I went to Center of ballet from the time I was 10 through my senior year in high school, when I quit half-way through.\r
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I had great experiences until the last few years. Ms. Boughton truly knows her stuff, and technically speaking, it's the best school in Syracuse to send your kid. It teaches them strength, dedication and honestly, it made me a better student overall because of how much time I dedicated to my dance lessons. Ms. Boughton knows how to teach younger girls (she won't accept students younger than Kindergarden level) and in all honesty, her hard classes were always the best. When she was in a good mood, that is.\r
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However, with the said, the school is not what it used to be. This school had a lot to do with the person I am today, but in the last few years I was there, Ms. Boughton started to lose it. The students were as high caliber, and I think that got to her. Yes, she would yell at her students when I was attending, but it a more ""I'm going to push your buttons because I know you can do this"" kind of way. Toward the end, it was just a tactic to take out her anger and frustration and make you feel bad about yourself. That's why I left.\r
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Years later, looking back as a former student who took dance serious her entire child and adolesent life, I'm a much better person for leaving, so I have a love-hate relationship with this school, and overall, probably wouldn't recommend it unless your kid had a true passion for the reality of the dance world. And a really thick skin.
Pros: The best technical instruction
Cons: Unstable director
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