Detroit Ballet - Testimonials


Thank you Detroit Ballet community for your dedication to art of dance. - Eric Johnston.


Eric Johnston is an accomplished and seasoned artist as well as an exceptionally gifted educator. Eric builds accomplished dancers through development of confidence, integrity, and artistic perspective, in addition to imparting the art of classical ballet through a systematic and thoughtful process. At this company, you are invited to explore and develop your artistry through seasonal performances in addition to the challenging and enjoyable dance classes available. Whether you're seeking a nurturing environment for your little one, or wish to explore the art of dance yourself, I highly recommend you visit the studio!


Maya
USA - March 14, 2010 - 11:17 AM

I studied ballet with Eric while I was an undergraduate at the University of Michigan. He taught me so much and I loved every minute of it - learning to dance en pointe, learning to curb my impulse to just throw myself into the music but to do so as a dancer; learning to be Arabian princess and to be white swan. I live miles away now but, to this day, I cherish fond memories of dancing with the Detroit Ballet. Eric truly loves the art form and he imparts his eloquence in ballet to his students. The Detroit Ballet is much more than a great dance company - I echo the sentiments of the other testimonials - it is a family.  Volinka, London, UK
Volinka Reina
London, United Kingdom - January 15, 2010 - 12:32 PM

There are many wonderful reasons to have our daughters in Eric's ballet company--the actual dancing is only part of the whole picture.  Our daughters have learned how to present themselves in front of an audience without fear.  They have learned that dance is a team effort, and like any other team, they have learned to work with the other members of the troupe to make a beautiful performance.  There are lots of opportunities for growth in this ballet company, and a dancer can grow into different "starring" roles in the different productions.  Eric has the girls go "en pointe" early, but I do trust him with my daughters' feet--they have been in pointe shoes for many years, even though they are only 12 and 14.  They learned the correct way to take care of their feet and use pointe shoes, and with Eric's wonderful teaching they have gained grace and confidence in the pointe shoes.  Other ballet companies seem to ruin their dancers' feet, but Eric keeps a close eye on his dancers, and treats them all as a big family.  He would never let one of his dancers do anything to jeopordize their health of their bodies or their feet!  i also think that it is interesting that most of Eric's dancers are on the honor rolls at their various schools--ballet and school seem to work together, just like the team in ballet getting a show together.  Your daughter will have a wonderful time dancing in this group--it is a very friendly bunch of people, all working together, under a master teacher.  Thank you, Eric!   Leisa and Chuck Passarelli
Leisa and Chuck Passarelli
USA - September 22, 2008 - 1:16 PM

As a young child through my formative years, Eric was a role model and mentor of mine. He prepared me for the Fresno Ballet here in California, and then on to the sport of fencing. I would not have made it to the Junior Olympics without my 6 years of Ballet instruction. Even though I do not dance today, the history of the classics such as the Nutcracker and Swan Lake will be something I pass on to my children one day.
James Verros
The original "Fritz"
Fresno, CA

James Verros
Fresno, CA, USA - January 28, 2008 - 4:09 AM

Eric Johnston creates a wonderful environment to both learn and grow in.  My years at his studio provided me not only with valuable dance experience, but with priceless friendships and memories.  Now as I seek a career in the arts, the lessons that Eric Johnston has taught me in leadership, dedication, and artistic respect prove an asset to all of my endeavors.  I would recommend Detroit Ballet to any new student, as a place to experience both joy and tears through the art of ballet.
Amanda Ewing
(Former Student)

Amanda Ewing
Royal Oak, Michigan, USA - December 18, 2007 - 2:57 PM

Hi,

I love eric Johnson's ballet!!  It's great he makes things for you to work for.....like a part in one of his productions.  Mr. Eric shows us that if we work hard enough we can do anything.  And That's why i'm staying till I go to college!!!

   Grace Barron


Grace Barron
lathrup Village, MI, USA - June 29, 2007 - 10:11 AM

I love Mr. Eric's ballet studio because he gives us somthing to work for.  Your never just going to class.  Your always working on somthing. 
grace barron
USA - June 29, 2007 - 4:04 PM

Hi,

I'm a life long student of this company, and I still love it.  This place is my home away from home.  I have so many friends and I'm always meeting new people through the studio.  I love ballet, and love to share my passion with the world through all the shows.  I'm very excited about the upcoming Swan Lake show.


Sara
USA - May 4, 2007 - 10:36 PM

As a parent of one of Eric Johnston’s Ballerinas, I encourage you to visit the studio and have your son or daughter  join a class. My Daughter, Elle, began dancing later than most at age 13. Many teachers told us she was too old to begin ballet. Eric Johnston welcomed us to his studio and said, “Of course she can join our class!” He invited Elle to participate in a lesson and it was love at first arabesque. As a new student, Elle was allowed to progress at her own pace, make wonderful friends, develop a love for dance and find the dancer within herself. The rest is history. Now, at 16, she has achieved a high level of skill and has been on point for years. Dance has influenced her life by teaching her self-discipline and giving her strong stamina. She has developed confidence through performances and learned grace and poise. Shirley Maclaine said, “Dance is an art the imprints on the soul. It is with you every moment: it expresses itself in everything you do. I recommend that you visit Birmingham Dance Academy.

Doris and Richard Blair
USA - January 24, 2007 - 7:49 PM

I started dance classes with Eric as an adult. I was pleasantly surprised that his classes were challenging and a great workout! A lot of adult ballet classes are taught at a very remedial level, thus not allowing full potential. I never dreamed I would be dancing in point shoes at my age and know what I’m doing in them!

Julia Smith
USA - January 24, 2007 - 8:11 PM

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