Our STUDIO
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| Our History : Our Mission |
Betty's School of Dance is a tradition in Statesville, North Carolina. The studio opened its doors in 1945, as Betty Parlier
began her sixty year career in dance education. She created a studio that educated a community in ballet, tap, jazz, and
acrobatics. In 2005, Miss Betty decided to retire and pass her legacy on to her former student Natasha Smyth Marko.
Natasha had taken classes from Betty since the age of 4 and taught and choreographed for her for 9 years before taking
over the studio. Natasha credits much of her training and her passion for dance to Betty. Her dance training also includes
courses from Meredith College, UNC-Charlotte, Broadway Dance Center, numerous conventions, and teaching certification
from Dance Masters of America out of the State University of NY at Buffalo.
Under new ownership, Betty's School of Dance holds fast to the values that have always been associated with this studio.
Students receive a strong technical education in all classes including both movement and language. Students may now
take classes in ballet, Pointe, tap, lyrical, jazz, modern, acrobatics, adult aerobic jazz, adult belly dancing, adult ballet and
stretch. With the technical skills taught at this studio, students have the tools to excel in any dance situation: from the
challenging and original choreography of our own classes to the fast-paced environment of auditions, conventions, and
higher education.
While performance is an important part of dance education at Betty's School of Dance, we do not participate in National
Dance Competitions. Our students find enriching performance opportunities through studio recitals, studio company
performances, and charity and community events. Students are taught to compete with themselves and bond with their
peers through challenging classes, studio performances, and national conventions.
Dance is an art through which students have an opportunity to positively express their ideas and emotions. We strive to
make this type of education available to everyone. Costuming is kept as affordable as possible for both performance and
class. There will also be fund raising options for the 2008-2009 season to help students cover the cost of their costuming.
We strongly believe dancers should be defined by their passion and ability, not by their sequins!
We are accepting new students! We are confident that our supportive classroom environment will help students of any age
or level adjust easily. Please contact us for any information about our studio. We hope to hear from you!
began her sixty year career in dance education. She created a studio that educated a community in ballet, tap, jazz, and
acrobatics. In 2005, Miss Betty decided to retire and pass her legacy on to her former student Natasha Smyth Marko.
Natasha had taken classes from Betty since the age of 4 and taught and choreographed for her for 9 years before taking
over the studio. Natasha credits much of her training and her passion for dance to Betty. Her dance training also includes
courses from Meredith College, UNC-Charlotte, Broadway Dance Center, numerous conventions, and teaching certification
from Dance Masters of America out of the State University of NY at Buffalo.
Under new ownership, Betty's School of Dance holds fast to the values that have always been associated with this studio.
Students receive a strong technical education in all classes including both movement and language. Students may now
take classes in ballet, Pointe, tap, lyrical, jazz, modern, acrobatics, adult aerobic jazz, adult belly dancing, adult ballet and
stretch. With the technical skills taught at this studio, students have the tools to excel in any dance situation: from the
challenging and original choreography of our own classes to the fast-paced environment of auditions, conventions, and
higher education.
While performance is an important part of dance education at Betty's School of Dance, we do not participate in National
Dance Competitions. Our students find enriching performance opportunities through studio recitals, studio company
performances, and charity and community events. Students are taught to compete with themselves and bond with their
peers through challenging classes, studio performances, and national conventions.
Dance is an art through which students have an opportunity to positively express their ideas and emotions. We strive to
make this type of education available to everyone. Costuming is kept as affordable as possible for both performance and
class. There will also be fund raising options for the 2008-2009 season to help students cover the cost of their costuming.
We strongly believe dancers should be defined by their passion and ability, not by their sequins!
We are accepting new students! We are confident that our supportive classroom environment will help students of any age
or level adjust easily. Please contact us for any information about our studio. We hope to hear from you!
