Referrals & Quotes
"[Boston Ballet] recognize[s] that many of our students in the upper levels are coming from long distances and struggling to keep up with their school work. Our hope is that the Performing Arts Academy will relieve some of this stress and improve the quality of life and overall experience of our students and their families while training with us."
-- Elizabeth Benjes
Managing Director of the Boston Ballet Center for Dance Education
To read the complete letter from Ms. Benjes, please click here.
Parent Testimonials
"When your child and you decide that ballet has become their career goal or college major, one of the big company schools is one of the places many would like to complete their studies. Many obstacles sometime make this impossible to achieve, one of them is where is my child going to live? We decided upon the summer course at Boston Ballet School and hoped it would be a good fit for our daughter for the year round program. Our worries about where she would live were put to rest since we knew that GPAA was all set to offer housing and academic support starting that fall.
We all have been comforted to know she is in a safe, nurturing environment that feels like home. While most of the young adults are independent, there are plenty of times that they do need assistance. Doctor appointments, homework, or just an ear to listen to their woes, the staff is always there. The homelike set up is inviting and each has made their room reflect their individual style. The meals are family style and nourishing for a dancer.
GPAA has fulfilled a crucial part of training a dancer, a safe and supportive home."
-- Janet Axene
New Albany, Ohio
"As the parent to a first year trainee student, I was hesitant to send her off into a major city. But after meeting the staff at Grace Performing Arts Academy, I felt like she would be in good hands. Initially it was a hard adjustment to come from a small town with family support to a big city and independence. The staff at the academy made sure to help her with these adjustments and provide a safe environment while she attempted this transition. They stayed in great communication with us and helped provide the guidance needed. As a family, we are grateful that she had this opportunity to safely navigate her first real year away from home."
-- Shelley George
Newville, Pennsylvania
"Grace Performing Arts Academy provided our daughter a safe, caring atmosphere during her year at the Boston Ballet. Being an international student, she met a variety of people and quickly formed strong friendships with some. The residence was a good place for a student transitioning from home. With meals being provided and laundry facilities close by she was able to focus on dance and the committment that it involves. The various weekend activities provided by the Academy also gave students a better understanding of Boston and what it has to offer. Susan St. John and the other R.A.s were always helpful, informed and communicative. Most importantly, the residence offered a wonderful space for the dedicated ballet student who wanted to focus on dance yet, still have the help and comforts of home."
-- Cindy Bertram
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
"Moving away from home at an early age to continue good training is a common thing in the ballet world. Grace Performing Arts Academy has proven to be a transitional 'home away from home' for our son, Dustin. The staff is friendly and supportive and Dustin has made friends with other residents that, I'm sure, will last a lifetime. We, as parents, are thankful to GPAA for providing this opportunity."
--Steve and Gwen Layton
Mize, Mississippi
"When considering whether to send my daughter to the other side of the planet to study ballet, my first concerns were for her safety and security. The GPAA residence has provided both and become 'home away from home.' When there have been the inevitable 'teenage blues' Susan and her staff have dealt with the issues with sensitivity, fairness and tact. When my daughter has been ill or injured they have been there to assist and watch over her.
As a parent from another culture, I especially appreciate the open meetings with the students - where issues ranging from sleeping arrangements, diet, curfew, travel and more can be discussed, negotiated, and resolved. It takes a while to adapt.
More than anything else, I have appreciated the communication with me. Prompt, always courteous and readily available by phone or email, I have been kept informed. For that I readily thank Susan and her staff."
--Brian Deagon
Queensland, Australia
Student Quotes
"GPAA has been good for meeting international students. It has been a good place to transition from living at home to living in a different place. Also it’s nice to come home to a group of people."
-- Allie
"I think GPAA is a really good program for young adults who are not ready to move into their own apartment yet and are looking for a safe environment to live in."
--Daniel
"I feel GPAA is a good transition for one coming from home. Having a house filled with people is enjoyable and you make wonderful friends."
--Dustin
"[Boston Ballet] recognize[s] that many of our students in the upper levels are coming from long distances and struggling to keep up with their school work. Our hope is that the Performing Arts Academy will relieve some of this stress and improve the quality of life and overall experience of our students and their families while training with us."
-- Elizabeth Benjes
Managing Director of the Boston Ballet Center for Dance Education
To read the complete letter from Ms. Benjes, please click here.
Parent Testimonials
"When your child and you decide that ballet has become their career goal or college major, one of the big company schools is one of the places many would like to complete their studies. Many obstacles sometime make this impossible to achieve, one of them is where is my child going to live? We decided upon the summer course at Boston Ballet School and hoped it would be a good fit for our daughter for the year round program. Our worries about where she would live were put to rest since we knew that GPAA was all set to offer housing and academic support starting that fall.
We all have been comforted to know she is in a safe, nurturing environment that feels like home. While most of the young adults are independent, there are plenty of times that they do need assistance. Doctor appointments, homework, or just an ear to listen to their woes, the staff is always there. The homelike set up is inviting and each has made their room reflect their individual style. The meals are family style and nourishing for a dancer.
GPAA has fulfilled a crucial part of training a dancer, a safe and supportive home."
-- Janet Axene
New Albany, Ohio
"As the parent to a first year trainee student, I was hesitant to send her off into a major city. But after meeting the staff at Grace Performing Arts Academy, I felt like she would be in good hands. Initially it was a hard adjustment to come from a small town with family support to a big city and independence. The staff at the academy made sure to help her with these adjustments and provide a safe environment while she attempted this transition. They stayed in great communication with us and helped provide the guidance needed. As a family, we are grateful that she had this opportunity to safely navigate her first real year away from home."
-- Shelley George
Newville, Pennsylvania
"Grace Performing Arts Academy provided our daughter a safe, caring atmosphere during her year at the Boston Ballet. Being an international student, she met a variety of people and quickly formed strong friendships with some. The residence was a good place for a student transitioning from home. With meals being provided and laundry facilities close by she was able to focus on dance and the committment that it involves. The various weekend activities provided by the Academy also gave students a better understanding of Boston and what it has to offer. Susan St. John and the other R.A.s were always helpful, informed and communicative. Most importantly, the residence offered a wonderful space for the dedicated ballet student who wanted to focus on dance yet, still have the help and comforts of home."
-- Cindy Bertram
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
"Moving away from home at an early age to continue good training is a common thing in the ballet world. Grace Performing Arts Academy has proven to be a transitional 'home away from home' for our son, Dustin. The staff is friendly and supportive and Dustin has made friends with other residents that, I'm sure, will last a lifetime. We, as parents, are thankful to GPAA for providing this opportunity."
--Steve and Gwen Layton
Mize, Mississippi
"When considering whether to send my daughter to the other side of the planet to study ballet, my first concerns were for her safety and security. The GPAA residence has provided both and become 'home away from home.' When there have been the inevitable 'teenage blues' Susan and her staff have dealt with the issues with sensitivity, fairness and tact. When my daughter has been ill or injured they have been there to assist and watch over her.
As a parent from another culture, I especially appreciate the open meetings with the students - where issues ranging from sleeping arrangements, diet, curfew, travel and more can be discussed, negotiated, and resolved. It takes a while to adapt.
More than anything else, I have appreciated the communication with me. Prompt, always courteous and readily available by phone or email, I have been kept informed. For that I readily thank Susan and her staff."
--Brian Deagon
Queensland, Australia
Student Quotes
"GPAA has been good for meeting international students. It has been a good place to transition from living at home to living in a different place. Also it’s nice to come home to a group of people."
-- Allie
"I think GPAA is a really good program for young adults who are not ready to move into their own apartment yet and are looking for a safe environment to live in."
--Daniel
"I feel GPAA is a good transition for one coming from home. Having a house filled with people is enjoyable and you make wonderful friends."
--Dustin
