As an educator, former dance instructor, and dancer myself for 20 years, I highly recommend Beth…read moreFowler School of Dance due to their focus on proper technique, the friendships the students develop, and the amazing performance opportunities provided for all studio dancers. Beth Fowler's 38 years of expertise as the studio owner, as well as her dedication as an instructor and as the artistic director, speak volumes of her as both a business owner and an artist!
My six year old daughter has gained an incredible foundation of dance technique and performance experience in her three years at Beth Fowler School of Dance. During her first year in Creative Dance, she was taught by Miss Beth Fowler herself, whose energy and creativity abound with her students. For the past two years, Miss Allix, along with a few company dancer assistants, have been excellent teachers and role models for my daughter. My daughter has had the opportunity to participate in six stage productions in the past three years, including Cinderella, Wizard of Oz, a decade revue, as well as the Nutcracker Ballet each holiday season.
This year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Beth knew that traditional productions would not be possible. As a result, she chose to invest both creatively and financially, hiring a movie producer to bring their Nutcracker performance to an unprecedented level, debuting as "The Nutcracker Movie". In addition to the magical story traditionally told through dance, Beth's movie version added dialogue, green screen effects, and special effects including adding snow to a scene filmed on a 70 degree day. It was truly magical and kids felt like stars seeing themselves on the big screen at the Egyptian Theater. They even had the opportunity to walk the red carpet and be interviewed by Miss Beth as they entered the theater for their big debut. My daughter played the part of a mouse, as well as a child in the Mother Ginger dance and absolutely loved her special parts. This has truly been one of the most amazing experiences for my daughter during this unprecedented time!
I have also been very impressed with the precautions implemented by Beth Fowler Studio of Dance, given the COVID-19 pandemic. The St. Charles location of Beth Fowler has two studio spaces. The one my daughter dances in this year is absolutely HUGE, which not only allows for all dancers to remain socially distant, but also provides plenty of space for parents to watch their young dancers, also socially distanced, around the perimeter of the studio if they choose. They have followed the CDC recommendations through the various pandemic phases and currently masks are worn for all rehearsals by teachers, students, and parents alike. All dancers are welcome to join the classes via Zoom, instead of coming into the studio, if this is their family's preference. Beth also worked closely with the Egyptian Theater and county health department, committing to nine Nutcracker Movie viewings so that the audience could remain socially distant, keeping the theater at under 8% capacity for each showing!
It has been amazing to watch my daughter's skill and confidence grow as a performer these last three years. And it is great to know that Beth Fowler School of Dance also offers both a dance company, as well as award winning competition teams, to keep the dancers engaged and challenged as they progress.