Marion Burke holds a bachelor of science degree in education from the University of Connecticut and is also a graduate of the Dance Educators of America Teacher Training School. Marion is well-educated in child development at all levels. She utilizes her education to foster growth in a fun and nurturing environment. She knows how much to teach to maximize learning without overwhelming students. Her expertise enables her to make classes fun and interesting. Her knowledge of this type of growth is key, although no education requirements are mandated by the state.

"It is my philosophy that the spring performance gives the students the opportunity not only to perform, but to show what they have learned. It is about enjoying the moment, and although they strive to do as best as they can, I stress not to worry about making mistakes. I teach students that an audience will give them respect even if they make errors. I tell them to try to smile, and continue. They are human, and it happens. All students have an opportunity to participate (although it’s not mandatory). I don’t just ask the best students to perform and all students have an opportunity to be in the front. All students get their chance to be in the spotlight to shine."

The education received at the Marion Dondi Burke School of Dance is second to none. Miss Marion personally teaches every class, with the assistance of an experienced support staff. This provides a very low student/teacher ratio, giving each child the attention they deserve. The school features a 32-foot seated observation room with multiple five-foot wide windows. These windows are always open so parents can watch their children receiving instruction in the 3,000-square-foot studio.

The School offers a specialized pre-school program, Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Pointe, Hawaiian and Acro-Gymnastics in regular and summer programs. She accepts students from age 2 through adult with a parent-friendly, no-risk enrollment policy. Miss Marion is a member of Dance Educators of America and Professional Dance Teachers Association, both out of New York City. Miss Marion is dedicated to community service, having her students perform for numerous organizations. All proceeds from the dance recitals go to a local non-profit organization.

"The dance school periodically volunteers to entertain at several local senior citizen facilities. Everyone in the school is invited and encouraged to dance in one of several special shows. “It’s very important to give something of ourselves back to the community. I advocate volunteering for these events as it is something that is greatly appreciated by the seniors, is fun for the students, and is just an extension of what we all love to do, dance! I feel that instilling the desire to give and donate time, energy and a piece of ourselves, early in the student’s lives, will help foster volunteerism for them in the future. It is very rewarding, especially when we witness the enthusiasm of our audiences!”

The school is conveniently located just minutes from East Hartford, Marlborough, Manchester, Colchester, and Hebron.