Ellen Robbins Modern Dance Classes For Children And Teens

Having been a professional dancer myself, choosing a dance teacher for my five-year-old daughter was an important selection. I knew what values in a dance education and creative setting mattered the most to me. There is no other dance class for children in New York City that offers dance composition at the heart of growing a dancer like the program Ellen Robbins offers. From kindergarten through high school graduation a child experiences dance and choreography as Art with a capital ""A"". Dance and its elements provide many physical, developmental, cognitivel, social, expressive -- I could go on and on -- criteria for actualizing the whole child. How Ellen's work provides life-enhancing focus and unfailingly validates respect for dance as an art is a testimony to her own serious belief in and commitment to dance, music, theater, and the related arts. Your child, as student, will be an artist in Ellen's classes. Dance is both discipline and fun and everyone can dance in their own capacity but not every dancer identifies her/himself as an artist. Now, as my daughter goes off to college to pursue her interest in linguistic anthropology, I see the poise and confidence being a dance artist contributed to her stature. I chose the dance teacher who gave dance, and my daughter, artistic integrity. Carol Clements more

I danced with Ellen Robbins my entire childhood. From age 5 until 18. Dancing and choreographing with Ellen was a joy and has become one of my fondest memories. From an early age I learned to know my body and understand how it moved. This has made me graceful and healthy. Expressing oneself though dance is a beautiful and singular experience. Ellen guides each student to know oneself in many many respects! She is a caring and loving teacher who demands nothing short of excellence. At the end of each year with Ellen we were expected to choreograph a solo piece on our own. This experience taught us to always finish projects and not to give up even if the task was challenging. She teaches her students to follow through and complete projects. This practice has made me a very successful and motivated person. Dance class was a special and open place where I was allowed to be myself outside of the public school setting. I would seriously recommend it to any parent who wants to give their child a meaningful and unique childhood experience. More art! Less homework! more

My daughter has been dancing with Ellen since she was 6, and at age 14, she still loves Ellen's classes. Ellen teaches more than technique, Ellen emphasizes creativity and self-expression. Dance is an art, not just physical exercise. Ellen brings out the individuality of each dancer; children in Ellen's classes display an extraordinary level of creativity because she encourages them to articulate ideas through movement. My daughter has gained skills in musicality, stage presence, collaboration, problem-solving, improvisation, and choreography, as well as strong dance skills. Ellen Robbins is a wonderful teacher whose understanding of the creative process in children is unmatched. more

My older daughter studied with Ellen from the time she was five, and learned a tremendous amount not just about dance but about musicality, organizational skills, teamwork. She gained a deep love for the arts, a strong ability to enjoy her own creativity, and--perhaps most importantly and amazingly--a consistent sense of comfort and confidence with her own body, which never failed her even in the depths of teenager-hood. She also formed lasting friendships. Ellen teaches modern dance to even her youngest children in a way that engages them in their own choreography. If you would like to send your child to a dance class that is empowering, where your daughter (or son!) can study dance through the teenage years and never be told s/he has the ""wrong"" body type, and learn many important life skills in addition to dance, you may want to consider Ellen's classes. more

my friend has their son in this class. He has been so different since he started. He really enjoys being part of a group that are all learning at the same level. I would recommend this to anyone! Pros: price more

I enrolled my daughter in one of Ellen's classes and it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. My daughter loves going to dance class! Not only has she learned how to dance but she has made friends and her Self-esteem has been raised. I feel Ellen has helped mold her into a confident little lady. I highly recommend Ellen Robbin's for any child!! more

I gave my niece birthday present which was a few dance classes with Ellen Robbins. She loved it! I highly recommend for any parents or aunts/ uncles to give as a gift. My niece had a blast! Pros: Great gift for kids more

As parents we want the best for our kids, Ellen Robbins is just that... she is the best teacher and a wonderful person... allow your kids to learn the art of dance the right way! Pros: our kids love it, Ellen is highly trained more

i love that my kids love to dance. i have to believe that this is the place to be if you want your kids to be happy with what they do...dance!!! Pros: kids atmosphere more