Vonder Haar Center for the Performing Arts

Just saw the Christmas production from the studio. The teachers must be doing something right because my family goes to a studio by our house in the OC and these kids at Vonder haar are leaps and bounds better than any I have seen at their age.

I would not recommend this studio for any young children. They enforce rules as if students were second class citizens. «Discipline» is what they call it. Buns must not fall out, steps must be done right, knees must be bent, etc. — if not, you will be addressed «sternly» both in class and possibly after. These and many other rules apply from day one to everyone– including 6 year-​old 1^st grade children. If you are «too sensitive» for this type of «discipline» — they suggest you choose another studio. They are unfriendly, unkind and unrelenting. There is no emphasis on a love of dance, or nurturing an interest in ballet, or teaching a beginner. This place is like a military school for ballerinas. As a parent, I am all for discipline. But I don’t believe in breaking children down and making them feel like they are losers for not being able to plié perfectly during their first dance lesson. For my daughter, it was downright traumatic. I really hope her experience here didn’t completely ruin her interest in dance.

They don’t know how to handle business in a professional way. They enforce promptness for students, but it doesn’t apply to them. Instructor comes in late often.
I was disappointed with the way they treated me when I complained when the instructor didn’t show up and the children were left alone in the studio waiting. The owner covered part of the class, but when I complained she said it wasn’t her fault that the instructor didn’t show, and it also cut into her own time because she had to cover for her no-​show employee. My child will no longer go there.

Not a fan of the policies at this place. You have to call in ahead of time to confirm that you will attend class that day. What if I change my mind or something comes up? I like the freedom to either go or not. Also, if you purchase a series of classes and then have to miss one for an emergency or something, you cannot use that session another day. So you pay for a class even if you don’t take it! This makes me not want to commit to a whole series of classes. With all that said, the ballet instructor I had a while back was named Paul, and I had a great time in that class. Learned a lot. He would be my only reason to ever take a class there again.

(Attended 02÷23÷13 SA @ 7:15pm…and previous past shows): A local mom & pop organization that offered programs to children (and adults) the opportunity to explore their artistic side and allowed them to shine now and through life — I support this business!
My first experience with the Vonder Haar Center for the Performing Arts was when my nieces were taking various dance classes (e.g. ballet, jazz, tap), and I helped my sister out sometimes and brought them to or picked them up from class. They’ve since stopped taking classes as they got older and other interests took their attention away, but I remembered how good they felt about themselves learning new things, the camaraderie they built with the other students and instructors, and performing in shows. Because of that, I’ve continued to show my support for the various annual programs the studio puts on with its students throughout the year (i.e. February Arts Festival, Summer show, «Visions of Sugar Plum» Christmas show), even without children of my own (as of this review anyway).
I was running late yet found parking right in front of the studio like some Hollywood movie or TV show (seriously, just once I want to see the lead role of said movie or show park a block away and have the camera follow as he/​she walked to whatever destination!). With minutes to spare, I rushed in, handed my ticket ($ 15.00) to an «usher» and grabbed a back-​row center seat in their largest studio on the premises. The wing areas were blocked with black draping where the dancers eventually made their entrance/​exit throughout the evening. The MC was Logan Hutt, one of the owners and instructors of the studio. With her salutations and introductions, let’s get on with the show!
The show consisted of 19 performances that involved singing and dancing and girls that ranged in age from kindergarten to high school. This was the first time no boys were enrolled in the studio. There were several singing numbers led by a gifted songstress-​in-​the-​making by the name of Bianca Bulgarelli who’s equally skilled at dancing. Other highlights included solo dances by Ava Robles and Alexandra Wilson. I’ve watched all three of these young girls progress amazingly with their talent and only the best is yet to come. And of course, how can you not just say «aaahhh…» when the «little ones» came out on stage. Hell, they could’ve just sat Indian-​style and read a book, the adorable factor alone just won you over!
As for their service, I could only speak about how this and other programs I’ve attended in the past were and each one was run very professionally. The mother-​daughter-​son trio, as well as the various people who worked the front desk seemed to always be attentive.
Parking was a pain since the only dedicated lot was extremely limited in spots. However, in the evening hours when they’re closed, parking was available next door at the Firestone La Canada Tire Center. Otherwise, free parking was available along the facing street of Vineta Ave. or the main strip of Foothill Blvd. Or, park on the fringes of the lots of nearby McDonald’s and Trader Joe’s — both in walking distance.
Overall, I felt the Vonder Haar Center for the Performing Arts offered a wonderful crop of services to both young and old, female and male, to explore one’s aspirational performing side whether it be in dance or stress-​relieving classes like barre, Pilates and yoga… in addition to local entertainment of the talented youth in the surrounding Foothill communities. I personally haven’t taken any such classes here as I’ve solely been a supporter of the arts aspect. But for a more well-​rounded review, I hoped to attend a class of something one day. I found very good value based on the prices and service noted above (total experience was $ 15.00; no tip required). I honestly believed the years my nieces were in the studio’s program helped sculpt the incredible persons they are today and for years to come. The atmosphere/​décor was like any other dance/​performing arts studio I’ve encountered… individual spacious studios that housed different classes throughout the day. Otherwise, the waiting area reminded me of an old skool neighborhood clinic waiting room I went to when I was a kid, and the exterior was a cold non-​descript brink building, with the exception of the can’t-miss awning of the studio’s name. As a show attendee of the arts, the attire was business casual, so no t-​shirt, boardshorts, and flip-​flops for me. However, as a student, I understood there are more stringent dress codes. Although they accepted credit cards, not my credit card of choice… AMEX!

Edited to correct spelling. Also, update: After the poor treatment at Vonder Haar, we took the other reviewer’s advice and ran as fast as we could. The place in Montrose was fantastic. I would be very cautious. The people at Vonder Haar were not nice to my daughter.
This place goes by the name of Vonder Haar Center for the Performing Arts. We signed up our daughter so she could learn tap and ballet and have fun. We didn’t want any pressure for her, just a learning experience, confidence building and some fun. We found the owner has a very temperamental, often mean spirited personality. In her classes, if you were good, experienced and talented, she paid attention. Others were shunted off to the side, yelled at and were left with low self esteem. My daughter was left in that category. The owner’s daughter often substituted and she was exactly the same. They told my daughter to practice at home, which she did, a lot. Then, in class, they yelled at her accusing her of not practicing. When my daughter said that she did practice, they called her a liar. I was shocked. My daughter felt very low after such treatment. Don’t expect this to be kid friendly and nurturing. These people seem to be frustrated as maybe they want to direct Broadway productions in New York and somehow they’re stuck doing this. I sense that maybe they are frustrated and are unleashing their anger upon the kids and even the parents. We moved on to a dance school on Honolulu drive in Montrose, CA. This one is very kid friendly.

After doing so much running, hiking, and strength training the last few months and taking a 5 month hiatus from dance, I realized that I really needed to get back into my dance roots to stretch and lengthen those muscles.
Ellen C. introduced me to the adult ballet class here. It is taught by Jerry. He is a wonderful instructor with a great sense of humor. He is able to provide an informative and intense ballet class, but also make it light-​hearted at the same time. The only drawback from the class is that I wish there was more stretching done at the barre rather than on the floor, but nothing says I can’t just stretch at the barre next time!
This class is a great change from the intense and competitive advanced ballet classes that I have taken at other studios. This one is more laid back and allows me to work on some of the basic techniques that I didn’t have time to completely perfect at other more fast-​paced classes. Come take the Monday night ballet class here if you are beginner or an advanced dancer. The instructor is flexible in accommodating all skill levels and I think every dancer can get something useful out of this class.

I finally made it back here for my beginning adult ballet class tonight after being gone several months. This center use to be Ballet Petit many years ago.
They offer a variety of classes of ballet, jazz, tap, pilates, etc and with different class levels from child to adult and beginning to advanced. I have only done the adult ballet class offered Monday 8pm to 9:15pm. Believe me, I was out of breath and will definitely feel my achy legs tomorrow.
The staff is friendly and professional. The center is clean and fairly big with 3 large studios. The prices are decent with my class being $ 15, but cheaper if you buy a package.
The center is not exactly on Foothill, but in between Firestone Tires and McDonalds. Hey, you can make run to McDonalds afterwards to gain back the calories you lost. Please don’t.I was only kidding.

Horrendous. Simply horrendous. Used to be an outstanding ballet school but was taken over by an egomaniacal — I’m sorry, I have to agree with a previous reviewer — bitch. Other parents and I coudln’t get our daughters out of there fast enough. FYI: now goes the name Van der Haar School for the Performing Arts. Run, do not walk, to another ballet school. The quality of instruction has declined precipitously as has respect for the dancers. And I’m talking, basic human decency. They yell at kids, Tracy swears at rehearsals, her daughter who also teaches is just as bad. Such a shame. Honestlly, you don’t want your kids here. And she makes it miserable for parents too. She treated us like children. I’d bet whomever’s writing positive reviews is associated with the studio.

This place throws great productions for little ballerinas.
fond memories here and great recital photos. I haven’t been here in a long time, things may have changed. It’s great for little girls who want to start dance. probably one of the better ballet studios in the area. A variety of dance classes jazz, tap, ballet, etc

As an alumna of the Pasadena Civic Ballet Company, I have to give props to Ballet Petit, another ballet school in the area that many of other dancers trained at.
I went here once to use their studios in high school and the facility is very nice and as well as the staff. As for the quality of their teaching, I know a handful of their alums that have continued to dance through high school, college and some even as a career.
I think it is pretty much known that Ballet Petit and Pasadena Civic Ballet are two of the best ballet schools in the area, so if you have a little girl or boy (ballerinos rock!) wanting to be a «tiny dancer» definitely check both of these out and see which suits you best.
I think PCB is a much larger school than Ballet petit, especially with it’s new facility.