I trained at Adamson Ballet School from the age of four until I graduated high school. The training provided at ABS is unparalleled in the area, and allowed me to succeed in summer intensive auditions, college dance program auditions, and company auditions as I grew older. \r
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John Adamson is a wonderful ballet instructor. He teaches correct ballet technique (I believe a mix of Ceccheti and RAD, similar to Houston Ballet under Ben Stevenson) while also emphasizing the importance of artistry and performance. Mr. Adamson is very kind and very professional and helped inspire and enable me to pursue a career in professional ballet. \r
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I have also been taught by all of the other instructors at the studio--Mrs. Adamson (for jazz and beginning ballet), Mrs. Bower (for pre ballet), Ms. Shed (jazz), and Mr. Yarborough (jazz)--and had positive experiences with all. I don't believe that any teachers at ABS intentionally show any 'favoritism'--classes focus on learning and perfecting technique until February or so, when classes also begin working on choreography for the May recital. Each class performs a group recital dance exhibiting the skills they have focused on that year. Every single class recital dance that I have been in has changed formations, had group sections, and other means that allow every dancer to be 'in the front' or featured at some point. Choreographic input from the students is pretty rare, and only occurred in the highest jazz levels. There are no 'solos' in the recital, other than classical variations performed by Level VII ballet students who have reached a certain technical and artistic caliber. \r
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Adamson's provides superior training in ballet and jazz in a positive, supportive environment. If you are trying to decide where you or your child should take dance classes, I recommend ABS 100%.
Pros: kind, knowledgeable teachers; yearly recital; good training
Cons: None. maybe the location, if you don't live in katy
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