Testimonials
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“Mr. Ellison’s expertise in classical dance and his devotion to the art form creates an incredibly inspirational and educational environment. There is simply no better school in North America!”
— Adrian Blake Mitchell, Mikhailovsky Ballet
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“Working with Mr. Ellison and all of the Ellison Ballet faculty has been an incredibly enriching experience. Studying with such passionate and giving teachers is truly a privilege and I will always cherish my time at Ellison Ballet.”
— Katherine Higgins, Paris Opera Ballet
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"I significantly progressed under Mr. Ellison's sincere teaching and passionate coaching. The small class size and focus on each individual is but one of many qualities that distinguish Ellison Ballet from others."
— Emily Kadow, San Francisco Ballet
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"Mr. Ellison's strict eye creates a challenging yet rewarding environment. His classes are infused with emphasis on clean technique, proper placement, and work ethis, which pushed me to set my limits far beyond what I could have imagined. I am always pleased to see the great talent that has come from this school."
— Joy Womack, Bolshoi Ballet
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“Mr. Ellison is one of the best partnering teachers I’ve ever worked with! Not only does he focus on proper technique, but also artistry, and connecting with your partner. It was a great experience, and I am hoping to attend again next summer.”
— Aran Bell, American Ballet Theatre
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"Ellison Ballet is such a wonderful school and the summer intensive is incredible - the perfect combination of what a dancer needs to improve. Mr. Ellison is one of the best teachers I have ever known, who inspires dancers to work harder than ever before. He is one whom I credit for helping me make it to the professional level. Thank you Mr. Ellison for everything!"
— Sara Michelle Murawski, Dresden Semper Oper
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"The instruction and guidance I received at Ellison Ballet is incomparable to anywhere else. Not only did my instructors provide a strong base for my professional career, but I learned valuable life lessons that have guided me through pivotal moments in my life. I will always be eternally grateful to this school for setting me up for success and for changing my life in ways that I never could have imagined. Without my training at Ellison Ballet, I am sure that I would not have had the fulfilling life and career that I have been blessed with."
— Melissa Chapski, Oregon Ballet Theatre
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"Ellison Ballet guided me to be the dancer who I am today. The dedication, details, quality of technique. Learning how to learn made me able to adopt to other kinds of dance styles, as well. I’m feeling so lucky I learned many precious things at EB."
— Yui Sugawara, Les Grands Ballets Canadiens
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“Attending Ellison Ballet was a wonderful experience! I appreciate all the individual attention and detailed corrections. Mr. Ellison is a very inspiring teacher who motivates and encourages students to push limits. I felt challenged to work hard and obtained an incredible sense of accomplishment. Thank you, Mr. Ellison, for giving me a deeper understanding of the art of ballet.”
— Gisele Bethea, American Ballet Theatre
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“Mr. Ellison has shown me the amount of focus, dedication, and attention to detail it takes to make it in the professional world. I am forever grateful for all the knowledge he and Miss Forrest have generously shared with me throughout my education at EB.”
— Ariel Breitman, Colorado Ballet
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"I will always be grateful to Mr. Ellison for passing on to me all his knowledge of classical ballet. He knows how to train a ballet dancer and what it takes to train one. The attention to detail in every single dance lesson was breathtaking. Because of him I was able to make dance my life and succeed in being a professional dancer. I always suggest young dancers to take part in the EBSI because it is life changing. "
— Roberto Tarantino, Ballet of the National Moravian-Silesian Theatre, Czech Republic
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“The most important thing I’ve learned from Mr. Ellison in his Pas de Deux intensive is that our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall. Be ready to be challenged beyond your limits, but at the end of each day you walk away knowing that you’ve become a stronger dancer, artist, and human being.”
— Rachelle di Stasio, American Ballet Theatre
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“Mr. Ellison takes you seriously as a dancer. He has a great passion for teaching—he gives you his complete focus and support. I recommend Ellison Ballet to everyone who wants to get the absolute most from their energy and time.”
— Larissa Nugent, School of American Ballet
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"Many wonderful things to say about this program! Great emphasis is placed on proper technique and the use of artistry. This high caliber school is perfect for dancers who are very serious and wish to improve all aspects of their dancing."
— Megan Amanda Ehrlich, San Francisco Ballet
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"While attending the EBSI, I began to understand what it really takes to be a dancer. I worked better and improved faster than ever before. An overall amazing experience, and I recommend the program to any aspiring ballet dancer."
— Zachary Rogers, Czech National Ballet
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"People ask me what SI's and schools I recommend, and I always say Ellison Ballet. I attended EBSI twice and always make it a priority to work with Mr. Ellison whenever I am in NYC. It's exactly what a program should be. This training is excellent!"
— Alys Shee, Birmingham Royal Ballet
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“Mr. Ellison and the faculty have influenced me to work hard every day and I was highly motivated to work even harder for the coming year. They place great focus on details and I feel my technique greatly improved! They are amazing teachers.”
— Robbie Downey, Colorado Ballet Studio Company
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“I loved the one-on-one attention I received at this challenging summer intensive and learned more about classical ballet than I ever thought possible. Be ready to work hard, because that is exactly what you are going to do!”
— Gabriella Stilo, Sarasota Cuban Ballet School
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"I credit Ellison Ballet for bringing me to where I am now. The training and care I received from this school and faculty have allowed me to discover my potential and enliven my passion and curiosity for dance. Mr. Ellison has a beautiful and fierce vision for his students which I have learned much from immersing myself in. Not only is Mr. Ellison a wonderful teacher, he is also an incredibly wise and kind person."
— Ena Nomoto, Kansas City Ballet Trainee
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"I am who I am today because of the wonderful guidance, wisdom, dedication and training I received from Mr. Ellison and the EB faculty. One of the most valuable lessons Mr. Ellison taught me was the importance of the mind-body-soul connection when dancing. This allowed me to better understand the true essence of ballet, and helped me to fulfill my dream of becoming a professional ballerina. I will always cherish the training, mentorship, and lifelong lessons I gained at Ellison Ballet."
— Layla Gerrish, Sibiu Ballet Theatre
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"Training with Mr. Ellison has helped me open many doors in my career. Throughout his lessons, I have learned not only about dancing but also how to navigate the life of a professional artist. His contagious passion for art inspired me from the very first audition I did for the training program, and some of his words still resonate with me today. At Ellison Ballet, I learned that it’s important to follow what moves you, as this will help you move the world."
— Juan Cruz Luque, Romanian National Opera
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"Mr. Ellison and his faculty are some of the most dedicated, passionate teachers I’ve ever worked with. I felt thoroughly prepared for a professional contract from the great attention to detail and care they took to train me. I gained invaluable lessons that have helped me continue in this demanding career. Thank you, Ellison Ballet!"
— Taylor Lim, Olympic Ballet Theatre
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“I would not be the dancer I am today without the incredible, well-rounded training offered by Mr. Ellison along with past and present EB faculty. Each instructor instilled in me a passion for and dedication to the art form that remains strong to this day. The opportunities presented at Ellison Ballet are like none other and I’m so grateful for my time there.”
— Brianna Crockett, Minnesota Ballet
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"Ellison Ballet changed my life. I have never been coached by anyone with as much attention to detail as Mr. Ellison. He completely changed the way I view and approach my work as a dancer; every note matters, every breath, transition, how I use my eyes while dance etc. It is all intentional and all has a purpose, and now that I’ve had the pleasure of becoming a teacher as well as a professional dancer, it is very heartwarming and nostalgic to pass down the information Mr. E. so passionately taught to me."
— Sarah Scandrett, First State Ballet