PART 2 of review: This was my response to the owner's last email: On Dec 14, 2016, at 10:44 PM, Samantha wrote: Wow. Defensive/accusatory much? Your response is not exactly professional OR elegant! I'm a very reasonable person, and everything you've offered as an explanation regarding seniority and experience would've been an acceptable explanation to me as to why all the small girls were in the back row. That would've been the end of it, had that have been all that you said. However, your criticism of my SIX YEAR OLD daughter's lack of preparation for picture day and the recital are outright hostile and offensive, and obviously directed at me. Of COURSE I recognized her on stage. Are you insane? I should NOT have to defend or explain myself to you as a PAYING CONSUMER of your services.... You should be offering me apologies and explanations without getting defensive or accusatory! That's not how businesses succeed... Regardless, I feel compelled to address your other statements and offhanded passive aggressive remarks. First of all, I was out of the country for picture day, and my ex-husband took my daughter to photo day... He was told ahead of time that the other parents would help him get her hair and make up ready. Considering it was the first time we've ever been at your school, and your instructions and text messages are vague at best and confusing at worst, we can't be blamed for not doing her hair/makeup according to your requirements, which were never shared with us. Second, I spent an hour doing her hair and makeup before the recital, and did my best with ZERO instruction from you. I was simply told "hair in a bun and stage makeup." Being as this was our first recital, I had to wing it and do what I thought was appropriate. Apparently it wasn't. Lesson learned. A guideline or instruction or pictures or even a tutorial from you would've really helped, so we could've all been on the same page! Third, to address your "they are not in a second performance," comment, they WERE; a tap song and then a ballet song. THAT'S what I meant when I said that I was hopeful the front and back rows would switch for the next performance. Finally, while your comment "I would recommend another activity for her that doesn't have quite as many requirements" was addressed above, I would like to know what the HELL are you implying by saying "ballerinas are the epitome of elegance?" That my daughter is NOT elegant? Are you kidding me!?!? Have you seen some of the girls in the class?!?! You don't have any standards of elegance!!! If that's what you're going to use as a reason to discourage my daughter from ballet, then you better tell some of the parents of the other girls in the class that they need to lose weight and be more graceful! We're talking about six-year-old's in an after school activity for god sake! They're not auditioning for the nutcracker!!! Clearly you're just accepting anybody and everybody into your school that will pay you! Talent and elegance and obviously PROFESSIONALISM AND CUSTOMER SERVICE mean nothing to you! I'm all for activities that have strict requirements, when they are CLEAR, and PRECISE! You can't expect parents of a six-year-old child who just started ballet eight weeks ago to instinctually know what is required for hair and makeup when you don't spell it out for us... I'm both sickened and saddened by your complete lack of understanding and this ugly turn of events. I will be taking your advice, and removing her from your school. Not because of the strict "requirements," (which you've never shared with the parents) or her "lack of elegance" (which you've clearly suggested) or our "lack of preparation," (which is your fault for not guiding us in preparation) but because of YOUR absolute and complete lack of professionalism, elegance, and grace befitting someone who runs a successful business in customer service and instruction of young children. I will be sharing this email thread with the other parents, social media outlets, and the better business bureau. You need to take some business administration classes in customer service, conflict resolution, and client relations. I NEVER attacked you personally OR professionally, I simply brought a legitimate complaint to your attention, and you attacked me, my ex husband, and my daughter. BAD IDEA. read more

Hello everyone! So I would like to share my AWFUL experience with my daughter's first ever after school activity, ballet at On Your Toes Dance Academy on commercial blvd. in Tamarac. Keep in mind, she's six years old, she's only been in the class for maybe 2 1/2 months, and the following is the email exchange that I had with the owner of the school after the dance recital on Sunday... PLEASE share! This woman has no idea about customer service, loyalty, grace, and class... On Dec 11, 2016, at 6:14 PM, Samantha wrote: The lower school recital was fantastic! Great job everyone! My ONLY issue? Why were the BIGGEST AND TALLEST girls in the teeny toes (purple) in the front row for BOTH performances? I couldn't see my daughter at ALL, (she's one of the SMALLEST kids, and she was in the back row) I was in the second row of the audience and no matter where I moved to she was still blocked! Quite disappointing.... On Dec 11, 2016, at 10:30 PM, On Your Toes Dance Academy wrote: So very sorry, but they do need a guide. Glad you liked it. Hopefully you will have a better view next year! Sent from my iPhone On Dec 12, 2016, at 11:30 AM, Samantha wrote: A guide or two would've been fine, but ALL the smallest girls were in the back, with ALL the bigger girls in the front.... I gave the benefit of the doubt and I figured maybe for the second performance they would switch and put the front row in the back and the back row in the front, but that didn't happen... My daughter was very upset! The twins in the front row are at LEAST 5-8 inches taller than ALL the girls in the back row; talent/being a "guide" clearly had nothing to do with who was in front, as all the girls seemed to be at the same skill level... no matter where I moved, I couldn't see ANY of the girls in the back row.... it really wasn't fair to any of them.... See for yourself, the height difference between the front and back rows is quite obvious... On Dec 14, 2016, at 11:01 AM, Alina Guerrero-Pena wrote: They are not in a second performance and quite frankly the girls in the back were in spaces between the front row dancers and not covered by anyone. Also, there is always seniority and that's just the way it's done at dance schools. The more experienced dancers are in the front row. I also want you to consider that your daughter had to be prepared by parents because she was not brought to the recital or Picture Day in a presentable way. Instructions were completely ignored. We are a very professional dance school down to our youngest of students. So you may not have even recognized her on stage. I would recommend another activity for her that doesn't have quite as many requirements. Ballerinas are the epitome of elegance. WOW! See my next review for my response, it wouldn't all fit on one review..... read more

On Your Toes Dance Academy has been a part of our family's life for over 10 years. The studio is a second home to my daughter. The training and continuous growth that I have seen over those years have been nothing short of amazing. My daughter started off as a shy 5-year-old and has become the most confident and beautiful dancer in her time at OYT. Ms. Alina is dedicated to each and every dancer and pushes all of them to be the best that she knows they can all be. The end of year recital is always amazing. The recital is performed at a Performing Arts School with a beautiful performing arts stage and auditorium. Ms. Alina is understanding of the younger dancers needs and splits the recital into two shows so that the younger ones do not get overtired. The upper school recital showcases all of the amazing dancer's hard work that they have put into all of their dance classes throughout the year. The final recital ballet performance is always incredibly beautiful. Ms. Alina tells a ballet story through her dancers and they never disappoint. Ms. Alina is always in communication with parents in regards to policies and upcoming events. As parents we are always so busy running our children from place to place so she understands that some things may get overlooked, so even the most important reminders are also posted in the studio for everyone to view. If I could give higher than 5 stars I would. read more

We strive to educate children to be their very best, so we are very serious about training and our students take class professional attire. Our expectations are high, so if you are here to play, I will recommend nearby schools. We offer a comprehensive curriculum beginning at age 2 1/2 through adulthood. Our dancers have a solid Ballet foundation, yet they are well-rounded in other subjects such as Contemporary, Modern, Jazz, Improvisation, Acro and Hip-Hop. I am this year's Broward County Dance Teacher of the Year, and I'm very proud of that title. I earned a B.A. in Dance Education and I am certified to teach Health and Elementary Education with an Early Childhood speciatly. Dance is my life! Bad reviews will come from difficult parents, or those that are financially irresponsible and have been placed in Collections. See for yourself any day of the week. We've trained hundreds of dancers for over 23 years. We are unsupassed! read more

My daughter has been dancing at this school for years. She has learned so much during that time. Not just dance. But discipline. And grace. And commitment. The school, the technique they teach, the teachers, the discipline they require from the girls - all contribute to the dance education I am so proud to offer my daughter. The owner and director of the studio, Ms. Alina, is just wonderful. She understands the children, knows exactly what they need, knows exactly how much she can push them, to get the best of them. My daughter has friends who dance at other studios who do not dance at the level that she does. Not even close. That's all due to Ms. Alina and On Your Toes. I highly recommend this studio for everything from toddlers to teenage dancers. My daughter and I could not be happier! read more

This studio is as good as it gets! I've never been to a studio more dedicated to the improvement and growth of dancers in my life. These kids receive a phenomenal foundation in the skills of Ballet, Modern, Jazz and Tap. The studio even teaches kids as young as 2 years old! It's really amazing to see how talented these dancers are and to see how much they love being in this studio environment. The teachers are astounding and really love the students. You can definitely tell that all these teachers want is the best for their students and want to see them succeed in whatever there passion is. On Your Toes is the ideal dance studio for any child wishing to pursue the dream of becoming a professional dancer. I LOVE OYT Dance Academy! read more

I have been taking my granddaughter to On Your Toes Dance Academy since she was three years old. Over the years I have seen her blossom into a beautiful dancer. The studio has not only provided my granddaughter with a place dance but also a place to make friends. All of her best friends are from her dance studio they have grown up together, dance together and see each other several times a week. I am so grateful to On Your Toes Dance Academy for the role it has played in my granddaughters life! read more

A little gem! What a pleasure to see dancers that look like dancers in the professional sense. At On Your Toes students do not run around in shorts and bras. My granddaughter has been attending for two years and she looks forward to class with so much excitement. That's because there is discipline and structure and the kids love that they are asked to do and be their very best. Look no further!!! read more

Great business! Strict values that I learned as well- growing up as a dancer. Alina's stern teaching techniques teach my 7 year old discipline and what it takes to become a great dancer. Shes constantly giving corrections to help my daughter grow into a strong minded dancer. The prices are reasonable (I am a single mother, school teacher) and the online payment system makes my life easier. read more

This is one of the must amazinflg experience that make me feel so proud of my princes. What i love of the must is that they show them decipline and values. My daughter is a totally different person and the best part she loves to dance. It a family oriented and the price is unique. Since the firts day you will feel the love. 100% recommend read more

My daughter has been dancing here since she was two. Few schools even offer Pointe classes and ten years later we are beyond thrilled at her advancement. She was accepted to all of the Summer dance programs she auditioned for and we couldn't thank Ms. Alina enough for her no-nonsense teaching style. read more

Best dance school! My daughter has been attending since 2 years old... she wil be 7 in a couple of months. She has truly flourished as a dancer. Ms. Alina runs an excellence dance program. The end of the year dance show is truly spectacular and I look forward to it each year. read more

The pre-school program at OYT is wonderful. My daughter loves all the fun songs and props used in the class and there are never teenage teachers like at our other dance school. The class is age-appropriate and reasonably priced. I think we've found our dance school at last! read more

I have been searching for a Hip-Hop class that doesn't play nasty music and that the movements are not suggestive or provocative. At On Your Toes, my daughter can take a class that is in good taste as Hip-Hop is her only passion. We love the teachers! read more

My daughter Olivia has been going here since she was three years old. She Absolutely loves this dance studio. Elegance , Grace , and lots of fun here . The recital every year is always outstanding ! Alina is Amazing ! read more

EXCELLENT in every way. Kids actually learn dance and achieve technique. This is the absolute best in West Broward!!!