The Austin Conservatory of the Arts

i have been dancing at ACA for a total of 13 yrs. I cannot tell you just how loving everyone is. When something is going wrong there are plenty of shoulders to cry on, and tissues to use. Its a wonderful place to take dance and i cannot imagine going anywhere else. I received training in tap, jazz, hip-hop, musical theater, and all at top notch. I am in all the advanced class and almost always get into the ballet intensives the i audition for and i blame it all on ACA(: most of my friends tease that i live at dance more than i do at my own home. But i just laugh and say "" But that is my home"", because it is. ACA is the family everyone wishes they had. I hear stories if Horrible drama at other place, and i have heard that it is caused by some of the people that used to be in our family, and i can;t help but think ""Its not us.. its those people"" and laugh, because they don't see it and neither do their parents. Its sad that most of todays happiness is found in others pain, but not here in ACA, if one persons sad, everyone is. again, ACA is the family everyone wishes they had, and i would never dream of dancing anywhere else. more

My daughters have been in dance with Ms Carol’s studio for five years. They are now 12 and 8 y/o. They love to come to their lessons and rehearsal as much as they love their friends. It is a second family to my kids and it means the whole world to them. I daughters love it, of course, I love it. \r \r I had difficult time listening to Miss Carol’s stern voice for the first few months when my kids first started. I asked them a few times as expressed a little concern about it and they both became defensive “Miss Carol is fun!” They still are until today. \r \r I am here to express my thanks to Miss Carol and her staff for providing quality dance to the young dancers. I also thanks to other parents for timeless volunteer which see as role model . Moreover, last Dec I had to leave town to attend my mother’s funeral when my daughters needed to be in Dougherty theatre everyday to rehear. I am forever thankful for the help of Eric and Kim. It is a dance family!\r \r I love you all with all my hear! \r \r Hannah\r more

After Dr, Burritt's review there was obviously a call from the owner to have a bunch of reviews to offset the negative review, as you can see the series of reviews right after the poor review. I used to think that Dr. Burritt's review was a bit harsh however after seeing staff of the studio treat other patrons of the dance studio with rudeness and disrespect I now have to agree with the review of Dr. Burritt. As a dance studio it is an ok studio for fun dance classes but it is not even close to professional preparation Classes rarely, if ever, start on time, there is general chaos in the classes and its very disorganized. As a former dancer it is even more disconcerting to see girls that are clearly not ready to be on pointe being moved to higher level classes before they are ready. There are girls that are 'on pointe' that obviously do not have the technique and strength at this stage in their development. These poor girls are straining to get on point and when on pointe are constantly off balance on the edge of a stumble. You can see in the girls faces that they are struggling and in discomfort. This is typical of a studio that promotes girls to early to appease their parents at the risk of injury to the dancer. If you want your child to dance and play then this studio is fine. If you want your child to get top notch instruction where there are no favorites, no drama and respect for the parents and students, then there are many other quality studios in the Austin area that can provide excellent instruction in a safe, positive , clean environment. more

My daughter has been a part of the Austin Conservatory family for 5 years. This studio offers very high level training in all dance disciplines as well as musical theater training all at one location. The teachers are excellent and the director (Carol) is amazing. My daughter has friends that take dance around town at other studios, so we have been to see other presentations. None of them can compare to the talent, quality of shows and presentations that ACA puts on. No other studio could offer our daughter the wide variety of quality training and the amount of stage time for shows. You can practice in the studio during class non stop, but until you are put in real performance situations and are called on to perform, you cannot truly measure your skill. ACA offers several performing opportunities throughout the year in a theater setting, not just a yearly presentation at the studio. ACA is great for the recreational dancer who will fade out as they get older, but is ideal for the serious dancers who have aspirations in the arts. Great place, great people, warm family atmosphere. more

Citysearch\r This dance studio is amazing! The owner Carol is not only the owner she is also an excellent instructor.. You truely must want your child to study dance and not be part of a popularity contest. My daughter has taken dance there as a young child and is currently studying theatre arts at the University level. I believe due to the love of dance the studio instilled in her at a young age. I highly reccommend this studio to anyone looking to have their child experience the true passion of dance instruction!\r more

My young daughter has taken classes at ACA the past 2 years and has grown tremendously in her ballet skills. The Royal Academy Ballet program that is taught here is so unique from regular ballet. It combines advanced ballet skills and folk dance that you don' receive anywhere else. It is challenging and disciplined but the results are what you expect if you are trying to be a better dancer. The recitals are more like plays, not just one random dance per class, thus not boring!!! The teachers have been great. Pros: RAD Program more

This dance studio is like not no other dance studio. You truely must want your child to study dance and not be part of a popularity contest. My daughter took dance there as a young child and I took adult classes. I was in the best shape of my life. Not until I got a running injury did I stop. \r \r Carol is fun and serious so you work hard and have fun. Anyone that writes a negative review it means they didn't get things their way! Pros: Learn Dance as a Performing Art not a cute contest Cons: It's work not play more

The Austin Conservatory of the Arts offers high quality dance instruction. The class size is small and my daughter receives individualized feedback to improve her ballet technique. Students learn the importance of discipline and hard work in following goals in the performance field. The artistic director has high expectations but the results speak for themselves when you attend a performance. The audience can easily forget that we are watching children and young adults performing classic ballet combinations. My daughter has grown up in this studio and has a love of dance and strong work ethic. She has been accepted to several summer ballet intensives across the country. The studio also has other dance classes offered to meet the needs of any aspiring dancer or someone who just likes to move to music. Pros: Small class size, experienced teaching staff more

My family and I have been patrons and fans of this studio for over 18 years-- and yes, they have been around for even longer than that. The mission of this studio is to not only teach the fine art of dance and performance, but to take each student's skills, qualities and desires to succeed as an artist and develop individuals of character. Let's be honest, not every child who has an interest in dance is going to be well-suited for a professional career in dance. The Austin Conservatory (ACD) is a place of more than just dance. It is a place where you meet your best friends for life; its a place where you grow-up; and its a place where you learn the meaning of commitment and dedication. ACD's instructors are well-trained and knowledgeable, but above all they have the skills to work with students of all different levels. Their proven curriculum is safe and progressive and above all builds in an evaluation system so parent, student and even instructor knows the class instruction has been successful. If this studio was anything less than suitable for instruction The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD: check it out online) with whom they are affiliated with would have shut them down a long time ago. I'm pretty sure they still offer specials for trial classes and their instruction fees are such a deal. I'm on the west coast now and miss this studio tremendously! Pros: Wonderful staff; well-rounded and professional studio more

Your comment is based on a biased personal vendetta; it is not objective! Keep your personal issues off this site! It is not a fair, objective assessment of this highly dedicated, professional studio!!!!! Your anger is VERY obvious and unchristian-who would want your GOD. Walk the walk!!!! Pros: Extraordinary!!!!! more

My family were faithful patrons of this dance school for seven years. During that time we witnessed verbally and emotionally abusive behavior from the director. During this last year it escalated to the degree that we left the studio to study elsewhere. Most disturbingly we have discovered, along with several other ex patrons, that the training received at ACA was sub par and does not hold up in the professional world. Cons: unethical, unprofessional, abusive more

This studio is absolutely wonderful and i love it soooooo much. The people there are so kind and caring. I feel like a part of a family. great studio Pros: awesome classes and amazing instructors. more

This is our family's tenth year of dance at the Austin Conservatory of the Arts. My daughters have loved all the dance classes they have taken there. The teachers and director are wonderful and the office staff is very friendly and great to work with. The end of year performance is always a wonderful production. We highly recommend this dance studio. Pros: Fun classes and great teachers more

My daughter has been attending to the Austin Conservatory of the Arts for more than 5 years and she LOVES it there. The studio has a lot to offer including ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, musical theatre and modern dance for all age grouops. The staff is great and they treat students like a family. The instructors are highly talented and they are very good mentors. I highly recommend this dance studio to everyone who likes to consider dancing. Pros: Thumbs up more

The Austin Conservatory of the Arts has an outstanding ballet program designed for both fun and professional interests. The curriculum is based on the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) which gives the children an annual defined goal of being ""graded"" by a RAD examiner. The children love the idea of a professional dancer from another country watching and evaluating what they've learned over the past year. Even though the program sounds strict, the instructors make learning fun and exciting. My children always look forward to their classes and visiting with their instructors. The non-profit groups operating under the ACA umbrella welcomes all dance skill levels and has provided a natural extension for children to use their talents and provide delightful performances to Central Texas residents. Pros: professional atmosphere Cons: limited parking more

The Austin Conservatory of the Arts is more than a studio that offers excellent instruction in ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, musical theatre and modern dance. The ACA staff not only offers children of all ages an education in dance but the life-long skill of working together collaboratively in a creative setting. The students of ACA are exposed to the challenges and joys of performing on a live stage in front of a theatre audience. It is a well-planned performance that teaches the students the importance of being a member of an organization working toward a common goal. The students devote many hours to rehearsals and it is evidant by their expressions how much they enjoy dance. No matter what age or skill level a dancer is, they will find a dedicated staff member at ACA, friendly and dedicated to providing quality dance instruction. more

I have danced at this studio for 13 years and have enjoyed every moment. the quality is exemplary with compassionate and skilled teachers. The director Carol is a kind and understanding individual and takes great strides to get to know all of her students. But I will assure you that it is a serious studio; teachers are dedicated and will push you to be your best; their students enjoy the challenges of dance. I have made many friends and always look forward to coming to class. I could not think of a better place to enjoy something as special to me as dance. This studio and the people that are a part of it have a special place in my heart and always will. You will see for yourself when you enroll. Pros: Fun classes, great instructors, nice studio Cons: traffic to get there can be bad sometimes. more

Austin Conservatory of the Arts has a primary focus on ballet, but also offers very good jazz, tap, musical theater, and hip-hop classes. Our kids started there several years ago after having had several years at a ballet only studio out of state. Austin Conservatory of the Arts offer, through the Austin City Ballet that rehearses at the studio, the chance to be part of excellent productions of classical and fun works like the Austin Children's Nutcracker, La Bayadere, and Peter Pan. They also offer opportunities to be part of classical performance through the studio classes. People know each other at the studio and become friends. It's a great place for kids and adults who love dance. more