I have twin daughters who are almost nine, and we're now wrapping up our third season at Dance Connection--and our first year on company. When we were choosing a studio, I was intentional about finding a place that offered strong technique across all styles, fostered a healthy environment, and pushed my girls to grow. Dance Connection continues to deliver on all of these. We commute to the studio, and it has been worth every mile. Our dance family has grown so much, and the positivity in this community has been incredible for my kids. After trying multiple studios, I can confidently say that Dance Connection's ballet program is genuinely fun, the tap instruction is unmatched, and the way the older dancers support the younger ones is truly uplifting. My daughters have gained so much confidence performing, and they absolutely love being in class. The studio manager, Camille, also deserves special recognition. With my husband gone frequently for work, I'm often juggling the girls' dance schedules with my youngest in tow. Camille is responsive, highly organized, and always willing to step in when help is needed. Her support makes a meaningful difference for families like mine, and I'm truly grateful for all she does. read more

This is my second time writing a review as the owner is trying to prevent post from staying up . Run from this studio. My daughters have been dancing for the past 10 years and never in my life have I experienced a studio owner like this woman. If you notice the last few Yelp reviews were all written today because she's reaching out to people asking them to cover for her because people are starting to speak up and talk about the abuse that the children have all endured. She is not a good person. She humiliates children in front of their peers. She ran my daughter's 2 day rehearsal with no water or food break for 8hrs a day . She took my daughters solo repeatedly that I paid for . She talks about kids with the older kids . This is not a positive healthy environment for children. read more

This studio has one of the most toxic environments I have ever seen. Students are expected to endure extremely long practices without adequate water or bathroom breaks, and their well-being clearly does not seem to be a priority. The culture is driven by favoritism. Some students are treated significantly better than others, creating a hostile and discouraging atmosphere. It has been shared with other students that the owner gossips with the older students, which is completely unprofessional for adults working with children. Many dancers appear afraid to speak up about concerns because they fear how they will be treated afterward. No child should feel intimidated or afraid in an activity that is supposed to build confidence and teamwork. Parents should pay close attention to how students are treated behind closed doors. A dance studio should be a place where children feel supported, respected, and safe not anxious, excluded, or afraid to use their voice read more

My 3 kids started here about a year ago after many years at another studio. We've had a very positive experience! They've received excellent instruction and love their teachers. They've learned to take initiative and be responsible, as well as how to advocate for themselves. It's very focused on competing, so it's great for kids who like many opportunities to perform and compete. I was very impressed with how many opportunities my graduating senior was given, despite being new. The treatment of seniors at the end of the season was incredible and meaningful! We've been very happy with our experience. read more

I was part of this dance studio for 13 years, and I truly cannot say enough wonderful things about it. The studio has been like a second home to me, and I am so grateful for all of the memories, friendships, and opportunities it has given me over the years. Every teacher is incredibly talented, supportive, and dedicated to helping their students grow not only as dancers but as people. They create a positive environment where everyone feels encouraged to do their best and enjoy what they do. I have learned so much from each of them and will always appreciate the impact they've had on my life. I also want to recognize the amazing office staff. They are always kind, welcoming, organized, and willing to help with anything that comes up. Their hard work behind the scenes helps make the studio such a special place. The sense of community here is truly unmatched. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced dancer, you'll feel welcomed and supported. I am so thankful for my 13 years at this studio and will always cherish being a part of this incredible dance family. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a place to grow, learn, and create lasting memories. read more

Dance Connection is like a second family. I have been dancing at dance connection since I was 2 to now, me being 17, and I wouldn't change a thing. Growing up in such a welcoming and strong environment shaped who I am as not just a dancer but as a person. The teachers are not just artistically amazing they are also great role models to look up to. The friends I have made, the new lessons I have learned, all the wins, even the losses make going to the studio every day so worth it. Not only do the teachers help us improve, but they teach us to be team players and hard workers. They teach us that working together and helping others is a key part of growing even in your own dance journey. Without these lessons my life would be so different. I would recommend this studio to all kids, no matter your age or level they welcome your kid with open arms. They will help them develop a work ethic and to feel confident in yourself, and will help them grow. Overall Dance Connection has been the biggest and greatest influence in my life. This studio amazes me everyday. read more

Watching all the performances, you definitely see all the efforts and emphasis that the instructors put into the class. The discipline, and training provided is worth all the money. My granddaughter started at 4 years old. She started with Miss Camille. I can't say enough of Miss Camille. She set the bar high for the young girls. My granddaughter is now 8 years old. Up to now the enthusiasm and discipline Miss Camille instilled in these students are evident in the way the students perform in the class with other instructors. read more

Run from this studio! My nieces have danced for years here and unfortunately integrity of the instructors is disturbing to say the least. Not allowing kids breaks, overworking and undermining their talent is not acceptable! I am happy to have them moving on from such a toxic environment, unfortunately at the expense of losing a piece of what they've dedicated their lives to, and trained for countless hours to accomplish. The instructors should be ashamed of the behavior, do better. read more

I am incredibly grateful for Dance Connection Performing Arts Center. My daughter absolutely loves to dance and has had the best experience with the studio and teachers (who have all been incredibly supportive while also pushing my daughter to do her best and grow her technique). Camille specifically has encouraged my daughter and supported her through the whole experience and I am so incredibly grateful for her. Whenever anything has come up with schedules or conflicts Camille has gone out of her way to make sure everything was professionally taken care of and managed appropriately. Camille loves teaching students and supporting all of the families and it shows through her hard work and dedication. Camille's dancers are always totally prepared to perform at the recitals and her attention detail shows. My daughter wishes she could be in more of her classes! I also have to say as my daughter has started competitive dance this year, I REALLY appreciate that DCPAC chooses appropriate costumes and choreography for our kids. read more

I was a student at Dance Connection for multiple years. I want to start this off by saying you cannot speak freely at this studio, anything you say that sheds a bad light on the studio will be used against you. In addition, this review doesn't apply to the teachers, they aren't treated fairly either but are incredible and have truly made me a better dancer. The studio owner Kaylee and her right hand woman Camille hold all the power at the studio. Many parents, including my own have had issues with Camille who constantly belittles others and doesn't treat you with respect. (which is embarrassing considering she is the front desk woman whose main job is customer service) They hold the "average" students to such high standards which don't apply to their favorites. If you aren't already a phenomenal dancer, this studio will not pay attention to you or give you the training you paid an insane amount of money to get. They will purposefully hold you back so that you don't get in the way of the favorites. Last year, a month out from nationals, a student got injured and instead of letting her leg heal for 3 more days, Kaylee kicked her off the team. Her family never got a refund and this choice put pressure on the teachers to re-block all her dances right before the biggest competition of the season. That's just an example of what they've done to their dancers. The moment I joined DCPAC, my mental health immediately declined. If you want a nurturing, supportive dance environment that wants you to succeed, DCPAC is not the place for you. read more

My name is Hudson I am 11 years old and I have danced at dance connection for 2 years. Dancing there has not been the best and that is coming from someone who has danced with multiple choreographers, and am a former dancer for the warriors basketball team and the Valkyries which is the women's basketball team. I have never met a teacher that brings kids down as much as Kaylee, the owner does as a grown woman bringing kids down is not ok and shows how insecure she actually is. Also having kids raise their hands and ask what they have improved on, and then when they respond, you shut them downThat is not ok. Also her favoritism to dancers is crazy. She has everyone count and say corrections but her favorites. Mind you she always says we are a team. But to me that is not very team like. She doesn't let anyone speak how they really feel because she and her right hand women, Camille who works at the front desk know that we are right, so they decide to take something away like your solo or kick you out like she did to me. I would not recommend going here they are horrible people and think they are all that and more! I have never been Brought down as much as dcpac has down to me read more

My 3.5 yo started dance in January in the ballet and tap class. We decided to leave DCPAC after my daughter and her bff were escorted out of class a couple times. This left a bad taste in our mouths. We understand that the instructor was driven to prepare the students for recital, but we aren't about the recitals at this age. We moved to Laureen Fender The Ballet School in Walnut Creek for the drop-in creative dance class! This is developmentally appropriate and the school supports Healthy Dance being apart of Dance Awareness: No Child Exploited (DA:NCE)!! A blessing. read more

Dance Connection Performing Arts Centre - Lender ballet flats for first ballet class - Performing Arts Near Me - Concord, California

My mom wanted to enroll my sister into this program to try out a trial class. My sister made a mistake by misreading the instructions and adding her payment information (understandably their fault) during booking. After their realization, she asked the company to cancel her payment considering she only attended a SINGLE class. Mind you, they had spoken after the class and stated they would not be returning and there was no mention of the payment for enrollment. After realization, my mom sent out an email. The manager was rude and curt with their refusal to cancel the payment, and offered no other options. She simply restated the instructions on the website like some kind of AI generated robot. I understand a mistake was made on our end, but we are all human and mistakes happen. If a refund is absolutely impossible on their end (greedy, money grab) then some assistance to opt out would have been nice. Their foul attitude makes it uncomfortable for my sister to even attend the classes they paid for. Just an overall bad experience. No help, no clarity, and terrible customer service. What a mean lady who runs this place... Dance connection more like: dance disconnected... dance deceitful... DANCE DISRESPECTFUL read more

As a former student, I have never been so disgusted by treatment from a studio in my life. I have been dancing for a total of 15 years and had to call it quits completely because of how bad this studio ruined dance for me. I have never loved something as much as dance but after walking in here all of that died. The studio owner only cares about money and winning, not the students, not the faculty no one but how the studio does. This mindset has completely led to dance connections downfall. I went to this studio for 3 years and it progressively got worse and worse. Camille, the lady who works at the front desk, acts like she owns the place. She will judge and talk shit about students as a GROWN WOMAN. She will only watch and support the highest level dances at competitions and if a lower level dance goes she will either leave, look down at her phone the whole time, or just not clap. VERY UNPROFESSIONAL. It disgusts me that she is the face sitting at the front desk representing the studio and has the nerve to act like that. The favoritism at this studio is not hidden whatsoever. If you're not one of the favorites they will make it obvious. They only want dancers who will win and if you're not as good yet don't plan on ever being because they won't even try to help you improve. They'll stick you with the leftovers who they also have no hope for and leave you to rot. I never would've imagined that quitting dance would be the best decision i've ever made speaking that it was my favorite thing in the world. Don't go to dance connection, it's not worth your mental health. read more

The teachers are talented and the ship seems to be running more efficiently since new ownership. Unfortunately, when I was hospitalized the first time for mental health issues, my daughter was yelled at (at 10 years old) because she had to do her own bun...then yelled at a competition for bad makeup (that her grandfather did), and eventually my daughter was removed from the team due to my mental illness. In her last year, after dancing there since she was 3, the teachers punished her...the owner and her secretary never even replied to my daughter's numerous texts and emails to discuss face to face. This is not a student centered community, nor is it community focused as other dancers and families were told not to step in or advocate for my daughter unless they wanted to jeopardize their spot in company as well. Character education is paramount and my daughter has learned a lot from these educators about how not to move through the world. She also got a great college essay out of this experience. Just leaning on El Shandai in this hard moment. read more

Dance Connection Performing Arts Centre - Last competition... - Performing Arts Near Me - Concord, California

My daughter started dancing here when she was 4, she's now 12. If you are serious about dance, this is your place. The kids are held accountable for their behaviors and grow as dancers as well as responsible humans. We love DCPAC read more

By far the best place to get real dance training in the East Bay. Not only has my daughter's skill set improved, but her confidence has sky-rocketed. I would recommend this dance school to anyone who's looking for an organized & structured program from caring professionals. read more

Amazing choreographers! Our daughter has been in competitive dance for many years and still training at DCPAC! Our older daughters & nieces have also trained here many years ago. One of my nieces went on to become a Warrior girl for a few years and then later, a Raiderette! If you're looking for a great place to train, look no further! :) read more

Love DCPAC! My daughter has been dancing here for several years and has grown so much as a dancer thanks to the dedicated teachers. They have an amazing Company dance team as well as many recreational classes. Ownership changed in the past couple of years and the studio has only gotten better with more organized communication and great staff. read more

Love this studio! My daughter has gone here for years and wouldn't want to be anywhere else. Her confidence has grown so much here and I am forever grateful. She has made forever friendships and the teachers are great! If you're looking for a studio that will push your child to want to be the best they can be, this studio is the one! read more

DCPAC has been my daughter's dance home for 13 years! We couldn't be happier with the training she has received. Amazing staff, creative choreography and one of the best studios in the Bay Area. read more

DCPAC is the best dance studio for competitive and recreational dancers! The awesome studio is lead by the talented choreographer Ms. Kaylee Johnson who is caring, engaged, and teaches the students to their full potential. All the teachers follow this lead and are also so helpful, talented and professional. The front Office Manager, Camille, is wonderful resource whether it's finding the right class that fits your dancers skill/level to helping you navigate the competitive dance world. As a cherry on top, my dancers have made their best friends dancing at DCPAC!! read more

Top notch dance education! Look no further. This is the gold standard for our youth to learn and enjoy a lifetime of THE DANCE!

Wonderful dance studio. We'ce been coming here for avout a year now. Lovely owner. Great front desk service. Love all of the teachers. Nice facility, too. It feels like a little family here. read more

I like this school. My 9 year old daughter takes the Hip Hop Jazz Dance class here. She learned a lot on her first day considering the fact that the classes are only 45 minutes long. This school offers so many different types of classes at convenient times. They also offer a ballet/tap/jazz class for 2-3 year olds! Tuition is affordable and the staff is super friendly. In June, the school has a showcase where all the dance students perform. Pretty exciting. On the downside, the school never picks up the phone when you call. The fastest way to get a hold of them is via email. read more

My daughter has been a student since she was 2 years old and wearing a pull up! She is 6 now and a new member of the Company Team! Dance Connection took her love for dancing around the house, and everywhere in between to learning choreography and technical skills for dance. She loves spending hours at the studio. She would never leave if it were up to her! At two years old she had classes with Mrs. Katelyn and Miss Summer, she made sure to smile big and learned to count in their classes! At 2 she would walk around the house saying 5,6,7,8!!!! It was adorable! Now at 6 years old we are there 4 days a week and in classes with Almost every teacher there. They are all fantastic and unique in their own special ways. For me the most important part is her and her loving what she does, she loves DCPAC! read more

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We used to take ballroom dancing classes at this studio. I completely agree with other reviewers, the owner/front desk rep is extremely rude and unprofessional. She treats you like she is doing you a favor by even speaking to you, and you are mentally challenged if you dare and disagree or question anything. They have little competition in the area, and that's the only reason they are still up and running. We would rather drive anywhere and double the distance, than go back to this place. read more

First, I will say i had to invent a name and Yelp account to write my review. The reason why is because this business will harm my kid who is a dancer and we have dedicated 10+ years here. By harm, I mean ruin their dance reputation in the business, it is pretty disgraceful. When we first started as a young toddler, everything is pretty good and fun. As your child gets older, the realization that you have been trapped and things get out of control. The front desk is a poor excuse of customer service. Cathy- why are you even sitting up there if you are not willing to help greet and help us parents? I once came up to make a payment and in a rude way she said I can do that online. My kids costume was too big and I heard they would tailor if needed and she told me to make smaller with safety pins. The school will charge you WHATEVER THEY WANT for costumes- then I will find the same thing online for way less! They have even used my credit card with no authorization. They promise you and your child things and they lie. They really need to HIRE people to handle the props because they will ask the parents to do it instead of enjoying our kids dance and they offer no discount to us. C'mon DCPAC, hire someone to do the props. They will also charge us for props then end up not using them. Ridiculous.. My biggest complaint is that they have mentally brainwashed my child, amongst other kids and the parents too! We get locked in and are in fear of sending emails asking questions or expressing our concerns. The teens are not treated like athletes. This school will surely put you in thousands of dollars in debt and you'll end up having your kid in therapy- and several people who quit are- due to the treatment they received here. If you want to pay $65 per year for a shitty tee-shirt and a slice of costco pizza on a paper towel (they are so cheap to even buy plates), well best of luck! In all fairness, the teachers-Jonathan and Summer are beyond the best and need to leave this place. It has not been the same since Miss Andrea left either, I hope that Queen is doing well wherever she is. read more

I started my daughter here during summer session this year. She was in Ms Andrea's combo class for 2-4 year olds. She immediately took a liking to her. Andrea was very interactive and into the lessons. Unfortunately not enough kids signed up so by third class it was just my daughter left. Andrea had my her join a class with kids a little bit older so she could have other kids with her. It was challenging for her but she never gave up and still had fun. I signed her up for 2017-2018 session because my daughter would not stop asking about Ms Andrea whenever she talked about dance class! Quite a good impression was made! This time around there were way more kids signed up and I'm so excited to see my little dancer progress! Thank you Andrea! read more

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My older daughter has attended this school for over 2 years. Her first teacher was not as personable as her teacher this year. Ms Tori is a great teacher and is patient with the children. With that said, the communication from the school is poor. Multiple mass emails are sent out consecutively due to errors in the content. The woman who runs the school and her daughter at times are a bit aloof and have problems with their delivery of content to parents. It's often rude, abrupt and they lack customer service skills. My older daughter loves her teacher and is a great performer. However my youngest daughter has not been as receptive. I decided after weeks of her not wanting to attend that I would cancel her tuition payment. The director told me she would credit my account but I had to pay for her costume for the showcase. I said can I please get it and she told me to get it from the teacher and everything was communicated via email. I went back but the class was in session and I didn't want to disrupt it so I asked the other parents if they had received an email and they confirmed that they had not. WHEN I RETURNED THIS IS WHEN SHE WAS COMPLETELY RUDE! I stood there quietly waiting for my turn in line. She told me a 2 year veteran at the school to wait in the lobby. I said I could wait. She then responded with can you please get your daughter off the counter because other children will want to sit up there. My daughter is two and was falling asleep on me. I said I would just hold her. The other mom ahead of me was flabbergasted at her comment and just looked at me for my expression. I didn't flinch I just waited patiently. She is incredibly rude and needs possibly medication. All of the mothers in my daughters classes always comment on her interactions with the parents. The only reason why I tolerate her is because my oldest daughter is a phenomenal dancer and she loves her teacher. Please be warned!!! read more

My daughter is only 4.5 and has been taking ballet through Walnut Creek Rec since she was three. It was fine for what it was and affordable but when I missed the tap cut off I began the hunt for another class that fit into our schedule. I left a message at Dance Conn and was called back and given the time and consulting that I needed to find the right class for my daughter. The clincher was that they allowed drop in make-ups which makes life so much easier and the cost so much less painful to swallow when you have to miss a class. We ended up in Miss Andrea's combo class and I have to say WOW! The difference in instruction level, what they are learning and the structure is night and day! My husband brought my daughter for her first class and even he was impressed and said that is money well spent (for him to say this is the highest praise you could possibly receive). Miss Andrea is VERY clear in her instruction, keeps them on task and keeps them constantly engaged which is astounding. There is no waiting around for anything. My daughter is learning SO MUCH MORE and has been talking about the importance of stretching etc. Thank you! read more

I don't have much experience with Dance studios so this review is based solely on my feelings. We really like this studio. My daughter is almost 4 and has been taking lessons here since she was 2 1/2. She's enrolled in the Creative Dance Class (ballet, jazz, and tap) for 2.5 to 4 year olds on Saturday mornings. But the studio goes all the way to adults and has a ton of classes to choose from. As for my daughter we really liked Miss Andrea. She was very good with the kids, fun and nice, while still keeping control over the class. They have a huge Dance Performance every June where all the classes perform. I think there were about 2000 people in the audience. If you want your child to particapte (which I recommend) you will have to pay for a costume (`$50) and tickets to enter the show (`10 a piece). Last June My daughter's costume was just precious. I also thought she might get stage fright but she loved performeing and asked if she could "do it again". I only gave 4 stars since organization can sometimes be a little less than perfect and the studios look a little drab but the important part is the instruction which they do a great job at. read more

My daughter is only 2,4 years and she loves her Saturday dance class with Miss Summer very much Great school, friendly atmosphere, instructors do all they can to make dance experience as enjoyable as possible for little toddlers. Sending love to Dance connection school, very clean and organized(great price also!)Thank you for making my daughter happy, its priceless to me read more

Dance Connection Performing Arts Centre - Performing Arts Near Me - Concord, California

I take my almost 4 year-old to this dance school for the ballet-jazz-tap dance classes. Her teacher is Ms. Andrea and we would not be going to this school if Andrea wasn't teaching here. She is very skilled and the girls are actually learning something while having a ton of fun. I also come here for zumba classes with Raquel, but Raquel only uses the school for space; she operates completely separately from the school. read more

DCPAC is a studio for dedicated dancers, as well as parents. They have amazing, talented instructors as they do gifted dancers. They continue to lead in competitions as their goals are to improve your child's ability to perform. The staff is committed and the director and her front desk attendant, Kathy is blunt but is very passionate. Some people may not be able to handle her focus to run a professional atmosphere, but that's how you drive success. I am thankful to have Ms Paula as a director leading such a plethora of talent, it really is a studio I am proud to be a part of and continuing, as long as my girls are dancing! So far they love it, 3 years in! read more

I was not impressed with this school. Observations: - young girls doing inappropriate dance moves - again, young girls dancing to songs w/inappropriate lyrics - the end of the session show where they give out awards not based on skill, creativity or some other performance measure but based on how long they have been participating...that is to say how long the parents have been paying the bills. - questionable outfits and make-up on young girls. None of the things I comment on above are particularly egregious...the place seems to be popular so I think that a great number of people are not offended by the same things that offended me. Then again after my daughter performed at the final show my mom commented, "...I'll bet the pole dancers are coming out soon...". The next time my daughter signs up for dance classes it will be a place the puts art, athleticism and creativity first. My opinion is that Dance Connection does not do this. read more

Is there a way to give a negative mark even 1 start is too much. The owners are terrible!!! They talk to potential customers like they're doing you a favor and tolerating your presence and interest. There's one teacher we would love to go with but... out of principal I simply cannot find it in me to support a business where owners behave in such an appalling way. Its unfortunate, as in spite of their behavior they are still in business because they have barely any competition in WC. read more

My daughter has been enrolled for a year now in the 2.5 - 4yr old class. She absolutely loves it. Her teacher is great with kids. I think its a good place for young children but I'm not sure if I would continue taking my daughter here past the age of 5 or 6yrs old. I am a dancer myself. As I watched the performances during the June showcase, I felt there were several things that were not "age appropriate" ranging from movements, choice of costumes and song. As long as my daughter enjoys her classes we'll continue here for another year or two. Should she decide that she wants to continue dance I will look in to other locations. read more

So not impressed! This place is about the money. They "sell" dance competion classes - which means you buy outfits and accessories, provide your own transportation and any other related expense. Dance moves - some inappropriate, some just boring - same ole same ole choreography, and some not too bad Outfits: over the top Encouraged cattyness The onging competions, and performances - not a lot of bang for the buck, occassionally grueling - hours of thumping music and repetitious choreography and yes, the final performance: awards for the number of years you take classes They also 'sell' self esteem - not to mention professional photos, individual and group shots, dvd's and so on. Encourage you to buy the requried practice outfis/shoes from a store they are associated with. What happened to creativity and art. It's all about the money. read more

This is our second year at Dance Connection, and we've had an overall fun and positive experience. We enrolled all four of kids (3 girls ages 4,9,11 and 1 boy age 6) and have been pleased with the instruction, the pace at which are kids are advancing, and most importantly--they're all having fun. When we chose this studio, "appropriateness of dance moves" was one of my concerns too (in reference to other reviewers). While I've been kind of appalled at some of the overtly sexy moves and costumes that I've seen another nearby studio, this has not been our experience at Dance Connection. Also, our son, who was pretty lukewarm to the idea of putting on tap shoes for the first month (but super excited about his "boy only" hip-hop class), will be center stage at the upcoming dance recital. He's received some very nice encouragement from the staff at the studio, especially from the proprietor's professional dancing nephew who pops in every now and then. That's pretty neat for a little guy who likes to dance. I'm not a dancer, and have no exposure to competitive dance, so I can't really speak as an expert regarding the quality of instruction and competitiveness with other local programs. But so far, we're happy with Dance Connection. Our kids want to take more classes next year--so that's an important sign! read more