My experience having JC as a teacher has been wonderful! I have learned so much and have grown so much as a dancer after taking his class. JC is such a great teacher because he cares so much about each one of his dancers. When I make a mistake, instead of getting mad he tells me exactly what I can do to improve. JC pays attention to everyone’s strengths and weaknesses, so that he makes sure to help us individually with what we need help on. JC is also extremely funny and makes ballet lots of fun! Taking ballet with JC is most definitely not boring! When I am in class he is always motivating us to work our hardest and be the best possible dancer that we can be. Every single dancer, including me, has improved tremendously because of our motivation, overall, taking ballet with JC is so much fun and I have learned so much! Thank you so much JC. I will miss you!

Alexis

JC is an amazing teacher. He is so much fun to take class with. Before taking class with him, ballet was miserable. But JC knows how to make ballet a fun class. Now that he is my teacher I look forward to every Tuesday that we train with him. He is an amazing teacher and has taught us some fabulous tricks. When he teaches partnering, he always has new and exciting ways to move our body in crazy positions. Not only will I miss JC as a teacher, but I will miss him as a friend. He will always be my favorite ballet teacher. Since JC, I have grown to extremes that I never thought I could face. He always pushed me to limits I never thought I could reach. Thank you for everything. I will miss you like crazy! Visit soon.

Sincerely,

Dylan Altobella

Joshua Carlson is a truly amazing ballet teacher and role model. His devotion and dedication to each student is remarkable. Ballet has become my favorite class because JC has made it exciting and I can also see my improvement. Last year I was awarded the, "Most Improved Dance" and really believe it was due to JC's training that improved my technique and strength as a dancer. He has always pushed me to hold my leg out longer, balance longer, or stretch farther. I have benefited from his class so much. I was also fortunate to be in a dance that he created. His choreography included several tricks that I was so new to but they were incredible. The dance is challenging and takes a lot of energy but I hope to make him proud. JC has also provided me with motivation to do my best in all that I do. I will also miss his sense of humor so much! I was truly lucky to have him train me for two years. Thank you for everything you have done!

Alex Saenz

JC’s class has been a great learning experience for me both physically and mentally. He has strongly influenced my dancing abilities through the technique he has taught. I always look forward to going to his class because I can ensure he will be as thorough and precise as possible when teaching the technique needed to become an amazing dancer. He is also very good at focusing on one-on-one training with all his students; this guaranteed that everyone was learning the proper skills needed to be the best dancer they could be. I also enjoyed JC’s class because I never felt discouraged or insecure. He always makes it a point to encourage me to do my best and push myself to work as hard as possible. His critiques are always positive and influential. I feel like every time I walk out of JC’s class I have become stronger as a dancer and I know that the things he has taught me will help me take dance to a level I never thought I could reach.

Holly

JC is a great Ballet teacher. He genuinely cares about the students (even when he acts like he doesn’t). He uses analogies that help you understand the technique in ballet that usually is confusing. I didn’t like Ballet, and still don’t that much, but even though JC’s class was difficult at times (most times), it made me work and I have seen myself improve so much throughout the two years we had him. Joshua is a really funny guy who knows how to make class enjoyable: from the more modern music to the very dramatic bow at the end of class. He makes class amusing even if it makes him look goofy. His partnering work was very interesting and I definitely will remember that last class with him. I will miss JC immensely next year. It will be weird walking into class and not seeing him. I hope that who ever he works with next will benefit from him as much as I did. Thank you for everything, JC. I have grown so much and you deserve a lot of the credit. You will definitely be missed.

Joshua Carlson brings an innovative and unique style to teaching. He has an ability to connect with students to ensure they understand and appreciate corrections, and always seek to improve their technique. Joshua also brought a creative and modern approach to ballet, which made it exciting and most of all fun for students to participate in the class. His knowledge of partnering was also a great contribution as it allowed the more senior students to be exposed to new challenges. Through both the classes and the choreography, students were exposed to new skills, tricks and a new style, which will only enhance their ability to successfully transition into professional careers in dance. It was an excellent learning experience to have Joshua teach and choreograph for us!

Patrizia

JC is a great teacher. He makes class fun and entertaining. He motivates us to always do our best, especially if you are tired. He is the teacher that has helped me improve the most. If you are having trouble with something he will give you some one-on-one time to help you because he truly wants all of his students to be the best that they can do an work to their best ability. JC has been my favorite teacher I’ve ever had throughout 9 years! He gives me so much confidence and he really cares about us. He makes us feel so important and like we mean something because he always compliments us. He once told me that I was becoming the best in the class, but I needed to work on my turnout, and that has motivated me so much! JC is just an amazing teacher and I love him.

Morgan, 12 yrs. old

I have had the great pleasure of working with Joshua for the past 2 years. He has been the lead Ballet Instructor at my dance studio in Las Vegas and has done an amazing job. He is always prepared, on time, consistant and very hands on with his training. Using fresh and innovative styles in technique as well as creative music keeps his dancers interested in learning and his warm and loving, yet strict personality keeps them motivated and wanting to come to class. Ballet is a hard class to keep dancers interested in, most of the time, and everyone of the students at Center Stage love his class. JC also helps train our Company members as well as critique their routines before competition and helps in the selection of the new team members each year. He is an amazing teacher and friend and he would make a wonderful asset to any studio, company or business.

Joshua came to our school to teach and choreograph last year.  His approach to our students was both energetic and motivational.  Joshua’s extensive knowledge of circus arts and dance technique coupled with his fun and exciting personality made for a great series of master classes. Paying close attention to the age and technical level of different groups, Joshua was able to give each class a positive experience with partnering. Many of the dancers came away shocked at what they had achieved and impressed with the strength they found under the guidance of this great teacher.  During his visit Joshua created a very clever piece for our senior company dancers. Throughout our travels this past year the dancers not only enjoyed performing this piece but also received many compliments along the way. Thank you Joshua!

Julie White-SOSD Seekonk, Ma