Well, unlike the previous reviewer I have nothing but amazing things to say about Miss Erin... In fact my experience has been quite the opposite, however I may be able to explain the other reviewers impressions. My 2.5 yr old daughter has been attending Integral Ballet under Miss Erin's instruction (with the help of the lovely Miss Fallon) for just over a month. My first encounter with Miss Erin was via telephone, after exploring the VERY informative and well put together website (compared to other ballet school sites I clicked off of a Google search). I had a few questions and wanted to arrange a trial class for my daughter. Miss Erin was EXTREMELY friendly and helpful, and after chatting for a few minutes I found myself looking forward to meeting her. My daughter took to Miss Erin immediately, and it's fairly evident to me, after 5 weeks of classes, that the other girls in my daughters class (and those that I see in the class before hers) really connect with Miss Erin, and Miss Fallon too! Miss Erin is caring, and has just the right amount of firmness to handle these little girls. As for being unfriendly or dismissive I could only assume that perception came from someone who is seriously self-absorbed. If you take a step back and really look you'll see that Miss Erin is a VERY busy young woman. When we arrive for my daughters class she is just ending a class, and starts another class immediately after my daughters... This girl does not take a second to take a sip of water! But that does not mean she is unattainable. Whenever I have emailed for ANYTHING (albeit in the evenings), she has responded almost immediately, I assume I'd have the same success on the phone, I'm just not much of a phone person. I should also mention that Miss Erin's mom, has also been very helpful and sociable. I feel this is a friendly, warm, and inviting ballet school - I drive 35 minutes from Rockaway Park to bring my daughter here because my husband and I instantly loved Miss Erin, as well as the other parents and kids... It just feels right. I can't really speak to the level of education as I am not, and never was a dancer myself. I do have enough sense to appreciate that even at my daughters young age there is a clear GOAL in each class, proper terms are used, and while the approach is geared down perfectly to my daughters age group it is not dumbed down. Keep up the good work Integral Ballet! read more

I am floored that someone would leave a negative review of Integral Ballet and Miss Erin. A true professional, she runs her school with enthusiasm, encouragement, compassion, patience and the structure needed to teach ballet. My 4 year old began lessons at the start of the second semester and Miss Erin (and the other students) welcomed her in and made her feel comfortable. My normally shy daughter felt instantly at home. After only a few lessons, my daughter is practicing positions, movements and ballet vocabulary I never thought possible after such a short time of instruction. It is her teacher, Miss Erin, whom I can thank for this. I can only think that perhaps the dissatisfied customer was looking for more of a playtime ballet experience, not the real deal that Miss Erin offers. And to further my point, I decided to take Ballet for Adults at Integral, and I can attest to the fact (now as a student, and not just a parent), the professionalism and friendliness of Miss Erin. It's been years since I've taken ballet, and probably look ridiculous, but I am never made to feel that way in class. read more

My daughter loves Ms Erin & the staff at Integral Ballet! When my daughter started she was only 2 and Ms. Erin was so wonderful with the younger kids. She uses all the terminology but I love how she brings it down to the pre-school level and makes it fun. Her patience is amazing and Ms Erin is always eager to answer any questions or concerns you may have, whether in person, via telephone, email or text! She is organized and has everything posted on her facebook and website. The school is family oriented and professional. I have been to other schools where the parents are left out of the loop, the teachers do not speak to you and you have to watch your child through a blurry tv monitor. She also has the kids involved in group activities and field trips and I have even inquired about special needs classes for my son since he loves to dance and I know the staff at Intergral ballet would be wonderful! read more

I've danced with Erin for 7 or 8 years now and I've never met a more helpful ballet teacher. No matter what her students ask of her Erin is always ready and willing to help. I've seen her come in early and leave late from rehearsals to accommodate her dancers schedules, rearrange her own life to better suit the needs of her dancers, act as photographer for audition photos, choreographer (not only for her own shows and recitals but also for her students auditions), makeup artist, lighting and sound director, artistic director, and "stage mom" backstage at shows. Her students at every age level enjoy themselves in her classes and in her company in general. I've heard Erin tell her students time and time again that "no matter what ballet comes first" but in truth no matter what Erin's students come first to her. read more

This review is long overdue. Whether you are looking for serious ballet or recreational dance, Integral Ballet is by far, the place to be. Artistic Director, Erin Drennan, ( an accomplished dancer in her own right) is a fabulous teacher/mentor and goes above and beyond to promote self-esteem and good habits in her students. I have 2 daughters who have been dancing since age 3,(attended 2 previous schools),and this studio is the BEST experience we've had. Erin puts her heart and soul into the school; she is a warm and caring professional, organized and responsible. We are so happy to have found her and be a part of her fine program. A quick addition - the girls just had their dance recital, and they have improved tremendously since last year. So fluid and graceful. I highly recommend this studio. read more

I was so blessed to have found Integral ballet. This was my 3 year old daughters first ballet experience and it has been nothing short of a warm place to learn and train with the gentle discipline I was looking for. This dance school unlike others allows for the parents to sit and watch the children as we have light conversation in the waiting area with no parental drama! The parents here are wonderful. Ms. Erin and Ms.Lauren are expert dance instructors as the children are guided, learning the original names for dances and given history lessons on the craft. This dance school comes highly reccommended by all current dancers and parents alike. To be honest I feel like I have found a rare jem and am excited for what the future of ballet holds for these children! read more

I can't understand how Erin can run a business with such a poor attitude, allegedly a non profit dance school. Claims to be doing her job, which is not to be nice to anybody. I regret leaving my daughter alone for lessons with Erin. My daughter loved dance, but as time went by it diminished due the dictatorship of her. She doesn't look out for the children's best interest just the reviews the school receives. She always claims to be busy, she wouldn't be so busy if the help she hires sticks around, ever wonder why they don't stick around? Pay attention parents, don't be deceived, she is far from understanding of working parents. I have been informed to file all complaints to the board. Who is the board? How can I obtain the names of those who sit on the board? read more

I cannot say enough wonderful things about Ms. Erin - the owner and dance teacher. She is sweet, kind, helpful and always professional. She is a wonderful instructor and my daughter has improved so much under her supervision. I have always felt very welcome at her studio - both by her and the parents of other students. In fact my daughter felt she was a little behind everyone else because she started ballet in her teens and Ms. Erin has been so encouraging and supportive of her (just what a teenage girl needs). She has a group of really nice girls dancing there and I would highly recommend Integral ballet to everyone. Ballet is indeed a beautiful art, and my daughter is becoming a beautiful dancer under Ms.Erin's tutelage. read more

We love Integral Ballet, especially the owner Ms Erin. Our 6 yr old has been there for 4 years and she has learned so much more than ballet; following directions, attention to detail, rhythm in music, strength, balance, posture, and most importantly- what it means to work hard and feel good about your accomplishments. We truly appreciate the discipline, organization and dedication that Ms Erin and the studio provide. The classes are structured, yet fun. The productions are amazing and the company parents volunteer their time and resources to help our kids be part of something beautiful and magical. If you are looking for a place to actually learn ballet, definitely go with Integral. read more

I have been taking my 2 daughters to Ms. Erin and am shocked over this review. She is a wonderful teacher. She has never been anything but loving to my kids. Professional to all the parents. And if this is who I think it is I had to ask you on a Saturday morning class to stop shouting as you were the one scaring my daughters. Shame on you to try to justify your bad behavior by blaming Ms. Erin. She was all the way on the other side of the room refusing to sink to your level. Because of Ms. Erin my older daughter has been accepted to a prestigious Ballet academy and it was do to and I quote "Your daughter having a wonderful foundation". read more

I would highly recommend this studio to anyone who wanted to learn how to dance - rather than merely learning a routine for recital. Ms. Erin allows & encourages each student to achieve at their own pace, & to celebrate their personal accomplishments. Ms. Erin recognizes her dancers as individuals, & treats them ( & their parents ) with respect & dignity. Her passion for dance is apparent, & contagious. My daughter has never been happier, & has grown as a dancer in ways I never imagined! Recital is kid-friendly, & costumes & choreography are age-appropriate. read more

This is a wonderful dance school! Miss Erin is a patient, warm, and kind teacher and allows parents to watch the entire class. She takes her time with the students, teaching them the proper names for each move and encouraging them through each step. My daughter has had such a positive experience at this ballet school that I am enrolling my younger daughter as well. I couldn't have picked a better school for my daughter to have her first experience with ballet. read more