What people are saying about AHD

"I have been attending various children's dance recitals for over 30 years and have never been so impresed and so entertained as with Agoura Dance Center's June recital. The quality of the the instruction is mind blowing....and the pure entertainment value for all of the audience is unequaled. I take tap from Betsy Melber... she is such a kind, professional, caring teacher...as are all of the teachers at the studio. She works with all levels of expertise with patience and understanding and brings a rank amateur class to a very high level in record time. I am so happy to and often do recommend this studio above all others in the area. Many of the people that I speak to do bring their children here or bring themselves and they are always extremely pleased. My grandaughter and son also take at this studio and we all agree that we look forward to our class time all week long. You will be delighted if you decide to join this remarkable studio."

Showboat Youth Theatre

"At 3-years-old my mom happened to put me in a little tap class with Betsy Melber. She had no idea she was changing my life. 20 years later I would be cast on the Broadway tour of "42nd Street" and go on to be a professional dancer in New York City for 6 years and counting. Thanks to the exceptional technique I learned from Betsy, I am competing with and being cast alongside the best dancers in the country. I loved being one of Betsy's students, and love the life that studying with her is allowing me to lead. I am truly living my dream and will be forever grateful to Betsy for that!"

"Working with Betsy was so important in my early dance training. Her focus on technique as well as the performing aspect of dance helped me to become a well rounded dancer. Betsy's passion for tap dance is contagious. It is so encouraging to know she is passing on the knowledge of tap dance as music as well as dance. Thanks Betsy!"

"I have had the privilege of working with Betsy Melber for the past 7 years. In that time, she has brilliantly choreographed ALL the musicals at Malibu High School. What she has taught our musical theatre students is invaluable. I feel so fortunate to be able to collaborate with such a talented and warm person. Betsy is truly the best!!!

Everyone at Agoura Hills Dance Studio has been incredibly helpful and supportive. I look forward to many more wonderful years of working/dancing together."

"I think my 11-year association with Agoura Hills Dance speaks volumes for how I feel about Betsy Melber's studio and her dedication toward her students. Her ability to teach technique, her passion, and the success of her students were the reasons a well-respected Dance Master directed me to enroll my child in her class.

Over the years, I have realized that dance cannot be found in a pose or a leap, no matter how gracefully performed. A beautiful dancer only emerges when mind, body, and spirit are encouraged to grow. Agoura Hills Dance and Performing Arts studio recognizes that promoting self-esteem, as well as technique, is essential to creating a dancer.

I believe my children's years of studying dance stimulated not only their creativity and imagination, but also their critical and analytical awareness. Although my children are now adults and my days of sitting in a dance studio are past, I still enjoy being around Betsy's studio to see the joy and discovery of her students. Thanks for providing such a wonderful experience for my children."

"I've wanted to be a tap dancer ever since I saw a Shirley Temple movie. Unfortunately I am dyslexic and could never return the information. I had learned, that is, until I met Betsy Melber. She is one of three rare and gifted teachers who finds the doorway to communicate your special way of learning. She awakens a confidence in you that stimulates your own ability, not only, to digest what you have learned but to be creative on your own. If you're looking for the treasure at the end of the rainbow, all you have to do is go to the Agoura Dance school and ask for 'Betsy'."

"The artistic vision and contribution Betsy has given Ventura County over the years has had a exponential effect that will last generations to come! Her passion for dance and choreography is so contagious that you cannot help but be swept up by her and her expert staff's enthusiasm. I love how she supports the artistic journey and inspires others to believe in their talent regardless of age. Betsy and her staff are doing a remarkable effort to keep dance and art alive in Ventura County! Thank you Agoura Hills Dance & Performing Arts Center!"

"We've worked at AHDC since it's opening and have to say that owner/director Betsy Melber is one of the nicest, most accommodating employers we've ever had. It's quite apparent she desires to have a first rate dance academy offering classes for all ages in all areas of dance. It is our extreme pleasure to be associated with her and with the academy."

"I love Agoura Hills Dance! It holds a very special place in my heart. I met the owner Betsy Melber when I was in high school. With her guidance over the years, I have greatly expanded my knowledge of dance (especially tap) and my technique has improved tremendously. She always makes dance fun and exciting. The studio has a warm and friendly atmosphere. I am now taking several classes there and I am constantly learning. I get individual feedback from the instructors, which is important to me. The teachers definitely emphasize the importance of having a strong technical foundation, but they also provide a joyful and pleasant atmosphere in which students can learn the art of dance. I am pleased to be associated with this studio. By getting to know Betsy and everyone else here at the studio, I have grown both as a person and as a dancer and I am having the best time ever!"

"Discovering Agoura Hills Dance and Performing Arts Center opened up a whole new world for me. Initially, I came to the studio looking for a tap class. Being an professional singer/dancer, I was looking for something on that level and found the perfect class. My daughter also got involved in the tap dancing program for several years and had a blast. You can’t imagine how much fun it is to dance in a recital with your daughter. I thoroughly enjoy being a part of the professional caliber show that Betsy Melber puts on each year.

The school provides a wide selection of Adult Tap and Adult Jazz classes which I enjoy taking. When I got heavily involved in fund raising for charity, I was looking for a less intense dance experience, because of my involvement. I again found the right class for that season of my life.

Betsy Melber and her studio support a variety of different charities. Not only that, Betsy conscientiously mentors young talent and teachers of all ages. I had the opportunity of teaching Yoga/Pilates at the studio when I was starting out as a teacher. It was a great experience that Betsy graciously provided. Agoura Hills Dance and Performing Arts Center is a wonderful asset to our community."

"I admire my tap teacher Mrs. Betsy because she lets many people believe that no matter what age they are, they can dance..."

"I will never forget the time it was my first day with her and she said that she had taught my mom to dance when she was little. Mrs. Betsy had helped me throughout the dance year. If I got one step wrong she would help me fix it."

"I wish that one day I could be like her, wonderful and amazing, I would also like to follow in her footsteps and inspire people to dance when I am older."

"Betsy Melber touches the lives of all who enter Agoura Hills Dance. I am 78 year young and she guides us through dances with grace and style. She is a very talented teacher.

Betsy is an accomplished choreographer. Before we know it, we are tapping to great music and having the time of our lives as she teaches her dance moves. She knows how important dance is for your body and your mind, and she always makes dance a fun experience. All her students can't wait until her next class.

Betsy has been responsible for many dance recitals and dances where her young students can show off their new found talents and the older ones can prove that they still can dance!

It is a great gift to be able to teach. Betsy has this special gift and we have benefited because of her. It is amazing how someone can make such a huge difference in your life. Betsy has in mine."

"When I met Betsy I'd already been dancing for 10 years, 6 of them professionally. Of all the dance instructors I've had the good fortune of learning from, Betsy taught me excellent tap technique in the least amount of time. With Betsy's concise & easily understood directions, I very quickly "got" steps I hadn't been able to master in years past!"

"My daughters, Megan and Melissa have been dancing with Betsy for 21 and 14 years respectively. They both started dancing at 3 years old. This is a studio that puts the students best interest first, from tots they develop a love of dance through creativity and imagination and later through the learning of discipline required for dance. It is not only the excellent instruction, but the genuine caring interest in all of the students that makes this dance experience so wonderful! The students gain not only technical skill but the self-assurance, grace and confidence to grow into lovely young adults. It truly prepares them for life! Thank You Betsy for being such a wonderful mentor in both dance and life!!!"

"My daughter has been taking classes at Agoura Hills Dance for a year now and I could not be more pleased. One of the things that impressed me the most was the friendliness of the staff and teachers. I always feel like they care about my daughter and are so pleasant, making it such a positive atmosphere in the studio. My daughter is so inspired to be a great dancer after working with her teachers too! She dances at home practicing what she's learned and can't get enough. It definitely makes my heart happy to see that our time at Agoura Hills Dance is well spent!"