"The rooms were suite style. 4 dancers total to a suite, 2 people in bedroom, common area with couch and a bathroom for all 4 to share. We were able to bring a small refrigerator that the girls loved but wasn’t able to have a microwave in the suite per dorm rules. The RA’s were very helpful but a little too relaxed closer to the end. And boys were allowed in the girls suites but not allowed in the rooms with beds."
"The rooms were suites with two bedrooms (two roommates in each room, so 4 to a suite). The suite had a living room with couch and bathroom."
"2 students in a room, 4 students in a suite. Rooming was based on age and level. Laundry and kitchen was shared with other programs staying in the dorm."
Where did they stay?
Rented an apartment or house
Student lived at home
Housing - Supervision
Curfew
Yes
Curfew reasonable?
Yes
Room check
Yes
How strict were dorms?
Just about right
Somewhat strict
Very strict
Infraction handling
N/A
Housing - Cleanliness
Laundry available
Yes
Laundry free
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
No
Yes
Dietary needs?
No
Yes
Specific needs
"Peanut allergy"
Dietary options
Limited
1
2
3
4
5
Lots
Activities
Weeknight activities
Yes
Weekend outings
Yes
Attended weekend outings
I didn't attend any of them
Yes, all of them
Yes, some of them
Favorite
"Ball park and mall"
"Baseball game"
"Carowinds"
"Amusement Park"
"Ain’t too proud"
Least favorite
"N/A… I didn’t feel like they really offered a lot. I think this is where they could improve a little."
"Science museum"
"Optimist Hall"
"Beach/lake"
Logistics
Quality of handbook
Spotty
1
2
3
4
5
Comprehensive
Program communication
Limited
1
2
3
4
5
Comprehensive
Transportation
I drove her. But they have a private bus for students who live in the housing.
Private bus
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
"Seeing my DD really grow as a dancer and as a person. She gain so much independence and insight on what her future could really look like."
"Súper nice staff, organized, generous with boys scholarships"
"The instructors were amazing"
"Best aspect was the individual attention and corrections."
"The instructors, staff, and environment"
"The students and teachers were very supportive."
Least liked about program
"I felt like sometimes the communication was slow to come out before the intensive started. The food options were very particular (very organic and repetitive) and was not a favorite with my picky eater."
"I feel my son was leveled too low and Covid policies too strict"
"The restrictions on moving about campus/going to the dining hall.
Also before the session started, communication was lacking."
"Location is in a city center area so it is more susceptible to crime. But they do have a police officer who is extremely attentive and always there at the door. So we never had any issues. Excellent safety precautions were taken. Just part of city life anywhere."
"Artistic Director did not teach the highest level"
"There was a lot of emphasis placed on the end of program performance. Half the day was spent in rehearsal instead of technique classes."
Suggested changes to program
"The dorms were a little outdated"
"Nothing"
"I would prefer 5 days instead of 6 days but I understand many SI’s are 6 days and a lot of dancers prefer 6 days. As a parent I feel like 5 days is better. So they have a full weekend break. But honestly I wouldn’t change anything other than that. It’s a fantastic SI."
"More technique classes"
Culture of program
"Very good. It seem like all the dancers really had a nurturing environment"
"My son was happy"
"Friendly, supportive and inviting"
"Loving but very rigorous! Which is a great combo."
"Welcoming - the opposite of toxic"
"Supportive. Year round students were welcoming towards summer students."
Other comments
"My daughter made lifelong friendships and still talks to all three of her roommates every single week!"
"Highly recommend!"
"The staff and faculty at Charlotte Ballet are top notch. There are many extremely well known and cherished former professional ballet dancers who are instructing there. It’s a gem of a school. They train hard but smart. They don’t push until injured. Very holistic approach that cares for the individual."
"The bus system to and from the dorms was a mess. There were often not enough seats, causing students to have to sit on the floor. Sometimes the bus was late or did not show up at all. Students normally arrived at the studio with little to no time to warm up. The studios themselves were abnormally cold to the point that many students reported never feeling like they warmed up. I believe the cold was a major factor in the shin and calf issues I developed during the intensive."
