I discovered this body-positive, family-friendly ballet studio when I did a Google search for "Cecchetti technique" as I was eager for my kids to receive the same type of ballet training I did. Boy, was I pleasantly surprised to find a charming, niche studio that only teaches ballet- and also provides ample performance opportunities for the kids.
The best thing about this studio is the owner and teacher- Ms Zachari Wetz. I have an autistic child, and a trans child, and both were welcomed with open arms. My autistic daughter has been going there now for four years- and all of the girls are very nice. It's a wonderful community. We even participated in Dance the World at Disney World this last summer, which is not something I ever could've imagined Lyra would achieve.
It's been such a positive experience that I dusted off my ballet slippers and joined the thriving adult program. After four knee surgeries, I wouldn't have imagined myself coming out of retirement and returning to the stage, but Ms Zachari has a carefully curated performance rotation- every fall the studio puts on a storybook ballet (and they rotate through four different ballets- so everyone knows what to expect each year. Some are classics, and some are originals.) In the spring there's a recital, plus competition opportunities. She makes it so much fun, with opportunities for everyone, even an old, broken, ex-ballerina like myself.
Where Ms Zachari really shines is as a phenomenal choreographer. And I'm so grateful that she runs a BODY POSITIVE studio- I can't emphasize enough how refreshing it is to have a teacher who is so good with my daughter, and who accepts all types of people- since ballet is not historically kind to anyone who is different.
If you're looking for a studio that only teaches ballet- you've found it! read more