Dance Theatre of Orange

The team at DTO is fantastic. They care for each child as if one of their own, while always upholding the highest standard in technique, and maintaining a supportive culture for the whole school. Would give them ten stars if I could!

My daughter has been attending ‘Dance Theatre of Orange’ for almost 7 years - she started when she was 3. I cannot imagine a more supportive, encouraging or welcoming dance school. I remember ringing around dance schools before my daughter started, trying to find exactly the right environment for her quiet little soul. Upon speaking to Miss Marianne I knew I’d found it.Miss Marianne, Miss Isabella and all of the Dance Theatre staff are simply amazing. They truly care for their students and treat them as family. And in turn, they seem to attract like-minded individuals in the students and families who attend. There’s no competitiveness here. You won’t find any “dance mums”. The uniform is modest and age-appropriate, as are the dance routines. There is a fantastic concert put on in the first half of every year (perfect timing - it doesn’t clash with the end of year silly season) and you won’t have to hand over big dollars for expensive costumes. The students are the stars of the show here - not the costumes (although the costumes are always incredible)!Dance Theatre of Orange has been been truly SENSATIONAL during our many weeks of lockdown. Lessons have continued via Zoom and communication has always been prompt making sure families knew what was happening in, and with, the studio. Miss Marianne and Miss Isabella have also run additional sessions for their students (not dance - but fun and games) to promote connectedness and provide much longed-for social opportunities for the students. At no extra cost to families. That’s pretty special!It goes without saying, Miss Marianne and Miss Isabella (along with all the teachers) teach to a very high standard. The experience, the commitment and the dedication to students, is second to none. You will not find a more nurturing, safe or positive environment for your child to dance in!

Dance Theatre of Orange is an amazing and inclusive school. I’ve returned to ballet after a 30 year break and to find such incredible RAD teachers in regional NSW, who are willing not only to teach children, but also adults who have never lost their love of ballet is such a gift.Nurturing individuals in a non judgemental, non competitive environment where anyone who loves to dance is welcomed and valued. Highly recommended.

We were at 2 other ballet schools before we found the perfect fit for our girls at DTO. Marianne and Isabel create the perfect balance of maintaining very high standards and very welcoming and friendly atmosphere. I recommend it to everyone.

My daughter learned modern dance with DTO for 13 years until she left Orange to attend university interstate. From the lessons to the exams to the concert we thoroughly enjoyed our experience and have very fond memories of DTO. Now I am in an adult tap class and four years later it is the highlight of my week. Our experience of DTO is professional, caring and highly skilled teaching, where dancers learn so many skills along with dance.

Upon recently moving to Orange, we were after a ballet school for our daughter that was age appropriate, non-competitive and most importantly FUN! I looked into all the schools in Orange and found DTO to be the stand-out in terms of supporting these values, and our daughter LOVES it! She is in the kindy class which do ballet and tap in a 45 min class. They have a lovely group of kids in the class and we also love supporting a small and local family business.Thank you Marianne and Isabella for the beautiful environment you create for our daughter to dance!

Marianne and Isabella shape a wonderful creative space that our son has loved beyond our expectations. Their positivity, sensitivity and encouragement make all his lessons something to look forward to….and he loves the concert experiences too. We are very grateful for them providing this opportunity of being part of this lovely dance community.

Miss Marianne and Miss Isabella are fantastic teachers who who run a wonderful dance school. They go above and beyond for their students and always ensure the dancing is age appropriate and encouraging feedback is provided to help students achieve their full potential. Most of all they always want their students to have fun and have a love of dancing.

We feel so lucky to have been a part of this dance school since we arrived in Orange in 2008. Ms Marianne and Ms Isabella teach dance to the highest level, but more than that foster a love for dance, creativity, and personal development in their students. The whole school performances they produce are spectacular and the love of performing radiates from the students. Everyone has their chance to shine! Their ability, in response to Covid restrictions, to transform the school to an online platform in a way that still engages the students is remarkable. Has been wonderful to see my yr 12 daughter be happy, grounded and inspired by her dance friends and these two teachers in what could have been a very challenging HSC year. I would encourage every family to try DTO

Enrolling my daughter at DTO has been the best decision we could have made. The culture of celebrating what you can do with your body and empowering each other to feel confident and supported in all aspects of life, not just dancing, has allowed her to develop great self-confidence and amazing lifelong friends.Miss Marianne and Miss Isabella provide opportunities for all students to mentor younger dances through leadership roles within the school if they are interested and it is wonderful to see them flourish with these responsibilities.Excellent staff and a nurturing environment. Honoured to be a part of the school.