Reviews of Academie de ballet Sona Vartanian (Dance School)

Michelle Gonzales

(Translated) Good school! (Original) Bonne école !

Jill Bachelder

A wonderful ballet academy! Sona is such a good teacher and has had an amazing career. She expects a lot from her students, and the results are incredible--plus she is a wonderful lady! Definitely recommend!

Chloé O

(Translated) Finding a good ballet school is not easy. I tried several courses in Montreal before finding the ballet academy Sona Vartanian and each time there was something wrong: either I found that I did not make any particular progress, the exercises developed inflated and unsightly muscles, the atmosphere between the students was not good ... After having been disgusted with ballet for 2 years, I found Madame Vartanian's school by chance and I must say that I hope to stay there as long as possible. Not only is the atmosphere positive and it's a real pleasure to come to class each week, but most of all I was amazed at how far I've progressed in a short time. Ms. Vartanian as a professional dancer has the experience to give us adapted advice. She knows what she's doing! The exercises change every month so you do not get bored while giving yourself time to progress and learn each exercise properly. The Vaganova method she teaches helps develop thin, stretched muscles rather than puffed up as I've noticed in other classes. There are shows twice a year which allows you to get acquainted with the stage and to dance classical ballets such as Nutcracker, Don Quixote, Paquita, Swan Lake etc. The costumes are very beautiful, sewn by hand. To summarize, ballet is a very complete sport, which allows among others to keep a healthy body, to develop his memory and to forge his character! But a good teacher is the key and for that I think there is no better than Madame Vartanian! (Original) Trouver une bonne école de ballet n'est pas chose facile. J'ai essayé plusieurs cours à Montréal avant de trouver l'académie de ballet Sona Vartanian et à chaque fois il y avait quelque chose qui n'allait pas: soit je trouvais que je ne faisais pas particulièrement de progrès, soit les exercices développaient des muscles gonflés et inesthétiques, soit l'ambiance entre les élèves n'était pas bonne... Finalement après avoir été dégoutée du ballet pendant 2 ans j'ai trouvé un peu par hasard l'école de Madame Vartanian et je dois dire que j'espère y rester le plus longtemps possible. Non seulement l'atmosphère est positive et c'est un vrai plaisir de venir aux cours chaque semaine, mais surtout j'ai été étonnée de voir à quel point j'ai pu progresser en peu de temps. Madame Vartanian en tant que danseuse professionnelle a l'expérience nécessaire pour nous donner des conseils adaptés. Elle sait ce qu'elle fait! Les exercices changent tous les mois pour ne pas s'ennuyer tout en nous donnant le temps de progresser et d'apprendre correctement chaque exercice. La méthode Vaganova qu'elle enseigne permet de développer des muscles fins et étirés plutôt que gonflés comme j'avais remarqué dans d'autres cours. Il y a des spectacles 2 fois par an ce qui permet de se familiariser avec la scène et de danser des ballets classiques tels que Casse-Noisette, Don Quichotte, Paquita, le Lac des Cygnes etc. Les costumes sont très beaux, cousus à la main. Pour résumer, le ballet est un sport très complet, qui permet entre autres de garder un corps en santé, de développer sa mémoire et de forger son caractère! Mais un bon professeur est la clé et pour cela je pense qu'il n'y a pas mieux que Madame Vartanian!

Stephan Dumais

Best ballet school by far.

Susana Cantero

I've studied ballet for over 20 years and Mme Vartanian is by far the best teacher in Montreal. She studied and teaches the Vaganova method. She's a great teacher for both children and adults. Her classes are stimulating, fun and taught with passion and attention to detail.

Deborah Herman

This is the best ballet school for anyone with a passion for ballet and who wants to develop their technique. I've studied at a few schools and worked with several teachers in the Vaganova method but she's the best in my opinion. I've never had better technique and can do things I'd never dreamed of doing even in my 20's. Her attention to detail, her ability to see everything your doing, her pointe classes, bar and center have strengthened me and given me the confidence and joy to dance. Her classes are fun, challenging and I love that she pushes you to your limit. I've also enjoyed participating in the performances i.e. Nutcracker, Don Quichotte which really give you an experience of what it's like to do a professional production.