Shan-Yee Poon Ballet School4515

I started as a student with Ms. Poon over 20 years ago before she even had an official "school" and was sharing space from another studio out in the outer sunset, and I followed her when she did open her school. I had had some dance training at more informal studios, but knew at the age of 12 that I wanted a more formal ballet education. I am so grateful to have found Ms.Poon. Even though I was starting as an older student without an "ideal" ballet body type, she was never critical. She is the type of teacher who tries to help correct the "flaws" of a student and emphasize the positive attributes. Within my first class, she had diagnosed me as having a type of "flatfoot" causing rolled in ankles, and subsequently spent years helping me strengthen my arch to become not only a good dancer, but to also not have foot and ankle injury and issues as an adult. To this day, I still occasionally "roll in" my ankles, but can still hear Ms. Poon in my head reminding me not to do so - now that's some long lasting education! I knew I was never going to be a professional dancer, but can only now, as an adult working professional with two young girls, really appreciate the effort and quality of of my ballet education with Ms. Poon.

It seems as if these days every other little girl wants to be a ballerina. Both my girls (ages 2 and 4) look forward to their respective weekly classes at Shan-Yee Poon ballet school. I found their teacher at this school to have a great background in both child development and ballet technique. My daughters have playfully familiarized themselves with a large number of famous ballets in Ms. Byrne's fun story dances, and they get to shape their minds and bodies using age appropriate exercises and movements. I keep finding myself amazed by the quality of the instruction. Ms. Byrne patiently helps my girls work on their fine and gross motor skills as well as their self-discipline, while still keeping the classes extremely joyful. The younger one's class uses parent participation, and we are always having so much fun! Ms. Byrne's gentle strength makes her a great role model, at a time when mass media present us with so many troubling ideas of what it is supposed to mean being a woman. Today's girls find themselves facing an ever-more confusing jungle of conflicting messages. I hope that the focus and self-esteem that my girls find in their ballet classes at Shan-Yee Poon ballet school will help them better navigate growing up in this crazy world. They also do find great inspiration in watching the older dancers at the school, sneaking a peek at pointe class (or when enjoying the school's own Nutcracker performance or the last summer camp's delightful Coppelia interpretation). My older one is convinced she'll be a ballet teacher when she grows up. Time will tell if she sticks with dance, but, even if not, I consider Shan-Yee Poon ballet school a vital part of my support system as a parent and credit the school with helping me raise two girls with strong, healthy bodies, creative minds, and responsible, caring spirits.

As the mother of four girls, I thoroughly researched San Francisco dance schools. I chose to send my girls to the Shan-Yee Poon Ballet School and couldn't be happier with my decision. I like that the school offers classes from toddlers though adults in a variety of dance styles, and that the school is inclusive of all who want to dance. My girls absolutely love their ballet classes and all the teachers they have had (Ms. Byrne, Ms. Carvajal, and Ms. Poon). They all started with Ms. Byrne when they were three years old and they adore her. Ms. Byrne is a wonderful teacher who is very energetic, patient, caring, and encouraging. Since we began classes over four years ago, we have found that Ms. Byrne always has a positive attitude and is consistently upbeat in class. Her expectations of her students are age-appropriate and her classes are respectful and fair to the dancers. She makes the class fun and exciting for her students. We have had similar positive experiences with Ms. Carvajal and Ms. Poon. I am grateful that all the teachers at the Shan-Yee Poon Ballet School have instilled in my girls a life-long love of dance, in a confidence-building, enjoyable, and nurturing environment. My girls enthusiastically await their lessons each week. I believe strongly that all my girls are better for the wonderful ballet classes that they have taken at the school.

I wanted to weigh in with my opinion about what I feel is one of the truly special, and magical places still left in the City, and that is The Shan Yee Poon Ballet School, on Arguello Blvd. in The Richmond. Magical because the minute you step into the elegant main studio, and see the graceful ballerinas at work, you are immediately transported to a different time and place, (say 19th century Paris.) And then, there in the corner, down on her hands and knees, teaching the aspiring ballerina to point her foot the right way, is Miss Poon. What can I say about Miss Poon and the school that she founded and has given us? I cannot say enough. There are few instructors out there as tireless, selfless, and devoted to her students as Miss Poon. In my more than ten years of association with the Shan Yee Poon Ballet School, I have come to know her and her school well. I have had three daughters who have been fortunate to have been graced and influenced by Miss Poon's values of hard work, diligence, respect, and appreciation for the beauty and grace of dance. All three of my daughters have danced in Miss Poon's Advanced Ballet Division. Two are in college now, and my last one is presently in Miss Poon's second highest ballet Class. All of them continue to carry Miss Poon's positive influence and positive values with them, in all of their endeavors, years even after they had finished dance instruction. Miss Poon's philosophy is that dance is an integral part of life, and not separate. Therefore the values that she teaches, along with the excellent instruction in dance, are life values. In this sense, I can say that Miss Poon has helped me to raise my three daughters. Also, Miss Poon is tireless because, whereas other schools instructors nervously watch the clock for the class to end on time, Miss Poon will regularly instruct way over time, thereby giving students more hands on, excellent instruction, and parents, way more than their money's worth. Miss Poon's school is also inclusive, in as much as there are no discernible favorites.Students are judged purely on their merit and willingness to work hard. Unlike other schools, Miss Poon has remarkably and refreshingly kept parents out of the office. The office is run by employee staff only. No parents currying favor with Miss Poon for privileged slots for their child, because they are willing to work in the office. There are many students at Shan Yee Poon that don't have the classic ballet body shape. Miss Poon is encouraging and inclusive to all, as long as they are serious about dance, respectful, and hard working. What parent wouldn't want their child to learn these values? All for the price of dance tuition. The other thing I wanted to mention is the other Dance Instructors at Shan Yee Poon. Miss Poon has hired and surrounded herself and the students, with the finest group of Instructors anyone could ever hope for and imagine. All are artists in their own right, and not only can they all still dance with their students during class, but all are still actively involved in professional quality dance performances in their private lives, after having had and still have tremendously impressive dance careers. Additionally, they all still exhibit the same traits and attributes as Miss Poon, in regards to dedication to their students, that one would expect of a Dance Instructor that teaches at Shan Yee Poon. And finally, through Miss Poon's "Dream to Dance" scholarship fund, The Shan Yee Poon Ballet School has given opportunities to dance, to students for whom the expense would have been unimaginable. These are my reasons for writing . Just think of this as one parents observations, after more than ten years of association with this magical, wonderful place called The Shan Yee Poon Ballet School.

The school has a beautiful atmosphere that's both serious and lighthearted. Our almost-4-year- old is in Ms Byrne's class and we love her. Ms Byrne is so skilled at commanding the attention of the very young with warmth, humor and firmness. Her class feels creative and spontaneous, yet you can see the foundation of correct technique and balletic movement that underlies everything she does with the children. She is careful to present to them only age-appropriate exercises and positions (feet are not turned out yet, for example.) Every time I bring my daughter to class I feel so lucky to have found this excellent school.

I have a young daughter who started classes there and was so sorry we chose it. The teacher was rude to the children and spoke down to them. She rarely smiled and it wasn't much physical activity. The teacher was so busy correcting them she couldn't even teach. We tried to bring this up to the director herself and it was 3 days before she returned our call. Then she had the gall to try and schedule a time to talk for a WEEK later? She wasn't at all concerned about the class/teacher or my daughter. We had even volunteered to help one of their programs. The last class the teacher waited until the parents were out and then called one of the children a name! Is this 2009? Save your money and find a school where the owner thinks about the kids instead of about the money.

I wouldn't put my young child in their program. Attempting to get a child to be exact in their movements and then ridiculing them when they can't/don't comply like robots is frightening... who would pay to be put down? This is the second teacher we tried and both teachers for 4-5 year olds were not (Carvahal & Byrne) suited to work with young children. If you don't have children or you haven't taken any

...professional personalized ballet school I have ever seen. My daughter is a dancer, and I have been to many studios. This school shows more attention to details in dance than any other school. The teacher takes an inordinate amount of time (love and patience, too) to address each student and hands on. I observed the teacher time and again adjust ever so slightly an angle of a foot here, an arm there...it was amazing. I highly recommend this school.

Our daughter has attended the Shan-Yee Poon Ballet School for more than 10 years now, studying ballet, jazz dance and tap with Ms. Poon and several other terrific and experienced instructors. Now a high school senior, she has grown into a poised,confident young woman -- not to mention a beautiful dancer -- and we give Ms. Poon great credit for the influence of her dance program. We like the fact that the Shan-Yee Poon school takes dance seriously -- they ask kids to work hard, have high standards and produce wonderfully staged performances -- but yet they don't demand that kids commit their entire lives to dance. They keep it in balance, and keep it fun. Our daughter has spent a lot of after-school hours at SYPBS, but she has still been able to take her studies seriously and take part in extra-curriculars from drama to outdoor club. We're very happy to recommend the school to others.

My daughter has been with the school for about 5 years now. I know many families sending their kids there one by one, from preschool all the way to high school. It's amazing to see what the upper division kids can do; their years of training show loud and clear. This place is not as demanding as San Francisco Ballet, but it is systematic and disciplined, so it works better for families with working parents. The community is strong as evidenced by every year's wonderful recital. Good job Ms. Poon and all the teachers and staff! Highly recommended for people interested in dancing yet having other interests too.

The Shan-Yee Poon Ballet School has been an exquisite foundation that has been the architect of my growth and personal exploration. A journey of a young girl maturing into a superb young lady can not be achieved without such the positive influence, and for me words could not express the appreciation I have for being surrounded by such a wonderful involvement in the arts. Shan-Yee Poon has taught me to grow the person before the dancer. Things will not come easy and some will be harder than others to attain, and it is imperative that young ladies learn to never compromise their passions. It has been ten years now since I have departed from the Shan-Yee Poon Ballet School and there has never been a day that I haven’t demonstrated gratitude for the house that Shan-Yee Poon has helped me build. It has been because of my experience at the Shan-Yee Poon Ballet School that has helped me find the power within myself as a women, dancer, intellect, and artist to excel in anything I want.

My 4 year old son attends Shan Yee Poon Ballet School, and his teacher is excellent. She makes a special effort to be sure that she does not use gender-specific language during the activities. His teacher (Ms. Byrne) has an amazing way with the young children, creating a fun class that really teaches the basics of ballet. There is a real feeling of community in the school, with ample opportunities for volunteering and meeting and talking with other parents. I've started taking their adult ballet class as well, and it's great! I love the teachers, and the other men and women in the classes come often and are friendly and welcoming. Overall, it's a welcoming, fun, friendly school that offers an excellent, professional calibre, affordable dance education.

I enrolled our daughter and was very surprised to find out that she was accepted in the 1A class when she had no prior experience. You see our daugther has Epilepsy and because of this she is always tired and has a hard time concentrating. Ms. Poon impressed me because as a child development professional I observe behaviors as a living. Ms. Poon has a wonderful way with children. a perfect balance between firmness and love. She shows love and respect for every child in her school. She demands the best effort from every child which makes the children feel confident in their abilities. Sadly, our daughters seizures were not under control and any extra curricular activity only worsen her condition and made her completely exhausted. Ms. Poon worked with me throughout and even though it was apparent our daughter could no longer attend she gave us a fair refund amount. If our daughter could handle the activity we would re- enroll. Ms. Poon is someone I would want to teach and guide my child. Ballet, when taught with love, enables a child to learn so much confidence in themselves and the disciplne it brings to the art teaches children to respect others. These attributes alone are well worth joining the "Shan-Yee Poon Ballet School". Sincerely

The teacher on Saturdays is not very good with chidren. We attend the toddler class and the class is usually chaotic and not very well organized. The teacher tries to control the children sometimes but seems very uncomfortable in speaking and interacting with the children.

The Shan-Yee Poon Ballet School is an excellent dance studio for children of all ages. The school has been wonderful for my daughter where she has been involved with ballet and jazz dance for over five years. Unlike many children who start ballet at a very early age, my daughter did not start until later in her childhood. Though she feared that it would be awkward taking classes with very young children, Ms. Poon did an excellent job of encouraging her and making her comfortable. Through careful nurturing and technical guidance, Ms. Poon quickly developed my daughter’s skills so that she was, within a couple of years, dancing with others her own age. Today, my daughter attends ballet class three days each week, has a well developed appreciation for dance, and is in excellent physical condition. In addition, Ms. Poon has instilled a sense of poise within my daughter so that her physical presence projects confidence. My daughter loves her time at the school which can be demonstrated by how we had to cut short our college touring in order to minimize how many days of dance she missed. Though considered one of the top ballet instructors within the City, Ms. Poon is not a “one woman band”. There are many other dance genres taught at her school and she has a number of able teachers on the staff. For instance, in addition to ballet, my daughter takes jazz class on Saturdays. I am not as familiar with some of the other genres such as “tap”, but I do have the opportunity to enjoy the school- wide recital each June when the school puts on a gala performance at a local theatre venue. All the dancers are excellent and it is loads of fun for them to don extravagant costumes and enjoy their time in the glow of the footlights. While my daughter’s time at the Shan-Yee Poon Ballet School is soon coming to an end as she will be off to college in the fall, we would like to thank Ms. Poon for the many gifts she has given our daughter. Although she may not become a professional dancer, the years at the Shan-Yee Poon Ballet School have instilled a love of dance and provided a solid foundation of confidence.