Where do I even start off with this place! I would give it zero stars if it let me.There is so much to say. I normally enroll my daughter at dance classes through a park and recreation but this time I decided to try something new and different for my daughter and so we enrolled in dance image. Starting off was ok. But once I found out how things worked it was terrible. For one they make you read this so call "recital handbook" for your questions to be answered as if you are some kind of robot. If you personally ask them a question in the front office they will refer you to the "recital handbook" like who actually has the time to read this and look for your questions. So this is one thing that was annoying. Two this place is over priced they charge you for every little thing as possible. They just want your money, its too expensive and too strict. When enrolling they do not tell you there will be a performance fee they just make it seem like the monthly payments would be the only thing to pay for besides the costumes. So if you do not pay the recital fee then your child cannot perform so be aware. They will try to come at you with some BS like "oh it was in the recital book" and so you should of read it. Three they have no customer service you would think the (owner) Debbie out of all people would have some experience with customer service she does not she is the worse of all. She is very RUDE! She doesn't know how to talk to you and she will speak to you with attitude. This place is horrible this was the first and last time I put my daughter in this place NEVER AGAIN! Her recital is this weekend and I cannot wait for it to be done. I am counting the days. I was better off at parks and recreations. Hope this helps for some of you!!!! * On another note- They make you attend a back stage meeting before recital that is mandatory to answer anyone's questions but during the meeting when asking a question they tell you everything is in the handbook then the owner will say this meeting is taking too long shouldn't be longer than 20min everything is in your "recital book" to answer questions? So why is this so call meeting mandatory if its already in the book? Pointless if you ask me. read more

I would give this place no stars because the owner (Debbie) is very rude and unprofessional. She likes to talk down at you like a child instead of talking to you. And has a problem admitting any mistakes on her part. It seems her dance studio is advertised a lot, and is the main option for Dance within the City of Whittier. But I think people should not excuse this poor behavior & unprofessionalism. I've never dealt with someone like this before very odd type of person... read more

Im changing my stars from 3 to a 4 reason being is because my daughter really enjoys coming here and Miss alondra is really nice and I have nothing bad to say about this. They're are still pretty strict rules but its understandable. Now that we are going through it a second time around its not that bad. It is a smaller space so there is a rule of 1 parent pure child which sucks but understandable because it is a smaller space. We didn't do the recital because we didn't want to get charged any extra late fees we encountered last time because we signed up I think in the middle of the season but maybe next season if my daughter wants to do it for sure. read more

VERY UNHAPPY WITH THIS DANCE STUDIO! They expect two year olds to act like older girls. Make up and products in their hair. They pull on the little ones buns to make sure they are on right, I mean really they are two! My daughter did not for two months and refuse to refund due to their policy! Instead of the manager stepping up and making the calls they have teenage girls making calls instead I mean come on! Very rude and money hungry place. read more

Been a part of this dance family for going on two years and I couldn't be more satisfied with the facilitation or things! As a mother of multiple children, it's hard to accommodate things overall. The location, times of classes and amazing teachers, I couldn't be more satisfied as a parent! Miss Elyse has our heart! She's wonderful with children of all ages recital season is finally around the corner, and unfortunately we had an incident with some of our accessories. With lightning speed, both, Mrs. Debbie and Victoria were able to come to be rescue of this stressed out momma love the staff/team!!!! read more

What a wonderful studio with integrity and caring for all of their students. Go see their upcoming recital and you won't be disappointed.

My daughters have been attending Dance Image for 5 years. They've grown so much in terms of their technical ability, self confidence and maturity. The teachers know their students, their strengths, weaknesses and really push the students to grow and expand their skill set. The staff can be strict sometimes but typically it's to hold students and parents accountable for following the rules, which is not unreasonable. Overall it is a very positive and supportive environment. The students are supportive of each other and the dance moms are friendly and help each other out. The prices are extremely reasonable. I recommend the studio to all my friends with children interested in dance. read more

It's probably the best studio in a large area . I've seen others close down, but they stand strong because they're great!!! I have at least one child dancing here for nearly 20 years now and even have a grandchild dancing with them now. Most of these bad reviews are just lies by jilted parents. I've been here trough it all and saw each of these negative people breaking rules and just upset for not getting their way. They ARE strict but it honestly helps our little ones learn and gain structure. I had a son dance hiphop and a daughter with special needs perform ballet! It's amazing what these teachers do. Sometimes their strictness comes across as rude, but only if you're trying to see it as rude. They follow rules and force us parents to be accountable. They have the lowest prices so it's obviously not about money. They have grown so so much in 20 yrs that they do have parking issues, but I just park a block away...we could all use a little exercise. Only one costume, ha? Makes me laugh. That just means you're only in one class. Be honest...there are girls here that have 16 dances in the recital if they have the time to attend 16 classes. Their waiting areas ARE small and because of this, only allow one parent per class but it's because they're so popular...could you imagine the parking if 3 people came per student with a class size of 12...be realistic. I've inquired directly about this and though it's not my business, a long term lease disallows them to move though they are looking to expand. They have professional teachers (international, one even studied ballet in Russia). They are serious about dance...if you don't like rules and you don't care how your kid acts, take a city park class...only real dancers here. They are also all about communication...constant emails with every change. If you were underinformed, you just don't read your email. Listen!!!! They are the best!!! That's why they are almost always busy...they even have wait lists for some of there classes because they refuse to just shove classes full. They care! They're organized and even have performing group that dances outside of the studio and recital. You get what you put in, They don't coddle. read more

My daughter is 17 and has taken dance at another dance studio for 9 years. How i wish we had discovered Dance image sooner. Each student is given respect and treated alike. NO FAVORITES. All the parents are very welcoming. Ms. Debbi is strict but makes it fun. We are both very happy here. read more

My daughter has dance at Dance Image since she was 2 1/2 yrs old. She is now 13 yrs old. It has been a home away from home for her. Ms. Debbi, as well as the rest of the instructors are great with the children. Prices are reasonable for the kind of training the kids get. I will strongly recommend Dance Image!! read more

Love Dance Image. My daughter began when she was 4 and is currently on her second year. Debbie, the owner is great. They do teach them everything that a 3-5 year old can learn. The class should be about having fun and all the girls in the class love it!!! Once they know the basics, the next level teaches them in detail every technique! Come recital time everyone is excited. It is a very PROFESSIONAL place. read more

I honestly wish I could remove that mandatory star! Unprofessional to the Max... I signed up on Wednesday Jan. 23 2013 and showed up as scheduled. The young lady (owners daughter) was extremely rude. First she approached me as if I did not belong at the studio asking very rude if "SHE" (my daughter) was taking the class, I responded surprised and answered "Yes, why?", the young lady followed by asking, where did I get wardrobe information from? I told her that I was not advised (my daughter was wearing a black leotard & Hot Pink Tutu, with black ballet shoes). She told me that it was inappropriate and are only allowed to to wear all pink, but there was another little wearing a black leotard. Then the young lady told me that she could not enter the studio without tights and that i would have to buy some in the office and she points into the office, I said No Problem, I walk in she walks away, as I stand there waiting she returns speaking to me still very aggravated asking if I really signed up? I replied with of course why else would I be here and she said that people always try and take that class for FREE. I said excuse me but you are being very rude and this is my first time here, I do not know the rules or what you expect from us, but I signed up and paid through the community center and when I spoke with the community center they did not tell me anything of dress code or anything. All she said was "where is your receipt?" I told her I did not print to take with me, so she followed by saying "well get it on your phone!", I told that I do not have a cell phone and she said well you can't enter the studio, people are always trying to take this class for free. I apologized for them previously dealing with people like that, but I paid and if she called the community center they could tell her. One of the parents over heard all this and when I walked out of the office to grab my diaper bag a parent offered for me to use their phone (very nice of him), so I was able to pull up everything. I ask the young lady if she wanted to see the receipt, and she said no, just give the receipt number and the name, so I did and she said that was it, I started to walk away and she says "Your daughter cannot enter the studio without tights" I told her I was aware of that, but there is only 10 minutes left of class and there is no point in buying her some if she doesn't even feel comfortable after all this. She said fine. The experience was so disappointing, I heard parents yelling at their kids meanly and the waiting area in very small. There is no way I will return there, it was such a hostile environment. read more

My daughter has been with the Dance Image Family since 2013 (we started classes through Whittier Parks & Recreation and quickly transitioned taking classes directly through the studio because of the positive experience with them.) When we first began at Dance Image I was simply looking for an outlet to keep my almost 2 year old daughter active. And now, more than three years later we CHOOSE to continue with Dance Image because of their professionalism, experience, and proficient dance instructors. Dance Image, hands down, has the BEST well rounded dance teachers! As a result of the process and tactics they use to teach each age appropriate classes my daughter has now excelled and continues to grow and learn everyday. One of the many reasons we remain at Dance Image is that after 3 years she continues to be pushed, stimulated, and challenged at every class. What started as a platform for movement and fitness has now become more than just dance lessons...we are acquiring life lessons. She has been taught discipline, patience, responsibility, accountability, passion, technique, vocabulary, dedication, team work, and and most importantly self confidence. All of which she has been able to apply outside of dance class and into everyday experiences and encounters. If you are looking for a studio that not only teaches the art of dance, but the art of personal development Dance Image is the place to be. "The best thing about Dance image is all the great teachers!" -Giuliana Perez (6 years old) If my daughter said it, then it must be true. #12DaysOfDanceImageXmas #onthetenthdayofchristmas #sharethelove #122018 read more

This place is amazing. My daughter is already a student in this studio and loves her teachers. So I decided to try my boys, who are special needs, in a hip hop class and they loved it. The staff was very welcoming and kind to them. It is very difficult for my sons to try new things and to come out of their shell, but this experience was such a positive one for them that my boys asked me repeatedly to enroll them in the class. I truly appreciate how kind they have been to my family. The environment they created for my three kids has been a wonderful one. read more

My daughter has been attending Dance Image since August 2017. Since day one she loved it! She is currently enrolled in Tiny tutus and tap with Ms. Elysse. My daughter asks me on a daily basis if its time for her ballet class, when its her class day she becomes very excited! I really love the structure, consistency and routine that Ms. Elysse provides. Children at this age level benefit from it. I like that right from day one the instructors tell you their rules for example be on time and dress appropriately according to their guidelines. Not only are they teaching our children the art of dance but they also help them with self esteem, self worth and following rules to name a few. Thank you Dance Image and Ms. Elysse for the great service you provide. read more

My daughter has been attending dance image for the last 3 years and i just love it here. she has improved so much thanx to miss debbie and her staff. everyone here is so friendly and helpful. What i love about miss debbie is that she pushes them to work hard, shes respectful to her student and their parents. My plan is to continue coming here and seeing my daughter get better and better. read more

I had the same experience, UNPROFESSIONAL. My daughter that loves to dance, left crying telling me she never wanted to dance again. The instructor only brought my four year old daughter down. The staff handled every situation wrong. Never again will I have any thing to do with Dance Image. read more

I definitely love the passion for dance and the purpose of this company! It has helped so many women and children make their dreams come alive. However, I would love it if the teachers had a training on child development. It does seam to me as the teachers lack knowledge in child development. Especially, in classes that are meant for 2-5 year olds. Children at this age are not meant to follow perfectly to instruction. If the teachers would work on acknowledging children and not demand listening right away and expect too much of them. It could easily be more realistic if they role model and have a bit more patience rather then saying "no you are not listening be a good listener" while shaking a finger. This easily can be fixed it would make a huge change in children's self esteem and expectations in order to successfully enjoy dancing/ballet. read more

SO UNPROFESSIONAL. Sent my 3 yr old daughter here for ballet for 2 months and me and my SO didn't even know the instructors name! She never introduced herself. She had a class of about 10 to begin with but the little girls hated it so much the class dwindled to about 4 kids at the end. It is ridiculous because it isn't even a ballet class. They have them do twinkle twinkle little star and follow the leader. I didn't pay $55 to have a stranger teach my kid something she already knows. I didn't even send my daughter back to finish because she was so damn bored of it. Did I mention the instructor didn't even bother to learn the kids names...? For gods sake at least have them wear name tags. The classes started late frequently but you better believe the instructor was ready to boot us out at 5:30. One lesson they even had two kids teach the class! Outrageous. A complete waste of money and I would NEVER recommend this place...in fact, save your money. read more

The most UNPROFESSIONAL organization I have ever experienced EVER!!!!! After trying time and time again to get past the unprofessional ism of most of the staff, it was the owner who finally pushed me over the edge!!! She said my 2 year old was not up to her standards and needed to be moved into a lower level class.... I found it disturbing and sad that an instructor would use these words to speak with a parent. When I was offended-- as I am positive almost any other parent would have been, instead of her trying to apology to rectify the situation she went on and on about the fact that I WAS ANGRY!!!!! The studio is dirty, the recital was disorganized and shabby. I would not recommend this place at all!!! read more

I agree with Valerie T. My daughter was also in this class. The classes sometimes started up to 10 minutes late and they were done by 5:30 on the dot. Even with just 3 girls at the end.....she couldn't really keep it together. My daughter was in the recital in June. The girls froze! They were never invited to the dress rehearsal nor did they offer us to purchase a recital Tshirt. We have yet to receive our DVD, BUT THEY SURE CASHED OUR CHECK RIGHT AWAY! I think they could care less about the children that sign up through the city. Save your money! read more

Very unprofessional, the owner debbie is Extremely RUDE! she speaks to you in a very condesending way, for no reason ? very odd woman. my experience there was not a good one, what is advertized about the school is something totatlly diff when you are, there. dance fees & tution are too high for low budget service along with the filthy dance floor, my 7 yr old's dance outfit was always covered with dirt from dirty/dusty floors. not worth your time or money, there is nothing professional about it. read more

My daughter has been coming every summer to ballet class and loves it but this is the last time I will sign her up {insert dance place}. Every year it's something and this time they decide to assign 20 toddlers to ONE class. Absolutely ridiculous as the teacher spends half the time lining them up or redirecting them! Not too mention every family shows up with the entire familia in one tiny waiting room! This was obviously done for the money as they could have had a cap or added another class. We will not be coming back here again. read more

It's pretty difficult to get beyond the pretentiousness of the staff. My daughter attended tap and ballet class for several months, and I did not see any growth. I can teach her more about tap and ballet than they did. The studio is dirty and run-down. One of the teachers would hold her two-year-old daughter, who was not enrolled in the class, the entire time she was teaching tap. When she finally put her down, she placed her in a pack-and-play that was INSIDE the dance room. Unprofessional, unclean, uncaring. Never again. read more

The teachers are caring and know what they are doing. The owner is very nice and helps you decide what classes would be best for your child and she seems to really take into account that your child is an individual and tries to meet each child's needs, unlike many other studios who just want to take your money. They take the time to watch/assess your child and then tell you what class would be best for you, taking into considering your budget and time restraints. It's a small place but the people are nice and friendly and the teachers want to make sure that your child learns. It's a great choice for my daughter. read more

My daughter is 3 yrs old and this was her 1st ballet class experience, she LOVED it. My daughter can get distracted every easily and the instructor did a great job keeping her focused. I just wish they had later classes for her age. We had a great experience at Dance Image. read more

Very unprofessional! Took six months to receive the recital dvd the owner is rude they have students teaching the classes the recital is ridiculous and there is a hierarchy back stage for good spots and outlets the owner definitely has her favorites do yourself a favor and go elsewhere read more

If you want respect do not go here. Although my daughter loves to dance the management is horrible. Very very rude. Not to sit here a write a long hate review I'm just going to say my daughter will not be returning. The people there really need to work on their people skills. read more

I remember taking classes at Dance Image when I was a kid. Best dance classes in Whittier. I recently went there to sign up my daughter and was so happy to see how this place has expanded and has more instructors. If your child is ready for dance lessons I highly recommend you try Dance Image. read more

WORST STUDIO I HAVE EVER WALKED INTO. After taking my 2 year 10 month old to two classes, we will not be going back. I've never been so insulted by a SECRETARY, and this is not her first offense. There these two young instructors were with an over sized class of 1-2 year olds, and they had no time to really comfort my daughter away from me to join class. I am not the parent that coddles my children, so I insisted she stay in the room at least and she cried the entire time. After getting professional advice from my child development teacher, I gave it one more chance, and this time she joined, but then something happened and she got mad at one of the instructors. I would not let her out of the room once again and she threw a little fit. It wasn't too major it was just her yelling every so often and stamping her foot. She was not the only one crying, and was not the first to cry. I picked her up and placed her by the door and calmly refused to hold her or give in to her tantrum. The secretary approached me and started talking about where I paid from, which I didn't know because my mother in law settled the payments. She didn't attempt to explain herself and looked at me like I was an idiot. Luckily my mother in law came in and told her what she was asking about. She then proceeded to tell me that it was my daughters fault at making the environment not safe for the other girls. She was just crying like any other two year old, and she wasn't the only one once again. The secretary only made things worse by talking down to me, tried to tell me how I should parent my child, and hinted that I was being rude to her while making a scene. She would not listen to my calm explanation that I was doing what she suggested in the first place, AND ACCUSED ME OF PUSHING MY DAUGHTER INTO THE CLASS! Which is far from the truth. Apparently she got her misinformation from those young instructors. I dont know why they just couldn't come to me instead of getting a person who should not be mediating AT ALL. She made me sound that I was beating my daughter black and blue in front of her and then started a fight with her!!! That woman is twisted, and should not be involved in any dispute because she likes to take things out of context. I'm not the only one. She was very rude and hoity to my mother in law as well when she was paying for the classes. She can't even do HER job right. She lied when she said we weren't going to be charged if she doesn't join class. They already took our money, and cashed the check. I agree with the other review. They just prance around and practice standing and sitting in lines while one time in the class get to play with sheer scarfs. The two instructors couldn't even handle behavior problems after another girl took the scarf that my daughter was going for, and the instructor told her she laid it out for her when she joined class. After that it was down hill for the first time in class. There was no asking for a different color scarf to replace the color she lost. I would rather throw my money in the trash then pay 60 dollars for this kind of treatment. read more

AWFUL! AWFUL! AWFUL! Although my 2yr old daughter enjoyed participating in class I would never send her back. The instructor was nice, however, she never had answers to any of the questions, would show up a few min late and finish early. The entire staff is unprofessional and very rude. Information for recital was never giving to us and we were always given the run around and then we were told by the owner that we couldn't get tickets for the show. After explaining that we were not informed, she responded with an attitude and said we would have to just drop our 2 yr old off to perform and pick her up when done. Last rehearsal was the last straw! We were only allowed to drop off child and leave her with complete strangers for 3 hours!! We left her for a bit only because she was sooo excited, however, we went right back... The staff is beyond rude, disorganized and inconsiderate. Most parents their felt the same way. I doubt they'll return too. Do not take your young child to this studio!! read more

awful! awful! awful! is the only word that comes to mind. Everyone on staff is so unprofessional, the owner, her husband and some of the instructors were all equally rude and lack customer service skills. They are so unorganized, they do not give direction or instructions to the parents or children and they expect everyone to know what to do. The children began the season learning some steps and had a short routine going and about five weeks into the season, they decide to teach the children the routine for the recital. Shouldn't they have done the recital routine from the start? the children all froze and were completely lost. The June 2013 recital was the worst experience. I do not recommend this studio to anyone. They keep the cost down so that people can return, but i would rather pay a little more and have a better experience somewhere else. read more