Having the ability to do private lessons and classes online has greatly improved my ice skating and dance skills. Online classes eliminate my travel time. Therefore, I’m able to participate more than I ever have, while still receiving the highest quality instruction and attention!
LAUREN WIDRICK
Ice Skater | Arlington, MA
Don’t own a pink tutu (or one that fits anymore)? You are welcome at MSB. Working in Paula Shiff’s Stretch + Strength class and Jimmy Raye’s Pilates, I have had decreased pain, increased strength and flexibility, and so much joy! Somehow, they are able to make Zoom really work, giving personal corrections and attention to each and every student. Because she teaches individuals instead of just running a class, she is able to challenge all levels. She modifies exercises to help me decrease my back pain, while pushing her dancers to new heights. I could not be happier at MSB.
KAREN SMITH
Adult Student | Marblehead, MA
This summer during the COVID-19 pandemic, I continued to take ballet class with Paula Shiff on Zoom. Paula is undeniably the best ballet teacher one could find. She has the ability to share her vast knowledge of dance and coach on a very high level, whether in studio or remotely.
Paula gives individual attention and correction to each of her Zoom students. She may be watching as many as 8 screens at once but does not miss the “thud” of a toe to the floor, the unwanted “flick” of a hand, or the sickle movement of a foot. She corrects facial expressions such as relaxing the jaw, smile, breathe, DANCE IT!
CONNIE TRUAX
Adult Dancer | Beverly, MA
Photo by Emilie Salquebre
I took a lot of pleasure in learning at MSB. I definitely have improved my dancing thanks to Miss Shiff’s advice. She teaches each student differently, considering each body, each student’s possibilities. I also liked learning about anatomy and proper body alignment. Miss Shiff takes time to make sure each student understands what is important and how they can improve.
CHARLES DALERCI
Dancer with Ballet de Lorraine | Nancy, FRANCE
Watching my daughters develop as dancers and individuals at MSB was such a joy. I thought then, and I know now, that life long lessons were learned in its studios. The ability to set goals, to meet challenges, and to know success began right there.
MARYANN GAHAGAN
Parent | Beverly, MA
Some dance studios teach only to one student at a time, and others teach to the class as a whole. MSB is unique because they give students individual correction, but the whole class learns why the correction is so important for all dancers.
MARINA HOSTROP
Dancer | Tokyo, JAPAN
ED KEAZIRIAN
Professor | Hamilton, MA
I love the athleticism, beauty, and artistry of ballet, and I wanted to learn to dance that way. How thrilling that Paula would take a senior adult with little dance background and begin to make that happen! Paula treats her adult students—regardless of their ability—as serious dancers, teaching us the basics of proper technique, body mechanics, and the aesthetics of dance. She is an excellent and understanding teacher. She paces the classes appropriately, combining clear explanations with demonstration, repetition, and instructive corrections at the barre and on the floor. She is cheerful and encouraging in her manner, and most enthusiastic about our progress. And what is more, she models a respect, appreciation, and commitment to ballet that inspires us to the same.
Above: Claire Grant
I send my skaters to take private lessons with Paula K. Shiff so they can learn to tune into their bodies in a quiet, disciplined atmosphere. With Paula’s expertise in body alignment and injury prevention, my skaters have developed better movement patterns, increased their jumping ability, and they create a more meaningful, artistic impression on the ice.
Paula has worked with my Regional & National competitors, Disney on Ice featured performers, and skaters in P.T. who needed extra off-ice training to develop their on-ice skills. I have had skaters travel from Andover, Beverly, Boxford, Danvers, Haverhill, Ipswich, Manchester, Methuen, Middleton, Reading, Salem, Saugus, Topsfield, Winchester & Woburn. Despite people’s busy schedules, many have and will continue to travel to MSB to perfect their skills.
AMY HANSON-KULESZKA
Coach at North Shore Skating Club | Reading, MA
So often there is defeat in attempting to get into better shape. Classes can be intimidating, goals can seem impossible… But not with Paula and her school. She’s about empowerment, the beauty of dance, fitness, and the process of getting there. Whether it’s a class full of tiny ballerinas or a variety of women stretched out on the floor, each on their own journey, she’s there and she gets it.
BRENDA KELLY KIM
Read Her Full Testimonial | Marblehead, MA
CONTACT US
(781) 631-6262
msb@havetodance.com
115 Pleasant Street
Marblehead, MA 01945
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