Testimonials
Thank you Dustin for the skills, talent, empathy and friendship you have brought to me over three years of competing as a national finalist in the Karaoke World Championships. Your ability to provide practical ways to develop, attention to nuances and focus is second to none. You have helped me tremendously with stage presence – and truly how to breathe and enjoy the experience. Like you always say, the journey is more important than the outcome.
Thank you – and I look forward to continuing to work with you!
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Rochelle Coleman
Dustin was an incredible director! He worked so well with all of the kids during the musical Matilda. He treated everyone equally, and was encouraging and supportive of performers of all levels. During my private theatre training, Dustin has helped me break down monologues and song lyrics to understand them better, we've worked on breath work, costumes, directing, and appropriate audition etiquette. He makes me feel extremely comfortable, and has helped build my theatre confidence.
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Norelle, age 13
I originally took Breann’s Breathwork course to complement the vocal work I was doing at RedTree, and while it definitely helped me gain better control over my breathing to support those big note belts, I found other benefits to the classes. I really enjoyed the meditative quality involved in breathwork. Like most people, I’ve got a lot on my plate, so having an hour to quiet my mind and listen to what my body needed really helped my mood. I also found that after the classes I had a clearer mind and felt more prepared to take on what needed to be done in the day. Classes where we incorporated some light yoga into the breathwork were especially enjoyable as it helped rid my body of any lingering tension.
I definitely recommend the classes for anyone who wishes to focus on their body and wellness through better connecting our mind and body. I may not be much of a morning person, but this class was worth getting up for."
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Gillian White
I first met Dustin when he and I were cast in a production of the musical “Falsettos” in 2013, when I was 13 years old. From the moment I walked into that theatre, not knowing a single person or even what part of the city I was in, Dustin made me feel welcome, and like family. His ability to cultivate warmth, energy, and a positive work environment is matched only by his natural skills on the stage. From his performances on stage to his natural way of being, Dustin is a gifted storyteller, who is passionate about everything he sets his heart on, and gets true, genuine joy from helping others become the best versions of themselves. He is someone who will provide you a space where you can be vulnerable, and not be afraid of that vulnerability. I have seen him put literal blood, sweat and tears into his productions, and expect nothing back. I truly marvel at Dustin's dedication and passion for performance.
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I have experienced first hand, and benefited greatly, from his ability to share his natural ability and help develop potential in others. Dustin has an incredible depth of understanding when it comes to how to tell a story, he can approach it from multiple perspectives, and it's nearly impossible to resist sharing the passion he has for performance when you are in his presence.
Aside from all of his skills and accolades, Dustin is also an incredibly special person, who will pour every inch of his being into those he cares for, or any task he is committed to.
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Jake Sim
5 STARS!
A group of us attended the Floor and Chair class with Laura for a Bachelorette Party last weekend and it blew our expectations out of the water! The atmosphere was fun, comfortable, and inviting, and the staff were super friendly and A-MAZING! All the extra goodies were such a nice touch- from the charcuterie board to the personalized water bottles, bottle of bubbly, Dustin capturing candid moments throughout the entire session, and ending it off with karaoke- all of which made the night extra special. AND all included in the very affordable price! Worth every cent and more! Laura was a fantastic instructor who really knew how to bring us out of our shells and encouraged us to embrace our feminine energy and work it! Would highly recommend! Can't say enough about our experience with Red Tree! Thank you Dustin and Laura! You truly made our experience incredibly special and personal! Can't wait to visit again!​
I had been wanting to find a place to do breathwork and meditation for quite a while.
Somewhere that I could feel less stress, breathe, and try to find myself again. I was already taking vocal lessons at Red Tree, so when I found out they were starting Breathwork & Meditation, I jumped at the opportunity to join in on the classes.
Breann is such a wonderful instructor, and one of the most beautiful souls I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. Her calm and nurturing way of teaching, as well as her compassion are so helpful for someone like me. Her classes are a safe and supportive space, somewhere you can reach down deep, learn and grow.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve struggled with many insecurities, self doubt, anxiety, depression, and self-esteem lower than anyone I’ve ever met.
My ADHD has also been a drawback for my entire life. Breann has helped me to start seeing past all of that. Her years of working with special needs and neurodiverse individuals, has been an important part of her ability to help me, as she knows how to tailor her classes to benefit someone like me.
Through her classes, as well as her recommendations of at home breathing exercises, daily journaling and morning/evening affirmations, I have started to find myself again and have begun to let go of all the negativity and weight that I’ve carried with me for years.
Breann, I will be forever grateful for all the ways that you’ve helped me, and I really can’t thank you enough! <3
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Lillian Goobie-Pereira
Dustin's love for theatre and all things performance is abundantly clear. The passion and skill set that he brings to each session is impeccable. He goes beyond the singing and dancing, and gets behind each piece to thoroughly explain the emotion and a breakdown of the wording/lyrics, which as a high school English teacher, I know that this is such an important skill to have in the future for my daughter. His students are able to explore various theatre genres, songs, and topics, all in a safe and inclusive space. I can't begin to thank Dustin enough for all he has done to help build and inspire my daughter's theatre abilities.
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Alison
(mother of performer in large production and private lessons)
I have meditated before by myself but never on this level. I went with an open mind and really dived deep into my thoughts and emotions, uncovering layers of my consciousness I never knew existed. I would recommend these classes to everyone it’s changed my life for the better. Thank you Bre for guiding me on my journey
Kelly
Bree and Dustin are amazing coaches, they are always kind understanding and ready for all the challenges my client Josh brings to rehearsal. He has excelled very well with his singing, mic holding and stage presence using the tools Bree and Dustin have taught him. We are both proud to be apart of the Red Tree family.
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Kelly
I've been working with Dustin since December, learning how to sing with a newly dropped voice thanks to testosterone. He's been an excellent collaborator as we figure out how HRT is changing my voice, willing to do research and bring new ideas to the table. I always feel good being myself during our lessons.
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Ossian
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I cannot say enough good things about Red Tree! Our daughter has been taking piano lessons for a few months now, Dustin and Breann were so helpful in helping us chose the right classes for her. And her instructor Luis is full of patience, kindness and talent! This is the kind of studio that your kids will love, and you will be so happy to support. The atmosphere is absolutely the type of influence we want for our kids. We are so very glad we found Red Tree Performance Academy.
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Meghan Trimble
It’s hard to put into words the immense importance and magnitude of love that you feel when you’re in the presence of those in the family of Red Tree. However, I will do my utmost best to do so.
From the moment you meet them, they capture your heart and soul. They’re all encompassing. The village your family needs to have behind them.
When we first found Red Tree, we knew we found a home. Not just four walls that look like a home, but the arms of a loved one, that has a feeling alike no other. The sense that this is where you belong. That’s the level of comfort that radiates through you from them.
You’re apart of a family, but not just any family, one that is all accepting, all loving, all everything you’d want for yourself, and/or your children.
I’ve had the absolute pleasure of watching my son grow as a person, and have this bond, and immense love for Dustin, and Bree. He’s able to express himself to the utmost extent of the words. They don’t shy away from unique, because they are in fact just that.
I’ve watched as my son has grown a love so strong for Dustin, and Dustin the same for my son. He is his ‘mini me’.
With over 40 years of combined experience, in both developmental and social services, you can tell that this family grown business is from the ground up, built on love, respect, and the blazing passion for this field and area of expertise.
This experience they have, is alike no other.
We’ve had the pleasure of sitting in on both their mindful meditation, as well as vocal coaching. All I can say is wow. They get down to your child’s level, they’re effortlessly able to explain things to them in ways that they understand. They’re both able to bring out the absolute best in my children, the confidence, acceptance, and self love they have from their short time at Red Tree so far has been the most heartwarming experience for us as parents.
They are not to be compared to your average performance academy.
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