This is my daughter's 3rd year of ballet here. She started in Music and Motion lessons at this…read morestudio at the age of 3. She is having fun while learning in a warm environment. This year, she added tap to her schedule and really surprised me with the grit needed to keep up with the experienced students (she is the youngest in this mixed experience Level 1/2 class). My daughter looks forward to dance classes. Her love for dance comes naturally, but has been nurtured in the very wonderful culture that the teachers create at Berrend Dance Centre. Last Spring was her first recital with the broader studio (the prior year she had a mini-performance for parents in her classroom - which still required learning a routine and prepared her for participation in the bigger recital). In the Spring Recital, she and other classes combined to create an Enchanted Forest ensemble and it was so lovely to watch. My daughter and other younger students were able to sit in the front of the audience and watch a lot of the recital performances when they were not required behind or on stage; she was clearly very inspired by the experienced dancers! You can tell a lot about a studio with the quality of the dancing at a recital and for me it was heart-warming to watch and to know my daughter is blessed to learn at such a wonderful studio. My daughter's eyes lit-up watching the performers and she told me right away that she wanted to learn tap as well; that's why I enrolled her in the Fall, even if I was hesitant to put her in with a mixed level class. To build her confidence, I worked out a few private sessions to help her feel more confident and able to keep up with the experienced dancers and after only two she was doing remarkably better. When she is standing around outside class or waiting in lines, she is shuffling and practicing her steps... showing she really is dedicated and enjoying herself! This winter, my daughter is thrilled to be part of the OBT Nutcracker performance, even with a very small part as an angel. As a parent, this is really the introduction to the broader community at this studio. I already grew to enjoy getting to know moms of my daughter's classmates, but that has opened up even more. I look forward to supporting my daughter for years to come as she continues to pursue her love for dance at this studio. The pre-professional dancers are so impressive to watch -- they are diligent with their practice and you can see teachers careful about the students' safety. I'm not sure if my daughter will excel at the level of some dancers at this studio, but she certainly is enjoying and learning, demonstrating passion, grit, and dedication at such a young age. I danced for several years when I was a child learning the Cecchetti method (which was very focused on progressional development with a focus on technical skill mastery, musicality, and style). In looking at other studio options locally, I landed on BDC because it seemed to have quality teaching with a small community feel that nurtures the love for dance. I can't see my daughter learning better anywhere else. I highly recommend this studio!

I danced at this studio from 4 until graduating high school at 18 years old. The teachers,…read morestudents, and other affiliated individuals feel like a family to me, and have taught me so much, not only about dance, but about the professional dance world. The instruction here is unmatched by even bigger company summer intensives and classes I've been to, and I feel that they can take a student at any level and completely turn their technique around for the better. I currently attend SUNY Purchase Conservatory of Dance, and can attest to the edge having a classical ballet background can have on any style of dance. I love coming back and taking class with the students, they're just as good, if not exceeding, the talent level of some of my classmates at school, which is inspiring to see. You can feel the love and passion everyone has for ballet, and for each other. Come check it out out!

Best dance instructor ever!read more

My great granddaughter attends LePappilon Dance. It is an amazing dance class. Her instructor…read moreMiss Carole is the absolute best. She loves her students & visa versa. They not only learn dance which is great but they learn respect, patience, dedication & more. I have the highest admiration for Miss Carole & her incredible knowledge. It's a well rounded great experience for all.

I love this community of dancers! That's what is so awesome about it. The people here are good…read morepeople that care about each other, they bring in amazing guests for workshops, they offer virtual classes too! I have also noticed that you will learn about the history and culture on the dance style, and it's very thorough. That is so important because it gives you more understanding and context of where the movement comes from and how it was used.

I'm blown away by the the classes and hospitality The…read morequality and devotion of the teachers amazes me.

Captain Silly did a phenomenal job at my sons 4yr old birthday party in our backyard. Prompt,…read moreprofessional, respectful and adaptable are his hallmarks. He hits the trifecta of incorporating magic, sugar and pyrotechnics (talking about a match) that captivates the youngsters from the moment his 90min show starts. He adapts his acting to ensure everyone is included (even late comers) and really makes the birthday person feel extra-recognized and special. Captain - my son is still stoked from your show and attendees are sharing how much they enjoyed it as well as the fact that their kids are also still singing your praises. Congratulations on a job well done and continued best wishes with your business & endeavors. Highly recommended!

Hiring Captain Silly Bones for my four-year-old's birthday party was one of the best decisions I've…read moreever made. I also based my decision off of his many glowing reviews on Yelp so I hope I can help others make a similar decision. He was professional, kind to my boys, incredibly talented and kept his word about keeping the kids absolutely glued to his performance the entire time. He doesn't just show up in character, he brings tattoos, a speaker for dancing, tons of goodies for a scavenger hunt (which turns into goodie bags for the kids), magic tricks and more. We had kids ranging from babies to about 8 years old and everyone loved it. Even the parents were sitting around and watching. I have a six-year-old boy too and both of my kids were enthralled. It's been a few days since the party and they both have asked me daily when he can come back. HIRE HIM! You AND your kids will love it.

I just saw Best Medicine Rep's production of "In the Gutter", written by John Morogiello, this…read moreweekend (Feb. 2023). What a hilarious show! Try and see it before it closes on March 29, 2023. You will not regret it - laugh out-loud funny.

Wow! I don't get out to the mall very often, but recently discovered that Lake Forest Mall is now…read morethe home to a professional rep acting company specializing in comedy. Although they began in 2016, they didn't actually start public activity until 2017 and in January 2018 had their first play production "THE CONSUL, THE TRAMP, AND AMERICA'S SWEETHEART", written by one of the company. As it was about Charlie Chaplin and Mary Pickford and the Nazis, I kind of thought the play would not resonate with the typical mall shopper in Gaithersburg. But the author did a nice job of explaining the references, so it became a play about universal values and actions, very applicable to today. The setup of the stage is "in the round" and every seat is about 3 feet from the acting. You cannot get a bad seat. For this production, the acting was quite enjoyable -- hey, this is a professional company and it shows in the acting and timing of lines. A small lobby provided refreshments and a looping of scenes from Charlie Chaplin's movies. Some of the scenes were re-enacted or referenced in the play. Only negative was the ambient noise from the Mall.

The Empowered Performer is aptly named. Through strong technique training and a never ending…read morepositive attitude, Stephanie helped me do what I never thought possible. I was in a local musical and sang trope all in the same 10 month period. She really got the fact that I wasn't going for off or even off off off Broadway. She sees the value in singing as a joy to life and at least for me, a way to relieve stress. She was understanding with my nerves, etc. I am a better performer and person after the time that I spent learning from Stephanie. Erin

From the owner: Singing and speaking lessons. Public speaking. Performance techniques. Presentation Skills…read more Overcoming Stage Fright. Auditioning for Musical Theater and College Auditions. Adult Singing Classes. Teen Singing Classes. Speaking Workshops.

I absolutely loved my experience with Now & Then Dance Studios! Now it's been quite some time since…read moreI took dance lessons, but in a recent conversation with a friend who's interested in ballroom dancing, I highly recommended Now and Then Dance Studios explaining how I loved the private one-on-one attention with the instructors, the group lessons, and the dance parties. At first, it was intimidating to see others dancing so well, when I couldn't figure out at first how to do a rock step! I didn't think I could do it, but with the dedication, passion, and patience from the instructors, I learned the Foxtrot, the Waltz, Rumba, Cha-cha, Swing, Disco, a little Tango and Merengue. Now, rather than getting on the floor at weddings dancing the all-too-familiar penguin dance (basically rocking side to side like a penguin), I owe my confidence level and dance experience to Now and Then.

I can't begin to say how wonderful our experience has been learning ballroom dancing with Schain…read moreand Adam. Two gentlemen with great dispositions , knowledge and above all oodles of patience . And we're making new friends as we go and learning is becoming fun .

I seem to find myself in the Kentlands area a lot lately but my 1st time visiting the Art Barn…read more My Cousin was debuting his new Independent Film and, of course, I am going to support. The building used to be a stable that has beautifully renovated. It definitely has farmhouse touches with the wood, faux pocket doors and rustic touches. There is a reception area on the main floor where there was coffee(I love it already!) and refreshments. There is accessible parking out front and an elevator for those who may need it to get to the theater upstairs. The theater is small and intimate with 99 seats. I wanted to take pictures of the theater, but they were doing panel discussions and I just didn't feel comfortable snapping pictures during such a thoughtful process. As I understand it, they also provide services to the community around art in the form Of classes, discussions and even camps for the kids. So yes. . . Gaithersburg has begun to grow on me even though I live in Southern Maryland. I live over an hour away but I didn't mind the drive. I would definitely come back again.

Rather ironic I'm getting around to reviewing Gaithersburg Arts Barn on September 24, 2026, the…read morefirst day of the Manhattan Shorts Film Festival. Representing the 4th quarter of 2021 in my scrapbook series is Gaithersburg Art Barn. The only times I was ever here was for the Manhattan Shorts Film Fest. I first attended on Friday, October 1, 2021. Then, Wednesday, September 28, 2022. And finally, Friday, October 4, 2024. I attended the Manhattan Shorts Film Fest on Friday, October 3, 2025, but Arts Barn was being remodeled so was in a temporary location. My friend invited a group to the Manhattan Shorts in October 2021, and wow I was impressed with all the short films. The venue itself is nice, historic looking building. The theater is relatively small that goes back fairly deep. Manhattan shorts is popular and does sell out. In September 2022, I went on a date here. I had met her months back, but coordinated a date for this. Date was alright, films were great again, and it was a 1st & only date situation. I'm not sure why I didn't go in 2023. Maybe it was off my radar or had other things going on. In October 2024, my girlfriend & I attended on the Friday night. We both really enjoyed the movies. In October 2025, it was in the temporary venue, which had worse vantage points for seeing the movie screen, which made me appreciate the Arts Barn. 2026 scenario has been much worse in general. I had considered going tomorrow Friday, 9/25/26, but the tickets were sold out. Thursday was not convenient as I am going to be in Rockville for something on Friday and have other plans on Saturday. My friend had texted me about trading for a different days tickets; I mentioned to her how I was concerned about my dad was in the hospital but had interest in general. By the time, I looked into it Friday was sold out. So, I figured this year wasn't meant to be. Hopefully, I'll go again in 2027, and my health (cancer) situation is much better (along with my dad's health) and better year next year in general.

We hired Vick for our wedding reception! I was thinking of a simple way to entertain older folks,…read moreyoung children, and everyone in-between -- he was the answer! Vick had a wonderful story line and great tricks that kept everyone's attention! We had some guests that are very skeptical of magic tricks, and he still blew them away! I'm so happy we had him! We ended up starting his show a little late, unfortunately, but he was incredibly patient, set-up, and mingled with a few guests while he waited! He then put on a 45-50 minute show for all of us, and included some guests, my father, and us in the show! I highly recommend him for ANY event -- weddings, birthdays (children AND adult), social events, etc. Thanks, Vick!

Vick performed as Professor Snape at our twin boys' 8th birthday party. He was amazing to work…read morewith, especially in light of the commute required. We were so lucky he agreed to drive well outside of his usual area to perform. His illusions were mesmerizing, and he expertly handled a room full of inquisitive and skeptical kids by getting most of them involved in his performance. He gave a great message in the end of the performance also, drawing on the themes of inclusion and acceptance from the Harry Potter stories, which the adults present also mentioned as being a highlight. We cannot say enough great things about his professionalism and performance and we would highly recommend him for any event!