Silverton Ballet and Performing arts Co.

Testimonials & Alumni

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Dancer & Parent Testimonials

I have 2 daughters who took dance from Paula Magee at Silverton Ballet for many years and I can wholeheartedly recommend her studio as a great place to study dance. One of my daughters majored in dance at college and now teaches at a dance studio; and the other is a trainee with a professional ballet company. The introduction to dance came at Silverton Ballet where Paula incorporated dance technique, athleticism, artistry and performance in an atmosphere of positive encouragement and fun. Paula’s open and welcoming personality, technical expertise and teaching skills make her studio a wonderful place for any student. Whether you’re looking for a fun and healthy activity or whether you want to pursue a career in dance, Silverton Ballet is the place to go!

- Cory Cross


I took classes at Silverton Ballet for almost 18 years. The studio became like a second home. Everyone is very welcoming and I loved each of my classes. When I was little I looked up to the “big girls” on stage during dress rehearsals and always aspired to be like them. While taking classes at my University I’ve been complimented on my technique and I give Silverton Ballet credit for that. It was a great place to grow up, and made some of my most important dreams come true!

-Ashley Miller


The dance education was important........but Silverton Ballet was where I learned how to love.

-Autumn Brown


I want to take a minute to thank you for being such an important part of our girl's childhoods. Their time with you was valuable in so many ways-both on and off the dance floor. I admire the balance of structure and discipline with love and comfort that you offer your students and parents. We truly are blessed to have had you in our lives. Thank you Paula!

-Lindsey Frankus


We had such a wonderful time today at Ballet class. I absolutely love the class and the way it is taught! As we were leaving today Kiersten looked at me and said "I don't want to go home yet, I was having fun". She had the time of her life today and I am very excited for what is to come. Thank you for giving us this opportunity, we didn't want to go to any other studio but Silverton Ballet!

-Alicia Tjaarda


I am finally finding time to write and thank you for all you do for our kids. Many times I have told people about your amazing dance program and about your natural/practiced skill as a teacher. As a public school teacher it means a lot to be able to say that I have rarely observed a person who has your high level of skill in “reading” kids and adjusting your style to their needs. To captivate pre-schoolers one hour then switch gears and command the respect of high schoolers the next is impossible for most of us, but you do it with ease. Thank you for giving so much of yourself to our children!

-Lisa Leslie


There are no words to describe how happy I am for knowing you and the students at Silverton Ballet or how wonderful this past year has been. Before coming to the U.S. I knew that the last thing I wanted to do was to stop dancing, as I had been dancing my whole life. Then I found Silverton Ballet and I came to realize I still had so much to learn in order to be able to dance like all of you. I was amazed at how great all of you are to jump, to turn and to dance without fear of falling or doing anything wrong. Of course you girls would not be able to dance like you do or be in love with dance like you are without the support of Paula and the teachers at Silverton Ballet. I am so thankful for all of the knowledge and wonderful memories that I will take back to Brazil. So now my passion is not only ballet but jazz, hip-hop and all kinds of dance. I am taking all of my Silverton Ballet moves back to Brazil to show them how we dance in the United States!

-Paula Moraes (exchange student)


Thank you so much for all the love and attention that you show your students. I am so amazed at how good you are with the littlest dancers. All moms know that sometimes our 1 or 2 kids can try our patience and you have a whole class of them. You do such a great job!

-Tana Thompson


Just a note to say Thanks not just for the encouragement & confidence you’ve worked so hard to instill in our children, but for all the energy & hard work you invest in so many kids within this community. So many kids feel a sense of self worth because of the goals and challenges that you give them. Honestly there are some kids that would be lost without you!

-The VonWeller Family


Thank you for all your time, encouragement, technique and love that you give your students and the dance team. We are so lucky to have you touch Caitlin’s life.

-The Scotts

Group of young female dancers Femal Hip Hop dancer posing Group of young femal ballerinas Teenage dancer posing

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Alumni Accomplishments

Maddy and Abby HulettCompeted in Amplify Fine Arts Dance Competition with a dance that Maddy choreographed. The 2 sisters qualified for "Nationals" with a "Superior" score....the highest score given.
Chelsea Godon, Sierra Lowry, Autumn Parsons and Alina StrattonAccepted to the pre-professional Summer Dance Intensive at Whitman College.
Dakota DruleyAttending the renown Western Michigan University as a dance major
Jena HendrixJoffrey Ballet School summer intensive 2 years in a row with a jazz scholarship. The school also offered her placement in their NYC & Dallas Jazz Intensives as well as San Francisco & L.A. .
Mirabai MillerDancing with "Shapiro and Smith" modern company in Minneapolis
India Bosshardt, Leah Geck, Chelsea Godon, Jena Hendrix, Maddy Hulett, Celeah Norris, Monica Steele and Renae StrattonAll selected as featured dancer's in the Center Stage Production of EVITA.
Dakota Druley, Monica Steele, Celeah Norris, Nicole Finch, Maddy Hulett, Marla Waters, Renae Stratton and Jena HendrixAttended a master class taught by So You Think You Can Dance Alumni Allison Holker. Out of over 100 attendees, Dakota was asked to demonstrate the piece in front of the entire class. Great Job Dakota!
Stephanie OchoaB.S. Degree in Dance, Owner and Artistic Director of Dallas Ballet Academy
Katie Hughes (Cross)B.S. Degree in Dance, Teaching in Virginia
Shoshannah Kilian (Richey)Teaching Dance in Oklahoma
Autumn George (Cook)B.S. Degree in Dance, Teaching in Washington, OSAA Dance Scholarship Recipient, OSAA All-State Member
Carley ManionB.S. Degree in Dance
Emily Sword (Hartley)B.S. Degree in Dance, Teaching at Silverton Ballet, Coaching SHS Dance Team
Natalie Kern (Sander)B.S. Degree in Performing Arts, Teaching in Florida, OSAA Academic Scholarship Recipient
Alex ReeseTeaching at Silverton Ballet, Coaching SHS Dance Team, Selected to be on the nationally ranked U of O Dance Team as a freshman, OSAA All-State Member
Leeann Dittman (Reese)Selected to be on the nationally ranked U of O Dance Team
Rachael JohnsonSelected as a dancer on the "Aaron Carter" tour
Becca CrossDancer with Rochester City Ballet in New York
Emily DuerstOSAA All-State Member, OSAA Academic Scholarship Recipient
Tanya JohnstonOSAA Academic Scholarship Recipient
Kaite HallAccepted to American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AAMDA) in New York
Mirabai MillerBFA Degree from University of Minnesota Dance Dept, OSAA All-State Member, only dance scholarship recipient in all of the 5A and 6A schools in Oregon as a senior
Alanna HenryOSAA All-State Team Member, OSAA Academic Scholarship recipient
Rita Horter (Miller)Certified Booty Barre Instructor and ACE-Certified Personal Trainer
Ynez BradfordCertified Zumba instructor
Cortnie Snethen (Jessiman)Certified Zumba instructor
Group of young female dancers Teenage female dancer posing Group of young ballerinas Teenage ballerina posing

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