Katrena was very professional to prepare with and also very warm and engaging for the kids. She was there promptly, she set up, organized custom activities that were perfect for our event. She also had a very calming presence that seemed to really get the kids engaged but not riled up. Afterwards they all had a great story to share and seemed really happy too. All the parents relaxed and watched their kids have a great time. I'm really happy we picked Ballerina Birthday, she was excellent! read more

When the time came for my ballet obsessed daughter to have her third birthday, we KNEW we were going to hire a "real life" ballerina for her party. I fell in love with Katrena's website and contacted her right away! I was impressed with how quickly she replied and how easy signing and returning the party paperwork was (she is CRAZY organized). Finally, the big day arrived and my children were OVERJOYED to meet Katrena (they were waiting on the porch when she arrived). She not only arrived early, she quickly set up and then took the time to get down on my daughter's level and get to know her. She was SO professional and like-able we pretty much all wanted to just be around her! As each little guest arrived, she warmly greeted them and expertly took over the busy crowd as the party began. I was impressed with how easily she controlled a rowdy group of 10 three-year-olds, and how effortlessly she included ALL of them (even the super shy wallflowers). ALL eyes were on Katrena and her magic story telling. Once the dancing began the party REALLY took off. The kids couldn't wait to do EVERYTHING she showed them! After the dancing the littles gathered around to work on a crown craft with Katrena. There were so many sparkly stickers, colors, and fantastic things to use, the kids became completely involved in their work. The grown-ups in the room began talking in hushed tones...we didn't want to interrupt the almost silent room of intent ballerinas. I have NEVER experienced anything like that in a room full of tiny kids! It was magical. When the time came to leave, we were so sad to see Katrena go. EVERYONE wanted her to stay forever! =) If you're staring at your screen and wondering "should I do it? should I book a party?" my response is DO IT! You will have absolutely NO regrets and yours child's day will be more enchanting then you could ever imagine! Thanks for sharing your talent with us Katrena! We're so glad we found you. read more

Amazing. Don't think about it - just do it. Katrena is incredible, the kids love her and its a beautiful event for the kids and adults. When Katrena left my 3 year old hugged her and thanked her with the biggest smile I've ever seen. It really was a perfect event. Thank you! read more

Katrena was so great from the start! She was very organized and communicated in a very timely manner through email and phone calls. She was professional and flexible to work with from start to finish. It was obvious Katrena is a seasoned dancer and teacher. She has a strong ballet knowledge and dance background. She used a variety of props available for girls and boys. Being a dancer myself, she taught and used the perfect combination of dance movement and creativity for the age children at the party. They were engaged and she kept the party moving. She also helped my daughter during the craft and was very loving and patient. I would choose The Ballerina Birthday again and highly recommend her to anyone! read more

My daughter has taken several dance classes of all types, this is the first one that has had a lasting impact. My daughter continues to practice the skills she learned with Katrena and enjoys putting on shows to demonstrate her new moves! This class has really created an interest and appreciation of dance. We are definitely coming back !!!! read more

Katrena made a wonderful birthday party for my 6-year-old daughter. It is a big deal for us since our daughter has moderate Autism, and parties can be tough for her, inducing anxiety and frustration when she can't catch up with what's going on. Katrena wasn't scared off by the "Autism" word, she was very attentive and eager to learn about my daughter, - what makes her happy and what might trigger anxiety. Katrena took every clue into account and went out of her way to accommodate my daughter's needs. My daughter adores Angelina Ballerina and we picked this party theme. Since the story is very real for my kid, Katrena agreed to be Miss Lilly - the mouse and the Ballet Teacher - and wore the mouse ears all the time - my daughter loved it! During the party Katrena was very friendly, tactful and attentive to my daughter and her guests, she followed the kids' lead when it was fun, but also held their attention fully. The music was wonderful and the girls loved dancing with flowers. Before the party started Katrena took time to get to know my daughter a little, to establish a contact with her and my girl responded very well despite the fact that she is not very social with strangers. She liked all the tutu skirts Katrena brought and the girls had lots of fun choosing the outfit. After dancing everyone made a beautiful crown and we had quite a bunch of little princesses at home. I should also mention that Katrena was very punctual, she came on time to set everything up and meet the girls, before the party she communicated with me all the time discussing every idea and detail and I felt very safe about the party - it felt as everything would be fine and so it was. A child's birthday is a super important day and every parent wants it to be perfect. It is even more so for the parents of special needs children since there are so many things that can ruin the day for your kid. It was a perfect birthday for my girl this year - thanks to Katrena! I was so happy to see my daughter laughing, smiling, dancing, participating in everything, I could see that her dream came true. Katrena even mailed a thank-you note from "Miss Lilly" after the party which my daughter could read herself. She was delighted! I would highly recommend Katrena to every birthday girl who has big dreams and loves dancing! read more