My daughter has been taking ballet for over 3 years and she is 6 years old now. We started with another teacher that we absolutely loved for 2 years but she moved onto private lessons so we looked into several studios in the area. RDC was very well reviewed, close to home and we wanted to explore my daughters talent in a place that would have her on track to pursue this long term.
Choosing RDC was one of the best decisions we made. Ms. Kelley was her first teacher for Ballet Primary A and she is a phenomenal teacher. Her passion for teaching and dance shines. My daughter loved going to her class every week.
When my daughter was moved up to Primary B the only class that was offered even close to our schedule was at 4:30 during the week. I am a pretty "hands-on" mom and, even though I could have had my mom take her to class, I would have missed out. The day we found out, another parent that was concerned about her daughter being able to attend the class and I ran into Julie, one of the owners, and she asked us if she could do anything for us. I mentioned the dilemma & she said she would see what she could do. A few days later and there was a class available for Saturday! I was so ecstatic and appreciative. Miss Charlotte is the teacher and she is amazing with the kids, full of energy and this is after some would consider a full day of teaching.
In addition to this incident, EVERY SINGLE TIME I see Julie she asks how I'm doing, shares a joke or acknowledges me in some way, no matter how busy she is. My daughter loves her so much that she asked me the other day if she could invite her to her birthday in a year, LOL. Julie has a big heart and instills that in her studio by having community service projects every month for the dancers and their guardians to get involved. She also teaches dance and includes those with physical & learning disabilities, which touches my heart, as I have family with learning disabilities.
Yes, there are rules - just like with any class. There are guidelines/dresscodes for ballet leotards, etc. and you are expected to show up on time. There is a 10 minute leeway however, if you are later to class your child may not get the proper stretching in/warm up and that could be detrimental to your child - not to mention it is a distraction to the other dancers. I am well aware that things come up but you can make up the missed class - even by trying out another class all together!
I saw someone place a bad review because you are not allowed to sit in class - I have had it both ways and trust me - your child is far less distracted by you not sitting in the class & this way gets a better dance education. And in the younger classes the student's family is invited to sit in for the last 10 minutes! Otherwise there are screens to watch from and in some studios, windows (which can be a distraction as well if you are spotted, LOL).
As for the recitals, they were a big reason why we chose RDC! I wanted my daughter to be able to perform and have our friends and family see how much she's progressed over the years. I tear up thinking about seeing her on stage and how proud I am. The costumes are pricey but it includes professional photos & it is only once a year if you are only performing in the spring (see photo posted). We take advantage of the opportunity and sign up for the Winter Holiday recital as well, a great time to try another class. This year my daughter is in a jazz routine and she loves it!
We love RDC and everyone that we have met through it! My daughter and I have made wonderful, hopefully, life-long friends and she has progressed with her dancing so much!!! Needless to say, we recommend RDC highly and, if you are interested, you can audit a class! read more