Parkside Academy-Music & Dance 33 West Roland Road, Brookhaven, PA 19015

"Parkside is not just a dance studio, it is a family. My daughter started dance classes there two years ago, and from the first class we felt as though we had been going there for years. The instructors are kind, knowledgeable, and passionate. They also have older dance students assisting with the younger dance classes which further fosters a sense of community and mentorship. While Parkside may not have all of the glitz and glamour that other studios have, it strives to make each student feel special and be the best dancer he or she can be. Thank you Parkside!"

"Parkside has always been an accepting place where I can grow as a dancer and express myself. It is a very supportive and positive environment, with kind instructive teachers. What I love about Parkside is that everyone who wants to dance can dance. At other studios where my friends dance, I have heard stories of dance teachers asking students to quit dance due to their weight, inflexibility in their feet, weak knees, etc. This would never ever happen at Parkside. The teachers want you to succeed in their classes and learn how to dance the specific style. They encourage and support. I have danced at Parkside for about 13 years and only take ballet until recently when I took up hip hop, and I have been supported by teachers who don't even teach the classes I take. The staff at Parkside are some of the sweetest people I know, and are extremely understanding. They don't freak out if I have to miss a class when I am swamped with homework, or if I have to leave class early if my family member is sick. All teachers, no matter what class a student takes, cares about their well being, not just their role in the dance number. Parkside allows everyone to dance at their own pace. If your child is interested in pursuing dancing in their career, the teachers are willing to push the students to their full potential. Many great dancers have graduated from this studio, and have to opportunity to compete in many competitions. The studio also supports students who are not interested in dance professionally, but for enjoyment. Lastly, the dancers who dance at this studio form an accepting community. I would definitely recommend this studio for your child."

"I cannot say enough amazing things about Parkside Academy. Though I have only been going to this studio for about 5 years, every teacher and student welcomed me with open arms and hearts. Along with professionalism, these teachers have given me a place to call home and a strong dance education. The studio owner is one of the most caring people I’ve ever met, and the teachers have lead my performing arts career to places I didn’t even know possible. I now attend a performing arts school where I am so so happy because my ballet teacher recommended it to me and help me prep my auditions. The students are now girls that I call my family. This studio teaches girls to become strong dancers, as well as kind people. They give many performing opportunities to EVERYONE, and are beyond fair when it comes to those opportunities. I liked dance before I came to parkside, but now I have fallen in love with it thanks to the wonderful teachers and students who I’ve met along the way. I can’t recommend this studio enough!!"

"I have been dancing at Parkside Academy for the majority of my life. I dance because it is something I love to do, not because I seek to be the best. Parkside has a place for everyone; those who seek to be the best and those who dance because they love it. Everyone is welcome at the studio no matter age, size, race, gender, anything. We are brought together by a love of dance that penetrates any differences. The dancers here support each other and are there to support one another in all endeavors. The instructors are the kindest people I have ever had the fortune of meeting. They are there because they too have a passion for dance that defies anything else. The instructors are there to help the students succeed, whatever that may look like to a student. The teachers are supportive of their students. Parkside Academy of Music and Dance is my home away from home, and I am grateful for that."

"I have been dancing at Parkside Academy since I was 2 and I have never regretted dancing here. My teachers always push me to the best of my abilities and are always there to motivate me to do better and grow as a dancer. Since we are a smaller studio, I have made such amazing relationships with my teachers and fellow dancers. We learn together, we dance together, and we grow together. Each one of my teachers has helped me grow in ways I never would have thought possible. Nothing makes me happier than dancing and dancing alongside my best friends and the support of my teachers makes it so much better. Through performing the Nutcracker, I have learned what it’s like portraying different kinds of dance and learning new roles. Through the competition team, I have learned what it’s like to compete. We don’t attend the biggest competitions but we have the best time and learn a lot from the judges comments. This helps us to grow more and perfect our dances for recital and the following years. I have given up every sport I ever played to focus on dance. I have such a strong passion for dance and my Parkside family helps me grow and learn as a dancer. My teachers also make Parkside a fun and enjoyable environment. Parkside is truly my second family and I wouldn’t give up the past 15 years of my life there for anything."