My daughter dance with this company for several years before we found a different place. I'd…read moremention what we experienced while attending this studio for over 16+ hours a week over the course of 3 years with 2 students.
When daughter hurt her foot, she was advised to wear a boot from ortho until day of show to rest her foot, she was yelled at for moving "too slowing" when marking in tech even though the doctor instructed her to take it easy and walk slowly to rest before recital.
Charging extra for adult costumes are normal bc it's more expensive from vendors but I was charged $5 for all of the costumes when my dancer had many child XLs. When questioned, office manager said it's not very much money. But my child was in over 13 dances so it adds up. Rule is rule right?
Technique is lacking for older more advanced children. The classes are merged or canceled due to lower numbers. No real substitute teaching staff, when someone is out, the replacement is not well versed in the style of dance or not qualified to teach at that caliber. Maybe it's different now bc they have better teachers.
All kinds of food are allowed in the studio rooms only for pre pro children. No regards to allergies as those are the same floor dancers roll on for contemporary, stretching or conditioning. My dancer rolled over cheese and crumbs weekly. One particular night, my dancer's friend had a medium allergic reaction to tree nut found on the floor. They did not have Benadryl on hand, so mom had to rush over to administer meds. This dancer also stayed home for a few days bc the allergic reaction was intense but no studio follow up after the incident.
Balanchine based conservatory ballet school only has 1 1 hour technique class a week. Seems they have changed it to 1.5 hours for 2 days now. Rep and company class does not replace technique. In these classes, they are learning new choreo. Also pointe is normally offered right after technique, last year it was after lyrical, which is an elective. Only 1 1 hour pointe class a week for a 12 year old is not enough for a conservatory based dance school.
No viewing the entire year at studio, handbook said once a quarter, but it's since been removed. Spent entire year having only seen my dancer at paid events like the fox theater, Busch stadium, and ambush where tickets are pricy. Dancer enjoyed community outreach, when we first joined the studio, company members danced in front of nursing homes and local parades. Didn't happen at all last year. Why can't you see your kids dance in the studio?
On website, it says, "Instructors hail from prominent companies such as Joffrey Ballet, ABT, SAB, Alabama Ballet, Big Muddy Dance Co, and Ballet 314", but bio of teachers doesn't have anyone who has danced at Joffrey Ballet, ABT, SAB or Alabama Ballet.