My daughter attended Sherrie's Dance Studio for almost two years. Although touted as a "big family", it was a chilly reception from the beginning and continued to unfold into a saga of bullying and tainted her love of dance.
My daughter liked her tap teacher, but a few months later, a new teacher arrived, Danielle. There was no communication that this was going to be her new teacher and no introduction to the parents or children. It is true that generations have danced at this studio and many already knew this teacher, but my daughter and I did not and over the following months would find her skills at classroom management and teaching to be at best, lackluster.
It was in Danielle's class that my daughter began to be bullied (by a girl whose parents were not present in class). However, the nepotism runs deep in Sherrie's "family" and the bully was a little darling of the dance studio's "family". The catty remarks , pulling my daughter's friends away from her, yelling, showing fists and glaring throughout the entire class was so apparent, there would be no way for the teacher to miss what was going on.
It was mid-April that I tried to approach Sherrie. However, she could not be bothered with spending 5 minutes to talk. So, I spoke to Leslie (the office manager?). Leslie double checked who my daughter's teacher was, assured me that this information would reach the parents of the bully and Sherrie.
In the following weeks I received no follow up, except that the bully started in on my daughter again. Unfortunately, the teachers, management and Sherrie do not uphold the "class etiquette" and "courtesy and respect" posted on their website:
"Respect for your teacher and fellow classmates is the number one lesson in dance class. Teachers may ask students to wait in the lobby if they are being disruptive or disrespectful.
...
Bring a good attitude to class. Sherrie's Dance Studio expects students to observe common courtesy and to be respectful of their teachers and fellow class members. Proper respect is expected at all times.... Disrespect for teachers, gossiping and other behaviors that adversely affect the class will not be tolerated".
Meanwhile, my daughter (only six years old at the time) was hesitant to come to class and spent most of the class spaced out and unable to concentrate on learning. She was determined to see this experience through to the show (completely her choice). She stayed kind and respectful throughout. I am a very proud mama.
As for this studio, its lack of courtesy and professionalism is simply egregious. read more