Applause Performance Academy

My nine-​year-​old son wanted to join this program because he’s was interested in dance. He and I were a but nervous when we entered, and off he went to his first class. I was nervous because I was worried there would be a sort of «click» and he wouldn’t be accepted. He’s a nine-​year-​old boy, he just wants to make friends so badly. Did I mention he’s home schooled? Out of no where he was asked by the owner to try out for the Nutcracker, only after one day! That made him feel great! (He got a few small roles and is so proud of himself) We soon found out there were many many more classes available. Tap, contemporary dance, vocals, lyrical, jazz, ballet, hip hop, acting, and several more. For only $ 210 a month he can go to all these classes?!? Wow! I’ve yet to mention the best part of all, my son is so excited to come to this place and when we leave he hops in the car and always says, «I met another new friend today!!!» He dances around the house and sings and talks about his classes at Applause everyday. I am a very happy mom with a very happy little boy. A big «thank you» from me and my husband to the other students, parents, instructors and owners of Applause

This is the most amazing place to do plays at and every one who says otherwise is probably a competitor. The director is soooo dedicated and when conflict comes up in a performers lives she is prepared and knows what to do.

Applause always keeps the childrens’ best interests at heart. The staff are dedicated to providing the best training possible, and their work shows in the dancers they create. I have seen kids go into Applause with no performing experience, and come out with all the tools necessary to become professional performers, or life-​long lovers of the performing arts. Applause maintains the best attitude of focusing on improving oneself rather than competing against others – although they do participate in vocal and dance competitions if that’s what you’re interested in! After years of dancing and singing at this studio myself, I know I will always have a home there.

I found this place 6 years ago & signing up for classes here was the best (and smartest) thing that I ever did for myself. I’ll have to say that when I first got here everyone knew each other. I could tell I was walking into a family that had known each other for years. Which made me nervous cuz that’s why I left my previous dance studio in the first place. But Applause welcomed me with open arms & by the second week I felt like one of their own. As the years went by the family only got bigger & bigger because that’s the kind of place applause is. Not only do they have amazing teachers in dance, voice, & acting but they also have FANTASTIC workshops from broadway stars & other accredited people that I was able to put on my résumé.
Sadly, I do not dance at Applause anymore. Thanks to my mentors at Applause, I’ve been living in NYC for 2 years where I am now applying all my training to peruse the dreams that I had when I signed up for classes at this studio 6 years ago. Whenever I come back to Hawaii, I always make sure that Applause is one of the first places I go back & visit.

APA has taken my kids in like their own family. Showing them the love, support, and skills they need for each rehearsal, class, or whatever it may be. They are all very professional, with vast experience that they share with their students. My wife comes from a performing arts background and sees the true professionalism and skills that are being taught. We are so thankful for our kids to get such an opportunity to be part of the amazing things APA has to offer!

We started at APA about 6 months ago. The studio is small so there isn’t a lot of space, but I don’t mind that part. What I mind is that its dirty and no one cleans up after themselves. They offer snacks for sale but its just junk. The owner has zero communication skills, she’s very unorganized and very unprofessional. The students are nice but the mothers that sit there all day while their kids dance are rude and seem to snub their noses at you. The whole place is just not somewhere I want my child to go every week, and for me to have to sit in on the dirty stinky floor when I go because the older students are laying all over the couches is just not ok with me. The only goos thing I will say about this place is that their ballet instructor is very kind, a great teacher and definitely cares about his dancers. Other then that I don’t really have anything good to say.

When my daughter first shared her interest in the performing arts I was very worried about my shy child. APA embraced her and stresses the fact there are no cliques. I envisoned a bunch of snobby partents bragging about their children. I was pleasantly wrong. The instructors are supportive not only of the children but clueless parents as myself. My child has «come out of her shell» and is now hooked on dancing AND performing.

My daughter and son both attend Applause! Performance Academy, and were accepted as part of the group from day one! Students there are supportive and welcoming and cheer each other on both in class and in competitions. There are no cliques. There are many different kinds of classes available… some that teach the technique and fundamentals of dance, and others that teach students routines. Just talk to their Director Kristi Rowbottom and she can talk you through the classes to point you in the right direction. As for recitals there is only 1 competition that APA is involved in a year, and then every 2 years they put together a Student Showcase to show parents and family how the student has progressed. I could not be happier with having my children here and I am amazed at the growth they have made in just a year at APA. If you are looking for a family atmosphere, involved teachers, classes that teach all aspects of theatre and dance, and a Director who takes an active role and cares for your child this is the place to be! They take children 3 years old and up!

Worst place for lessons. It’s more like a club. If you’re new, then you don’t belong, so don’t even bother! Very small waiting area with not enough chairs. Most people wait in their cars or stand, it can really make you claustrophobic. The director is very unprofessional and uninvolved. They only care about their recitals and don’t really teach fundamentals of dance. Most costumes and dances they choose are way too sexual, ESP for the younger kids. Such a waste of money!