I came to Academie de Ballet Classique after my first summer of college. With Valerie's help I was able to learn real ballet technique in a safe manner. I continued to dance and perform with Academie de Balllet Classique on my school breaks and was eventually able to transfer to one of the top ten dance colleges in the US, and have now just begun my theater dance career. Valerie was an important part of my journey because from the first class I had with her she was willing to invest energy into correcting and teaching me as both an adult and someone with unique physical challenges. Over the years I have watched this same treatment be provided over and over again to any student who walks into class with a desire to learn. In my experience, not every dance studio has teachers who understand the science of ballet technique well enough to safely and constructively pass it onto their students, but Valerie is constantly expanding her already large knowledge base while while participating in continuing education opportunities alongside the other instructors at the school. Further, not all dance studios are willing to seriously train students over the age of 18. This studio provided me with the help I needed at a pivotal time in my life and I always look forward to taking class there each time I return to my hometown, she continues to hire great instructors who help me grow. read more

In response to Shelly B.'s review, "absolutely horrendous", I would like to quote a person who is probably her favorite politician, "FAKE NEWS''. My daughter has been attending ABC for over four years and I can promise you that the instructors are not cold and heartless and I have never seen a child in tears. The entire staff loves dancing and teaching this discipline to their students. Having been a teacher for over 30 years I would suggest that Shelly B. take a few classes and learn about Nazi boot camps. Using that term is insulting to anyone educated in the Holocaust and reveals a lack of education or sensitivity. I have witnessed many parents wonder why their children were not getting straight A's or the star of an event and blame the instructors. I feel this is probably the case here and thus the negative review. As for the "ridiculous fundraisers" and "outrageous prices" I have personally been told the number of students that receive free or subsidized tuition, thus the reason for the fundraisers. When you notice that only one review is bad, you know that it stems from a grudge, not honesty. Drop by yourself some time and observe how wonderful the staff is and how the kids enjoy the classes. You will be positively impressed. read more

My daughter has attended classes here for 4 years, since she was 3. The instructors are warm and obviously enjoy what they do. Kids and their families are friendly and kind. I have spent a lot of time in the dressing room helping my daughter prepare for class and I have only ever witnessed happiness. My daughter has learned so much and is very motivated to continue to learn and grow in her skills in ballet. To be honest, the space is not the most aesthetic or functional. It is small, and indeed the central hallway is often crowded with families between classes. But the small space fosters a sense of community as you engage people in the hallway and waiting room. The energy and creativity that the whole ABC community puts into their major productions in November and June shows how much everyone cares about not only putting on a great performance, but making it fun and rewarding for everyone. The prices are very reasonable, and they offer assistance to families that cannot afford full tuition, which shows a lot of heart for this small ballet studio. read more

I would highly recommend ABC. Valerie is a wonderful leader at a studio with great karma. She cares about the girls, and has developed a growing following in Bend. Anguelina has been a wonderful addition to the upper grades and vocational classes. She's a great teacher and dancer! We like that our daughter has different teachers for ballet, to offer different feedback. The teachers have high expectations for technique and form, but deliver them in a nurturing, non-intimidating manner. Valerie's high expectations come from the RAD curriculum and her passion for teaching correct form. Expectations are high, but she is careful that she pushes them appropriately, not too fast or before a dancer is developmentally ready, but enough to continue pushing the dancers to improve their skills. My daughter really enjoys the studio, she has made some great friends there, and she looks forward to many more years of dancing at ABC. I can't think of a better place for my daughter to spend her time! Thank you Val! read more

While the studio promotes friendship among dancers, it takes a negligent role in protecting students from bullying and intimidation by older students. Over the last several years, there have been many episodes of drama/bullying that the owner either could not control or refused to address, resulting in dancers leaving the studio because they did not feel emotionally safe. Recently, I raised concerns several times regarding the bullying and intimidation my daughter experienced. Not only did the owner refuse to deal with the situation, she did not reprimand the students for their wrongdoings, despite the older students admitting in a public meeting of dancers and adults to their wrongdoing. Additionally, the owner refused to take actions to assure the safety of my daughter (and other dancers) to the point where she did not feel safe, asked to skip classes, and when she did attend classes, she would come home upset and in tears. We had not choice but to leave the studio. read more

ABC is the most welcoming and accommodating studio I have tried, and I have danced at many studios in my life. They are warm and friendly, with constructive help at excelling in dance, no matter if a toddler or an adult trying dance for the first time. The training is consistent and challenging, and the teachers do their best to help each student progress where they need to, without pushing them too far too soon. It is a positive dance environment for all, without judgment or competitive drama. Students will feel like they can try new things and dance their heart out without fear of not being "good enough." Very supportive, passionate, qualified owner and teachers at this studio! The only negative is a lack of organization with scheduling, communication, and small details here and there. But they try their best to serve the community equally! read more

I'm a late starter to ballet. I'm 24 years old and took my first beginning ballet class 2 months ago. I love ABC because they give the same attention to beginning adults as they do the younger kids through advanced teens. It's usually hard to find studios that offer adult classes since its less common and we are way past the window of opportunity to dance professionally or do recitals and such. However, ABC has a few adult classes to choose from at different times throughout the week. Most are in the evenings to suit busy work schedules. Anguelina and Valerie are patient teachers that adapt the class to suit your abilities. Plus, the tuition is very affordable and the studio offers discounts for those who want to take more than one class a week. I have nothing but positive things to say about ABC and highly recommend them to people of all ages. read more

I rarely write reviews. With that said, I had to respond to the reviews I just read. I have been associated with ABC for well over 10 years on many different levels. I agree 100% with the good reviews and am shocked by some of the lesser reviews. I have nothing but respect for the owner, Valerie Holgers, and all of the staff and instructors. I can't even imagine any of the negative circumstances that were mentioned. Bend is more than fortunate to have an exceptional ballet studio in our city as qualified and professional as this one, with the care and love for their students. If you're looking for a ballet studio, don't miss out on Academie de Ballet Classique! You won't be sorry. read more

I myself am a former professional ballet dancer and ballet teacher so when looking for a ballet studio for my 4 year old daughter I had high expectations and standards in mind. I read all the faculty bios of all the ballet studios in town. I stopped searching when I came across Academie de Ballet Classique. The faculty is top notch. The whole studio is run in the most professional manner. My daughter's ballet teacher is extremely gifted with teaching young children. The end of year performance was such an impressive production. All in all this studio is high quality ballet training. I wouldn't send my girl anywhere else. read more

My kids love this studio and the instructors!! It is a welcoming and inviting atmosphere. My eldest danced at ABC for several years and decided to try a different sport. After many years she has returned to ballet at ABC. The kindness of the instructors is beyond amazing!! Both my children and I know that every time we walk into the studio we will be treated with respect. If the instructor has had a bad day it is never portrayed to the students! I love that it is a gossip free zone and a high level of integrity is displayed consistently. read more

My daughter adores her classes at Academie de Ballet Classique. The instructors cover much ground with the students while in a loving environment. Each class is well-ordered. The students are kind to one another. I have yet to see any level of unhealthy behavior among the girls (both relationally and in regards to body size/type/shape). My daughter has had the opportunity to try nearly all the instructors. While they each have their own way with the dancers, each is effective and kind. We love ABC! read more

Simply the best dance studio in Bend. We live elsewhere now (a 35 minute drive which with my schedule means we haven't been attending) and my 9 year old daughter only wants to go back to her favorite school and teachers. She won't even consider another dance studio. ABC Bend is amazing. Loving community atmosphere yet the girls are definitely challenged. We have had pretty much every teacher there and couldn't recommend anyplace but ABC for dance in Bend. read more

It' s an excellent school with an excellent training where students are treated with respect. They love all their dancers and treat them with compassion and understanding. All the instructors are very lovely specially Miss Jessica in the preschool program. Miss Valerie is a great person and instructor, she helped my older daughter so much, she had a great time and learned so much from her while taking her class. We absolutely love this school :) read more

We love Academie de Ballet Classique. This is my daughter's second year and she looks forward to going every week. Miss Jessica, the 3 and four year old instructor, is absolutely wonderful! So kind and patient and she manages to keep the fantasy for the little ones, while still teaching basic ballet postures. The parking however, is horrible, but rumor has it they will be moving next year to a location with better parking. read more

My two daughters, 5 and 7 years, have taken ballet and tap here. They love their teachers, and I have found that there is a good balance between training in the discipline of the art and making the classes fun and age appropriate. We all enjoy the culmination in an optional full performance, which has given my girls the opportunity to be part of the larger studio community and work with older, more experienced dancers. read more

Love love love this school. My daughter has received top-notch instruction from the instructors at this sweet studio and we highly recommend. And this is after trying other programs in town over the years! You know how when they love their teacher and experience so much that they want to do/be that when they grow up? Well, my 6-year-old wants to be a ballet teacher. :-) read more

My granddaughter loved her dance class she took at Academie de Ballet! I need to sign her up again soon, as she keeps asking me when she gets to go back there to dance and points out her "dance school" every time we pass by. Thank you Academie de Ballet for teaching her dance is fun! read more

I took adult ballet classes here and loved the experience. Classes were gentle and tailored to adults, and the instructor was warm and encouraging. A wonderful reintroduction to the world of dance! read more

A wonderful ballet studio taught by very talented and professional instructors. ABC cares very much about their dancers. I couldn't imagine my granddaughter going any where else! read more