Conservatory of Ballet Aviv - Mandeville, Louisiana

Sophia Miazza

I’m deeply disappointed with Ballet Aviv, a place that was once like family to me. I danced there for 15 years, and I have been on the company/competition team since I was 10. As time went on, I became increasingly unhappy there and I would often breakdown after leaving the studio due to either how other students were treating me when I was younger, or more recently how I was being treated by my own coach. To my dismay, I was kicked out via email before the recital, supposedly due to rumors of bullying. I have never bullied anyone or spoken ill of the studio. The handling of this situation was incredibly unprofessional and immature. They never addressed any issues directly with me or my parents, and all attempts by my family to communicate—through calls, emails, and texts—were ignored. This lack of respect and poor communication has left me disheartened and disillusioned. Ballet Aviv was a significant part of my life, and the way they’ve treated me in the end is both hurtful and unprofessional.

Heather Zornes

My daughter has been a student at COBA and a part of company for 2 years. We have always been supportive and part of the community at the studio. But recent, we have seen elite dancers drop from company and transfer to other studios in our community due to the way the teachers treat their students. It is a negative environment. One where the student feels intimidated and unable to speak freely or get constructive feedback. They fear retaliation if they advocate for themselves. They are quick to scold the student and make her cry if one mistakenly slips on stage, I as a parent have witnessed this type of behavior at a Winter showcase last December. Now my daughter, one month prior to her recital, has been kicked out of the studio because they were made aware my daughter is transferring to another dance studio and decided to no longer be a member of company. Please know, we have years experience in the arts and my daughter has been in classical ballet class since age 3, and she is now 15. We have never seen such unprofessional behavior from a studio. These students are dollar signs to them and they do not care about these students. To dismiss my daughter one month prior to her recital after thousands of dollars paid and have no warning or discussion with her parents is unacceptable and unprofessional. But this speaks of their character and shows you they just wanted to hurt my daughter and retaliate because she has chosen a summer intensive elsewhere and chosen another studio in the community that will help her grow as a dancer and is a more positive environment where she feels seen and appreciated. Please be aware. My daughter is heart broken but I know this is for the best and she will be attending a studio where many Ballet Aviv dancers have left and are now thriving in. This is actually a blessing.

Robin Allison

Ballet Aviv has been a major part in our lives for the last 10 years. Christina and Katie have done so much for my daughter. They have been such positive role models for her. It has always been important to send her to a place that has strong convictions about the way the girls present themselves. They teach them that with modest costumes and tasteful dance moves.
I have witnessed them go out of their way to mentor and encourage my daughter, as well as the other students in a positive and loving manner. It is evident they not only care about the dancer they are becoming, but the person as well. I appreciate the way they continue to challenge and push my daughter without ever breaking her spirit. They are firm and expect their best, but it is communicated in a positive way. They pour everything into this school to make it the strongest and best dance school possible. I have never questioned in 10 years if this is the right dance school for my daughter. The northshore is very fortunate to have Ballet Aviv.

Hannah Holly

If you are looking for authentic Ballet instruction driven by curriculum that has been custom developed based on years of research and experience, this is your place! The teachers have always been very professional and class always takes in and let's out exactly on time, which is awesome. They don't cut corners when it comes to producing amazing performances (The Nutcracker and Spring Recital) and we've been very impressed. My daughter adores her teachers, and has made wonderful friendships with the other students in her classes and we look forward to many more years of quality instruction as she grows in her skills. We love Ballet Aviv and we are so happy we chose them over other dance schools in our area.

Frank Dioguardi

A Note from a Dad,
The Directors Katie and Christina Connell are recognized excellent choreographers, teachers and professional Dancers all over this World.  They bring not only their excellent teaching and professional skills, but a warmth and encouragement that inspires the students to be their best. Dance Training ages 3 on up you will see the development of your child, becoming a young man or woman, confident, with an inner maturity brought on by faith, love of dance and teamwork.

Ballet Aviv a growing Recognized School, The Dancers of Ballet Aviv have won awards held for young dancers.  The children love the experience of competition with other schools.  The parents of football players have nothing on the Moms and Dads watching their children compete against other Dance Schools.  Also, Watching your child perform on stage at Roussel Hall, Loyola University is a yearly thrill for all.

Watch your child proudly as they grow into an adult, strong both physically and emotionally.  No matter if they continue as a professional dancer or into any other field in life.  As the years go by, They will always remember the training, companionship and love of Dance they shared in these informative years, thru Ballet Aviv.

With Love and a Big Thank You, Ballet Aviv…..Frank J. Dioguardi

Mary Jane Eberly

I was so,impressed with the new presentation of The Nutcracker
And the beautiful costumes. To see the talent my granddaughter acquired in one semester at The Conservatory of Aviv after changing
Schools was amazing. I knew that the move to Aviv was the right move
And Chloe loves it..of course ,grandmothers like to brag. You all are wonderful.

Nolie Rountree

COBA has been part of our daughter’s journey for 5 years. During these years, COBA has inspired a strong, beautiful, passionate, happy spirit in our daughter.

Katie and Christina are highly qualified ABT teachers and have years of experience as both dancers and dance instructors. They share their love and appreciation for the art of dance with their students and their families in a positive atmosphere.

Our daughter looks up to all her dance teachers and does as they instruct. COBA dance teachers have been wonderful to our daughter. They not only teach her dance, but they also nurture her heart.

I trust COBA with our daughter. It’s hard to let go but I know in my heart that COBA is going to do the best they can to help our daughter reach her goals. I may not understand every decision or technique that each teacher uses, but I’m willing to accept that COBA teachers know what they are doing and I give them my confidence, trust and respect.
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From our experience, COBA makes decisions based upon what will be best for the studio at large and the majority of the students, I know that COBA is doing their best, no matter how impossible, to keep everyone happy.

I have also met wonderful parents who have whole heartily compromised, cooperated, and dedicated their time to help COBA especially during performances. I’m in awe of how we support and work with each other. They all have been very encouraging and wonderful with me and my daughter.

Every COBA performance I have seen has been jaw dropping. I get goose bumps and get so excited and find myself sitting at the edge of my seat. I’m very proud of all the dancers in COBA. They are really unbelievable. Their performances are like no other, That sophisticated level of performance can not be found in any other dance school in our area. I’m very proud and honored that our daughter attends COBA.

We are looking forward to the ABT National Training Program starting next week.
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Alyssa Huber

I have danced at the Conservatory of Ballet Aviv since the age of 9 in 2005 all the way up until July of 2015. Having danced at COBA for ten years, I can say I have loved my whole experience there. Honestly, the only reason I am not continuing to dance here is because I am moving away for college.

To begin, the dance training is absolutely superb. The artistic directors, Katie Connell and Christina Connell, teach students to reach beautiful perfection in technique and artistry. The dance training can be challenging, but they positively push dancers to be the best they can become. I have excelled in my accomplishments solely because of Ms. Katie and Ms. Christina's endearing commitment to my artistic training. They dedicate each of their lives to create exquisite dancers who will be able to position themselves for their future. Ms. Katie and Ms. Christina have comforted me through tough times in my dance career as well as my personal life. They developed a relationship with me that I will take on throughout life, and I know I am still able to trust them anytime in the future.

Not only is the dance training of the highest of levels, the atmosphere is very encouraging and inviting. I have made lifelong friends at the studio. All of the dancers help each other while enjoying the fun and excitement of dancing. Although the teachers are very serious when it comes to teaching, none of them are opposed to having some fun. I have had many memorable moments in the studio from laughing at something funny, while I still am able to continue perfecting my dancing abilities.

Classical ballet is the main teaching at COBA, however, other genres of dance are taught. Because of my high level of training in ballet, the other types of dance come easier and allow me focus on certain aspects of that genre instead of the technique. I have thoroughly enjoyed jazz, contemporary, musical theatre, hip hop, tumbling, and conditioning classed at the Conservatory of Ballet Aviv.

To conclude, I highly recommend the Conservatory of Ballet Aviv to dancers who want that professional environment with highly trained teachers, as well as an encouraging atmosphere from fellow dancers and dedicated directors. I am so blessed to have danced at COBA because of all the amazing experiences I will always remember and relationships I have formed. I am very thankful for all the invested time and hard work Ms. Katie and Ms. Christina give to the studio and each dancer. They really want everyone to succeed in the art of dance, while still allowing everyone to enjoy their time at COBA.

Thank you Ms. Katie and Ms. Christina for everything you both have done for me throughout my years at the Conservatory of Ballet Aviv.

Much Love,
Alyssa