Over the past 10 years, all three of my daughters and I (adult ballet) have taken classes at Storybook Ballet. I have nothing but positive things to say about our experiences there. The owner of Storybook Ballet, Meredith Mast, is a Professional with a capital P. Her business is exceptionally well organized and she is very responsive to parent/child needs (and trust me, we have had a few needs over the years). From the cleanliness of her studio to the beautiful costumes worn year after year by the youngest dancers, it is obvious that Meredith pours her heart and soul into her business and takes pride in her work. Meredith takes extraordinary care in hiring and training quality teachers. She has even NOT offered classes (and lost income) when she was not able to find teachers who met her standards or couldn't offer older dancers enough classes to meet their growing needs. Meredith consistently puts her students first. Teachers are trained to gently redirect behaviors not appropriate for class. I have spent many hours at the viewing window and have seen lots of redirection, but never seen an instructor treat a child unkindly. There always seems to be a good balance between keeping control of the class and respecting children's freedom to be kids (to talk, laugh, wiggle). Storybook teachers are not strict, but like all good teachers, they set high standards. They expect students to follow directions and to face the consequences when they do not. If a child has special needs, it is the parent's responsibility to communicate this up front. Unless we tell them, teachers cannot possibly know what issues our child is dealing with and whether special accommodations are needed. For anyone looking for fun, age-appropriate, quality ballet instruction for their child (or for themselves), look no further than Storybook Ballet. read more

When my daughter was 3, she told me she wanted to be a ballerina. We went to lessons at the YMCA to try it out. After the third class, she refused to go back, firmly stating that she "wanted a real ballet school". That's difficult to find for a 3 year old. We discovered Storybook, and were thrilled to have a program that embodied the art of ballet in an engaging way for toddlers. Meredith, the owner and main teacher, is a wonderful teacher, dancer, and human being. She was especially patient with my daughter, who began having issues with energy and stamina due to anemia and Celiac Disease. Another perk of attending Storybook was that the other teachers on hire were fabulous, too. I know one they have now that we have gotten to know through our current school- Jessica. She is a flawless dancer, performer and teacher, with astounding technique and ability, and a calm but focused grace and patience in the classroom (believe me, those classrooms can be a patience challenge). Through my daughter's teachers at Storybook and Kanopy (our current school), I'm pleased that she has grown to have not only an understanding of the discipline, art and technique of dance, but also how we respect others. She has also found a strong role model in Jessica, which is simply an added bonus. Thank you, Meredith and Storybook, for giving her the beginning she needed for her story. read more

My daughter has attended Storybook Ballet for 6 years-since she was 3. Meredith Mast and her team of instructors came highly recommended by other parents and older students. We have always been impressed by the quality of instruction across all age levels. The school is conveniently located, the studio is lovely and the class sizes are small, which means lots of attention paid to each student. The instructors are patient and encouraging. For younger dancers the school is a sweet, safe learning environment. The instructors make dance fun and accessible with age appropriate stories and beginner dance movements. As the dancers age there is more focus on detailed form, which is evident in every aspect of the school, including the hand sewn costumes the dancers wear for performances. Over the years I have been especially impressed by the focus on foundational techniques. Unlike other studios that focus on big dance productions, Storybook focuses on smaller choreographed pieces performed each semester that highlight the skills achieved during that period. It has been a great way for my daughter to learn to love dance. We highly recommend Storybook Ballet! read more

This dance studio comes with my highest recommendation. I am floored by what Meredith has created with Storybook Ballet. I have never in all my years experienced such a wonderful and beautiful opportunity for young girls. This studio is fantasy, wonder, learning, imagination, and dreams come true. Anyone who says otherwise is not worthy of an opinion. If you have a young princess (or child who believes she is one like my lovely four year old does) then this is the place for you and your daughter. I cry at the end of each class watching the happiness and wonder on my daughters face. She runs out after class and yells, "Mommy, I want to come here for 100 years!". If you have a four year old, you know 100 is the biggest and best number ever. Miss Jessica who teaches the youngest of the children is patience, grace and beauty. She treats the children with gentle words and tone, but also has them learn the rules of ballet, team work, and movement. I only wish at that age I had the patience and kindness she displays with the kids. I feel honored that the teachers and studio are part of mine and my daughters lives. read more

My daughters, now 8 and 6, have been students of Storybook Ballet since age 3. We've had the chance to work with many of the Storybook faculty, including Miss Jeni (we miss you!), Miss Maelanie, Miss Jessica, and Meredith Mast. My girls love them all. Our experience began with the Storybook classes. The dancers have a different theme and costume each week. Now that they are older, they have moved on to learning traditional ballet technique. There is strong emphasis on barre work and building strength for future dancing. After so many (so many!) hours of watching my girls dance, I decided to give ballet a try myself and join the adult class. I'm totally new to ballet (and quite uncoordiated), but Miss Maelanie and Meredith are patient and nurturing. I get to feel graceful for 75 minutes, once a week:) It's sad to think that soon my girls will outgrow the program. After 5 years with Storybook Ballet, it's been worth every hour and penny! My girls are strong and beautiful little dancers! read more

My family has been a part of Storybook Ballet for 6 years! My oldest started when she was 3 and this is her last session there! Luckily I have a younger daughter who is still at Storybook Ballet!!! I have continued to stay with Mrs. Mast and Storybook ballet for many reasons. I love their philosophy of bringing literature into dance. I am grateful that the staff teaches the foundations of ballet-posture, poise, discipline, politeness and all of the ballet poses with the names. My children have learned and grown so much as dancers and this has translated into their daily life. I, and my family, are so grateful for the professionalism, love and respect that ALL the teachers at Storybook Ballet have given us over these many years!!! We will continue to grow here and beyond and I recommend Storybook Ballet to all considering starting their ballet journey! What a blessing Mrs. Mast and all her amazing staff are to us! read more

My daughters have both gained years of grace, balance, and good memories here. Meredith teaches perfect technique with a sweet demeanor that is perfectly tailored to her young students. When my older daughter decided to continue dancing in other styles of dance, she had a solid foundation of technique to take with her. My younger daughter is still enjoying her classes, and both of them have enjoyed summer camps here, many summers in a row. read more

Best dance studio for children in Madison. I wish I had more children so I could continue to experience the joy and wonder of the classes each week now that my children have grown. The professionalism of the staff is beyond compare. read more