My daughter began dancing at three and fell in love with ballet completely at age six. At that time, we left our local studio and sought out a ballet focused school. Last year, at twelve, she decided she wanted to bring her ballet to a higher level and asked to attend Draper. While she has not been at Draper for very long, she joined the Draper family during a difficult time as studios were just going back to in person classes and all students needed to be masked and socially distant. The staff and students all welcomed her and supported her from the very first day during a time where it could be hard to open up to people outside of their normal bubble. I cannot begin to express how wonderful this change has been for her. She not only has greatly improved her technique; she has regained her self-esteem and improved her mental health as well. Every single teacher is world class and has not only shown individualized attention in class, emphasis on correct technique and how to properly execute that technique to prevent injury; they also care about the long-term health and goals of all their dancers holistically. They are truly a family. Her fire for ballet has been reignited and she is so very happy and proud to be a Draper dancer; and I am so very happy to see the amazing growth both physically and mentally over this past year. The Draper teachers give their students such a great gift and foundation that will carry them forward into whatever path they choose in life.
Leela & Chris Chadbourne, parent of a Draper student