I'm no dance expert but I have done business with Christine Rich and if she runs her studio like she runs her business then its probably over priced with hidden charges and has lots of flash but no substance. I did some freelance graphic design work for Christine Rich and at the last minute she refused to pay me for work that I had already sent her a pdf copy of. I had to report her to Department of Labor before she paid me for the time I had put in during a "trial period". After all that, she had the gall to continue to ask me for work! I enjoyed freelance until I worked for her. Freelance is no longer an option for me, I don't like to treat my clients like potential criminals that might take advantage of me, but that's exactly what she was. read more

Unfortunately, no one yelp before. Too late for me now... There are much better dance schools in the champaign/urbana area. Make sure you check them out before you go to this place. read more

My daughter loved going here for a little over 4 years and while it was expensive and there was a lot of "extra over the top" rules (Like parking and being late means sitting out) we understood them and all was fine. However this last year and a half was an insane mess. It was like the flood gates opened and insanity came through. We got so many emails flooding us that it became hard to keep up with what was important and what was her just talking about her life, how sick she is, the drive and how mad she is at a light company, and her trying repeatedly to sell a work out dvd (While saying your child is garbage and won't be any good if they don't have it...). It was nuts. She lost that "I'm a business" mode and went into "I'll air everything to you all". Not only did these emails start but this last year is what broke us, she started charging everyone for ANYTHING anyone forgot. Forgot a hat, that'll be $10. Forgot to get the bun perfect, that'll be another $10. Forgot to respond to an email, $5 for that! It was too much and on top of that, she would do all but name you in public emails. In an email to everyone she wrote this "We had only one non-compliance", "Five families did not turn in a cover up photo at all and are in the penalty phase", "Others ignore and never respond to the emails. BUT, when we release those recital tickets discount emails, WOW, the same people who could never cooperate or "receive our emails" are all over the discount". I should never be told about another family forgetting something or failing to respond, that's not my business. Some of this stuff they could have mentioned at the last class. Hell, I was talking to the teacher and yet she didn't say a word about remembering hats... But because I missed the email, I had to fork out cash. I understand she wants everyone to quickly comply but we already pay an arm and a leg for them to teach our kids. Also, I came to find out the teacher took "Breaks" during my daughters class... I'm sorry but I paid too much money for her to take a "break". If she needed a break then Christine should have given her time between classes. During these times the kids just did whatever kinda dance they wanted to... Yep that's good teaching! Not only all of that, but she forces families to "Volunteer" or your kid is out. We pay almost $30 a seat and snacks and drinks $1 a piece... Where is all that money going? You're not paying people to do it so you're just pocketing it all. My husband was to do the setup but got hurt before it, so he couldn't do it. Instead of her offering something else for me or him, or even just taking the $50 and calling it, she threatened to kick my daughter out a week before if my husband didn't hand over a doctors note. I'm fairly certain it's illegal to ask for a parents doctors note to a child's class. Plus, we already pay you a ton. Hire someone instead of pocketing it! She could have easily asked me to do something else or asked if I could do the set up for him... but that's a MANS job (What she states in her volunteer sign ups)... I'll stick to lifting my 80# bales of hay I guess... All in all, I would let my daughter go back if it became more like it was before but I won't pay for someone to treat the people who pay them like garbage. It's sad to not see my daughter dance any more but it's just not worth filling the pockets of someone like that. read more

Christine is an arrogant person and should not be aloud to work with children. She said that my daughter did not have the talent to dance and disrespected and threatened my family. Now, my daughter is an excellent dancer and works very hard to be as great as she is. I wouldn't consider Christine's Dance Studio. read more

A non professional "dance" studio. There are many, many "extra" charges that are not explained up front and could end up costing you as much as double the initial tuition quoted. I arrived many times to find my daughter baby-sitting the instructor's baby instead of taking the class that I had paid for. My daughter was pushed beyond the point to which she felt competent to perform in the spring recital. There are few older dancers at the studio to which the younger dancers could look up to and it seems the reason why is because the older dancers leave to go to competent studios in the area or they have so many injuries from being improperly trained they had to quit dance. When we pulled our daughter out of the studio, Ms. Rich constantly harassed my husband and myself by email, calls to our home and calls to our places of employment demanding to know how we could deprive our daughter of her services. Save your child's self-esteem and your pocketbook. Don't go there. read more

My daughter has been having class at this studio for the past four months. Classes start consistently 5 minutes late but if you, as a parent, are a few minutes late, they kick you and your child out. My wife took my child there today (4/9/2018). They arrived two minutes late. My daughter started dancing and enjoying herself. Then the instructor kicked out my wife and daughter on the basis of being late. This was our first and only time being late. The owner also sends out emails that are unrelated to dance. She is entirely unprofessional in her communication. I would advise strongly against enrolling in this school. read more

Christine's studio is considered a very strict & disciplined school. There are many rules and extra charges from this studio. Her Tuition is one of the higher costing of all the other studios in the area. She also charges a "late fee" for late sign up of classes, late pictures to prove acceptable coverage of a costume, a parental deposit to confirm that you will not default on helping with the recital, and more. She told my daughter when confronted about handing in a picture late, "This is a dictatorship and not a democracy. I make the rules not you." Chris does make the rules that is true. And yes my daughter signed the form agreeing to all her rules. However, If you are looking for a studio that is willing to work with your children that may have extra energy or has a medical condition, do not go here. There is a "no excuse" mentality in this studio. This studio is not a good fit. Also if your child has to go to the bathroom DURING practice that is considered an "occurrence". You are allowed 5 and then you will be told that you and your child are no longer welcome back to lessons and can not participate in the recital. Unfortunately my daughter and granddaughter were very upset. I fail to see how using the bathroom during practice at 6 years old will cause that much disruption. She does have a medical condition but that doesn't matter . I feel that this is a discrimination towards the child and it isn't their fault they have an issue. At 6 years old is she expect to have an accident in class? How embarrassing! I have been involved in a dance studio and they handled this type of issue totally different. Needless to say. All the money that was spent for her classes will not be returned. The only financial reimbursement was the $50 that was paid to Chris to make sure my daughter was there for the recital. Chris i am sure you have many wonderful dancers that have come from your studio, an my granddaughter may or may not have been great but I guess when there is zero tolerance we will never know. I teach as well, music to many different types and my students have also gone on to do great things. I believe that if all we do is raise kids with ridiculious rules and expectations what becomes of them. anxiety....yes just that good luck in your studio I wish you the best. all who read this, know she rules with a iron fist and no mercy. if you are looking for compassion you won't find it here. I will pray for you Chris. read more

I LOVE and ADORE this studio! My daughter is 11 years old and has been wanting to take dance for the last couple of years. I finally took the plunge 5 months ago and decided to go with Christine Rich Studio because... I don't know... it just seemed like her studio oozes class and professionalism. My daughter has grown, literally, by leaps and bounds in the little time she has been here. She went from not being able to do her splits to doing them and so much more!Her posture went from "meh"... to amazing! I know with all of my heart I have put my child in the right place. My child's goal is to dance for life and it is clear this studio is about creating professional dancers for life. My daughter is in a fantastic cross-training program that helps her core focus on ballet, but you can take one or two classes and still benefit from their instruction. About the Teachers: Miss Becky is an amazing dancer and so great with the kids in a variety of classes. My daughter and I just love her. Dr. Bellow is absolutely fantastic in instructing ballet. His own daughter dances professionally in Russia! He not only teaches the dance, but also the history and the love for it. In a nutshell, his instruction literally creates passion. About the Owner: Christine is amazing and she works extremely hard to run a good studio that keeps her students happy. She honestly doesn't get the respect she deserves. A good studio needs rules, and they need to remain in place or a chaotic environment will follow. I have seen firsthand how some parents make her job more difficult. She doesn't need that and quite honestly, the other parents don't either. Shoot! Being a parent is difficult enough and while there is a lot to keep track of when it comes to our children, it is our job to do so. Dance is no different. Read the emails, email a question if clarification is needed, and never think the rules only apply to others. This is a school, not a recreation facility. My child is learning that punctuality, planning ahead, and respect for her environment and the people around her are important. Above all else, she is learning dance is important. There is nothing wrong with that. Not everyone has this privilege and it is not only a privilege for my daughter, but also for me to be a part of her journey. As a parent: I love the clear communication from the studio. That I can always find the answer to a question or that the answer is a simple email away. I love being able to print out our dance schedule easily from home. I have had my children enrolled in a variety of activity groups over the years but the organizers were never organized. I would have to constantly chase them for information needed. I often felt like I was doing their job or "lost"'at what i was suppose to be doing. With Christine, my only job is to focus on my child's journey which makes my life easier. I also LOVE the amazing parents who are just as passionate about the studio as I am. I thought I was signing my daughter up for dance, but instead I have actually joined a family. I love this family so much that I miss them on the days we're not there! So do know that it isn't just your child signing up, but that in a way you are signing yourself up too lol. If you can handle that, you will be in the right place. I'm so excited to see how my child's abilities will continue to grow and the relationships that will be made here. Oh! The recital was absolutely amazing also, it just blew me away what the students have accomplished in this studio! Again, we are in the right place. I have even signed up my younger boys for some classes, we are officially hooked! read more

I signed up for an adult tap class and it was OK. Expensive. There was a small showcase near the end of the class which allowed us to show off what we had been learning. There was no stage, no lighting, no costumes, just a casual little dance show. I could not believe that they charged everyone $15 to see this little show after paying hundreds of dollars for the classes already. I think that's where Christine gets her Rich from. I signed up for another adult tap class anyways. Also expensive. There was not enough interest in the class so it was cancelled. I emailed with my teacher and Christine, too I think, and they discouraged me from taking a more challenging class (It seemed like they just did not want to give my money back) and put me in a beginning tap class with 4 year olds. The kids were great but it was a complete waste of my time and money, I should have just asked for a refund when the class was first cancelled and that is my fault. I am sure that if CRS responds to this they will say they "cannot find me in their data base". I am happy to give you my maiden name if you need to search your "data base" that way :) Check out Urbana Parks District for much more affordable, fun and challenging dance class options. read more

I don't get the negative reviews for this dance studio. I take tap lessons there - I haven't in 25 years! I am the oldest person in the class by YEARS, and the teacher, as well as Christine Rich, and none of the other dancers make me feel awkward. I LOVE learning to dance (it is never too late!) and the building is clean, the staff is professional, and I would sign-up again. Extra-curricular activities are expensive, but I didn't find the price of my class any more than music lessons or gym memberships in the area. read more

My daughter goes to this studio and I'm very suspicious of the negative reviews. I can't imagine a better instructor than Dr. Bello and am impressed that he teaches here. Miss Becky is also quite good. I like the structure at this studio. My daughter is learning what I am paying for her to learn; ballet, grace, and self-assurance. Full disclosure, I'm a psychologist, but I'm writing this as a parent. 1. First, Christine's policies and rules are clearly outlined for public view on her website as are her fees. If you or your child aren't rule followers or feel that the rules should only pertain to the peasants, this isn't the place for you. 2. However, if you're looking for top notch dance instruction where your child will also learn accountability and responsibility for their actions this is the place for you. 3. I think the assertion that she won't work with special circumstances is also unfounded. My daughter has hearing loss, Aspergers and can have blood sugar issues, all of which Christine, Dr. Bello and Miss Becky have accommodated. That being said, I'm part of the plan. I make sure she's well prepared to succeed. This isn't a drop off program if your child needs additional help. 4. I also am able to observe classes of all levels as I wait. You can see varying levels of natural "talent" among even the advanced girls. I don't think any girl there is judged solely on natural talent. What IS clearly visible is the hard work and dedication that is given, because it's expected. read more

My child is currently enrolled at CRS. Our daughter is exhibiting exceptional development in her dance skills as well as being able to transfer those skills to her personal life. She is much more aware of what is going on around her, and has developed insight and compassion beyond her years. Her confidence has soared and she has the ability to effectively communicate and manage her feelings. These are skills that she has learned that no therapist could teach; only through the nurturing, challenging, and motivating environment at CRS. read more

The dance instruction that is provided at the Christine Rich Studio is simply the definition of an "Excellence Program". Our daughter has been taking dance lessons at CRS for a year or so now and her development not only as a dancer but as a person has been nothing short of extraordinary. I wish I could have taken a snapshot of her maturity level before joining CRS and where it is today. The difference has been a blessing. read more