Apetrei Dancenter

Wow! I'm surprised there aren't tons of glowing reviews here. The Apetrei Dancenter has been a rock in the arts foundation of St. Tammany parish for over 20 years! The technique taught is, without question, the finest available here but would also beat top companies in larger cities. Constantin Apetrei danced with the Bolshoi Ballet...it's hard to beat that! He and his wife Kelly, who also danced professionally, encourage each young student to love the art of ballet and to work to the best of their potential...I see the other reviewer's point about lesser talented girls moving up...but this can be looked at both ways...the Apetreis don't expect all of their graduates to go on to dance professionally, although MANY do!! Some, however, become doctors, teachers, mentors....ALL remember to thank the Apetreis for their inspiration and guidance along the way - I've been there when these graduates come "home" to say thank you....you can't make this stuff up! All I know is that my daughter has considered the Apetreis her 2nd set of parents for the last 12 years....she is a beautiful dancer AND young woman and I give the Apetreis credit where credit is due...if you want the best possible ballet technique, taught in an environment of compassion, dedication, and consistency, then look no further!

Good quality dance school over all for Russian technique ballet. Not strict enough on technique for older girls. Allows poor dancers to move up with talented dancers which make the whole group look bad and discourages the good dancers. Sometimes puts money over talent in dance decisions.