Teaching Testimonials

Beg/Int/Adv. Ballet Testimonials from the Institute for American Musical Theater

“Certain elements of ballet have always felt foreign and impossible in my body, but in Courtney Liu’s ballet classes, these elements become more accessible. Her encouragement of my personal strength and her very tangible and specific notes make progress not only a reality but practically inevitable. She suggests new ways to engage muscles that in my own practice were often forgotten about and she encourages me to add my own personality into what previously had felt like a very rigid technique. She oozes love and wisdom in the classroom which makes her one of my favorite mentors to learn from.” -Ruby McCann “Courtney's ballet class is one of my favorite classes to take, EVER! I have never felt so aligned with my body than in her class. She has a way of teaching that is so helpful to someone who is not very experienced, creating a very warm and welcoming environment throughout her entire class. I am so thankful for Courtney and the way she has taught me to take care of my body.” -Caitlin Renae Frownfelter “Courtney has a way to make those students frightened of ballet seem very excited about coming to class and getting stronger and longer. Her knowledge of the body has helped me discover many, many movements that I was just “muscling through” by helping me visualize from a deeply anatomical standpoint which muscles create the action that is required, solving an issue I’d been having with my legs for a few years. 10/10, would recommend to a friend.” -Trisden Milburn “Courtney’s class was the first ballet class to really make me feel like a dancer. Her way of teaching was approachable and easily understandable while keeping the intensity and quality high.” -Dennis Oliveira “Courtney Liu’s classes are always a joy to look forward to. She is amazing at combining technique with how to care of your body, which is so important in dance. She always has an answer for something, and if she doesn’t she figures out the answer. Courtney’s classes are truly some of my favorite to take.” -Taylor Casalena “For a beginner, some ballet classes can be overwhelming and intimidating. Courtney understands this and works hard to make sure you’re comfortable and understand what she is teaching. That’s why I love taking her classes. I feel as if I’ve grown as a dancer with the foundation that Courtney has given me over the past year, and I can’t thank her enough for it.” -Courtnie Harrington “As someone who has never really considered themselves a “dancer,” I can honestly say that Courtney’s teaching methods have helped me gain confidence and have even helped me find a new passion for dancing that I never really had imagined before. She has allowed me to develop a strong technique that I have been able to utilize in my other dance classes as well as auditions. Her classes always hold a warm and positive energy that are welcoming to students of all levels. I always look forward to her class as I feel I am truly given the vehicle to succeed under her instruction.” -Noah Heimbach “Courtney is simply inspiring. I used to dread going to ballet class because I’d get frustrated when I couldn’t understand the terminology or how to feel proper technique in my body. Ballet has always felt mechanic to me until Courtney taught the class. She makes an encouraging environment for everyone and I enjoy each minute spent learning from her. Her explanations make sense to me, her examples are clear, and she is intentional and persistent. You can tell she cares about each student and genuinely helps them improve. She pushes us to stretch longer, plié deeper, and work harder. She is wonderful!” -Olivia Swearingen “She has completely transformed me as a dancer. Between the beautiful way she brings out expression and musicality from her students to the technical exercises she teaches, I would highly recommend anyone to take a class of Courtney’s.” -Marisa Jacobus “Taking class from Courtney has opened my eyes to ballet. I have always hated ballet class. Maybe it’s because I’m not as flexible as I feel I should be, or maybe it’s because my teacher growing up made ballet feel like drills at bootcamp. However, even after just my first class with Courtney she could tell I wasn’t the fondest of ballet. After class asked me if I was alright and gave me some advise. She genuinely cared about me. I have never really had that happen in a ballet class before. After a few more classes something clicked on my head. She stayed on me about my arms in the nicest, but most constructive way possible. The way she explains different elements of ballet - from how to hold your pelvic floor to how to really get your arms to work properly - it all just makes since to me now. My favorite thing she does is making every exercise a performance. It makes class way more enjoyable to act as if you’re on a Broadway stage rather than a studio. Courtney is also the sweetest, most genuine. She cares about each and every one of her students, even if she only has them for one class. She has made me such a better dancer, and made me start to love ballet.” -Danielle Cooper


Testimonials from Motivated Mover’s Beginner Ballet Series for singers and actors

“Courtney’s ballet workshop was such an amazing experience. Being able to return to the absolute basics while still being pushed to improve is an invaluable experience, especially for anyone in my situation - I’ve taken years of ballet but then also took some time off and was a late starter to begin with. Courtney shows absolutely no judgment and helped me fix problems I’ve had for years. I now go into outside ballet classes with much more confidence and a more thorough understanding of what I’m trying to accomplish and how to get there. And on top of all of that, she made her classes fun! I cannot recommend her highly enough - get into her class ASAP!” -Jacqueline Keeley “As an actor/singer with limited dance experience, it was so refreshing to take a ballet class and leave feeling like I understood the technique and not overwhelmed by it. Her positive and encouraging teaching demeanor actually makes ballet class fun (and not like taking your medicine)! Can’t wait to study more with her in the future.” -Brittany Baratz “Learning dance as an adult can many times make you feel so far behind that there is no hope of catching up. When taking class with Courtney, that isn't the feeling. Her willingness to relay information in many different ways and her genuine enthusiasm for sharing the world of dance translates to an informative, challenging and fun class.” -Molly O’Brien

Int/Adv Ballet Testimonials from the Columbia University Ballet Collective

“I have been taking the Saturday morning class at Columbia for the last two years and Courtney is by far the teacher I look forward to most. Courtney is an instant light in the studio. She spreads her energy and enthusiasm for dance to the whole room when she teaches. Rather than forcing people to work hard, she invites hard work. When I take her class I am encouraged to return the energy and joy that she is pouring out to us. She will take the time to give corrections on how to improve and will point out when something is done well, yet she never takes up too much time so the class is constantly moving forward. Her combinations are simple but interesting in a way that targets the right muscles without straining anything and her music choices make each tendu a little more fun. Courtney makes every new student feel comfortable, capable, and motivated to dance.” -Jesse Chase-Lubitz (former Joffrey Ballet Dancer) “Courtney Liu is an excellent ballet teacher. She connects well with the students, combining technique with artistry, and she challenges them to exceed their capabilities. Her professional training is exemplified in her teaching, making her a wonderful and inspiring instructor.” -Justin Ramos (Pianist) “Courtney is an incredibly dedicated teacher who takes the time to figure out the cause of technical difficulties in class. Her classes are lively and energetic and she takes particular care to engage every student. As a soon-to-be physical therapist, I sincerely appreciate her solid understanding of anatomy and biomechanics as well as the ease with which she translates that knowledge into achievable corrections. Her academic and dance background demonstrate the high standards she holds herself to, and I could not recommend her highly enough!” -Morgan Lea “Courtney's class has the perfect balance of exercises that emphasize technical development, as well as fun, movement-oriented combinations. I enjoy her sense of humor and dedication to the art form, which is evident when she teaches. I particularly like how she works all students, correcting them and giving them attention despite their level or technical ability. The atmosphere during her classes is energetic and focused. Highly recommend her as a teacher!” -Marika Chrisanthopoulos