Drouin Dance Center

★★★★★Tiffany N

As an adult who wanted to get back into ballet classes (after 14 years of ballet growing up), I was so excited to see evening adult intermediate/advanced classes available!! The teacher my first year was kind, but chatty and we didn’t do enough dancing and it wasn’t challenging enough. The teacher my second year was more interested in actually teaching and really challenged us! Being a part of a recital as an adult was exciting and nerve wracking, but super fun! I really got to relive my ballet years and it felt amazing to see how much I remembered. My body got stronger and more flexible, even with just once a week. The purpose of ballet classes - for me! - is exercise, stretching and using my brain for combinations. Unfortunately, because of the need to learn and practice the recital piece, the second half of the school year tends to be recital choreography focused during class, which leaves less time for barre and center work. This (and the fact that I now have a baby) are why I won’t be back anytime soon. Perhaps someday down the road again! I certainly would love to try an adult beginner tap class ;) The cost seems to be pretty comparable, but to be honest, I didn’t check anywhere else because this kind of adult class is hard to find. The organization of the company is FANTASTIC. They send out schedules, newsletters, information etc. I never felt lost or like I didn’t know what to expect. I had a question about billing one time and they were very responsive. There is even an online portal to log into for registration and paying per month, or get a discount if you pay for the school year all upfront. The studios are clean, have marley on the floors, barred are in good working condition. The rooms are a bit smaller than I expected but totally manageable. There are lockers to rent, plenty of parking and seating areas. There is not a dedicated changing area, just bathrooms. There is also no water bottle fill up station, just the tap. Highly recommend for all these reasons and I hope to bring my little girl for classes someday. :)

★★★★★Meg McNeely

My daughter was seeking out a dance studio when her daughter expressed interest in tap dancing. I found Drouin Dance center and convinced her the drive might be worth it because they offer so many classes for all ages groups. The first year was a great experience. The teachers and substitute teachers along with the helpers were all professional, patient, and kind. It was so worth the drive she signed her daughter up for the summer six eeek classes. Two of them! I also signed up for two adult classes. What a blast. All the instructors were equally as kind and professional demonstrating excellent teaching skills. We continue into a new season with my granddaughter registered for two classes and two adult classes for myself. The owner, Danielle, always had a “Colgate” toothpaste white smile, greeting everyone and recognizing everybody. It’s quite amazing and welcoming. Someone is always able to help at the desk or via phone call. Any questions, just ask for Brittney too! Danielle also recognizes, as do all the instructors, when a student should participant in a particular class better suited for them. They show great discernment on when to slow down a move or routine and also when to progress a child to the next level or not. It’s a well organized, professional, welcoming, and knowledgeable dance studio I highly recommend.

★★★★★Tammy Schlesinger

Drouin Dance Center is one of a kind. Danielle has created such a warm and inviting studio. It can sometimes be challenging finding adult classes in Maine that are a good fit, but Drouin has a great variety of levels and ages. Not to mention the instructors are awesome!

★★★★★Hilary Chase

Danielle and her staff care deeply about every dancer in the studio. It is a safe space to learn and grow. They are really focused on appropriate development. I can't imagine a better studio to help us raise our daughter.

★★★★★Sarah Bean

This is the best place for younger dancers. They promote a healthy environment for developing youngsters and less focus on competition, dance teams, etc. I highly recommend Drouin Dance.