EMC Performing Arts Studio — Local services in New Freedom

Our 4 children have been attending EMC for close to 9 years now, and have sampled most areas of instruction, including dance, music, and gymnastics. Two years ago, we moved over an hour commute away from the studio, so I looked for a comparable place closer to Baltimore. And I couldn't find one.

The caliber of instruction at EMC is stellar. Every single instructor knows each of my children, both for their strengths and areas they need improvement in. My questions are always promptly answered, and I often receive return calls from the owner of the studio herself. I have a daughter and a son in dance, so we have probably attended close to 20 of EMC's professional performances at the Pullo Center, in addition to numerous local festivals and school performances. For each one, I was well prepared with emails from the studio, and I have never found myself floundering to get costumes or accessories at the last minute. Also, when I say these are professional performances, I am serious. These kids, from little to big, rehearse until they get it right and I have never once seen a kid freeze onstage. In a 1000-seat-filled auditorium, that is a feat.

The gymnastics program is run by a phenomenal instructor and it is clear she loves what she does. All of my kids have thrived under her tutelage and the other instructors she has trained. It is a fun, non-competitive, safe environment where my children are all learning new skill sets and gaining confidence in their bodies.

Both of my daughters have taken piano for several years at EMC, and both can read music and know music theory. One of my daughters has dyslexia and I expected she might memorize some music, but never learn how to actually read it. I made sure her instructor was aware of her learning disability, yet I underestimated both her and her music teacher- she now reads music fluently, and has even gathered her courage enough to play in a public performance. I can not thank EMC enough for giving her this skill set, and more importantly, for having faith in her that she would gain it.

Finally, what really distinguishes EMC from other studios is the sense of community and responsibility that is fostered. There is no competition; there is simply a sense of doing the best you can and encouraging others to do the same. This sense of self-responsibility, and encouragement, resonated with us and has clearly fostered growth and independence in my children. This is what I could not find in other studios and this is why I drive 66 miles round trip, 4 days a week. And I am...

After the most recent spring show my uncle looked at me and said, "If your son or daughter wants to dance EMC is the place to do it!" This was after a show that wildly surpassed all of our expectations. There is an energy at each performance that is almost palpable.

When our daughter began dancing at EMC we were a little unsure about the commitment and the fact that she was enrolled in a package of several classes as opposed to just a ballet class. Robin, the studio owner, spoke with me at length about the rationale behind having students learn many styles of dance as opposed to just one or two. We decided to give it a try and are so glad that we did. Our daughter has grown immensely in the past couple of years, both as a dancer and as a young lady. The climate at the studio is very positive and supportive. Younger dancers are paired with "big sisters" who show them the ropes and lend advice and support when needed. This fosters a sense of community that we never imagined was possible at a dance studio. Our daughter's confidence has grown immensely.

EMC is the place to go if you want your son or daughter to dance. There is no other way to say it. We drop our daughter off for classes and know that she will be loved and well taken care of. We know that she will be challenged and encouraged to work hard. We know that she will be supported. We know that she is an important part of a community. As parents, what else could we ask for?

I have no reservations about recommending EMC. I cannot express how important this studio is...

Our dancer has been dancing for 13 years. The last 6 years have been at EMC. We have thoroughly appreciated and enjoyed watching her grow through the careful methodical and holistic instruction at EMC. We genuinely feel included in the decisions made in regard to our dancer, and although nobody wants their pride and joy to not be the soloist at every level, there are a million important lessons to be learned by a dancer and her family throughout all levels of achievement. Charcoal does not become a diamond by weathering one rain storm under a leaf. As we have found through this journey, challenges will occur, and adaptations and adjustments will be made. Of course the pandemic in 2020 was quite a challenge, and immediately the studio began to offer online lessons and enrichment for all levels. As soon as in person instruction was deemed safe, we were welcomed back with open arms, and interesting changes. Temperature checks, masks, frequent hand washing, sanitizer available everywhere, limited class sizes, air filtration, and nightly cleaning of all surfaces touched by humans make us feel extremely comfortable receiving the amazing hands-on education in dance that has impressed us at EMC for years, and will continue to. ...