Testimonials
[Covenant Ballet is] one of Brooklyn's best-kept secrets.
- The Brooklyn Daily Eagle, 2023
My foundational training at Covenant Ballet has supported me throughout my entire professional career. Marla Hirokawa provides a level of professionalism, discipline, and technical training that is invaluable for young dancers. The lessons she taught me surpass ballet training...they were life lessons.
- Dawn Marie Bazemore, choreographer and CBT alum
I have personally worked with CBT for over 15 years. As a facility director, I have watched many dance schools come through. CBT is not an ordinary dance school, they produce a beautiful production where their students not only learn, but also perform. Most dance schools put on a recital, CBT produces a ballet.
– Paul Winnick, former facility director, Kingsborough Community College Performing Arts Center
How wonderful that you have succeeded right here in New York in creating the kind of place that produces the dancers that go on to professional careers as well as the studio that non-professional dancers enjoy and appreciate.
- Sophia Fatouros, former faculty member, Alvin Ailey School and Dance New Amsterdam
Marla serves a demographic that is extremely ethnically and racially diverse which reflects the community in which Covenant Ballet Theatre of Brooklyn resides. Marla, an ABT National Training Curriculum certified teacher, has undergone rigorous training in the curriculum and has prioritized hiring other certified teachers to maintain a high level of sound and holistic training practices for her students. The results have been tremendous.
– Monica Stephenson, former American Ballet Theatre Project Plié coordinator, 2016
What I love most about CBT is that the students range in all shapes, sizes, and especially colors. Within the beautiful ‘bubble’ of the school, each student is taught the proper techniques and then challenged to reach their potential. My daughter has completely fallen in love with the art. I can't think of another place I'd rather be.
- Nicholine C., CBT former parent and advocate, 2019
Allowing students to perform is an important mission of her company, and it’s certainly an admirable one. Some dance enthusiasts may find it dull watching children at various levels of dance training, and some, like myself, will find it fascinating to witness the great potential of these young dancers.
- Jack Hanley, Orphan Train: FringeNYC - Indie Theatre Now, 2011
I attended CBT from 1993 to 2005, and I benefit from and carry with me all the lessons I learned from my 12 years of ballet training. Poise under pressure, preparation, pride in execution, teamwork, picking myself off the ground after a bad tour jeté (or a bad meeting!), discipline — all have propelled me forward in life and helped me set myself apart from my peers, especially in times of stress. Miss Marla and all the instructors at CBT are some of the most positive, caring, and nurturing role models in not only the ballet world but the world at large, and I can’t commend them enough for the positive impact they have had on the Brooklyn community.
- Emily Mo, CBT alum, 2020
It’s so hard to find schools I trust in Brooklyn, but I trust CBT 100% and always recommend it to my students at the start of every school year.
- Sabrina Jaafar, founder and director of the Joffrey Ballet Academy at Fort Hamilton High School
My family is truly honored and thrilled that Covenant Ballet has chosen to invest in my daughter’s future. The opportunity to participate in such a distinguished program will impact her career and growth as a professional dancer. The encouragement and validation that come with this scholarship are invaluable. And we are deeply appreciative of the support your school provides.
- Lystra M., parent, 2024
Thank you for giving me a scholarship. I love dancing with my cousin. The teachers are really nice and kind. The scholarship really helped my parents. In my first lesson I learned a lot of moves.
- Ethan K. 2024-2025 Boys Project scholarship recipient, 2024
You have reminded me why I love to dance.
- Jai P., CBT Dancer, 2023
