1 Star - Unprofessional, Unethical, and Poorly Managed Studio
I hope this helps other parents avoid the frustration my family experienced. My daughters and I were new to this studio -- we had only attended about six weeks -- and immediately noticed a lack of communication, structure, and professionalism.
When you walk in, there's rarely anyone at the front desk. It feels more like walking into someone's living room than a business. The office is located down a hallway through a door on the left that looks like a bedroom, and it's usually empty if you have questions. The toys on the floor are never cleaned, the windows are visibly dirty, and my daughters have come home with black dirt on their clothes from playing in that area. The space feels chaotic and poorly maintained.
The real issue began when a recital fee was suddenly added to my online account -- not because I agreed to it, but because I didn't "opt out" of emails that were apparently sent. The studio never verbally mentioned any recital, and there was no written policy at registration stating that families would be automatically billed unless they opted out by email. I tried to explain that legally, a business cannot charge a customer for an optional service they never opted into. The entire setup lacks transparency and clear communication.
When I raised my concerns, the owner, Donna, became defensive and dismissive rather than professional. She interrupted, talked over me, and even asked in a sarcastic tone, "How would you suggest I run my business?" She claimed that "fliers were posted" and "emails were sent," though none were seen or directly communicated. For new families, you're essentially left to figure everything out yourself because there's never anyone available to ask.
To make matters worse, my family was going to be out of town the weekend of the recital -- something we never would have signed up for. I shouldn't have to opt out of something I never opted into. It's especially frustrating to receive a text alert about being billed, but not about signing up or giving consent. If the studio can text parents about charges, they can also text about recital participation. The front desk is hidden in a back room rather than near the entrance, which adds to the confusion.
A staff member, Caitlen, even admitted in writing that the recital fee system was a "workaround" to try to have the costs covered by homeschooling funds -- which is deeply concerning and misleading. I only attended this studio because it accepted homeschooling funds. From the start, I was told things couldn't be "put in writing" but that I could "code" certain expenses differently. While I appreciated the attempt to help parents, this kind of vague, off-the-record advice felt dishonest. The owner already processes homeschool funds for tuition, so using these methods to bill parents for extra charges without consent is unethical.
Important Legal Note:
Under California Civil Code §1747.02 and §1770 (Consumer Legal Remedies Act), it is illegal for a business to charge consumers for any goods or services without their express consent. Automatically billing parents for an optional recital unless they "opt out" -- especially without written authorization -- is deceptive and unlawful.
After this experience, I withdrew my daughters from the studio. When I asked to settle my October balance (since my girls only attended one week that month), the owner abruptly told me not to worry about it and claimed she had "the right to refuse service," even though I had already decided to leave. I never want to support a business that cannot meet clients with basic respect, empathy, and transparency. Instead, I was made to feel gaslit and blamed for their lack of communication.
I can overlook a little disorder, but not unethical billing practices, poor hygiene, and unprofessional treatment toward parents who simply ask valid questions. This experience was disappointing and unacceptable from start to finish. I hope no other parent finds themselves in this position.
Side Note:
After reading another parent's prior negative review, I noticed the exact same pattern. That parent mentioned there was no clear sign posted for the photoshoot, and the owner reacted with anger instead of understanding -- just as she did with me. Once again, she assumed the parent had seen every email rather than acknowledging her own lack of clear communication.
I never wanted to write a negative review. I'm a huge supporter of small, family-run businesses and wanted this to be a positive experience for my daughters. But this situation was so disheartening and unnecessarily stressful that I felt it was important to share my experience so other parents are aware -- and so the studio might reflect and improve from this feedback read more
