Santa Rosa Dance Theater

"Our daughter is extremely lucky to have the Santa Rosa Dance Theater in town. Our family is so blessed. What an amazing school. The dance teachers are extraordinary. Balance, confidence, grace, the dance school is wonderful."

"I have taken class with many adult ballet teachers, both in California and New York, and Joshua Trader is the best teacher I. Have. Ever. Had. I have attended both his Beginner and Intermediate classes at Santa Rosa Dance Theatre, so I can review both. In both divisions, Trader utilizes an actual, tangible syllabus, ensuring that exercises are taught in stages and build upon one another in a logical way. Each lesson is repeated for a number of weeks until the students demonstrate mastery of the material. This syllabus-based lesson style is missing from so many adult dance classes, which prevents many late-starting ballet dancers from achieving any sort of technical successes. There’s still a prevailing notion in the ballet community that “old” people can’t learn to dance - this is an unfortunate fallacy. The problem often lies in poorly educated dance teachers who do not know how to work with an older or a less-than-perfect body. Trader draws on his own experiences as a late-starting ballet dancer coupled with a in-depth knowledge of both true classical technique and pedagogy. The proof of his expertise is in the pudding - all his adult students dance proficiently, regardless of body type or age limitations. All too often in other adult classes, a few students, whether due to age or physical limitations, are often left on the wayside to struggle and fall behind their classmates. Trader ensures that everyone progresses, and doles out his numerous insights and corrections equally to all students. Uniquely, his beginner classes on Monday & Wednesday are TRULY BEGINNER. Hallelujah, praise Terpsichore! Finally, a great program that teaches true, solid ballet foundations! New movements are introduced when students are ready, and then broken down clearly. The beginner student need not worry about being bogged down with too much complexity, too early. Each movement is “mastered” before a new iteration is introduced. Even more refreshingly, he will not speed up or complicate a beginner class just because a more advanced dancer dropped by for the night - he sticks with the syllabus. The environment in the adult classes is jovial, accepting, and fun. Trader fills the breathing time between exercises with hilarious stories from his time in the dance world. One small nitpick I would like to make, however, is that I do notice a subtle change in the class environment with children from SRDT’s youth division are allowed to make-up missed classes in the adult class, but this is a rare occassion. The studios at SRDT have good flooring, bathrooms, and facilities. The temperature may not be ideal at all times, but that is forgivable. There is always adequate parking, and the lobby is plush and comfortable - complete with an electric fireplace and TV! The instruction is so damn good at SRDT that I hope the studio will expand their adult division to offer pre-pointe/pointe, a third level of instruction, and performance opportunities. I would love to see a Contemporary Ballet class or workshop offered, intrigued as I am by Trader’s occasional little contemporary improvisations during class."

"I spent my entire childhood and teenage years dancing ballet and participating in performances. As an adult, it has been difficult to find a studio that provides high quality ballet teaching. I was so happy to have found Santa Rosa Dance Theater. Our community is so fortunate to have a studio with instructors who previously danced with professional ballet companies. The purpose of ballet is learning proper technique, self expression, and being able to participate in one the most beautiful forms of art. I feel like I have finally found a studio that meets these necessary standards. The instructors also create a learning environment that is very supportive and fun! We always laugh and smile during class! Even in a fun environment, the instructors still adhere to quality ballet standards, which is important to preserve the integrity of the art form. The children taking classes always seem to enjoy themselves, and we have a blast in the adult program! The studio now has Josh as the owner and artistic director. It is such and honor to take his class, and I take so much pleasure in being able to dance at Santa Rosa Dance Theater! Highly recommended."

"The staff... Perhaps they need training. Ms. Stephanie has a permanent scowl and a personality as bright as murky water. She calls herself 'strict' but her behavior is down right hurtful to children. Telling a 3 year old to 'be still or get out' is unacceptable. No exceptions. Found a new dance studio and my children are thriving! They have learned real ballet techniques and smile the entire time :)"