Get to The Pointe:
What people are saying about The Pointe Performing Arts Academy

"Over the past 10 years that my daughter has danced, we have experienced a lot. As beautiful as dance can be, it does have an ugly side. The Pointe has an environment where their students feel valued. They are never yelled at, put down, or made to feel like they aren't good enough. Because it's a non-competitive studio you don't deal with all the unnecessary drama dance can bring out in people. I'm so thankful for Janene, Darcey and Tiffany for making my daughters love for dance such a positive experience."
--J. Neal

"We love so many things about The Pointe, but the number one thing is the amazing faculty and staff. The company directors, and instructors care so much about each individual child and it shows. Children learn and grow from year to year in a loving and caring atmosphere. Quality, well-rounded dance instruction and choreography, it is all here at The Pointe! New Highland location, in our hometown, how sweet is that?"
--S. and G. Weber

"Odyssey Dance Theater has gained many fans and supporters throughout its 15 years. With the support of these fans, ODT has not only become one of Utah's premiere dance companies, but also a company that is known around the globe. Exceptional dancers, choreographers, and productions are the key ingredients to the success of this young company, along with exceptional direction, but without support of the dance community here in Utah, it would not be possible. The Pointe plays a huge role in that support system for ODT.

The Pointe not only supports the company as a whole, but also benefits the dancers as well. It gives the performers a great studio in which they are able to teach, as well as a wonderful dance intensive that is taught by all ODT dancers. Instead of hiring teachers from LA or NY, The Pointe recognizes the talent they have right here in Utah and takes full advantage of it. This is highly beneficial for the company and students both! The Pointe also provides a place for young choreographers on the company to play with ideas and movement in creating unique pieces for their advanced companies and Odyssey 2, which is also run through the studio.

The facility itself is designed by dancers, with dancers in mind, from having great flooring, to providing stage lighting in several of the rooms to create a stage-like experience. The studio space itself is ample and provides a great space to hold the 30 dancers that are on the company. Music is a very important part of dance, and the stereo systems provided are top notch. Most importantly, The Pointe allows its students the chance to see a professional company on a regular basis, providing a great example for growing dancers, but even more allowing, the dancers on the company feel like they are inspiring the next generation of performance artists and possible-future company members. This symbiotic relationship builds a great bond and a great character in both parties. Having a studio and its directors care so much about the success of Odyssey Dance Theater, is a gift. They are always there for us, helping us gain more and more support. A big THANKS to The Pointe! We appreciate your continued support!"
--Sincerely, Eldon Johnson

"My name is Matt Dorame and I am a professional dancer with Odyssey Dance Theater, and a former contestant on "So You Think You Can Dance". The Pointe has been our resident rehearsal studio for the past four years, and the opportunities they bring to kids and their community are incomparable. I have done more benefit concerts for the Pointe then any other studio I have been a part of. They are constantly giving dance to those who are disabled or lack the resources to have dance in their lives. The Pointe teaches not only dance but life lessons. Studios these days compete for money and trophies. The Pointe devotes much of their time to performing and sharing. They understand the real value of dance, which is not something that can be judged. Dance is something that can only be expressed and appreciated.

Dance is an art and a God given talent that The Pointe shares freely and humbly. I teach on a dance convention called LA Dance Magic. We travel to a different city every weekend and teach kids. On the last day the faculty performs for the kids. Out of all seventeen cities we travel to, there is only one studio that we let perform in that show with us. They have a program that teaches disabled children the joy of
dancing. These kids that have been labeled, "less fortunate" get a chance to be on stage, not to be judged, but to smile, laugh, and perform. The way dance was intended. This is my favorite part of the seventeen city tour. It always brings a tear to my eye, watching this kids have the time of their lives. I look around and see all the other 600 kids watch, not with a judging eye, but with an open heart. The
Pointe has a similar program for mentally handicapped kids. Being part of a studio that gives back like that makes you feel like dance is making a small but substantial difference. The Pointe just gets the bigger picture. It isn't about trophies, and it isn't about competing.

I am not sure if I can tell you what exactly it is about, but all you have to do is walk into that studio and you will understand. Its about family, its about giving, its about everything that matters. I am blessed to be a part of the Pointe Pride Family."
--Matt Dorame
LA Dance Magic faculty member, former SYTYCD contestant, and Odyssey Dance Theater principal dancer.

"To Whom it may concern,
I've enjoyed working with The Pointe Academy while covering dance news in Utah. The instructors always keep me informed on events and provide just the right information we need to determine our news coverage. I've done several live shots at the studio in Lindon where the atmosphere is always fun, friendly and the students provide great interviews and visuals. The Pointe Academy continues to provide a professional, energetic environment for me to work in as a reporter."
--Arikka Von, Fox 13 News

"How can we thank The Pointe for the chance you gave Jess and all her special friends to shine last night? We LOVED the pictures, the creative movement dance performance (Tiffany, your ease with those kids is amazing!) We LOVED your effort to educate the audience about autism and about respecting and befriending all children. It is so important to us as parents of a child with a disability to help the
community get to know her and love her and her special friends. What an awesome contribution you made toward that goal. These special kids are the "least among us," and you treated them with love, respect and honor.

We appreciate you!! Great, great job! I am so happy to have Aubrie
enrolled in a dance studio that teaches the girls to look beyond
themselves as they develop their talents. Dance isn't all about them!
It's ultimately about giving to the community. Thank you!"
--Camille (and Rob) Aagard

"I just wanted to tell you how excited my daughter was tonight after Dance. I have never seen her this excited! She could not stop talking about dance, and her teacher she had for Jazz, and how much fun it was. She was just giddy with excitement! She told me about how her teacher pushed her to work harder at stretching and corrected her when she didn't do something right. She was so happy and I just wanted to have you tell her teacher what a great job she did and how much she enjoyed her class. I think it is so inspiring to see someone so excited after one dance class. You all are doing something right."
Thanks,
--Machelle N. 1/08/09

"I wanted to tell you 2 things: First, thanks for last night's benefit concert. I am amazed by you and your studio and your willingness to donate your time, talents and energies. You did a FANTASTIC job with everything last night. To be honest…I was thinking I’d buy a ticket, make my donation, and stay home and watch Lost. But, I am SOOOO glad I came. It was just a beautiful night. Second…Your dancers are unbelievable!! I have been to my share of dance recitals, and I am totally amazed and impressed with the quality of your dancers. SO IMPRESSED!!!"
--B. Bills

"Thank you for giving the girls the experience they had last night. It is so very nice to be associated with people who reach out to help others and grow talents at the same time. Jeff, Brittan, and I thought the concert was so entertaining and touching. You are awesome!"
--S. Weber

"What an incredible amount of love and effort went into last night's performance. You have worked so hard and it shows by the way the show flowed and the beauty in each different piece. The girls loved having Benji come too. All I can say is, "WOW!" You truly are an amazing group and I am so appreciative that my daughter, Janae has the opportunity to work with each of you, Derryl and the amazing Odyssey dancers as well. Maryann was incredible as were all the special needs kids. As a special education teacher, I love that you have chosen to give back with kids that have special needs. I am excited to continue our association in the future, as you are such beautiful caring women who have given so much to our kids. Thanks again for all you do and for an awesome concert!"
--L. Davis

"Thank you so much for letting my son be a part of the Creative Movement Program. You are all angels. These kids need acceptance and to feel confident that they can do anything we can do. I appreciate you opening your dance studio for him to feel that. They are not much different than us...he loves to dance and listen to music just like you and me. You are all amazing!!!!"
--C. Talbot

"BRAVO Pointe Academy!!! The performance tonight was superb! What a show and treat to watch. Thank you for ALL the hard work that went in to putting that on! It was fantastic!"
--J. Hammond