★ 5

My daughter has been studying at The Dancer Project Conservatory for 2.5 years and my only regret is that we didn’t discover Ms. Jen and her studio sooner! My daughter (now 13) has absolutely blossomed as a dancer. Jen and her instructors are thoughtful, kind, and professional. My daughter is pushed to excel but always in a supportive manner. This is not just a job for Jen - it’s a calling. Her love for dance is infectious and is reflected in her students. My daughter loves being able to perform in the studio’s yearly Nutcracker and spring ballet and participate in community events, too. Whether you’re looking for a once-a-week class (for children or adults) or a pre-professional program, I can’t recommend The Dancer Project more. Please come check the studio out - you won’t be disappointed!

Source: Google

★ 5

We are current students at TDP. My daughter has been studying here for 3 years and is thrilled with the opportunity to learn rigorous classical ballet technique and perform onstage with fellow students and professional dancers. I myself am a retired professional dancer and have loved taking drop-in technique classes as well. Mrs Jen is a fantastic teacher and cares deeply for her students. The studio has also done an amazing job keeping kiddos safe during these Covid times with firm distancing protocols, stringent cleaning practices and Zoom options as well. I’ve studied at many studios over the course of my life and feel very lucky to be a part of TDP family.

Source: Google

★ 5

I danced at The Dancer Project Conservatory for about 6 years and I have gotten to experience so many fulfilling moments there with close friends and amazing teachers. Mrs.Jen started my relationship with dance and I couldn't be more grateful to know this art form. She is a wonderful instructor who cares so much about the well being of each student and has made a creative, close-knit, and fun dance environment. This is the first place I would recommend anyone to start or continue dance!

Source: Google

★ 5

Dancer Project is my daughter's home away from home. It's a place where she has community and support, where she gets challenged in a healthy and constructive way to be her best. She has had opportunities at Dancer Project that we never imagined and is doing things at 12 that we did not think would be possible until she was older. She also has the opportunity to help teach younger dancers which she dearly loves to do.

Source: Google

★ 5

We have loved TDP! Jen is a wonderful creative artist and instructor who fosters positivity, kindness, and self-love, producing beautifully confident dancers. The performance opportunities here are unmatched anywhere else in Nashville. Jen sees far beyond each dancer’s abilities to their true potential. If you’re looking for a caring community with a family-like environment that has top-notch instruction and opportunities this is the place!

Source: Google

★ 5

The dancer project has become a second home for me this year! I started taking drop in classes over a year ago but participated in the adult collaborator program this past spring. I grew up in a studio that allowed adults to participate with the youth and never knew if I would find a similar place to dance when I got older. I’m very grateful for a studio that makes an effort to provide dance to all regardless of age or experience (or anything!). The dancer project is a safe place for so many while also providing excellent ballet training.

Source: Google

★ 5

A wonderful home for our dancer. Ms Jen has created a beautiful community by nurturing dancers and building their kindness and compassion as much as their strength and skill.

Source: Google

★ 5

“Dancing there has always made me feel like I’m part of a big family. Every part I get in performances is fun in its own way, even if it’s small. Worth the drive!” - Josephine, age 10

We love the Dancer Project so much and are so grateful to Jen for creating such a wonderful community for our children. - Josephine’s mom

Source: Google

★ 5

The Dancer Project is excellent. The positive impact it’s had on my child will be with her forever. High and exacting standards backed with a real caring and supportive atmosphere. The best!

Source: Google

★ 5

Absolutely LOVE The Dancer Project. Such a bright light in the dance community.

Source: Google

★ 5

Hands down the best studio in the Nashville area for adult ballet classes and performance opportunities. WONDERFUL instructors, a great group of kids + a family atmosphere. Highly recommend!!!!!!!!!

Source: Google

★ 5

My daughter has been dancing with the Dancer Project for six years. During that time I’ve seen her grow so much—both in terms of ballet skills and in confidence. She absolutely loves ballet and loves the beautiful community Jen and the other teachers have so intentionally cultivated at the Dancer Project. As a parent, I worried about my daughter going into ballet for fear she would experience pressure to have a certain body type but that is absolutely not the case at TDP. All bodies and all individuals are celebrated and welcomed. The teachers provide excellent instruction and strike a good balance between hard work and having fun. There are many performance opportunities as well.

Source: Google

★ 5

The Dancer Project Conservatory has been a blessing for my daughter and myself. From the time that she started, everyone was very welcoming and accepting and the Instructors were very kind and helpful with corrections for her. This has allowed her to advance to the next level within a very short time. The friendships that she is forming have been amazing and the director Mrs. Jennifer and her staff have been overwhelmingly amazing. We had started at a different dance studio when we came to Nashville, but they did not see my daughter’s potential and work ethic. We are so blessed that we found the Dancer Project Conservatory because they have nurtured her natural talent and work ethic the most and have been the most welcoming from any other place we have been. Even though this is a smaller studio, Mrs. Jennifer creates amazing full length professional performances for the dancers to be part of that are truly a joy to experience! Do not hesitate to have your child start dancing here!

Source: Google

★ 5

I am a Nashville based dance photographer with more than 30 years of experience and can easily testify to the incredible level of teaching and performance provided by the Dancer Project Conservatory. I met and worked with Ms. Jen when she first arrived in town and established a professional relationship that has continued to grow over these many years. With a healthy mix of education and stage / live performance, Jen offers training unlike most dance studios in just about any of our surrounding area.

Quality and aesthetics like The Dancer Project Conservatory are becoming rare and hard to find in this time where competition dance and doing whatever it takes to bring in "numbers" is the order of the day.

Martin O'Connor
Martin O'Connor Dance and Fine Art Photography

Source: Google

★ 5

I love The Dancer Project! Ms. Jen is so kind and understanding and the training every dancer gets is remarkable. I’ve made so many friends and the studio feels like my second home and family!

Source: Google

★ 5

Our daughter has been attending Dancer Project since she was 5. She’s loved every class and every performance. Jen has a magical way of making hard work fun, encouraging self motivation and making sure the students are improving without burnout. Our daughter says the studio is her special place, where all other thoughts of school, friends and everything else just melts away and she can just be. The benefits outside of the studio are obvious. She understands practice, hard work, dedication, try and fail and try again, beginner mindset. Her focus in school is better. Her self esteem is palpable. I can’t recommend Dancer Project enough for ballet, but also a supportive and active community of friends and fellow ballerinas.

Source: Google

★ 5

An inviting and inclusive space for dancers of all ages to find a home!

The amount of care + detail that goes into the training for dancers of all ages is next level. Youth dancers are nurtured and encouraged to find self expression in addition to building technique.

Source: Google

★ 5

I’m an adult dancer with school. Wonderful opportunity to perform and grow your artistry. I have not found a studio that invests in their adult dances the way Jen does. So grateful to have found it and would recommend to anyone wanting to further being a dancer :)

Source: Google

★ 1

Source: Google

★ 5

I have lived in Nashville for 4 years now, having come from London, UK. I have been searching for dance classes for my daughter and son since then and tried many over the 4 years. I could never find quite the right fit. What I was looking for seemed impossible - a place that fosters and nurtures a child's love of dancing without being overly strict, a place where parents can choose to watch if they want but no pressure either way (I've been to dance schools where they literally put cardboard up in the door so you couldn't see in ), a place that is affordable, a class that leads to a recital at the end to give the kids purpose and direction, a room that is conducive to dance without being intimidating to newbies, teachers who seem to enjoy what they are doing and are genuinely inclusive. I am over the moon to be able to say I found it! It is the Dancer Project! My 4 yo son attended his first class recently and he was welcomed with open arms. The class was driven without being demanding and the teacher Miss Sarah was absolutely wonderful with the children. Of course with a class of 3 and 4 year olds you can get the odd moment where a child leaves the class to seek a parent's comfort and this did not disrupt the class at all and no child was chastised for doing this. The other parents were so lovely and welcoming too which I think is a reflection of the school and the staff. The Dancer Project reminded me very much of my own dance experience as a child and that warmed my heart. I am so, so glad I found this place and I'm hopeful in time that, after some not so great experiences at other schools, my older child will give dance another go now that we have found a home. If you are looking for a dance school that is super professional yet unpretentious and will welcome your child with open arms, this is it!

Source: Google

★ 5

My daughter took ballet classes at The Dancer Project and had a great experience! I was very impressed with Jennifer and the other teachers. Great teaching resulted in a great show at the end of the semesters involving all classes. My daughter was always excited to go to class and was eager to show what she learned each week.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

We LOVE this dance school!

Source: Google

★ 5

Our daughter has danced with several different ballet schools over the last 7 years, and her experience here at The Dancer Project Conservatory has been her (and our) favorite. She loves the challenge and training in the correct technique. She comes home energized because it is equal parts challenging and FUN. Ms. Drake has such a great way of engaging with the students and you can tell she cares very much for their holistic development. Would highly, highly recommend and feel lucky to have this place in our community!

Source: Google

★ 5

It is very rare to find a place where one gets great dance instruction, alongside a nurturing environment, and a great sense of community. The teacher/owner (Jennifer Drake) exudes so much love for all her students. She goes above and beyond to get to know each student. She also choreographs a whole ballet every semester, and includes every one, which I think is amazing!
My daughter bounced around different dance studios, until finally finding the Dancer Project. Ms. Jen instilled the love of dance in her. She has looked forward to every class for the last 4 years. This studio is truly a gem in the neighborhood, and in Nashville.

Source: Google

★ 5

My daughter has been dancing ballet with the Dancer Project for over 3 years now. My daughter has developed a deep love for dance since she started. Ms Jen is a great teacher and she is incredibly inclusive and supportive. It's been a pleasure watching my daughter and her fellow dancers develop throughout the years, and to be part of the Dancer Project community.

Source: Google

★ 5

I’ve been taking ballet with Jen at the Dancer Project since 2017. I was one of TDP’s first adult community students, and it’s been a joy to participate in the growth of this very special community of artists. With Jen’s guidance and encouragement, I’ve grown from a hesitant beginner to performing on stage en pointe. I started dance in my 40s, and TDP has given me opportunities I never dreamed I'd have. Everyone is welcomed and celebrated at TDP. I'm so grateful for this place and I cherish my time in class with Jen and my fellow dancers. The Dancer Project is joyful, inclusive, and a safe space for everyone. I plan to make it my dance home for many years!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Mrs Jen is amazing! I have been dancing there for 4 years now and never looked back. This is where I have taken little milestones such as wearing my first tutu to big milestones such as my first time en pointe! Everyone truly is a family here and no matter your strengths or weaknesses you are loved. Despite all the fun we have it is also a very professional dance environment all the way from the classes to the costumes. Everyone has bad days and that doesn’t exclude anyone here. But the best part is no matter the struggle we dance and love each other through it.

Source: Google

★ 5

I've been dancing here for almost 3 years, and I've loved every single moment i've spent in the dance studio with Ms. Jen. She has not once said something mean, hurtful, or anything of the sort to any of the dancers here in all the 3 years i've been here. She is kind and supportive, and teaches kids that it doesn't matter what you look like, or who you are, you can do whatever you set out to do. I remember coming in on the first day and telling her that my dream role was to be Marie in the nutcracker, and here i am today fulfilling that dream less than 3 years later. I was 10 years old then. Now i'm 13, and I am so happy that i made the decision to come to TDP. You don't need a large studio to have the full experience, you just need a loving and supportive environment who wants you to succeed. And that's what you will get at the Dancer Project. I almost quit dance before coming here, because of the toxic environment at my past dance studio. But now, looking back, I see how much i've improved since then and, overall, how much happier i am now. That decision i made to come and try out a class back at the beginning of 2019 was the best decision of my life. So, if you're looking into trying out dance, but you're wondering what environment would be the best for you, I would suggest coming and trying a class at TDP!

Source: Google

★ 5

I had a great time dancing here. The teachers were always very kind and made me feel very accepted. Although it was very fun, we also learned a lot and our skills improved. The environment is very friendly and inviting!

Source: Google

★ 5

I honestly can’t say enough amazing things about The Dancer Project. Discovering this studio has been life-changing for our family. My daughter spent most of her childhood years training at the largest ballet school in Nashville, yet her desire to continue training with them decreased over time. She didn’t feel a connection there. She ultimately decided she can’t go back in 2019 but that’s when we found TDP and everything changed! My daughter fell in love with dancing again, because Ms Jen treats and cares for every student like they are part of her family. This was a new experience for my daughter and she was hooked! She loves it! My heart melted just last week when she told me that she missed dancing during Fall Break. It was only 4 days off! She is so happy there, and it really shows when she dances. It has been such a joy getting to watch all of Ms Jen’s students perform over the past 2 years. They all shine! Even through Covid challenges and Zoom meetings. Ms Jen is an incredible teacher, always going the extra mile. We are very blessed to be part of TDP!

Source: Google

★ 5

I started taking classes at The Dancer Project in 2019. Both professional and welcoming, it is a blessing to the dance scene in Nashville. I am happy to have found classes that challenge me and offer me an opportunity to grow as an artist , that are also fun. Wether you have loved dance from an early age and want to strengthen your skills or have never danced before and want to start exploring the world of dance , this is the place !!! 😄

Source: Google

★ 5

My daughter has been dancing with Jen at TDPC for over 2 years & she absolutely loves it! She has learned and grown so much at this studio- but more importantly she always leaves with a smile on her face & can’t wait to go back for her next class. She wants to be there whenever the doors are open. Jen is so gifted at building a dancer’s skill set, while also making their experience so much fun. It’s truly a home away from home for my kiddo, and knowing that is a gift to me as a parent!

Source: Google

★ 5

My daughter has danced at a few different places in a couple of cities and hands-down, TDPC has been the best by a mile. Jen has built a studio which meshes a warm, nurturing environment with the highest quality of instruction. Every dancer is respected, included and cared about. Everyone has the opportunity, through hard work and dedication, to move up and to learn throughout the year. Jen individualizes lessons when necessary and is so giving with her time and talents, not to mention there are laughs frequently in the dance studio. And if you are reading this review, and have experienced dancing in other studios around, you know that is a special and unique sound not often heard. If you want a studio where you or your child feel like you are important, cared about, and helped to be your very best, TDPC is THE PLACE for you.

Source: Google

★ 5

Best dance experience! Always felt welcomed in the studio, was always very lively and exciting. The classes are amazing, never felt out of place or behind, They always did there best to make everyone feel comfortable and welcomed no matter your level of dance experience. I loved it here!!!

Source: Google

★ 5

I believe that no other dance studio cares more about the well being of their students in the dance world or out of the dance world. Jen sees the potential in all her students, and knows how to bring the best out of them by creating a fun, safe, hardworking environment.

Source: Google

★ 1

Not a great place. The owner takes advantage of her dancers, claiming that they can perform a lot and it’s a good environment, but all it is is dancer exploitation with little to no reward. She lures you in with “we’re great people! Look at how nice we are!” And then ends up dancing every lead role and telling you you can’t make it anywhere else. It looks like most of these reviews are from people who no longer dance there, so there’s no telling how their experiences were.
I personally do not recommend. Super shady place.

Source: Google

★ 5

Jen is amazing both in her expertise and instruction and in the way she loves her dancers. At the Dancer Project my daughter has grown immensely in her art and made incredible friends. I can’t recommend them enough!

Source: Google

★ 5

So glad to have found a home for my dance pursuits in Nashville. An environment of growth, strength and community set this studio apart. I would highly recommend TDP to anyone interested in making dance a part of their life, whether seasoned or novice. Jen does an incredible job of pushing her students and getting results while keeping a compassionate atmosphere. Love it here.

Source: Google

★ 5

I'm so happy The Dancer Project exists! I majored in dance in college but have moved around a lot and missed taking class consistently. Now living in Nashville, taking class regularly from Jen, I feel like a real dancer again! She is an amazing teacher and gives personal feedback to each student in class. Not to mention $10 drop-ins are so great! Cheaper than Nashville Ballet community classes and providing more personal attention to each student.

I also love the idea that dance is for everyone, regardless of age, body type, experience, etc. It's a great place to come, as you are, and have the chance to grow and express yourself through the art of dance! It's also a cool venue to come watch a dance performance by the company dancers!

Source: Google

★ 5

Since joining The Dancer Project my personal technique and understanding of ballet has increased immensely. Jen's ability to explain the muscular and skeletal how to's has further deepened my understanding of classical technique. In addition to solid training, the welcoming environment and positive community makes for an all around wonderful experience.

Source: Google