Charlotte Ballet 701 North Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28202

"We went to see The Nutcracker on School Days. The previous year, each ticket holder received a program. This year they would only give one per group. We had 4 families in our group. I asked how we were supposed to share and Kimberly said they didn't order enough and told us to pull it up on our phone. That did not sit well with me. I went to our group director who said she too recalled each person received a program the year prior. She then asked for us to have 3 additional programs which I was handed. Then Kimberly walked over to me and took them from my hand. She then told me I could stand there for 40 minutes to see if there were extras. Her unprofessionalism was unbelievable. Many people use the program as a keepsake especially since the gift tables are not open for the school preview. I emailed the CEO of the Belk Theatre who apologized for her treatment towards my group and for her taking the programs from my hand. She eventual came to me with 3 additional programs, but the damage was already done. We will never attend anything the produce again. The CEO forwarded my email to the Charlotte Ballet since they were hosting the ballet in their theatre. The reason for this review is because of their silence over this matter."

"I recently volunteered at the Charlotte Ballet for the current performance of 'Breaking Boundaries.' As a first-time volunteer, it felt good to be among friendly and well-organized staff. I look forward to volunteering in the future. The performance was simply incredible! A must see for sure! The upper level of the venue has a display of artwork from local artists which is amazing to share with the public. The location was easy to find. The surrounding streets where there is limited parking is well-lit at nighttime so you feel safe getting to your car. This location and venue is definitely a 5/5."

"Truly, I am shocked at some of these reviews. We have had nothing but a supportive experience. I am not necessarily a helicopter mom, but I am a protective mom. From experience, this studio respects parent concerns, addresses them promptly and professionally (no matter what they are), and follows up. I have met several leaders, managers, directors, the academy experience manager and they are such a pleasure. Each and every one of them. Any time I had a question about my daughter, they found an answer. All these comments about money, I mean, can you really put a price on that? Access to your child? Healthy body positivity in a world that can go astray so quickly? Phone numbers and emails for people to check on your child's progress and well-being? A portal with 24/7 access? If this is what you want, then Charlotte Ballet is for you. If it comes down to money and you can compromise the rest then I totally get it. Again, I'm surprised at anything less than 5 stars."

"I wanted to enroll my daughter in ballet classes to teach her discipline, strengthen her body and mind, and to promote flexibility. I was(am) willing to pay the $600+ that is charged annually for this service. As I was filling out the registration form, I had to agree that the academy would have the right to film and photograph my child and use her likeness. ??? I called and asked if there was an option to pay money for dance lessons that did not include my child's likeness being publicly shown. I was told that it doesn't happen that often, and that was the only way to be in the academy. Odd that parents can't pay money for dance lessons without someone photographing and filming their child. Makes me suspicious of an organization with that type of policy. In the year 2017, most parents are aware of the threat of child predators. Why would I pay to have someone exploit my child's likeness? The short answer: I won't. It might be a great academy other than that, but my family and I will never know. Edit: I appreciate the response from the owner, although it is 4 years late. The owner states the company will not use pictures of a child at the parents request. This must be a change in policy. I say this because I SPECIFICALLY asked when I called 4 years ago. So, good on the Academy for changing their policy years later. Possibly they had a recent issue?"

"We have been involved in dance since 2008. This is the best experience we have had for the intermediate to advanced dance levels. The instructors are tough and require a lot from the dancers, but they are very kind and encouraging. They have brought out so much in my daughter. We drive an hour to attend this Academy and have never regretted making the switch. We have had wonderful experiences with the other dance families. They welcomed us with open arms. There were some poor reviews regarding Danielle. I too found Danielle to appear curt initially. However, after a year at the Academy, I have discovered she just has a style that is direct. She has been very patient with all my "first year" questions - and there have been a lot. Lastly, to address the concern about using likenesses. It an Academy that large with that many moving parts, there is no way to single out a few kids and be sure they never appear in anything. I have been part of very small studios where it is still nearly impossible. Unless the studio never documents anything or does no advertising, I don't see how they could ever promise that."