Betty's School of Dance

- 236 E Front St, Statesville, NC 28677

For more than eight decades, Betty's School of Dance has been a cornerstone of the Statesville, North Carolina, community, nurturing young artists and instilling a lifelong love for dance. Founded in 1945 by the late Betty Parlier, and now carried on by her former student, Natasha Smyth Marko, this studio is steeped in a legacy of excellence and dedication. It is not just a place to learn dance steps; it is a space where students develop true confidence, a deep sense of respect for themselves and their art, and a commitment to their community. The philosophy at Betty's is that ballet is an art defined by passion and talent, not by sequins. This focus on strong technical training and personal growth is what makes it Statesville’s most esteemed school of dance. The studio's commitment to creating a "dance family" is evident in its long-standing relationships with students and their families, with some having multiple generations attend classes there.

Located at 236 E Front St, Statesville, NC 28677, USA, Betty's School of Dance is centrally located and easily accessible for residents of Statesville and surrounding areas. The studio provides a convenient on-site location for all classes and services. In a demonstration of its inclusive philosophy, the school has a wheelchair-accessible car park and a wheelchair-accessible entrance, ensuring that all community members can comfortably and safely access the facility. The central location, combined with a commitment to accessibility, makes Betty's School of Dance a practical and welcoming choice for local users.

Betty's School of Dance offers a diverse and comprehensive curriculum that caters to dancers of all ages and abilities. The class offerings are designed to provide a well-rounded and high-quality dance education, from foundational courses to advanced training. Services include:

• Ballet Classes & Training: The heart of the studio, these classes focus on classical ballet technique. The curriculum is designed to help students excel in the professional world of dance or in higher education programs.
• Adult Lessons: The studio provides classes specifically for adults, including Adult Ballet and Tap for Adults, making it a great option for those who want to start their dance journey or return to it later in life.
• Youth Classes: Programs are tailored for children and youth, from "Creative Ballet Classes" for the youngest students to "Advanced Courses" for older dancers.
• Hip Hop Classes & Break Dance: For dancers who love modern and energetic styles, the studio offers classes that focus on rhythm, street dance, and choreography.
• Jazz, Tap, Lyrical, and Contemporary: The curriculum extends beyond classical ballet to include a variety of popular dance forms, allowing students to explore different styles and become versatile performers.
• Adaptive Classes: The studio offers "Dance Your Way" classes, which are fun and inclusive creative dance classes designed for children and adults with special needs, reflecting their commitment to making dance accessible to everyone.
• Summer Programs & Camps: The studio provides opportunities for continued learning during the summer months with a variety of camps and classes.
• Private Lessons & Group Training: For students who desire one-on-one attention or prefer a group setting, a variety of options are available to meet their needs.
• Special Events & Recitals: The studio provides enriching performance opportunities for all students through annual shows, including the highly anticipated "Nutcracker" and the "Spring recital."

Betty's School of Dance is distinguished by several key features and highlights that have contributed to its long-standing reputation in the community:

• A Rich History and Legacy: With over 80 years of history, the studio is a Statesville tradition. It was founded by Betty Parlier, and the legacy is now carried on by a former student, ensuring that the original values of strong technical training and nurturing artistic development continue.
• Caring and Professional Instructors: Customer reviews consistently highlight the kindness and love shown by the instructors. One parent mentioned that the teachers are "kind and loving toward the students," and another praised them for providing "professional and creative instructions to help each dancer achieve their goals."
• Strong Community and "Dance Family": The studio fosters a supportive and welcoming environment, which one parent described as "the best dance family we could have asked for." This strong sense of community is a major reason why families return year after year.
• Professional and Creative Instructions: The instructors are committed to providing a high-quality dance education that is both professional and creative, helping dancers to not only improve their technique but also to find their own unique artistic voice.
• Performance Opportunities: Instead of focusing on national dance competitions, the studio provides enriching performance opportunities through recitals and community events, which fosters a sense of camaraderie and teamwork rather than competition against others.
• On-site Dance Store: As a "dance store," the studio likely offers a convenient place to purchase dance attire and supplies, making it a one-stop-shop for dancers and their families.
• Inclusive and Accessible Programs: The "Adaptive Classes" demonstrate the studio's dedication to making dance available to everyone, including individuals with special needs.

To learn more or to enroll in a class, you can contact Betty's School of Dance directly.

Address: 236 E Front St, Statesville, NC 28677, USA

Phone: (704) 873-4513 or +1 704-873-4513

You can also visit their website to explore the full class schedule and tuition information.

What makes Betty's School of Dance an excellent choice for North Carolina families is its rare blend of rich history, professional expertise, and a genuinely nurturing environment. Unlike other studios that may focus heavily on competitive results, Betty's prioritizes the personal growth and well-being of its dancers. The professional and creative instruction, as noted by a satisfied customer, is tailored to help each dancer "achieve their goals." The community-oriented approach, which includes a focus on good sportsmanship and participation in community events rather than just competitions, sets it apart. The fact that the instructors are described as "kind and loving" and that families "could not imagine them taking classes anywhere else" is a powerful testament to the studio's positive impact. For a place that feels like a second home, where professional training meets a supportive family, Betty's School of Dance is a truly worthwhile choice for anyone in the Statesville area looking to embark on or continue their dance journey.

Betty's School of Dance

236 E Front St, Statesville, NC 28677, USA