Rooms was provided at the ASU dorms in downtown Phoenix.
Individual rooms within the suite
Dorms on ASU campus. Chaperones were two current Studio Company Dancers. They were kind, but mostly seemed to be there for curfew check. My dancer and her friends ended taking a few of the younger dancers with them on outings as there were no events scheduled by BAZ or the chaperones. Not even any kind of July 4th activity/celebration.
Each dancer had a private bedroom connected by a small community space and a shared bathroom. It was great!!
Where did they stay?
Host family
Rented an apartment or house
Stayed with local family or friends
Student lived at home
Housing - Supervision
Curfew
Yes
Curfew reasonable?
Yes
Room check
Yes
How strict were dorms?
Just about right
Very lax
Infraction handling
N/A
Skewed depending on the RA
Housing - Cleanliness
Laundry available
Yes
Laundry free
No
Yes
Housing cleanliness
Dirty
1
2
3
4
5
Spotless
Cleaning required
No
Yes
Meal Plan
Meal plan
Yes
Food quality
Gross
1
2
3
4
5
Excellent
Enough food
Yes
Dietary needs?
No
Yes
Specific needs
Vegan.
Dietary options
Limited
1
2
3
4
5
Lots
Activities
Weeknight activities
No
Yes
Weekend outings
No
Yes
Attended weekend outings
Yes, some of them
Favorite
Swimming
The art museum.
Least favorite
Walking in the heat to a crowded flea market with overpriced goods.
N/A
Logistics
Quality of handbook
Spotty
1
2
3
4
5
Comprehensive
Program communication
Limited
1
2
3
4
5
Comprehensive
Transportation
Car
Not relevant to us
Private bus
Public transportation with chaperone
Public transportation without chaperone
Unsure
Walking and pubic transportation with chaperone.
Neighborhood safety
Not Safe
1
2
3
4
5
Very Safe
General Comments
Overall recommendation
Definitely Not
1
2
3
4
5
Absolutely
Best aspect
I loved the instructors. They were amazing and taught really well.
Attention to details
The many teachers provided many opportunities to learn under different teaching styles. Most teachers were understanding and nice.
Fantastic teachers and a lot of time on pointe. (2-3 hours minimum every day.) Gorgeous facilities, live piano accompaniment every day. A full ticketed show (2 shows) at the end in their beautiful little on-site theater. Quality teaching and a focus on artistry.
Small classes to focus on technique; Quality of instructors
Getting a lot of time for technique and pointe and making new friends!
I got corrections and they cared if each kid improved
Most of the dancers in the top level were in attendance to be considered for BAZ Studio Company. A minimum of 2 weeks SI is required for Studio Company acceptance. The program is a good way for both parties to evaluate if BAZ, BAZ Studio Company, and Phoenix is a good fit.
The small class size and personal attention.
Least liked about program
Loved it all!!
The transportation to and from the studio required standing in the sun for the bus.
I think I would have liked slightly more robust communication before the intensive. Other than that it was very smooth.
Some favoritism of year round students
Sometimes show rehearsals took away from class time if a student was not going to be in the show
Commute on public transport is unreliable and it is hot waiting outside for trains in the Phoenix summers
Not as many activities as some of the others but my dancer was tired in the evenings anyway so it didn’t really bother us.
Suggested changes to program
Maybe some fun things to do on the weekend.
Private transportation
I think my dancer would have preferred replacing one of the Pilates or Yoga classes with more Flamenco. And if Yoga was scheduled in the day to have it last (very relaxing.)
Dorm activities/excursions; different transportation to the studio
Some scheduled activities/outings would be nice. But overall a good summer program
Nothing. It was wonderful.
Culture of program
Everyone is great. Other students and teachers very helpful.
Fairly open and inclusive while still pushing you to your limit.
Quality, care, artistry, tired but happy dancers
Good
Very positive and kind
Kind
The teachers were kind and supportive. The Studio Company Manager, Ms. Boresow is lovely and very invested in her dancers. Dancers in the upper level of the SI were generally from well known training programs and looking to take the next step in their careers- hardworking and focused but friendly.
Very positive and encouraging.
Other comments
If you are looking for a SI to help with technique and some stage time. Great place for a SI
My dancer came away with a boost in confidence. She feels like her artistry improved and her pointe technique. She wants to return next summer.
If you are being considered/considering BAZ Studio Company, this program is great. You really get a sense of how you would fit into the program and if the training is what you are looking for. And you dance a lot! If you aren't local, I'm not sure if I'd highly recommend this program to younger dancers due to the lack of outings and dorm activities. My dancers has been to 10+ other SIs from big name programs, to non-company affiliated, and smaller company affiliated programs. This was the only SI she attended with a complete lack of outings/social events. It was fine for her as she was old enough and experienced enough to explore the city without chaperones, but I think a younger dancer might not be as comfortable navigating much beyond the college campus area on their own. Perhaps this aspect will change for the upcoming summer as BAZ will be joining the NSIA tour and looking to expand their SI program. Separately- they did a show at the end of the 6 week SI. As my dancer only stayed for 4 weeks, she wasn't involved which is why my review says no showcase/observation.
All the instructors knew my dancers name and personality. They were VERY connected with the students and gave a lot of personal corrections and guidance.
