Darlene's School Of Dance

My daughter attended Darlene's School of Dance from Kindergarten until she was entered high school. The training she received got her accepted in the South Carolina Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities in Greenville. From the many who audition, this program accepts less than a dozen freshmen students per year. She is now auditioning for colleges such as Boston Conservatory. more

I started st Darlene's school of dance when I was 2 yrs old (I am 29 now). The highlight of my school year growing up was getting to attend dance class. Mrs. Darlene taught me much more than dance she taught me patience, self respect and more importantly for a young girl, self esteem and confidence. Darlene has been teaching dance for many, many years and is the best teacher I have ever seen. I left her school when I was 14 only because the military transferred my Dad to Virginia. I have a daughter who is 2 now and wish that I lived in S.C. so that Mrs. Darlene could make a lasting impression on my daughter as she did for me. more

My children have not been asoociated with BCSPA as long as some of the reviewers but I have found BCSPA and Charleston Flyers Gymnastics to be a wonderful place. My children are learning something that will last them a lifetime. They can't wait to get there in the afternoons. The staff at BCSPAs is absolutely professional - especially Ms. Darlene. Her resume alone would be reason to allow my children to train under her but she employs a staff with noteworthy credentials in their own right. Darlene is professional and courteous to me and my children. She is firm in her teaching but it is obvious that her interest is in making her students the best dancers and gymnists they can be. She added a highly qualified gymnastics coach last summer to add to her already qualified staff. The best part about Darlene, for us anyway, has been her willingness to work with us on our tuition payments and even recital/costume fees. We faced some difficult circumstances and discussed the situation privately with Darlene. She worked with us allowing us to get our feet back on the ground and my children did not miss one lesson or event because of our delinquency. She was understanding and professional until we caught up our account. As for the recital, I am not sure what some of the parents saw that wrote earlier reviews. I thought that both of the recitals I've been to were just very well run. Rehearsal was hectic trying to bring together two studios (Darlene owns a second studio - WASPA). There must be more than a hundred students from both of her studios from baby's to teenagers coming together to perform probably thirty different numbers. Some stress is to be expected but Darlene manages the chaos and brings together a wonderful event the following evening at the recital. Coincidently, Darlene also puts on a super Christmas recital ""The Christmas Toy Box."" Darlene is a highly qualified professional and her studios reflect that! I highly recommend her and her studios!! Pros: Customer Service; Professionalism; Qualifications; Staff; Recitals; Gymnastics Cons: Some parents act worse than their children more

My children have not been asoociated with BCSPA as long as some of the reviewers but I have found BCSPA and Charleston Flyers Gymnastics to be a wonderful place. My children are learning something that will last them a lifetime. They can't wait to get there in the afternoons. The staff at BCSPAs is absolutely professional - especially Ms. Darlene. Her resume alone would be reason to allow my children to train under her but she employs a staff with noteworthy credentials in their own right. Darlene is professional and courteous to me and my children. She is firm in her teaching but it is obvious that her interest is in making her students the best dancers and gymnists they can be. She added a highly qualified gymnastics coach last summer to add to her already qualified staff. The best part about Darlene, for us anyway, has been her willingness to work with us on our tuition payments and even recital/costume fees. We faced some difficult circumstances and discussed the situation privately with Darlene. She worked with us allowing us to get our feet back on the ground and my children did not miss one lesson or event because of our delinquency. She was understanding and professional until we caught up our account. As for the recital, I am not sure what some of the parents saw that wrote earlier reviews. I thought that both of the recitals I've been to were just very well run. Rehearsal was hectic trying to bring together two studios (Darlene owns a second studio - WASPA). There must be more than a hundred students from both of her studios from baby's to teenagers coming together to perform probably thirty different numbers. Some stress is to be expected but Darlene manages the chaos and brings together a wonderful event the following evening at the recital. Coincidently, Darlene also puts on a super Christmas recital ""The Christmas Toy Box."" Darlene is a highly qualified professional and her studios reflect that! I highly recommend her and her studios!! Pros: Customer Service; Professionalism; Qualifications; Staff; Recitals; Gymnastics more

well, well, well... Pros: EVERYTHING IS GREAT IF YOU AND YOUR CHILD ARE DEDICATED AND PATIENT ENOUGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! more

The first two reviews are insulting to the 250 + students who LOVE the school. Including my child that has learned everything she knows from Ms. Darlene and Staff. Pros: Professional Dance Training more

Moved to West Ashley from Mt Pleasant. Had 2 girls in dance for 5 years. This dance company is over priced and poorly run. Do not give this woman a penny. The recital is a joke. I can not even believe I gave these people a year of my time and money. Over $2000 for 2 kids to dance one hour a week for one year. Ridiculous!!! Find some one else and let me know if they are better. Cons: overpriced, poorly run more

Our family moved to the area 3 years ago. My daughter had 2 years of dance experience with a great dance company in our home state. We spent $40/month for one hour a week of tap and ballet compared to $75/month for 45 minutes a week at Darlene's. The recital/costume fee was $120 for 2 gorgeous costumes and included 4 tickets. The recital was properly themed each year (last year it was winter wonderland) and was held in a new theater much nicer than a high school auditorium. If family and friends wanted to attend, ticket prices were a mere $5 for adults and $3 for children. Much more affordable than the $15 per ticket for ages 5 and over. At Darlene's you can expect a $210 recital/costume fee that includes 3 costumes (2 homemade by the room mother and one professionally made from a dance design company) and 2 entry tickets. The recital at Darlene's is worse than bad. There is supposed to be some type of theme for the recital but you wouldn't know it just watching. There are all types of music and genres of dance that it's hard to follow along. She showcases her own children, who are actually very good by giving several solos to each of them. Darlene's children must take lessons elsewhere because they are so talented and it is evident that those same lessons are not available through her own dance company. Behind the scenes is her oldest son who controls the music/lights while she yells at him from the stage. Luckily there are a few good teachers to keep a decent retention of students year after year. Don't even get me started on the shabby shack she calls her studio. The building is practically falling down. For the amount of money she charges, one would think she might update her facilities every now and then. After 3 years, I will be moving my baby girl to a nicer dance studio. I only wish I could take her dance teacher with us. She's the only reason we came back this year. I've had enough of the high fees and the minimal benefits. A BIG THUMBS DOWN!!! Pros: Convenient Hours, Talented Teachers Cons: Below average facility, high prices, bad management more

This school has everything to offer - Voice, Dance, Gymnastics, Piano and adult classes. The staff, professional dance and gymnastic instructors, are unique individuals who love their art form and are interested in the students they teach. Regards more