PARENT REVIEWS:

5 Star Rating on MerchantCircle.com:

"As a former ballet student in my youth, I was eager for my daughter to find a good, solid, classically trained ballet program that was fun and close to home for my "tween" aged daughter. We have taken dance classes around the area, but Ms. Partridge has a level of training, teaching skills and produces a high quality lesson. We are very happy with the instruction and the cost is extremely reasonable, along with the variety of classes offered. I can highly recommend this program."

Another 5 Star Rating on MerchantCircle.com:

"Fabulous teacher! Fabulous ballet classes! The Summer recital was great!"

Letter from Parent:

"I just wanted to tell how how much we enjoyed the recital.   Each year I think “Wow!   That was so good!”, and then the next year you manage to out-do yourself again!   My parents, who have lots of recital experience over two generations, both wanted me to tell you how impressed they were with all of the dancers.   My 71 year old mother really wanted to get out and dance with the little tweedles hip hop class, and she and I both cried buckets during the “pool of tears” (I’m so glad it wasn’t just me).   My dad really appreciated how well-prepared the youngest dancers were, and thought the way you incorporated an older performer into their routines was just brilliant.   The choreography was so creative.   The costumes were perfect.   And all of the dancers just get better and better every year. We are so, so, SO glad you felt the call to open your own dance studio.   It is just wonderful to have such a quality program here on Camano Island for our children!   (And maybe for me, too.   I am seriously considering lyrical next year.)"

Letter from Parent:

"I just wanted to say thank you for being such a wonderful teacher! You don't know how much my husband and I appreciate how nice and kid-appropriate everything is at your studio. It's really refreshing, and our daughter just loves it. Thanks again!"

Recommendation from LinkedIn.com:

“I have been very impressed with Terah Partridge's attention to detail in the management of The Camano Dance Academy. This reaches to all aspects of our association with her, be it in the educational side of dance or the financial management of her company. Terah is not only a beautiful and accomplished dancer in her own right, she has the training and skill to teach correct principles of dance to all ages. She is much beloved by her students for her compassion and utmost concern for their safety and development, and deeply appreciated by parents for her excellent time management(always starts and ends on time, prepared for her classes, etc) and that we are able to access such a talented dance mistress for an affordable price. I can whole-heartedly endorse Terah, with no reservations or exceptions."

Reflections from an Advanced Student:

 "I had taken only four private lessons with the intention of feeling slightly sophisticated—I never intended to love ballet. This love, I believe, is not my own. It is my teacher Terah’s contagious devotion of the art which infected my heart, soul, and body. Her chipper demeanor, residual from her years as cheer captain, adds to her perfection. If she wasn’t the kindest, most encouraging, and most supportive teacher ever, I would find her disturbingly flawless. As my freshman year continued, my calendar revolved around ballet days and non-ballet days. As soon as class started, I forgot to scrutinize my thighs in the mirrors. I forgot to feel out-of-place. I forgot to feel self-conscious. Although my bun threatened to give out, sweat dripped from my jaw, and my mascara smudged beyond repair, I blissfully glowed. The security of assurance was a revelation. I knew where every muscle and tendon needed to go, to move. The combination cemented in my head, and my steps were sure and precise. Although a right and wrong way determined each action, I discovered I could color the rubric with delicate embellishments. For six years my piano teacher had told me, 'You’ve learned the notes, now shape the music.' I had learned the steps, and now I shaped the dance."

Letter from Parent:

"I wanted to say thanks for all the patient and kind instruction you've given to the girls. They've improved immensely over the past year-and-a-half and have enjoyed their weekly lessons. You are a wonderful, gifted dancer as well as teacher, and I'm so glad my girls had this opprotunity to receive lessons from you... Loved the recital! Great job!!!"

Citation on Examiner.com as a "Dance Studio for your Special Needs Child":

"Camano Island Dance Academy, on Camano Island, does not have a specific class listed as special needs in their curriculum, however, the owner, Terah Partridge, has a degree in Special Education and has 'a deep desire for all children to be able to experience the joys of dance'. At Camano Dance Academy, every opportunity will be taken to offer your child a fulfilling and fun environment where your child can thrive. For more information, please call (360)631-4657 or go to camanodance.com."

Visit the site at: http://www.examiner.com/x-8651-Seattle-Special-Needs-Kids-Examiner~y2009m5d18-Dance-studios-for-your-special-needs-child

Letter from Parent:

"I hope this helps get the word out about your wonderful dance school. I know that I am very vocal about recommending it. We went to another local school last year & the difference between CDA and them are day & night. I am so grateful we found you this year!"

Letter from Parent:

"GREAT recital on Saturday. I was happy we found CDA when we first started ballet classes, but now I am blown away with CDAs professionalism, creativity and talent. The show was one indication of all that, but I also noticed after spending the first show backstage that the people running things back there seemed to have some very good protocols for keeping track of the kids.  Great work!"