I am a new "dance mom" and both my daughter and now my son are dancing at Studio D. They always look forward to classes and really show confidence from what they're learning. And the staff is always so helpful and kind. And the teachers are committed. My kids are young so they've only had Gina as their teacher. But they've had Katie during the summer camp that's a week session. And the owner, Rebecca, has been a professional dancer for decades and seems to always be at the studio teaching a large amount of the classes herself. Her love for dance is palpable. This is now my 3rd year signing my kids up and it's been a great experience. I highly recommend. One of my daughter's favorite parts is the ability to dance with the older dancers. Those dancers assist in class with the main teacher to give the students more 1-on-1 attention if needed. And to be honest, my daughter looks up to those dancers so she tries her best to stay close to them. There is a spring recital every year at the end of the season and I look forward to that day. The kids get excited but to see the talent and the skill and choreography from all of these dancers come to life on stage is spectacular. The behind the scenes for the recital and the anticipation and preparation for the show can get a little hectic because there are so many moving parts but the community of the dancers and their families really make it happen. I have volunteered every year for 1 of the 2 dance show days because the day I don't volunteer I watch the show all the way through, even though my littles have such a short part and then I bring my littles out because they want to watch the show too. Volunteering is really pretty easy depending on where you volunteer. I usually do the cafeteria where all the dancers wait. The objective is to entertain the kids while they wait their turn. So many seasoned parents give tips and bring activities or games. And you just keep the kids there until signed out so you want to keep a head count. Studio D has staff and volunteers with crowd manager certifications and some with cpr/aed certifications as well. I look forward to the upcoming years and can't wait to see what new things the studio will have in store for us. read more

I danced at Studio D for 15 years. This studio gave me the opportunity to perform at Carnegie Hall in addition to countless other unique performances. Studio D dancers make up a large portion of the NMHS dance team, which has recently attended regional competitions and were their district champions. Studio D's teaching style creates a relaxed environment for young dancers, and older dancers are extremely talented. There are a few misconceptions in previous reviews. First of all, the students who teach classes are not given free tuition--they are paid as any other employee is paid. The other complaints mentioned are common practice in every dance studio. In college, I have danced with students from across the country, and every single one has taught a class at their home studio. The rules during the shows are set up based on over 20 years of experience. The system that is in place helps the shows to run smoothly and keep dancers safe. It would not be possible to have every parent with their child, because there would be too many people backstage, and no parents would be able to watch. The staff here is made up of some of the kindest people I have encountered. Gina and all of the teachers have developed excellent teaching styles that allow students to grow. As long as students and parents follow the rules that are very clearly outlined, no conflicts arise. Even when problems occur, the staff responds very professionally. If the staff did not deal with issues, the studio would be in complete chaos. My family has not experienced any issues in the 16 years my sisters and I have danced there. Studio D creates a welcoming and nurturing environment for dancers of all ages and skill levels, and it was an incredible place to grow up! read more

The staff are condescending and rude. Quality of dance education is mediocre as their model is to have teens teach smaller children for free tuition themselves. Gina is particularly obnoxious. One of many examples: The children's parents were told they could come watch a preview of the performance after class one day. My child's grandparent was there for pickup and walked back as invited. Gina took it upon herself to start yelling at the grandparent for wearing shoes... The recital is a disaster every year and if you have young children that you want to be with they will tell you that unless you are volunteering you are not allowed to be specifically and consistently with your child as you will be assigned to one location. This is unacceptable. There are never enough volunteers and regardless of this young children are not being looked after appropriately. Asking random adults to help children change and take children that they don't know TO THE BATHROOM without a background check is irresponsible and a huge liability which they seem to ignore. I know this because I volunteered and was taking children ages 4-5 whom I did not know to the bathroom the first year my daughter was enrolled. Furthermore they send out emails chastising parents for not signing up to volunteer or for being with their child in what way they feel is appropriate despite paying thousands per year for them to participate. read more

Studio D has been a huge part of our lives! My oldest daughter started when she was six because of an older dancer that she looked up to! In the last 5 years, she has grown to be such an amazing dancer and has even had the opportunity to dance on the iconic stage of Carnegie Hall with her Studio D family! None of this would have been possible without the expertise, encouragement, and dedication from the teachers! We have been fortunate enough to have every adult teacher and a few student teachers in the studio instruct her and help her grow! My youngest daughter has grown up in the studio and even before she could dance, the entire staff showed her love and care! They have really sparked her interest in dance and she has such an adorable stage presence due to the instructors like Gina and Abby! In comparison to other stage events my girls are involved in, the level of communication and response during the events is on point! Studio D should take great pride in putting on the most incredible end of season show with so many volunteers! I've left my little in the cafeteria and feel confident that she will be ready for her performance and safe! Studio D is not only dedicated to dance but is truly there for the love of dance....which my girls now have!!!!! read more

Studio D has been such a bright light in our lives! From the moment we walked through the doors, the warmth and professionalism of the staff were immediately clear. The teachers are not only incredibly talented but also genuinely passionate about what they do. They create a positive, structured environment where every dancer--regardless of age or experience--feels seen, supported, and celebrated. The communication with parents has always been clear and respectful, and the recital is nothing short of magical. It's obvious how much thought and care goes into every detail. Our family has been so impressed by the organization and energy that the staff pours into making sure every child shines on stage. What really sets Studio D apart is the community. The teachers know their students by name, offer individualized attention, and create a space where kids are encouraged to grow in confidence, grace, and creativity. It's more than just a dance studio--it's a place where children build lasting friendships, learn discipline and joy, and feel like they're part of something special. We're so grateful to be part of the Studio D family and can't recommend it highly enough! read more

I've had the pleasure of being part of the Studio D family for about 17 years. I can confidently say that it offers one of the most supportive, creative and nurturing environments I've ever experienced. From the moment you walk through the door you are greeted with warmth and enthusiasm from both the instructors and fellow dancers. I made the decision to move my 3 girls (ages 6, 4 and 2 at the time) to Studio D after seeing the studio's performance of Cinderella in Motion. I was simply blown away by the show. Creativity thrives here, with choreographies that are both innovative and inspiring. The instructors bring fresh perspectives, encouraging dancers to express themselves freely and explore different styles and techniques. This approach not only enhances technical skills but also fosters artistic expression. What truly sets Studio D apart is its nurturing environment. The instructors are patient, attentive and genuinely invested in each student's development. They create a safe space where dancers feel valued, heard, and supported, regardless of their skill level. read more

I had the privilege of dancing at Studio D for 14 years, and now, as a graduate, I'm honored to teach classes alongside the incredible staff. From the moment I joined, I was surrounded by unwavering support and a true sense of community. Studio D isn't just about dancing; it's a place that embodies commitment, loyalty, and, most importantly, pure happiness. The friendships I've made and the bonds I share with the teachers and the owner, Rebecca Darling, are some of the most cherished relationships of my life. Studio D radiates positivity and joy, fostering not only growth in dance but also valuable life lessons. Each year, the studio puts on an amazing show, filled with hard work, dedication, and the collective effort of talented dancers, passionate teachers, and selfless volunteers. It's this dedication that makes the magic happen. Studio D has shaped me in ways I'll forever be grateful for. I could not recommend it enough to anyone looking for a place that nurtures both talent and character! read more

From the moment my daughter joined Studio D, she was welcomed with open arms. The staff has nurtured her growth not only as a dancer, but as a confident, joyful young person. She has found a place where she belongs, where she's encouraged and supported every step of the way. But what truly sets Studio D apart is how they cared for our whole family. During one of the most difficult times in our lives -- when my mother was sick and later passed away -- the love and support we received from this community was incredible. They didn't just show up for my daughter; they showed up for me. They checked in, offered help, and truly made us feel like family. In a world where it's easy to feel like just another number, Studio D reminds us that compassion, connection, and community still matter. We are so grateful to be part of something so special. Thank you, Studio D, for your talent, your heart, and for all that you do. You are truly amazing. read more

My three daughters literally grew up at Studio D and they danced at this amazing dance studio for 15 years. All three became accomplished dancers in different genres, thanks to the amazing teachers, Rebecca, Gina, Ginny, Martha, Alison, Jessica, Maxine, Annette, and others. They are young women now in college and working in NYC and Boston, and I know that the lessons they learned were not just about dance, but lessons they will carry with them in their careers. They learned how to work with peers in their partnering classes. From auditions, they learned how to celebrate others or work through their own disappointments if they didn't perform their best on a given day. They developed their imaginative and creative skills in choreography classes. They learned how to carry themselves with confidence and grace on stages in New Milford, Stamford, and New York City. Thank you for all that you have done for my family, Studio D! read more

Studio D has been and continues to be the most nurturing, motivating, celebratory environment I have ever been a part of. I took classes at the studio with nearly all of the instructors from the age of 2, all the way through my senior year of high school, which is a testament to the exceptional teaching that is offered for all ages/levels. All of the dancers are celebrated, and encouraged to let their creativity and authenticity shine through! Additionally, their curriculum includes a wide range of dance styles and levels, so all students can be appropriately taught, and attended to. If you're interested in dancing, or signing your child up for dance classes, Studio D is without a doubt the best place to go, as you will indefinitely find support and structure throughout your experience with them. read more

having little dance experience and seeing the confidence my daughter has grown this last year, is more than enough for me to support and recommend studio d dance. My daughter looks so forward to each class and now is beaming with excitement for the recital this coming weekend. the relationship my daughter has developed with her teacher (ms Gina) is so beautiful to see. She started off needing a ton of redirection and guidance but as the year went on, you can see how much shes evolved (this last dress rehearsal). She has a safe and comfortable relationship with her teacher and student teachers. The patience and dedication has been such a comfort for myself as a new dance mom :) We look forward to future experiences with the studio d family! read more

I can't say enough amazing things about Studio D! Since joining the studio, I've watched our girls thrive in their ability and more important their love of dance. Miss Rebecca goes out of her way to make everyone feel valued and celebrated in an environment that is welcoming and full of opportunities for our girls to learn and grow. Studio D is exactly where our girls are meant to be! read more

My daughter has been dancing at Studio D for 3 years and she loves it! She loves her teacher Ms. Gina and the older girls that help in the classes are always wonderful role models and very mature. She looks forward to her recital every year and it has really helped to build her confidence. We look forward to many more years of dance at Studio D! read more