Testimonials

Please Note: Spelling and Grammar are unaltered from original text.

"My Summer in L.A." - read what Jordan Gibbins says about her amazing life changing experience with Summer in LA 2009

"The LA Experience" (pdf) - read what Cassandra Tarrataca says about her unforgettable experience with Summer in LA 2005 in Hot Shoes News Magazine (now Dance Canada Quarterly)

 

Don't stop doing what you're doing with Be Discovered. I'm sure it's a lot of work but from what I saw it's worth it. Believe me, I wish there were programs like yours when I was a kid growing up. Just awesome.

Keep Groovin'!

Bradley "Shooz" Rapier
Founder/director of THE GROOVALOOS

Everything that was promised about the program happened, from dancing in the best studios in LA to the SYTYCD outing, to the healthy food (which I am still trying to adhere to eating) to the respect I now give to other dancers and myself.  You truly have a work ethic that is unmatchable, and I appreciate how hard you work because I can tell you love doing it and the results are evident because of the improvement I have seen in everyone in the program. 

I am so fortunate to have found out about Be Discovered because it has changed the way I think about dance. It has motivated and inspired me to work to my fullest potential while boosting my self esteem and thickening my skin to deal with the harshness of the industry.  Every class I took and every teacher I met had something to offer which I learned from, and there is an energy in LA that surpasses any other place I have danced in.  What I have gained from that one week will affect me I think for a long time to come.

You are honestly shaping the dance world with this program educating dancers and pushing them to be the best they can be.

Jessica Lynch, Massachusettes
2008 Summer in L.A. Dance Intensive dancer

I just wanted to let you know how much i appreciated everything you did for us on the trip, and that I had the time of my life! I will never forget this past week and everything that I've learned from it. I honestly feel like I've grown as a person and a dancer in just that short amount of time, and I really want to thank you for giving me the opportunity to do so. Your program is the greatest gift any dancer could recieve and I truly value every second I spent in LA.
 
Kira Poon, Ontario
2008 Summer in L.A Dance Intensive dancer

How do I ever put into words just how grateful we are for your company, Be Discovered.

We have all learned so much and have a far better and clearer understanding of how things work in the industry now. Each trip with you is an incredible experience and it opens our eyes and brings us all that much closer to reality. Not only does our daughter gain from her experience, but we, as parents, are better able to understand where it is she wants to go, and what it will take for us to help and guide her and see that she gets there. It enables us to support her in a way that is helpful and positive. Of course the hard work and dedication is up to her. Kudos to you for putting it together!

There are some great websites out there, but there are no 'humans' to speak to here that could answer our questions. Being in LA, where it all happens, and meeting people that are actually in the business makes Savanna's goals seem so attainable. What was once just a dream, now is becoming reality!

What amazes me even more is the fact that just because your program is over, you still remain a wealth of knowledge and information and you are kind enough to continue to help in any way that you can. I don't know of ANY other program that offers that. Usually it's, 'I got your money, thank you. The program is over now, good-bye!' Your website is fantastic too!

We can't wait to see what you offer next year! We're already thinking we're "Broadway Bound!"

Tammy Arbeau, Savanna Schulz' mom - Edmonton Alberta
Savanna and family have attended the 2006, the 2008 & 2009 Summer in L.A Extended Intensive, The 2009 Vegas Convention, Be Discovered's 2006 Broadway Bound! The NYC Winter Intensive and the 2008 Bahamas Sun, Fun & Dance Experience

I just wanted to thank you for the opportunity to again be part of SILA. The trip this year was amazing. I feel very blessed that I got to work with and meet the people that I did. You have helped me grow so much in the past four years with everything you've provided me. I think I can speak for all the dancers when I say we are so appreciative that you make it possible for us to come together to do what we love and to expand and learn about the industry. Compared to the first SILA I attended, I felt so much more stronger physically and mentally this time round. Attending your programs, I feel like I am capable of doing so much more than I was able to before.

I would definitely encourage dancers to attend any of your programs.

Can't wait to see what next year brings! Thank you.

Savanna Schulz - Edmonton Alberta
Savanna attended the 2006 and the 2008 Summer in L.A Extended Intensive, Be Discovered's 2006 Broadway Bound! The NYC Winter Intensive and the 2008 Bahamas Sun, Fun & Dance Experience

Thank you so much for the Be Discovered Experience. It was definitely one of the most memorable experiences of my life, I can't believe it's already over! Thanks again, I hope to see you guys in the future!

Jessie Levine, California
2008 Summer in L.A. Hip Hop Intensive dancer

Hi my name is Will Thomas, and i was apart of the Extended Dance Intensive. I loved every second i was at in L.A and Las Vegas! i learned so much and this is by far a lifetime rememerable experience as i got to do so much in just the two weeks i was their. I can not wait to come back next year and even during christmas time for the New York trip. Thank you so much for putting all this together to help me get me closer to my dreams!

Will Thomas, Michigan
2008 Summer in LA Extended Intensive & 2009 Summer in L.A. Dance Intensive dancer

Summer in LA was the best experience I ever had. It is what every dancer needs to further their knowledge in the entertainment industry and further develop their skills as a great dancer.

Cynthia Appiah, New York
2008 Summer in LA Extended Intensive dancer

I just wanted to thank you soo much for this AMAZING opportunity and experience. Words cannot explain how thankful and blessed I'am to be apart of this program. The whole week went by so fast, I didn't want it to end :( I learned so much about the industry, but more importantly about myself.

You have inspired me to work even harder as a dancer and as a better person.

SILA was an amazing experience and helped me get out of my comfort level and grow more independently. Thank you once again and I hope to work or travel with Be Discovered in the future.

Peter D'Souza, Ontario
2008 Summer in L.A. Hip Hop Intensive dancer

I just wanted to thank you for putting in your time and creating this amazing event for kids to get the chance to be apart of a amazing opportunity that we wouldn't of got without SILA.

It gave me the opportunity to dance and train at amazing studios with amazing choreographers. The information that i learnt about heath and the industry of dance allowed me to be aware of the important matters and what it takes to become a professional or working dancer.

It was a life changing and unforgetable event.
 
Mario Fugnitto, Ontario
2008 Summer in L.A. Dance Intensive dancer

Thank you so much for creating the Summer in LA program and giving young dancers like myself the opportunity to learn about the industry. This was an unforgettable week and the amount of knowledge I have gained was amazing. I finished the week feeling that I have grown as a dancer and as an individual. I look forward to attending throughout the years to come.

Ashley Archer, Ontario
2008 Summer in L.A Hip Hop Intensive dancer

We want to thank you for the wonderful experience of summer in L.A.  We had such a great time and felt very lucky to be able to share the excitement with the whole group.

My husband, Lauren and I got to see things we never would imagine. The mountains, the palm trees and night life scenery at the city walk was picture perfect.

Lauren loved everything! I didn't get one complaint out of her about anything even if she was tired.

She made some wonderful friends that she will keep in contact with by computer. She loves excitement because she gets bored quick so this was all in her pace.

The training was awesome!!! It really was an inspiration for her.

There is so much to say, but mostly this message was to thank you for everything.

Lauren Peletier, Ontario
Mom of Lauren, 2008 Summer in LA Hip Hop Intensive dancer

wow! I would have never imagined at the age of only 14 years old I would be dancing in L. A . putting an amazing program together like this must not have been easy. But I really appreciate everything . I never really knew how the industry works but with summer in L. A i got every single detail I needed to know! and now because of this, i really know what I want to do in life.

thank you for this experience, and for making it all possible

Briana Baker, North Carolina
2008 Summer in LA Dance Intensive dancer

Its been an amazing experience which helped me understand about the industry, how it works, and that it needs a lot of determination and persistence to make it in this business. This experience inspired so much and made me even more eager and determined towards my goal. The teachers/ choreographers where just breathtaking. They have helped us so much, talking to us, encouraging us in everything we did. We could not ask for more.

Next year I am planning to move to L.A if everything works out with my visa and although I know its going to be REALLY difficult (as there is A LOT of competition etc) I still want to do it; and I thank Be Discovered for guiding me and helping me in this, because I didn't even have a clue on how to get there and now I know about visas, studios etc!

Also, through this we made friends,we got to know each other well and most importantly, we worked as a group,as a FAMILY! We have learnt to help each other, and most of all respect our colleagues, our teachers and all of the people.

I cannot say enough about this program, its just..amazing!!!!! Definitely worth every penny!

If everything works out I will be doing it next year too:)

Eleni Ioannou from Cyprus, 2008 Summer in LA Extended Intensive dancer & 2008 Broadway Bound! dancer

First and for the most i want to say WOAO! everything was just a WOAO factor for me.

Starting from day one, just meeting all of the dancers, sharing their stories was great, because not only you get to be apart of this program but you can also meet this cool people.

For a dancer, who's passionate about taking this a life career it is truly life changing if you have the oportunity to do this and hear words from specialists in the area that also inspire you in real life. Because it will only help you grow, and realized what you really want and desire.

Everything was a lesson to learn.

THANK YOU because you took care of us really good.  They were heaven sent, and i am gratefull for every moment that was presented to us on that week.

Melissa Perez, 2008 Summer in L.A Hip Hop Intensive dancer

Marissa headed to LA this summer looking to learn more about the dance industry, possible opportunities, and an understanding of what it would take to make it, including decisions of what to focus on over the next few years in order to get prepared.

Well, she came home with a much better understanding of the dance profession and in her words: "how hard it is going to be to make it - but I want to do it"! In addition to having the opportunity to work with some of the industry's best, other highlights included getting to talk to dancers who have been out there trying to make it, the photo shoot, and meeting the other dancers.

The true benefit of the program shows in her new determination to do what it takes to be successful - this new attitude evident by her director upon her return. All in all a valuable experience and one we would recommend to others!

Jane & Marissa Duchscher

Ontario mom and 2008 Summer in LA The Dance Intensive dancer

It was an experience that I will take with me forever. I could not be happier about what I experienced in S.I.L.A.

The food was great, the people were awesome and the dancing was amazing. This program helped me figure out what I want to do and have to do to pursue my dance career.

I could not be more thankful for giving us this opportunity to expose us and teach us about the industry. Overall my summer in L.A. couldn’t have been better!

Axel Villamil, Ontario 2008 S.I.L.A. Hip Hop Intensive dancer

Thank you once again for everything. Means a lot to me for all this sucess that is happening in my life....it's something that I always dreamt about.

Much love. I miss you! I hope all is well. I'm doing quite well myself. I'll be moving out to California. I'm most appreciative to you, ultimately. You were the one that took my hand and guided me into a new world filled with dreamers. I become to realize the amount of people that just have the heart and passion like I do, but it's about how badly and determined you are for what you want. I want it so bad. My heart beats so loud and fast finally knowing "nothing is impossible". I once again want to thank you for helping me grow at a young age to "be discovered" in a world of possibilities. Keep in touch forever.

Mercedes Guzikowki from London, Ontario after Be Discovered booked her on her 1st film.  Attended Summer in L.A. twice

Thank you for letting me be a part of this great experience. It was an awesome thing to be a part of and I would definitely think of doing it again. I was the youngest dancer in the program this year, and I learned so much, and will carry those lessons through my whole dance career. The photo shoot was awesome, and I loved meeting Carmit from The Pussycat Dolls. Thank you again for making this happen.

Tina
 

First of all, I would just like to say thank you for this amazing experience and opportunity. Everything that I have learned from this program will stay with me forever. I know what I need to work on as a young dancer and I am going to start to work on those things right away. Overall, I loved the program. My favourite class was Shane Sparks’ class and the second krumping class with Duce.

Tina and Jamie Trowbridge from Ontario.
Jamie won a scholarship towards S.I.L.A.
His sister and mom joined us in L.A.

I just want to say that I had a real good time in L.A I learn so much about the industry and about me. I feel like I ‘ve been there for one year cause I learned so much. So thank you to gave me the chance to be part of this big experience... But seriously Diana, I really want to let you know that you are one of the most professional person that I've seen in the business. You are an inspiration for me as a business woman.

The day after I arrived from L.A i began to dance everyday.... and now with my dance and teacher life....I'm training 6 days on 7 .

I want to thank you again for everything and I hope that I can work or travel with Be discovered in the near future...

Marie-Odile Haince-LeBel, Quebec dancer who owns her own dance studio District MAO.  Attended Summer in L.A. twice and the Vegas Convention

I would just like to thank you for getting me involved with this Hilary Duff movie. I had an ABSOLUTE BLAST! It was *SO* much fun! And I was *Very* Excited to be able to see Hilary. Again thank you so much, I really enjoyed my time there. :)

Aimee Mercer from Campbellville Ontario after booking 2 films where she worked with Mel Gibson and on The Perfect man starring Hilary Duff. Attended Summer in L.A. two times.

My mom and I thank you for the opportunities that you have given me. Because of Be Discovered, I was able to work on The Perfect Man film, my first movie with Hilary Duff. I couldn’t believe it. I am so shy, I wouldn’t have imagined that I would have gone to L.A. at just 14.

In L.A., I got to work with some of my idols including Shane Sparks, choreographer of You Got Served, I loved that class. I got to attend Carnival, even though I am only 14 as well as I got to attend the Christina Aguilera auditions. Dayo who I grew up watching on Degrassi was so nice to us and we learned a lot about the industry.

I had never been away from home and I had so much fun and had nothing to worry about during the trip. My mom is so protective of me that I was really surprised that she let me go on Summer in L.A. but I am glad that she did as I met so many new friends.

I am really blessed cause my mom let me go again to L.A. just a month after my 1st Summer in L.A. I took more classes but my most favorite experience this time was being able to meet Mya, oh my God. I was so nervous right before we went in to the studio. She was so nice and down to earth. We watched her concert rehearsal, just the Be Discovered dancers, her dancers and her choreographer Shotyme. I couldn’t believe it. She shook my hand and gave me a candy. It was so funny, we all kept the candy or the wrappers as souveniers. Lol. I love the photos that I have of her with me. This was an unforgettable experience and I am so thankful for your making this happen for me.

Jestiena Salmon from Scarborough Ontario after booking her 1st film.  Attended Summer in L.A. four times and Broadway Bound.

Thank you for the opportunity and a way to connect with all your students. I look forward to our relationship blossoming and working together in the future. This was the best experience I have had in my professional dance career, you gave me a avenue to exercise my talent in a way that it can be appreciated. Thank U so much

Deuce, the Prince of Krump credits include
Rize, So You Think You Can Dance, Chris Brown and Sean Paul

I had a great time on the program, I´m still trying to digest all the cool things we did!
What you do is so amazing!
Muchas gracias por todo!!

Carol Scrivener from Def Sol in Saskatchewan
After Summer in L.A traveled to Colombia as a volunteer

Desiree had the time of her life in LA, thanks for everything I know putting something like that together is a lot of work, Des is very grateful for the incredible week she had in LA.
You should be very proud.

I just about fell over when I saw Desiree's pictures, everyones turned out incredible.

Desiree is very excited about seen Justin Timberlake. Thank you for the ticket.

Thanks for everything

Kimberly, Desiree Williams mom from Vancouver, BC
Desiree was selected for the Bonus Summer in L.A. prize,
stage seats to See Justin Timberlake’s Toronto concert. Desiree attended Summer in L.A. 3 times.

I would also like to thank you for the entire experience in L.A. – Cara keeps repeating that the whole experience was awesome! Anyway, thanks again for your diligence and of course, hard work…. Thanks again!

Luisa, Cara Carosielli’s mom from the Sheila Parkins School of Dance QC

The food was good, the dance classes were very cool.

I made a lot of new friends. the outing were very intresting. I enjoyend having my picture taken by a professional photographer. Learning new techniques and a new dances.

Jason Lister also from the
Sheila Parkins School of Dance in QC

This is Isabel, Jackie's mom. She absolutely LOVED SILA. She said it was the best time of her life, it really is a once in a lifetime experience for these girls and she had a great time. She really respects you and would love for you to keep in touch with her.

Isabel Faibish,
Jackie’s mom from Toronto

 

Sila was an amazing experience and i got alot out of it. I felt accomplished going there, like i was starting to achieve my goals in dance but when i got there i realized that theres so much more work to do.

Going to L.A. and seeing it all was the amazing thing, but being able to go with kids your age and people that enjoy the same thing as you is really inspiring. I think the program does offer alot and makes you feel more driven towards what you want. I know that going into the program i knew what i wanted to do and how i wanted to do it but i wanted to know if i was going to be able to handle it. Towards the end of the week i looked at this and realized that i can.

Can't wait for Broadway Bound! Thank You

Anna Bilotta from London, Ontario

I just wanted to thank you again so much for the week In L.A. As I mentioned to you on the trip I had a fabulous time, and truly learned a lot about the industry and more importantly myself. Thanks to you, and the Be Discovered program I feel more ready than ever to start preparing my future career as a dancer!

In addition please know that I appreciate everything you did for myself, and fellow dancers more than you know. I truly do not know any other way to express it other than I am honored and blessed to have had the opportunity to take part in this experience and have your personal expertise. Thanks again for everything

Jessica Joseph from Calgary, Alberta

Thank you for al the input that you have given me in your, SILA review. I understand now that the competition in this industry is cut-throat and that you have given me a glimpse into what my future may be like.

I thank you for choosing to continue with helping me and my future, it shows that you see a marketable look and that you see that there is hope for me in the industry. I think that SILA was amazing and that the expereince that it was given is life-changing. It was also great how i had the opportunity to participate in things that would never happen in a lifetime that has taught me that i should grasp every minute of opportunity that i can and try my hardest to give myself a boost in the competition

Thank you for all the advice that you have given me. I will be sure to put them all into motion right away. Thank you for the life-altering experience.

Tuan Chau, Ontario Scholarship Recipient

I just would like to say THANK YOU for this wonderful opportunity and experience. I was so excited about this adventure and I would love to do it again in the future. You all make a great team. The week of SILA was very positive for myself and it helped me to grow more independently, so once again thank you.

Cassandra Antonangeli, Ontario Scholarship Recipient

 

 

I know I've said this many times before but I can't say it enough, thank you so much for everything you've done. Going into this trip, I expected to experience the reality of the industry, to meet new people who share the same passion as I do and in general just to have fun and feed off of the energy from the group and others around me. I can say with complete honesty that this trip provided all this and so much more.

I want you to know that the Summer in L.A. trip really did change my life and made me realize how much I love dancing. Dancing is a huge part of who I am and you've shown me that no matter what i do in life, i will be dancing. I had the most amazing time of my life and I appreciate all the time and effort you put into creating this program. All I can say is that it is definitely worth it and there is no other program like bediscovered's who will customize the trip to every individual on the tour.

Thanks for giving me the chance to be considered for upcoming work on Carnival or Royal Carribean!! Hopefully I will be traveling with bediscovered again very soon!! Broadway Bound, my moms been constantly talking about it. she keeps telling me about it and how its in new york. so after saying this, you can tell that my mom was really happy about our experience with the bediscovered tour to l.a.

I don't knwo if you've seen the episode of so you think you can dance tht we were at but amanda put in the tape as soon as we got home. we were filmed quite a lot since we were standing next to these 2 girls who knew all the cameramen there since their father is one himself. it was really fun!! we're lucky that we found out about this program through dan because i can truly say tht it was lifechanging. can't wait to hear from you, and thanks again...

Stephanie & Amanda Tam from the Sheila Parkins School of Dance in Quebe
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