Testimonials to Our Studio

I highly recommend the Soaring Dance Theatre where students of dance and music can learn a variety of dance and music classes. Accomplished instructor Roberta is top notch in her trade; she is extremely talented, helpful and motivating to students of all ages but, in a fun, inviting and comfortable setting! She is fully committed to her student’s development and training. The best!

Priscilla Staley

Your students are fortunate to have you cultivating their artistic endeavors. Always impressed by your creativity & pursuit of excellence.

Judy

We have been a member of the Soaring Dance Theatre family for over 4 years. Seeking an environment that fosters creativity was important to our family, and Soaring Dance Theatre continues to deliver. In addition to providing professional instruction and mentorship in dance and piano, Roberta Monkash encourages her students to be disciplined and humble in all aspects of their life. We are excited and looking forward to working with Roberta and her Team in the coming years.

Summer, Harriman, NY

I am a male dancer. Ever since I joined Soaring Dance Theatre, I have improved drastically. I have learned many new things about dance techniques in each lesson and had the opportunity to perform in a dance piece.

Our choreography is made up on the spot. This is very challenging but always ends up being fun. Our pieces include solos or dancing as partners of two or more.

To anyone who would like to give dance a try, I highly recommend it. You never know if you have a secret talent for dance, or just really enjoy learning technique, dancing and having fun.

Soaring-Dance-Theatre-Dance-Testimonial
Kademon
Dance Student

We are very happy with the dance instruction our child is receiving while attending Soaring Dance Theater. Ms. Roberta’s passion for the arts and teaching surpasses our expectations. Her dedication to nurturing that same passion in her students, shines through our child’s eyes.

After the chaotic time of the pandemic shutdown, and upon reopening of the studio, Ms. Roberta went to great lengths to ensure the health safety for the students and their parents alike, and continues to do so. We look forward to another comprehensive, yet whimsical year of ballet for our child!

Soaring-Dance-Theatre-Dance-Testimonial
Parent
Parent of Dancing Sprite, Monroe NY

I like how Ms. Roberta teaches us, she is kind, and knowledgeable. I feel like I learn a lot of ballet positions, and we play fun games! Every year, I look forward to the next year of dancing at Soaring Dance Theater.

Soaring-Dance-Theatre-Dance-Testimonial
6 year old dancer
Dancing Sprite Student, Monroe NY

Roberta is an excellent dance instructor. She wanted us to really take charge of our wedding dance. We learned so much and had fun along the way. Our wedding dance was one of the most memorable parts of our wedding. I would recommend her to prospective brides and grooms as well as to anyone desiring to learn really great dance moves.

Steps of Love Testimonial
Wedding Dance Students

Aaron has been taking piano lessons with Mrs. Roberta since the age of 5. My husband and I were always so worried about who and where our son would receive piano lesson since our son is also on the spectrum. From day one in meeting Mrs. Roberta we always knew her studio was perfect for our son. Not only does Mrs. Roberta have an amazing career in music and dance but she has also worked with special needs children which was very important for us. Since our son was a baby, he has always enjoyed music, instruments and art. It wasn’t until he was 5 he asked for piano lessons and his love for music has grown.

Mrs. Roberta has been an amazing piano teacher to our son because she knew exactly how to engage him. Our son has never been one to finish a task or stick to one activity, but because of Mrs. Roberta our son not only plays his keyboard almost every night and now wants to learn how to write his own music.

The piano has been key in his everyday life. It soothes him and he truly becomes this whole different person when playing. As a mother who has seen his struggles, we are so happy to see him be so passionate about music. We cannot be more than happier where our son is in world of arts and just recently our son also is going to be gifted an amazing and beautiful piano thanks to Mrs. Roberta.

Mrs. Roberta has not only been an amazing teacher to our son but has impacted our family in such a beautiful way. We always knew our son was gifted in music but our missing piece was Mrs. Roberta who truly knew what he was capable of. Thank you for all that you do.

Soaring-Dance-Theatre-Dance-Testimonial
Parent
of Piano Student, Aaron

Being in theater class has taught me so much. It has taught me how to use facial expressions and many more other things. One thing that is important is that it has taught me to have confidence in myself.

Working with Ms. Roberta has taught me an experience that I will never forget. Ms. Roberta is probably the most gentle, helpful, witty and wonderful teacher that I ever met.

I have also been playing the piano with her for quite a few years now and it has been the best years of my life. I’ve learned so much and I will cherish those memories forever.

Soaring-Dance-Theatre-Dance-Testimonial
JB
Theatrix & Piano Student

Theatre class is very fun and creative.  I had a wonderful time there.  My teacher always tried to make learning fun and interesting.  While in theatre, you learn to watch and observe people in many ways.  You also become more confident in the way you talk or act.

Soaring-Dance-Theatre-Dance-Testimonial
Nadine Larson
Theatrix Student, Monroe NY

Being in theater class has taught me so much. It’s taught me how to use facial expressions and many more other things. One thing that is important is that it’s taught me to have confidence in myself. Working with Ms Roberta has taught me an experience that i will never forget. Ms Roberta is probably the most gentle, helpful, witty and wonderful teacher that I ever met. I have also been playing the piano with her for quite a few years now and it has been the best years of my life. I’ve learned so much and I will cherish those memories forever.

Soaring-Dance-Theatre-Dance-Testimonial
JB
Theatrix Student

Theatrix class with Ms. Monkash has taught me so much about theater and acting. We learned about all the important things and different components of theater. We learned about tone of voice, facial expression, body language and so much more that is all essential to becoming a great actor. This class taught us how to develop a character and really become that person. Most of all my favorite part of Theatrix class was all the fun games we played to help develop acting skills. Theatrix class has grown my love of theatre and helped me to become an amazing actor. Ms. Monkash is an incredible teacher and makes learning about theatre fun and exciting.

Soaring-Dance-Theatre-Dance-Testimonial
Sarah
Theatrix Student

Thank you for giving us such a great year. The girls have so enjoyed working with you, and you’ve given us the opportunity to let them be normal kids during an otherwise not normal year.

Soaring-Dance-Theatre-Dance-Testimonial
K.C.D
Parent

I have tons of fun at my dance classes. I’ve made new friends and I love doing recitals there. Even during COVID I had fun, I got to dance and all the hard work led to a great recital. Even though it’s a lot of work it’s still fun.

Soaring-Dance-Theatre-Dance-Testimonial
Gabriella Bartys
Dance Expression II Student

Ms. Roberta is the only Dance Instructor I have had that truly cares about her students and takes the time to work with each of us individually. I have grown so much over the years as a dancer at Soaring Dance Theatre and am grateful for the instruction she has provided me with.

Soaring-Dance-Theatre-Dance-Testimonial
Jenna Laskorski
Dance Student

My daughter has been a Dancer at Soaring Dance Theatre for years.  When she performs, you can feel the expressive emotions.  It is absolutely breathtaking.  Her silence dancing speaks volumes! Over the course of time, she has evolved and transformed into an eloquent swan, the symbol of inner grace, balance and commitment. Beauty in motion!

Soaring-Dance-Theatre-Dance-Testimonial
Kim Laskorski
Parent of Dancer

I have been taking piano lessons at the Soaring Dance Theatre for the past year and could not be more pleased with the results. I am an older student and have tried taking lessons with other teachers but found the right place for me with Ms. Monkash. She works successfully with students of all ages. I have also watched her dance recitals and am impressed with the effort and care she puts into everything she does. I look forward to sending my granddaughter to her when she is old enough for lessons. I know she will be in good hands.

Soaring-Dance-Theatre-Dance-Testimonial
Kathleen Tlachi
Piano Student

Ms. Roberta has turned my son Jack into a musician! Never did I think my sports loving, rough and tumble 9 year old would love piano instruction so much. He glows with pride when at the piano. As a teacher I know that his new ability to read music has helped open up windows of development for math, but more importantly my son’s confidence is “soaring!” I couldn’t be happier with our decision to attend Soaring Dance Theatre! Thank you, Ms. Roberta!

Soaring-Dance-Theatre-Dance-Testimonial
Jennifer O'Boyle
Parent of Piano Student

I have been privileged to see the last three spring recitals presented by the Soaring Dance Theater. I am impressed by the year to year growth in the abilities and technique of each of the performers both in dance and piano.

Soaring-Dance-Theatre-Dance-Testimonial
Rich Herman
Parent of Student

After a hard day when there is not a thing that is light in my mind, spirit or body, I go to Roberta’s class and I can soar and fly over everything losing my problems in my mind and I just enjoy!!

Soaring-Dance-Theatre-Dance-Testimonial
Andrea Sloan
Dance Student, Warwick NY

My experience at Soaring Dance Theatre has been awesome. I feel like I really learned more than at my other dance schools.

Soaring-Dance-Theatre-Dance-Testimonial
Natalie Kyvik
Dance Student, Monroe NY

I enjoy Soaring Dance Theatre very much. I feel like I really express myself in class. It’s really fun and I learn a lot.

Soaring-Dance-Theatre-Dance-Testimonial
Laura Kyvik
Monroe, NY

In my private sessions with Roberta, my skills as a dance and performing artist have been greatly enriched and improved. Roberta’s technical background in dance is complimented by her sharp artistic eye and her director’s approach to the specific piece and artist she is working with.

Soaring-Dance-Theatre-Dance-Testimonial
Kara Greevy
Dance & Performance Student, Cornwall NY

Ms. Monkash is an amazing director who teaches her cast to act like a family…She brings out what we love to do best…act and sing. Acting with Ms. Monkash was some of the best times of my life.

Soaring-Dance-Theatre-Dance-Testimonial
Samantha Baggatta
Theatrix Student, Middletown NY

Miss Roberta is a great teacher. I can’t wait to go to class. I love dance even more than I did before.

Soaring-Dance-Theatre-Dance-Testimonial
Emily Jungerheld
Central Valley, NY

I can see why she calls her school ‘Soaring’ because when it comes to music she is helping me fly.

Soaring-Dance-Theatre-Dance-Testimonial
Adam Bruner
Washingtonville, NY

Absolutely Roberta! You are a beauty to watch. I’m glad you are teaching my daughter your talent.

Soaring-Dance-Theatre-Dance-Testimonial
Shawna Lynn
Monroe, NY

Our daughter, Alexandra, was shy and withdrawn. Under Ms. Monkash’s encouraging direction, her self-confidence blossomed. Ms. Monkash’s professionalism, high standards and genuine guidance were very much part of the building blocks that firmly solidified Alexandra’s talent. Ms. Monkash is the kind of teacher and mentor that children remember for life.

Soaring-Dance-Theatre-Dance-Testimonial
Genevieve Haines
Middletown, NY

Miss Roberta provided our daughter with a wonderful year of dance. We truly appreciate her talent, warmth and creativity.

Soaring-Dance-Theatre-Dance-Testimonial
Rabbi Pesach and Chana Burston

As a proud parent of two dancers in the 2012 Soaring Dance Theatre Dance Recital, I stood and watched in awe. Trying to fight back the proud tears and not wanting the dancing to stop, I was utterly amazed at the talent, dedication and spirit of the dancers. They danced to perfection and their personal best. It brought chills to my arms and made my heart sing with applause. Bravo!

Soaring-Dance-Theatre-Dance-Testimonial
Kim Laskorski
Monroe, NY

My daughter has been dancing at Soaring for the past two years. This is the studio to be in if your child wants not only to learn how to dance, but what it means to be a Dancer! Roberta is a true artist and teaches her students not only technique, but how to use their bodies as an expression of art. The studio is beautiful and Roberta has made the atmosphere welcoming to all who love to dance and to parents who watch.

Soaring-Dance-Theatre-Dance-Testimonial
Lorie Lotito
Monroe, NY

We came to Roberta novice dancers and she was able to create a 1st dance for our wedding that transformed us into beautiful dancers. She is creative, patient, and open to suggestions. Roberta was able to choreograph a unique and very special dance that represented us as a couple. Our dance was fun, capturing, and intimate. We highly recommend working with Roberta for special moments that will always be memorable.

Jennifer and Dominick
Monroe, NY

My fiancé and I came to Roberta in hope of preparing a great first dance at our wedding.  From day 1, she made us feel comfortable, and was such an amazing teacher!  Roberta has years of different types of dancing experience, and it certainly comes through in her teaching style and dancing, that she loves what she does.  She is able to listen to your wedding song 1 time and create a romantic, customized dance that will surely impress!  She gets emotionally invested in your big day, and will wind up being just as excited as you two are for your big day!  We loved our time with Roberta. and would highly recommend her services to any couple looking to create a beautiful moment in their wedding, through dance.

Val and Chip
Walden, NY

Hi Roberta! Charlie and I had the greatest wedding day ever! And everyone absolutely LOVED our dance. They can’t stop talking about it! And people cried. It was so perfect. Thank you, thank you.

Alex and Charlie
Middletown, NY