of positive changes in an effort to meet dancer needs: ie: more performance opportunities next year, expanded levels of classes to better meet dancers where they are, a growing number of boys enrolling. They also offer Sunday Intensives each month that are open for drop in and offer a full day of ballet training. The faculty is so genuine and kind and are really invested in the dancers - wanting them to be successful. The school provides a very full curriculum while also offering flexibility to take fewer class hours if that is what your dancer prefers. There is not rampant favoritism that can be seen at other schools. Although the school offers participation in ballet competitions, this isn't a "competition school". Our experience over the last year has been excellent and we highly recommend!
We cannot say enough about the exceptional training and nurturing environment at Arrais Ballet. From our daughter’s first class it was clear that the program is built on a strong foundation of classical technique, emphasizing not just discipline and precision, but artistry and expression as well. Arrais Ballet instructors are not only dedicated to excellence in dance instruction, but they are committed to each dancers individual growth.
It is a very high quality program that has helped our dancer improve rapidly within a short period of time. The level of instruction is high and challenging, and the environment is intimate and supportive. All the teachers are professional dancers who have danced for Boston Ballet and other top companies, and they are all very caring, dedicated, and passionate about passing on their knowledge and skills to the next generation of dancers. The entire Arrais Ballet community (the teachers, parents, and students) is also very supportive and inclusive, not competitive or toxic. We feel Arrais Ballet provides a unique opportunity for all dancers at different levels and with different goals -- to get the excellent training to potentially become professional dancers or just to be better dancers and make dancing part of their life journey.
