Lilburn School of Ballet

"I taught at Lilburn School Of Ballet from 2014-2018 & this past school year 2022-2023. Classes are overpacked which makes it so hard as a teacher to connect with students individually and even harder to help any students struggling. In addition to this, the facilities are not well cared for and I found myself every week having to come early clean up the studios before teaching in order to not have trash in the way. This was on my own time and all unpaid. Even though the classes are packed, the studio owner is known to pay teachers below the market rate and inconsistently. I never knew when my check would come and this made it very hard to budget. I even had to take extra work this past year at other studios because I couldn’t depend on this money to come at any particular date. This could have been easily solved with direct deposit, but this studio loves to live in the dark ages. I could go on and on about safety issues and how it was close to impossible to get in touch with this studio owner throughout the year when I had concerns that needed addressing. Don’t go to a studio that doesn’t care about teachers or students. It’s obvious that the owner no longer cares about this studio. Edited to add: it is June 15th and I still haven’t been paid for the month of May. I posted this review after reaching out to the studio owner multiple times to ask about my late payment. I asked her to pay me electronically since she put her payroll a week late and she declined. Studios that exploit teachers need to be held accountable."

"This experience is from 20 years ago, so obviously take this with a grain of salt...but...no complaints here. I didn't technically attend, but my sister did. Never heard any complaints from her, and I spent an awful lot of time just reading in the lobby with my grandmother while we waited. She never ended up pursuing a career in ballet, but she did continue for about 10 years, even performing live at some places. Good job!"

"I'm a former four year D1 college dancer and former five year Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader.  I performed professionally until 34 y/o in 27 different countries in theater as well as a back up for Jessica Simpson, Toby Keith, Metallica and more.  Just know, I'm familiar. Our daughter attended LSB for three years. I do not recommend LSB for young dancers. First off, the required $25 audition fees, ticket sales, summer intensives, high cost recital costume fees for 90 second unprepared numbers and pre-pointe shoes for six y/o's - for starters - is nothing more than a cash grab aimed at over competitive parents. Secondly, LSB pushes children into production rolls mostly based on costume size.  Their focus is on learning **A** dance in lieu of learning **HOW** to dance. A good studio adheres to a curriculum that includes skills and concepts that a typically developing child should be able to master by the end of their year much like that of a child's academic education. Third, structure and discipline matter.  I found that most dancers in my daughter's classes were not appropriately dressed (big holes in the knees, dirty tights, barefoot, jewelry or friendship bracelets) with unsecured hair and teachers never said a word.  Regardless of whether or not a child can put two eight counts together, continuity is important for a strong dance foundation and rule following shapes kids beyond muscle tone. Next, I found LSB's atmosphere tense with no room for questions or mistakes. If, like mine, your child leaves class fearful, frustrated or in tears more often than not because Ms. Jennifer mocks them when they screw up or they are threatened with "acting like babies" or "going to be moved down" if they can't build the combination or count the music correctly, it's time to find a new studio. A strict teaching style can be effective, but a consistently demeaning attitude coupled with the use of humiliation crosses the line. Also, hang out in the waiting area before registering to find out the attitude of LSB.  Are those in charge (i.e.: Mama Fratelli from the Goonies at the front desk or Ms. Jennifer) treating customers condescendingly or with respect?  Are they welcoming or hard to approach?  Is there continuous feedback or is there simply the unspoken pressure to register and pay for the next thing so that your child doesn't get behind?  How staff relates with families is critical and be reminded that your child is on the receiving end of all the interactions and situations you experience and observe. Lastly, your child's dance education at whatever level should be an overall positive, age appropriate journey that comes through teachers that have a solid understanding of child development and dance health.  Good teachers have students that want to return and work hard, and a good program bolsters your child's sense of self worth.  If it doesn't, it's time to find a new studio. We found a new studio."

"First rate school. My daughter has been attending here since 1st grade. She loves it there, and the instructors all care about the development of their students. It is important to make it fun for the students and to tell the "whys" of techniques, not just the "hows". If you are looking for a place that can give your daughter (or son - they do have a number of male students) a comfortable and fun environment to learn ballet, tap, jazz, etc, you should stop by."

"I really wanted to like this place, however the older woman at the front desk made it almost impossible. I just expect a certain level of customer service that I never received -- neither in person or on the phone. I always had billing payment issues and there were too many issues to count. My daughter did enjoy her teacher, but it wasn't worth the hassle of having to deal with the front desk. Many other schools in the area do electronic billing, which is much easier and convenient for parents. Also while there was monthly communication (ie newsletters), the payment for the recital info was not clearly presented. They would tell you to check the bulletin at the facility, however it would be so busy most Saturdays that it would be difficult to get to it or remember in a mass of people."