After more than 12 years at Pompano Dance Studio, I wanted to share our experience…read more
When my daughter began as a kindergartener, the studio was welcoming and supportive, helping her develop a genuine love for dance. She formed lasting friendships and spent much of her childhood there, and for many years we were grateful to be part of the community.
In her final years in Company, however, our experience changed.
One area where we saw room for improvement was communication. Concerns that were later described as significant were not shared with our family while there was still an opportunity to address them collaboratively. More timely and consistent communication could help families feel more included and supported.
We also found it difficult at times to feel a consistent leadership presence, as the studio owner was not often on-site and was never present at competitions. Greater accessibility could help families more easily address questions or concerns as they arise.
Twelve years of commitment ended with our dancers being told they were the problem.
Just one week before intensive summer classes were scheduled to begin, families were informed that the competitive team intensives were canceled and that competitive dances were reduced to only three. The timing alone was upsetting, leaving dancers and families with little opportunity to make alternative plans.
Wanting answers, the dancers tried to speak with the company director, and the owner then joined the conversation. The students attempted to express how they felt and discuss the decision with both the owner and teachers. Instead of feeling heard or respected, the girls left the meeting devastated. Several came out in tears, feeling dismissed and blamed after years of loyalty and commitment to the studio. As a parent present that evening, it was difficult to watch a close-knit group leave with those feelings, and it highlighted an opportunity for leadership to better connect with the dancers and truly listen to their perspectives.
Over the past couple of years, I also felt there could have been a stronger emphasis on technical development during regular classes. While competition routines showcased the dancers' strengths, some recital pieces did not reflect the level of growth I had hoped to see.
After 12 years, we expected honest communication, professionalism, and respect. Instead, many families were left feeling hurt by both the decision and the way it was delivered.
Ultimately, our family chose to move on in search of an environment that emphasizes strong communication, mutual respect, positive mentorship, and continued development.
Despite how our time ended, I remain grateful for the friendships my daughter built and the positive experiences she had during her early years at the studio. Those memories will always be meaningful to us.
However, the way this group of young women was treated at the end does not reflect the studio's motto of "More Than Just Great Dancing."
Based on our experience, the studio may be a good fit for recreational dancers, but for those seeking growth and development at a competitive level, it may not currently meet those expectations.
