Vermont Center for Dance Education

★★★★★J Z

Stefania Nardi and all of the instructors at Vermont Center for Dance Education are exceptional. My child is entering her fourth year, and she is learning beautiful dance technique for her whole body all the way through the fingertips. She is also learning to hold herself confidently in and out of the studio. My daughter loves Miss Stefi and all of her instructors; they pour their heart and soul into every dancer. At the end of the year, the students are presented beautifully in a professional show centered around a classic story. The show is a work of art. I am brought to tears as a witness not only to this incredible production, but as a witness to the unparalleled instruction given to each dancer throughout the year. I feel so fortunate that we have Vermont Center for Dance Education right here in Rutland. It is a slice of New York City dance instruction nestled in the beautiful mountains of Vermont.

★★★★★Lauren Chirico

As a classical ballet dancer myself, beginning my studies at Studying with Margo Dean School of Ballet in Fort Worth, Texas and now with Saratoga City Ballet as well as the Vermont Center for Dance Education currently. I understand the classical ballet world and what kind of environment that offers ballet education I wanted for my child. Studying with Ms. Stefania for almost a year now, I've determined by the way her school is set up for success and how her students are learning profound and exceptional instruction in a nurturing environment where she is continuing her education at every level all around is one reason why I absolutely know that her school is truly one of a kind and hard to find especially in my surrounding area. There is a plethora of dance studios/academies nearby that are lacking in the proper instruction and teachings for nurturing a growing child's body during classical ballet training, which could potentially hurt a child when they transition to an actual correct school such as the VCDE. I also love that there are absolutely no competitions but the reward itself is the persistent dedication to further ones discipline and strengthen techniques. The access to auditioning for ballet companies as the students acquire such coordination and skill is exceptional and the opportunity will be available, which is the potential success that Ms. Stefania sets her students up for by helping to align for such rewarding achievements. I am honored to be here learning and bringing my child to study at Vermont Center for Dance Education.

★★★★★Edinson Oquendo

My daughter has always loved dancing but had never taken dance classes. Finally, two years ago, after a lot of persistence on her part, I agreed to enroll her in a dance studio. Now the question was where? I began asking knowledgeable people in the community that are involved in the dance and theater community about the area dance studios. I heard positive things about most of the dance studios, in that they were friendly and supportive to all students. Every person with a background in dance said, independently, that Vermont Center for Dance Education was not only fun, encouraging, and welcoming but, importantly, also provided the highest quality of technical and artistic instruction. VCDE not only gives their students an opportunity to dance, but makes them skilled and capable dancers. My daughter has loved every second of her time at VCDE since the first class she took. I am very pleased with the dance instructors, the quality of instruction and the many ways they’ve helped my daughter improve and develop as a dancer and individual. I am very happy Rutland has VCDE, it's a great resource and opportunity for kids in the community and I recommend it to any parent looking to give their child high quality dance instruction.

★★★★★Judy Dardeck

I came to the Vermont Center for Dance Education with over 30 years of ballet training. I still learned a tremendous amount from Stefy. Her adult classes focus on the basics. Instructions are always clear, and modifications are offered when necessary. Stefy works equally well with her younger students. I was part of her last stage production, The Snow Queen. I witnessed her work with dancers ranging in age from three to twenty. Each one respected her and rose to the level of her expectations. She is always calm, precise, and encouraging. Every year the Center stages a full length ballet at the Paramount Theater in Rutland, Vermont. Stefy designs and sews most of the costumes for the principle dancers. (During the summers, she takes lessons in making tutus.) I spoke with the Director of the Paramount before the performance of The Snow Queen. He was cutting short his vacation to be back in time to see it. When I expressed surprise that he would do that, his response was. "I never miss one of Miss Stefy's productions. She's the real deal."

★★★★★Bill McCloy

The staff at Vermont Center for Dance Education are wonderful and dedicated to teaching dance and cultivating interest in dance throughout the community. Each spring - they put on a grand performance at the theatre downtown that should not be missed. It's beautifully produced, choreographed and danced and is inclusive for dancers of all ages in the program. VCDE is a wonderful asset in the community.