Very positive experience this past year with my 4 yr old daughter in their preschool ballet/tap/tumbling class. My daughter's teacher is the best of all dance teachers we've ever had. She is fun, enthusiastic, and diligently teaches them real dance moves; they are not just having fun movement and play time. We came to jwsd a few years ago with my older daughter for a month and I was not happy with the teacher, who I later discovered was a permanent sub and not a regular teacher, or the waiting area, which was dark and difficult to see the dancers. However, all that has changed since then. They have made improvements to the waiting area so that there are TVs showing both dance rooms and comfortable seating. My younger one appreciates the side playroom and outside playground as well. I love the family feel of this hideaway dance studio and am glad we gave it another try! Don't be dissuaded by the notices to wear a coverup or the dismissal outside. The positives of the great dance class far outweigh the small inconveniences, and I appreciate the commitment to dance etiquette, even though it was something new to us. read more

Still at JWSD and still loving it. I truly feel part of this family... actually we are family. They are our dance family. My girls love the teachers and they have all been taught by the same teachers, because staff remains loyal. They don't leave. That's why i love this studio. Worth the 30 minute commute one way for me. Don't let a ugly review change your mind. Take from someone who's girls have been here since 2008! read more

My daughter has been attending the Joyce Willet School of Dance since she was three. She started in their Theater Arts Preschool class, and moved into an afternoon tap class once she aged out of preschool. She absolutely loves it, and has some nice moves now. This is especially impressive since she received absolutely no sense of rhythm from me. read more

My daughter did not start her first class until May, but I was charged the full 12 week tuition of $60. We only attended two classes in May because I was very displeased with the professionalism of and my experience at this studio. When we walked in, there was no one to greet us or give us any guidance. I had no idea where the class was, who the teacher was or if the class had started yet. Since it was our first visit and was unfamiliar with your many policies, I walked from the waiting room, through the vacant dance studio to get to the changing area so I could help my daughter change into her dance clothes. When we returned to the waiting room, I was yelled at by the teacher for walking across the floor. During our uncomfortable wait in the dark and hot waiting area (the a/c did not seem to be working), several homeless people and drug users were walking around the entry and making load noises just outside of the studio which was very disconcerting. I would not leave my child there alone if someone paid me. Also, I have never in my life seen a studio with so many "Do Not Do" and Warning signs. This creates such an unwelcoming, distrusting and unfriendly atmosphere. After the class, I wanted to talk to the teacher about payment but she never even acknowledged me while I stood around waiting for her to talk to another very upset customer. I expect a full refund of my enrollment fee and for the classes I did not attend, especially the classes I was charged for before I even had enrolled in the program. read more

Business! this place is all about money. They are rude and unprofessional. Had my daughter registered in march, paid $35 registration fee + tuition, in June "ends" the season and they were charging me another $35 for the summer. I'd pay if Joyce was fair charging everyone. For that I mean that there was a parent a week after my daughter started and when this parent went to pay the registration fee of $35 I heard Joyce saying that "was not needed" because it was "in the middle of the season..." Anyways, all they have to say is pay tuition, pay costume or whatever... They are not professional when calling out for not using cover up, Joyce will call your attention as you are a stupid and will put you down (this day my daughter had not her cover-up because I was sick and my husband took her and he forgot the cover-up in the car). Whatever, not professional!!! Moreover, during class - I think that because of the glass that parents watch their kids - the teacher gives special treatment for children who throws tantrum, my daughter is 3 year old, I know is not an easy age (I am a teacher in a 3 year-old classroom), but I watch my daughter waiting a long time very patiently to take a turn for the tumbling and while other kids can go 3 times in a row or they throw tantrum she waits her turn and goes once! Therefore, this is place is not about discipline either. 3 year-old need to take turns... tantrums should not be positively reinforced, even if parents are watching!!! That's my review for JWSD! Enjoy it :D read more

Both of my daughters attend JWSD as well as my eldest daughter's best friend. We love it. The owner, Ms Kristy, is one of the sweetest/warmest people you will ever meet and her teacher's are, too! They are loving, patient, talented and you can tell they just enjoy working with children. I struggle financially to afford extra curricular activities for my children but I do my best. Ms. Kristy has reached out to me when I explained to her that I needed some more time when paying for the recital fees. She was accepting, empathetic and made me feel like she really cared about my kids ( and me!). The kids have a wonderful time and are quickly learning the basics of dance. I also really like that they encourage modesty. My family was blessed to find JWSD and I will continue to send my kids there for years to come. read more

My daughter attended Moana dance camp at the Joyce Willett Dance school this summer and had a wonderful time. The teachers were upbeat, friendly, energetic, and great with my daughter. My daughter learned some adorable dances and I loved seeing her perform them at their recital at the end of the week! The owner, Miss Kristy, is very in tune with children and their unique needs. She is so kind, responsive, and operates her dance school with integrity. I would highly recommend this Dance school to anyone looking to put their child into lessons. read more

I had my daughter in the Mother's Day Out program. I was considering taking her out because the place was always so dirty. I showed up early one day to pick her up and the kids were just being released in to the play yard for pick up. Apparently, she was having some work done on the building and all the building supplies, as well as ripped-in-half coke cans with god knows what inside, were laying around the play yard. I saw all these dangerous materials lying around the yard, so I got out of my car to speak to the teacher. As I stepped out of my car, I watched my young, curious daughter pick-up a large shard of very sharp siding. I was furious, I called to speak with Joyce about the situation and she didn't apologize but started defending herself saying, "the workmen were supposed to remove all that." Well why didn't someone check the yard before the children were released? To make a very long story shorter, I told her that my daughter would not be returning because of safety issues. She then informed me that I still had to pay for the last month, which I did because honestly I didn't want to tangle with her. She seemed very nice in the beginning but I watched that change. She refused to take any responsibility for her part in keeping her facility safe. Oh, btw, when we had the torrential hail storm she said to me, "I didn't know what to do, sounded like the roof was going to come down. I was about to put the kids in the middle of the dance floor with a blanket over them." Nice. If you value your child's safety I would suggest a different studio. read more

We love JWSD. We have been coming since my daughter was 2; she's now 4.5. Miss Mara is a fun and funny teacher who has helped our kiddo's balance, coordination, attention span and more. This is where she learned to put on her own shoes and she always looks forward to Saturdays! read more

For a school which seems to enforce professionalism by students, the opposite seemed to be the case for the MC at the December recital. They (MC) shared with the audience the importance of teaching professionalism, such as wearing cover-ups. They also shared with the audience the importance of the girls not wearing panties. (This being shared just before teenage girls entered the stage.) This seemed very inappropriate to announce to any audience. The MC also called out one of the girls for not being professional because they were "chewing gum". It seemed unprofessional/unnecessary to bring this to the attention to the audience. Rather it seemed like something that should have been addressed in class or privately with the individual. The recital was not the "major" one like the one held at the end of the school year. However, it was still a recital with family members in attendance. Later an email was sent apologizing for the lack of seating for the recital, explaining it was meant only for immediate family to attend, not extended. We were not told that ahead of time. Nothing was said regarding the MC. Perhaps it is personality differences, but I felt the teachers were slightly standoffish to parents. I prefer a class where there is a better rapport with the teacher/parent as well as with the teacher/dancer. I did not interact a lot with Joyce, but I noticed that she seemed to know each of the students by name. read more

My daughter just spent two weeks there for their summer camp. She enjoyed it. She did dance, playing dress up, drawing, playing games, etc. I love their performance toward the end of their camp. read more

My daughter is 12 years old and has danced at JWSD since the age of 3. She had loved the community at JWSD and the dance skills she had learned. Her teachers are talented and compassionate. The families collaborate and work together to support all the dancers. read more

My daughter loves going to JWSD. Her dance teachers are amazing and we love the family oriented environment. We highly recommend JWSD

Our daughter is almost three and attends JWSD in Windsor Park. We started her off in the ballet/tap/tumbling class for 2-4 year olds. She loved it so much we switched to the 3.5 hour theater arts preschool option which is currently offered one day a week at the Windsor Park location. Kristy is super sweet with the kids and they get a lot out of the experience. They try out a variety of art forms including theatrical play, a craft, and of course ballet, tap and tumbling. We highly recommend this studio for your kids. read more

My daughter is 3-1/2 years old and ballet is one thing she loves and all the credit goes to JWSD @ Research Blvd. The teachers are amazing. My daughter is huge big fan of Ms Mara. She is a great teacher with extraordinary skills of understanding little ones and making them follow the instructions and getting best out of them. The Director - Ms Kristy is always very helpful and is willing to accommodate small requests and guides her staff very well. Thank you ladies for doing an outstanding job of keeping this studio going. I strongly recommend these ballet classes for kids. read more

I brought my 3 year old to a trial class- mostly to show him how fun it would be to do dance "one day." At the time, he had severe separation anxiety and would not stay with anyone besides me. I was shocked when he put on tap shoes and giddily walked right into class, never crying once. He LOVES dance class and this helped transition him into starting preschool a few months later. My 2 year old looked in the window and cried she wanted to dance also! Now they are both in class and we LOVE Joyce Willet School of Dance!! read more

We absolutely love the JWSD for our twin boys! There are so many reasons why: for one the preschool is structured, but full of fun, stimulating activities. They don't have any time to get bored. They started at just 2.5 yrs old and the teachers were kind, patient, and full of guidance to help them grow into the little young men they are at school today. My quieter twin, has come out of his shell completely, he loves the tap dancing. The outgoing one has learned to have more patience and loves the theater/art activities. They do gymnastics, tap, ballet, acting, act, and learning activities. At their last checkup the pediatrician was so impressed by how our quieter boy was talking more, less afraid, and silly during the visit. The preschool is 930-1pm, and completely affordable, esp if you have more than one child. The classrooms are not too full an the children get lots of attention. As a parent, you can come watch them anytime and the teachers are really good! They care, are consistent in structure, and the kids love/respect them. I would recommend this to any family as a preschool or add on to a MDO program. read more

My granddaughters were students for a couple of years. The instruction was mediocre but the location was convenient and the girls were preschool and enjoyed dressing up, wearing the costumes for recitals and making new friends. We followed the requirement to wear cover ups to and from practice, recitals etc. without fail. They stepped way over the line of returning a modicum of mutual respect. The last recital (the girls were kicked out) by one of Ms. J's daughters when I had the audacity to want to photograph my granddaughter in costume in front of some pretty flowers outside the auditorium. I was told if I took her out the door without her cover up on it would be her last recital with the JWSD. This young woman was furious and tried blocking the door. No kidding, you can bet we were happy not to drop one more dime at the studio for instruction from mediocre dance hacks who have let their egos rate higher than permitting a grand mother to take a photo at a recital. There are better facilities, instructors on practically every corner. The girls went on to dance at Austin Ballet. Don't waste your time or money ! Nana S. read more

I think this is the best studio for the young preschool age children! The instructors are fantastic with the 2-3 year olds. My daughter looks forward to dance class every time we go. They break up instruction into ballet, tap, and tumbling which I have found really keeps the little ones' attention. read more

My daughter has attended the Joyce Willet School of Dance preschool theater arts program for 1 1/2 years. She has loved it. The school is very structured and professional with emphasis on dance and theater performance. Joyce and her staff have backgrounds in early child development as well as dance, so they know how to put the two together. Joyce has raised 7 children of her own and knows how to nurture the preschool child. . Ms. Carolyn and Ms Anisha both have daughters and know how to deal with children and foster independence, and they do an amazing job. They control the environment and yet create an atmosphere of artistic creativity and independence. We love the mid year and June dance performances. These are incredible experiences for a young child. The children do art projects, and also work on their letters, numbers, writing. The tuition is very reasonable.. ( We had our 3 other children in a very expensive Montessori school where they learned nothing.) If we had only found JWSD back then. read more