Dance Academy Of Bartlett

This is to the ignorant person who posted about this studio called babydances. The owner of this studio is smart, educated and well trained. She has had many students go on to be in the business, including my daughter. The ""ex-student"" that you so rudely described. Let me give you a little insight in her. She has performed in broadway musicals, trained by choreographers for Alvin Ailey, Ballet Memphis, Tap Dogs...I could go on. She did not ""drop out"" of school. She completed 3 years of college studying fine arts. She did not go her Senior year because we could not afford it and she had been through some tramatic experiences. Just to name a few, Domestic Violence her first year of college which a lovely girl in her dorm helped her through only to be killed in a plane crash with her boyfriend and his parents the next summer. My daughter is one of the strongest people I know, in part, because she had this studio to support her and love her in trials and blessed times. You would only be so lucky to have a place your child could feel loved and safe when the world is harsh. I would also like to mention the fact that my son, also a dancer, was made to feel welcome and wanted there which can be a rare thing for boys in dance. You might want to reflect on your own perfect life because that baby you have that dances will be making you eat your words one day. more

If you have no other place to send your kids because of location, money or you kid really isnt that tallented, this is the studio for you. Lets start when you enter into the studio, the desk people are apparently not trained. There is one lady that works behind the desk I think is a mom to a kid at the studio is such a talker. I really don't want my child hearing about her crap. Then there's this ex-student now teacher that one of the mothers said she was and well we know all about her also. I think she said to someone she was a drop out. Just not in those words. And then there is the owner which is a teacher and we believe she actually teaches next door at this ballroom place because she is always gone. The one teacher that my child has had is leaving and she is the only teacher while I am there that actually teaches and stays in the room with the kids during the class time. I really need to find out where she is going. My baby loves her. Thats all I got. To each his own. Good luck if you take your baby there. more

My family will be starting our 10th year at DAB in the fall. I couldn’t imagine our kids dancing anywhere else. The kids learn a lot and have made many good friends along the way. The DAB offers a place for kids who love dance to be themselves. I have heard the owner say more than once that the studio should feel like home for the dancers. For those willing to participate there are many opportunities for the kids. In the past year we have had the chance to dance at competitions in Hot Springs, Birmingham and Memphis. The older dancers took a trip to New York over Christmas break and had a chance to do dance workshops there. All the teachers are very involved in SADM and encourage the children to also be involved. The studio almost always wins the sportsmanship award at competitions, which says a lot about the teachers and all of the students. The teachers encourage the kids to not only strive to be their best but to cheer on all the other studios as well. I believe that the teachers always look out for the best interest of the children. I like that there are regulations in place that are plainly explained to me so I always know what to expect. There is always someone ready and willing to answer any questions I might have. I highly recommend the Dance Academy of Bartlett to anyone. more

I have two daughters that are currently dancing at the Dance Academy of Bartlett. My oldest has been there for over eleven years and my youngest for nine. I can not imagine them being anywhere else. The teachers are the best and the concern for your child is amazing. Ms Tracy is always aware to make sure that music, costume and dance are age appropriate for the kids. They have fun, but they are there to learn to dance and the technique taught here is second to none. She has had many students go on to be dance majors, dance teachers, dance on cruise ship, and many other venues. Not only are the teachers great but the parents there have turned into some of the best friends I could ever have. Choosing DAB has been one of the best decisions I have ever made for my girls. more

My kids have been dancing at DAB for 7 and 6 years, and I would not send them anywhere else. The teachers are excellent, the pricing is phenomenal, and the atmosphere cannot be beat. They offer classes for every age and level of dancer, including adults, and opportunities for all dancers to compete (there are no try-outs, everyone is encouraged to dance). What REALLY sets DAB apart, though, is the quality of dance for all levels and ages, which is showcased in the recital at the end of the year. It is not your typical, boring dance resital, it is a production! I have been to many recitals for other studios, and never have I seen one that comes close to topping DAB. I highly reccomend them for your child, boy or girl! more

My daughter started taking dance this year. I'd checked into another school in the area but couldn't get them to call me back. DAB was always prompt and patient with answers to my, admittedly numerous, questions. Once we were enrolled they were equally responsive and friendly. I never noticed any of the staff being snooty and really, be fair, you can't hold a busines accountable for the attitudes of its patrons. I'm not sure if it was a teacher or an assistant that taught my daughter's class but it didn't seem to matter since she learned the names of many steps and how to execute them. The teachers also gently encouraged my daughter and were very helpful her overcome her stage fright so she could perform in the recital. We love DAB and we'll be back. more

I have worked with DAB teachers, staff, students and parents for many years. I find them to be uplifting and fun to be around. They have wonderful instructors, and the lady at the front desk is VERY friendly, very busy may not have time to chit chat with each person on an indivual basis.\r \r DAB teachers and staff put their all into what they do, and believe me they have a tons of stuff to do. I'm sure if people knew just how much is to be done in a dance studio, they would be amazed.\r \r I would highly suggest DAB to children of all ages, I LOVE that they encourage not discourage dancers. more

Although my little girl loves going to dance class, I for one dread that hour every week. The ""teacher"" is out of the room at least half of the time she's in class, pretty much leaving up to her assistants. I'm sorry, but if I'm paying for a teacher to teach my child, she should be in there the entire time. The lobby is more like a hang out for the older kids, which can be annoying when we, the parents, are trying to watch our kids...well, when the outdated tv and crappy wireless camera works. They insist you pay on time each month, which is fine, but if you want my check on time, deposit it in a timely fashion....not weeks, sometimes months, later. \r \r The snootiness is there as well, as another poster stated, especially in the older kids. I've found though, that if you watch their parents, you see where they get it from. \r \r I'm going to hate paying more next year at another dance studio, but I have found as they saying goes, you get what you pay for. They may be less expensive than other studios, but it's not worth it. I'd much rather pay $30 more a month if my daughter gets the teacher's full attention for the full hour....not just part of the hour. more

It's true that DAB will follow the rules, but they inform you of all rules on the front end. My child has danced here for years and loves it. It is a great balance of fun and education. The kids are encouraged to do their best, without feeling pressured. They are great with the preschoolers and can gradually adjust their methods as the kids get older. I love that the older kids are not allowed to put themselves down. Pros: friendly, educated staff, fun for kids more

They may teach kids how to dance well but they're going to teach them to be snooty and stuck up too. The atmosphere in the place was cold at best. We weren't there for long and we'll never go back! When we signed up they were all sweet and happy. When class time came around the same lady who had smiled and been sweet as she could be at sign up sat behind her desk like a queen. She wouldn't look at anyone except the older students and even then she only gave them condescending smiles. There was zero contact with the teachers because of all the kids getting herded in and out of class. I nearly lost mine twice in all the mix up when he slipped out the door and I couldn't get past the lobby full of people fast enough to get him. After that I ended up having to wait outside for him to finish class so I wouldn't get hidden from him in the mess in the lobby not to mention I couldn't stand the snobs inside. As if this wasn't bad enough (and I was prepared to deal with it because my son really wanted to go) we had to rush out of state for two weeks because my Dad nearly died in a plane crash. Shortly before the family emergency we all caught bronchitis and are still struggling with it now so he wasn't able to continue anyway due to illness in our family. We didn't sign their contract thingy stating we weren't coming back at the time we left (a bit busy with major chronic illnesses and near DEATH) so they are still insisting we pay them for all of the classes he's missed since then. I've offered to sign the form and provide proof of the illnesses and the crash to show we didn't just quit with no reason and the only thing she'd say was it's policy to sign that form so we still owe them for all the classes he never attended. We told them over the phone straight away what was happening so they knew up front. They didn't even offer sympathy then! These people are rude snobs with no heart! Give your money to someone else who will care about you and your child! Pros: felt like the instructors knew what they were doing, nice facility Cons: rude, snobs, unwilling to work with us, too many people coming and going at the same time more