Danceology

What had drawn me to this studio initially was that I had seen videos of the dancers and immediately could tell this studio likely had excellent technique training, which is what I was looking for. And based on the prices, the classes better be pretty darn excellent! So last August, I tried out a class. But since this was during their summer session, they did not offer a «free trial week» during that time, so I had to pay $ 20 for a drop in. Kinda lame… but I figured any classes I tried in the fall for the first time would be free. Wrong. They said because I had already tried out ONE class (wasn’t even freely trying it, I had to pay $ 20 as a drop in to «try» it), that I wasn’t eligible for a free trial week. So now any new classes that I want to try, I have to pay $ 20 for. Ridiculous, but I can get over it. I am currently enrolled in 3 classes, and I kinda sense this «not super welcoming» vibe. Not necessarily an unwelcoming vibe, but by no means much of a welcoming vibe either. The teachers in my classes never seem to acknowledge me at all since day one, and never said a word to me, not even «hi,» on my first classes with them. I can tell you right now, they probably don’t even know my name. Every new class I try out, they seem to just go about their regular routine and act as if there isn’t even a new student (me) in the class with them! Maybe the studio is just too big so they stopped making an effort to welcome their new students? I don’t know. I really never get any personal technical corrections, which is concerning with how much money I am paying. The review that said this studio isn’t welcoming unless you are of a certain caliber or level seems accurate. I’m not insanely advanced by any means, so maybe that is why the teachers have paid zero attention to me. Maybe I just need private lessons to develop some sort of relation to these teachers? Who knows. A little disappointed with my experience though, and I’m mainly mad that it would have the potential to be better if I was acknowledged and given a few personal corrections during classes.

1. DPAC wants you to be a part of their family, if they think you’re at the level they want.
2. They welcome you, if they think you’re at the level they want.
3. My daughter loved to dance, before DPC. Then she lost her passion after going here for just a year. It has taken her 3 years to find it again.
4. DPC offers amazing master instructors that come in from LA and conventions. But again, if you don’t go there, they don’t know what level you are and they give you a hard time when you’re trying to sign your kid up for the master class. It is insulting.
No other studio will question your dancer’s level when you sign them up for a master class-​trust me!
5. As a business owner, Niki should really find why a customer is leaving. It might actually help her to find out people leave.
6. Because of the lack of confidence that DPC imbedded in my daughter, I now can’t get her take any of those amazing master classes at DPC.
Bottom line is, this may be the right studio for you if you’re in interested in a big, industrial, competition studio that clearly has their favorites and will only welcome who they feel is worthy.
This may not be the right place for you if you want a smaller, family studio who cares more about your dancer and the person they are helping to mold and who simply wants to perpetuate the art of dance.

Our experience was so horrible, I felt the need to let others know. This review does not come from a ‘one time’ experience it comes from after about a full month of attempting to give this school a chance. My daughter had some previous experience in ballet. Immediately, they placed her in the wrong class. Afterwards, they told us she was not good enough for that class but perhaps this class at this other time would be perfect. We came back the next week to try the second recommended class, only to be told AFTER the practice that this class was closed, and she’d have to go to the next class available.
The following week, THIRD time trying a new class, my daughter goes to the next class they recommended. At this point I’m very very frustrated. Afterwards, the teacher says she needs private lessons to catch up to the class, But then says there are no rooms available for lessons. After about 2 weeks of attending this class, the teacher says my daughter needs to find ANOTHER class because this one is just not right for her either, and that she should be in the other class that’s closed.
This place is just ridiculous. My daughter was so discouraged. I wouldn’t recommend this place to anyone. Try another dance school there are so many better ones out there!

My daughter came to Danceology wanting to learn to dance, and she has been thriving under the dance teachers instruction here at this wonderful studio! She loves dancing, adores her dance teachers, and has made some really great friends in the process. She can’t wait to go to dance every day! The environment is clean and friendly, and you can tell the dance teachers care and are passionate about dance. Can you find a «cheaper» studio in the area? Sure. But in my opinion, you get what you pay for. If you think your child deserves the best, then Danceology is the right choice. I am so thrilled about choosing Danceology as my daughters dance studio. She will be dancing here for many years to come!

I took dance classes from them during middle school after they first opened up in the 4S Ranch plaza. Nikki and her cousin were handing out paperwork and flyers as well as selling merchandise to encourage people to sign up. Because they seemed friendly and enthusiastic about creating a great environment for dancers young and old, I signed up.
My first few classes with Nikki teaching Ballet and Jazz were good — she gave great advice for spotting turns without getting dizzy and came up with creative, fun ways to keep Jazz interesting. Her cousin taught a fair Tap class but I feel that the techniques expected of students were not very professional, more like showy ones that were okay for a performance or two.
Eventually I was unable to take classes taught by either of them and received 2 new instructors for Jazz and Tap. The Jazz teacher seemed very disorganized and I personally found it irritating that she babied us whenever she taught. (Often giving instructions for routines as if we were too slow to understand her.) The Tap teacher was kind and focused her session on rhythmic tap which was good. The sad thing was there happened to only be 2 – 3 students in the Tap class which resulted in it being removed from the roster of classes offered.
Due to a combination of conflicts in personal schedule and a feeling of disinterest in something I used to enjoy, I quit dancing altogether. Even if I was still dancing, I would not come back here because the style of dancing lacks the professional quality that I would need/​use if I decided to pursue dancing as a career. If you personally like dancing in a showy, unconventional way then this is the place for you.

I enrolled my kiddo in classes here to try it out despite warnings from other mothers that Danceology was too focused on making money and recitals. My daughter didn’t like classes but I pushed her to keep going thinking she might need a little time to adjust. My daughter loved dance before we started class here and danced nonstop but after we started she complained about class and stopped dancing at home.
Originally, I canceled thinking we might re-​enroll after she got a bit older but when I canceled I was notified that I’d be charged for a month of classes ($ 72) because of a two week cancellation policy.
I have several issues with the handling of my cancellation.
1) Nobody asked me why I wanted to cancel and how they could keep us as customers. Shouldn’t a business always seek feedback from it’s customers?
2) My daughter potentially has 7 – 8 years of dance ahead of her. Might it be a good idea to offer to apply cancellation fee to a future class?
3) I wasn’t told about the 2 week policy. Ok, I signed the contract. But doesn’t a two week cancellation policy equal a two week cancellation penalty?
4) $ 72 dollars to cancel dance classes for a 5 year old? Seriously?
I like to take my daughter to businesses that offer her examples of how I would want her to treat customers if she were ever a business owner. This business just doesn’t make my cut.

Please don’t get confused. The NEW STUDIO is located on 10 750 Thornmint Road, #102, San Diego, 92 127. 858.613.1151.
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This whole new location confused me as I just moved to Rancho Bernardo/​4S Ranch area. It was difficult for me to find the updated information and I’d like to make it easier on YOU!
Now that I took care of this housekeeping issue. I can do the fun part which happens to be writing the review!
I had hoped to introduce my daughter to a new skill/​talent. Plus, I wanted her to meet some new friends in Rancho Bernardo/​4S Ranch neighborhood. I believe we got even more than we bargained for in the Danceology Community.
My daughter began her dance classes over the summer. Danceology offers a free class if you’d like to try it out. We tried out Ballet/​Tap, Jazz and Hip Hop. My daughter liked the Ballet/​Tap Combo and Jazz classes best. I believe she appreciated the ‘principessa’ theme more because the teachers use roses, tiaras and other ‘girlie’ stuff as props in these classes. However, as a Mommy, I really enjoyed watching the kids do hip hop to «Who let the dogs out?.»
We also opted to join the Family Club. So far, we participated in the Kid’s Dance/​Pizza Party (parents nite-​out), and are looking forward to the Father/​Daughter Halloween Dance. They sponsor wonderful and numerous activities throughout the year.
The dance teachers are darling. Very kind and sweet to the toddlers. We love Ms. Jenny and Ms. Julia. I’ve heard great things about all the teachers, though. Classes are offered from age 2 — adult, approximately from 9 am — 9 pm Monday — Friday (with reduced hours on Saturday and closed on Sundays). So there’s something for anyone willing to risk dancing in front of others (NOT ME!).
It’s a very comfy place for parents to hang out. I watch my daughter from the lounge area. Lotsa tables, chairs and such. There’s even a snack bar for organic, fresh food and a starbucks coffee machine. Niiiiice touch!
I’ve also really enjoyed the camaraderie with the other parents. It’s a nice and supportive lil’ social atmosphere.
What I’m really looking forward to is the Winter Performance. My daughter will perform on stage for her first time. Ohhhhhh, I really am excited. Although, I hope not to be perceived as one of ‘those’ stage moms!
Last but not least … there’s a kewl video on the web site that actually says much more than I did and gives visuals. You can get an even better feel for this dance school.
Oh, and Danceology is worth the drive from anywhere in San Diego!!!