American Youth Dance Theater — Local services in New York

I highly recommend this dance school for families who are committed to the art, physicality and discipline that dance has to offer kids interested in all styles of dance. My daughters have taken a variety of classes at AYDT and will begin their 8th year dancing with the studio. They both take their ABT curriculum ballet and thoroughly enjoy the discipline it has instilled in their daily and weekly routines. Each semester you can see their personal growth and commitment to dance itself, their fellow dancers and the studio/staff. Initially they only took ballet and one elective class, hip hop. As their ballet classes increased we dropped this class for a bit and have in the last two years (yes, during COVID!) picked up other styles (Contemporary and now Broadway). Both of my daughters look forward to their Nutcracker (ballet) roles year after year as well as their additional performances in other styles. The choreography, costumes, communication and organization of AYDT recitals does not go unnoticed. We really appreciate the attention to detail and priority for previously enrolled students to sign up each semester. Lastly, the staff are fantastic. We've thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the teachers and know that they have the best interests of the students in mind when they come to teach, create choreography and follow up if they have feedback. Throughout our time before, during and since COVID has become a norm to deal with, the studio and staff have been thoughtful, attentive, communicative, patient and caring. If you told my kids they were leaving and couldn't dance at AYDT you'd break their heart. AYDT is their afterschool & Saturday home. They have made many dance friends and we look forward to several years of classes and...

My daughter loves ballet and loves her teacher here. I think they do a great job of putting together programs for the kids. My daughter was the first one to come back into classes when they opened back up. There was her and one other girl for the longest time. She was so happy to be back doing what she loved. We were very happy with the overall curriculum.

We decided to remove our daughter from AYDT because they refused to make masking children optional. Even though everyone must be vaccinated. Even though covid is mild and rarely effects children. Even though every other ballet school I checked with in the city allows for optional masking. The director has held on to her paranoia and I could not longer allow them to push their erratic beliefs on my child. As a parent I get to decide what is best for my child’s well being. I have put mental health of my kid above a virus that is no different than a mild cold for her. I hope some day they come to their senses but I doubt it. No where else in the world force masking kids like this. All her work towards her beautiful performance and she can’t even share her smile. She can’t see other smiles. Heartbreaking.

As I said this is the only school I found that still forces masking so I would encourage parents who feel the same to...

My daughter has been dancing at AYDT for several years and it has become so much more than a dance school for her. Not only has she excelled as a dancer, and been given opportunities to perform and to provide community service through dance, but she has been taught skills that go far beyond dance. Her teachers have helped her become a better team player, have taught her discipline, focus and the benefits of hard work, and the school has become a community for her that is irreplaceable. They have helped to learn to accept constructive criticism and set goals for herself. She has made friends there that she counts amongst her closest. I honestly don't think she would be the child she is today if it...