
Barriskill Dance Theatre School: A welcoming Durham studio building confidence through supportive, inclusive dance.
Barriskill Dance Theatre School, located at 3642 Shannon Rd, Durham, NC 27707, offers a welcoming space for young dancers and theatre students. Reviewers praise its inclusive teachers and staff who prioritize students' mental and physical health, a helpful front desk, and recital opportunities that encourage growth. Mixed reviews note occasional negativity in a Music Theater class and a studio reservation cancellation.
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Age-appropriate classes for kids, focusing on fun, fundamentals, and building confidence in a supportive setting.
Classes for adults of all levels, from beginners to experienced dancers, in various styles like ballet, jazz, and theater.
Comprehensive instruction in dance, acting, and singing for aspiring performers in a nurturing environment.
Engaging summer programs for kids to explore dance, make friends, and develop skills in a fun, structured way.
Annual recitals that showcase student progress in age-appropriate, respectful productions that emphasize community.
Rental of dance studio space for classes, rehearsals, or events, subject to availability and scheduling.
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Overall rating
Ceci clarke
I was a student at Barriskill for over a decade, and I can sincerely say that it has been my second home. It has changed me in so many ways. In the dance world, more often than not you are met with toxic, disrespectful people, which is why I feel like I won the lottery with Barriskill. The teachers are all incredibly supportive and inclusive, and are clearly very passionate about what they are doing. Every staff member prioritizes the students mental and physical health over anything else, and I never felt like I wasn’t respected or valued by any person in that building. If you are considering signing up your little one for Barriskill classes, I cannot recommend it enough. No matter how long they are a student, they will leave with a community of friends and mentors that care about and value them. I know I did!
Anne D
From Day 1 there was negativity surrounding my daughter’s Music Theater class. We received scowls from other teachers as we waited in the tiny waiting room, we overheard passive-aggressive comments from multiple staff about parents standing nearby, and we repeatedly watched my daughter’s teacher ignore her greeting until they were physically in the room. The one star is for the wonderful student assistant whom my daughter will miss.
Autumn Locklear
I was planning to host a four-week dance class series at Barriskill, and I had already began marketing my classes. They canceled my studio reservations for their own class needs, leaving me scrambling to find a new studio the week before my classes were scheduled to begin. They should not advertise studio rentals if they can cancel reservations at will.
John Glenn
My daughter has been attending Barriskill for many years now and I just have to say how appreciative I am for this place! From top to bottom, they care about my daughter and give a great dance experience. I also appreciate the recitals and how they do not rush the kids (especially the girls) to grow up too fast and dance/dress like they are 10 years older than they are. Just such a great family environment - I cannot say enough.
Brittany B
My 5-yr old daughter and I have been looking for the perfect dance school and Barriskill has met every need and expectation we had. We recently went and had a free trial class. The front desk was extremely helpful with any questions I had. The associates next door in the uniform store were also very helpful and full of knowledge that they had no problem sharing with me when asked for suggestions. The teacher was very good at keeping their attention. The other students were very welcoming and when they started to practice for the recital they kept eyes on her and helped her with her poses and placement. I met other parents who were also very welcoming and had nothing but praises about the school. I can't wait for her Summer class to start in July and I've already picked a class for her to start in the Fall as well!