Northwest Ballet Academy and Theater

"I have been at Northwest Ballet Academy for three years. I feel as though I have not only improved as a dancer but as a person. My dancing has improved immensely since coming here because I am continuously being pushed and encouraged by the teachers. Everyone at Northwest Ballet is so passionate about dance, and you can really see it in the performances. Instead of doing recitals we perform full length ballets which I find to be a wonderful opportunity. If you would like to learn dance or improve your dancing, this is the place to do so!"

"I would like to share my experiences from Northwest Ballet Academy with those interested. I have only been dancing there for a couple of years. Up until then I played soccer, but when I watched The Nutcracker, I knew that I wanted to be a part of the magic and joy that was created by the wonderful community at NBT. At first, I felt very discouraged when taking classes, for I was not even close to the level of technique and ability that the other dancers had. Though I contemplated quitting, Mr. Bishop encouraged me, boosting my self-esteem. This was not just helpful in my decision to continue dance, it also helped me gain confidence in every day life, and I am forever grateful to him for that. Even in the two years that I have been with NBT, I have noticed my technique and ability have greatly progressed, due to the constructive criticism and corrections that Mr. Bishop has given to me personally. The wonderful dancers there are also very inclusive and kind to all, and I have learned a lot from them as well. Everyday in class, Mr. Bishop pushes us to do our best. He knows every dancer personally, and knows exactly how much to push them depending on their level and mood. He never ridicules any student in front of the class or outside class. Even when we slack, he addresses the entire class and gives us constructive pep talks to help us do our best at all times! As far as the studio atmosphere is concerned, the Bishops are constantly at work to ensure that the premises are clean and organized. The bathrooms are cleaned weekly and a heavy duty heating system has been installed for the dancers' and visiting parents' benefit! Everyone works hard at altering costumes as well so each one fits the dancer who wears it exactly how they like. Furthermore, Mr. Bishop is also very sensitive towards all of the dancers. When one only has a slight cold or minor injury, he still takes great precaution to ensure that dancer's health and well-being are not put at stake. He is also very forgiving and kind to everyone. For example, when a dancer forgets their pointe shoes, hair stuff, or company leotard, he never reprimands them but only gently reminds them to remember next time. The thing that stands out most to me about Mr. Bishop is how knowledgeable he is about ballet. He kindly tells you when you are doing a position, step or transition wrong, and also notices when you are holding your leg, foot or arms incorrectly, and shows us the correct way. He also tells us when we may be conducting ourselves in such a way that we may get injured, so that we may prevent it! I love this studio and it is now my second home! I love the people, the place, and the teachers! I love how professional NBT is and the dancers' rapid pace of improvement, thanks to John Bishop's professional, knowledgeable, encouraging and sensitive teaching! I recommend this studio to everyone who has a love for dance, to the youngest dancers all the way up to senior dancers! Note: Nobody asked me to write this review, I did so to express the truth about our wonderful studio!"

"I have only danced with northwest ballet for three years, and I've seen such an improvement in my technique! John bishop is an experienced instructor, and he always gives unique and helpful corrections and combinations to continue and strength us and better our technique. The studio itself has one of, if not the biggest studio in Bellingham, larger than the mount baker stage, which is great for rehearsal and combinations. The shows John puts on are also so professional and fun, and it seems as though everyone enjoys rehearsing for them. We always have beautiful costumes, with at least a few new ones for each show, and professional tutus. I really enjoy dancing at this studio, and if you love ballet like me, this is the place for you if you want to take your ballet to the next level."

"Mr. Bishop has continuously proven to be a skilled choreographer, director, and teacher over the years. It is always a pleasure to partake in an NBT production! I've danced at NBT for nearly ten years now, and I can proudly say that my time at the studio and on stage has been the highlight of my childhood. The community at the studio is extremely close-knit and provides a place in which young dancers can mature and improve their technique. It's amazing to me the kind of improvement that can occur at this studio. Whenever a new student starts taking class with us, I am impressed to see the kind of progress the student makes in a short time thanks to Mr. Bishop's helpful corrections. NBT is a wonderful place for young dancers to learn and become a part of a fantastic group of people. I would not trade my experience at Northwest Ballet Theater for anything! Note: None of the NBT staff asked me to write this review. This is my true opinion of the studio! :)"

""He (the owner) has ruined ballet for me. I used to love and look forward to each class, but as of this year I slowly have abhorred the thought of going to another one of his classes," to use the words of my daughter. My daughter has worked under many extremely talented instructors for years. This past year at Northwest Ballet was horrible. The owner of the studio is irresponsible and demeaning toward the students, and I let it slide for months hoping it would improve. He fails to recognize how to be both strict and encouraging at the same time. I would strongly discourage anyone from entrusting their children to be under his direction, or wasting their money on this poorly run studio."