I try not to write bad reviews, however, I felt that future patrons of Chesapeake Dance Center should be warned. My child has been dancing here for a few years and it was always a bit disorganized but nothing that could not be overlooked. This past year was terrible. The studio & waiting area is becoming shabby and tends to have a disagreeable smell (body odor & cigarettes). The only toilet was backed up and broken for a week. Too many parents treat the dance studio like a babysitting company. They drop ill mannered children and leave, letting the kids run wild in the waiting area.
One of my child's classes was not taught by Ms. Barbara (whom I thought would be teaching) but by an ODU dance student...and I don't think she did a very good job. The final dance was very poorly executed.
Onto the recent recital rehearsal disaster. We were there from 4:30 to 10:30pm. WAY too late for most of the children who were either half asleep or completely delirious once their turn came to dance. This was because Ms. Barbara and her teachers decided to run each dance (over & over & over, ad nauseam)...I'm sorry, if you did such a poor job teaching them that they still don't know the dance after 9 months, they are not going to get it during the recital rehearsal. There was also much bickering between Ms. Barbara & her daughter that took up time. There were too many costume changes & props during this recital making it a confusing mess.
I was going to sign my child up for more lessons, however, this recital was the straw that broke the camel's back. We will not be returning and will find a new studio. I suggest you look otherwise as well. read more