The Performing Arts School at bergenPAC - Englewood, New Jersey

Shanna J.

As a mom of a student who has been part of the BergenPAC Performing Arts School Dance Program for the past five years, I cannot express enough how incredible this experience has been for my child. Starting in Kindergarten, my daughter has grown into a confident and skilled dancer under the guidance of the remarkable Roberta Mathes.

Roberta Mathes' distinguished career in the performing arts, both as a performer and a choreographer, shines through in her teaching. Her dedication to jazz dance is particularly evident. Dance Teacher Magazine has captured her essence, describing her "Mathes' personality - bluntness, selflessness, zany energy, and fierce devotion serves as a magnet for her students... Mathes serves both as inspiration for, and evidence of, a full life in dance. Plus, she can really dance!"

What sets Roberta apart is her dynamic personality and unique style. Her approach combines technique with a responsive learning experience that has captivated my daughter and her peers. Her bluntness and selflessness create an environment where students feel challenged and supported, allowing them to thrive not only as dancers but as individuals.

My daughter's progress over the past five years has been nothing short of extraordinary. Roberta's ability to inspire and push her students to their fullest potential is truly remarkable. The BergenPAC Performing Arts School Dance Program, with Roberta at its helm, provides a nurturing yet rigorous environment that fosters both artistic and personal growth. In fact, all of the dance instructors are incredible and come with years of performance experience and understanding of what makes a great dancer.

If you're looking for a dance program that combines professional expertise, a passionate teaching approach, and a supportive community, look no further than BergenPAC's Dance Program. Roberta Mathes' influence has been a gift to my child, and I am confident that she will continue to inspire and shape the lives of many more young dancers.

Thank you, Roberta, for your incredible dedication and for making dance such a joyful and enriching part of our lives!

Sincerely,
A Grateful Mom

Allison L. C.

I absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the Bergen PAC Performing Arts School! Their Dance Program under the Artistic Direction of Roberta Mathes and her talented as well as phenomenal faculty are superb! My son Levi has truly gleaned so much and leveled up as a dancer; vocalist as well as actor too. The Bergen PAC PAS offers a well-rounded comprehensive performance arts education program under the leadership of Mrs. Becky Serico. We have been truly blessed to have the opportunity for Levi to learn from well-versed faculty who are all outstanding in their own right. Whether a student is looking to learn technique; train for auditions or explore the performing arts; they will learn the skills and technique from a high caliber intentionally curated performing arts programming essential for showbiz and or if the student is looking to learn disciplines within the Performing Art. The resume of our directors; faculty and staff are inspiring and beyond impressive! Our children are being taught by the best of the best! AND, it’s a family friendly environment. Roberta and her dance teachers all love and care for their students. All of our Bergen PAC PAS teachers and staff care about their students. Our Acting and Improv Teachers Diana and Tony are fantastic and super talented along with our Vocal Academy with Amelia and her team are excellent. We encourage parents to sign up for dance classes in addition to Bergen PAC PAS’s other performing arts classes. This last school year, Levi gleaned so much from Jazz and hip hop classes because of his Jazz Teacher Miss Danelle who is an absolute gem and Levi’s hip hop teacher Mr. Mateo is also super incredibly talented too. To see how Levi has grown as a dancer is astounding. We look forward to an amazing new school year. We are so grateful to be apart of the Bergen PAC PAS family. We also get to participate in edifying community events; open mic nights; perform on the main stage and we have met the most amazing students as well as parents who have become great friends. We hope to see you at Bergen PAC PAS! 1st picture credit: Carolina Herrera-Kalebic Photography

Anna A.

Our now almost 12 year-old daughter has taken dance classes at BergenPAC PAS since she was 5 years old. Roberta and the dance faculty here (Yucari is especially dear to us!) are overflowing with talent and heart. They have taught her so much and have given her so many amazing opportunities — including an unforgettable moment dancing onstage at Carnegie Hall! There are many other dance schools out there, but nothing compares to the program here.

Sarah C.

My daughter began dancing here last year taking just ballet and loved it so much she ended up joining tap as well! This year she is already talking about wanting to take even more classes! Roberta Mathes has an unbelievable dance program, the teachers are phenomenal and really care about the students and learning proper training while having fun in a safe environment. Wish I could give it 10 stars

Yanoh B.

My daughter attended the school for two years. She really enjoyed the classes, her teacher (Mr. Tony) was amazing. Becky in administration was also great. I had less than stellar experiences with other admin/front desk staff. Nothing terrible but just a bit cold shoulder, not very helpful and unorganized . I do remember vividly that at my daughters first class when we were just coming out of the pandemic someone at the front desk yelled and I do mean yelled at my husband when he brought my daughter inside. He was unaware of the rule to wait outside. I do understand the need for safety and ensuring adherence to rules but I don’t understand why someone thinks they can yell at an adult. A bit disappointing that two years in a row there is no official showcase for the acting students. I truly understand the confounding factors of Covid-19, recent uptick in violence- but they didn’t even invite the parents to watch the students perform in the classrooms (they decided to video this years show in their school since they were not able to have the show at Garden state plaza). It just seems that a little more effort, coordination could be put into trying to make it happen safely for the students and families who some have been waiting two years for a showcase. Meanwhile, my daughters other activities have safely had end of year performances.

All in all, I think it’s a great program and actually affordable for what they are offering. My daughters interests are changing a bit so we may take a break for the 2022-2023 school year , but would encourage folks to check it out but keep in mind you may be a bit underwhelmed with administration/staff.

Coffee B.

My boys took summer camp here and hated it. I kept wondering why they wouldn't go back and realized my boys had bad experience there with the head of the program. Madeline Calandrillo screamed at my boy (6yrs old at that time, now 9yrs old) and that is all he remembered from the camp. He even remembered what she looked like because he was traumatized by her screaming! He said he cried all day!!! What a horrible person! If don't like kids, don't teach kids!

Erica S.

I wish there was a way to give 0 stars. My daughter and friend were expecting to do a showcase. The event did not happen on the date/time that was scheduled. Despite numerous email inquiries, there was no response from the director when asked about the event. My daughter put on her costume and waited for the event to start that never happened...she was so disappointed when the time came and went. The director finally replied to my email DAYS AFTER THE EVENT WAS TO HAVE OCCURRED, "I am sorry you feel this way". He in no way acknowledged any mistakes or lack of communication or showed any regard for the feelings of the 10 year old students. I will NEVER send my children here again, and would NEVER recommend this place to anyone. Don't waste your children's time - send them to another arts school. Bergen PAC Arts School has clearly demonstrated it has no regard for the feelings of your children - stay away

Jo ?.

Went to see Ruben Studdard songs Luther Vandross. And he was amazing.