Wow, it is a shame to read all these negative reviews lately but they all have a common point. DP does not care to make every child a better dancer, just a few chosen ones to enable them to win at competitions. If they win at competitions, they can put all of these awards they win on their website and they get to keep some of the prize money. The development of each child is secondary to the money. I understand they are in business to make money but the child in the last row pays the same amount of tuition as the child in the front row of dances. Parents should also know that if a studio needs huge props in a dance to win, the dance is probably not that great. \r
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As for teachers, It was sad to read about a former student who teaches there being so mean because I probably know her from the days my children danced at DP. A dance teacher who is also into ""beauty pagents"" tells you something also. She probably cares little about dance technique and focuses on the dance being ""showy"".More parents should open their eyes and read the biogrpahy of teachers at DP. How many have a college degree in the arts or child education? Check out the difference between DP faculty and a non-competion studio faculty. \r
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While DP may have had former students who have dance professionally on things like cruise ships, doubt you will see alumni from DP at a major ballet company or maybe Alvin Ailey. Do seniors at DP make colleges with impressive dance credentials like Boston Conservatory, NYU or Florida State University? Check out non-competition studio's and you will see where there seniors are going to college and you will be impressed.\r
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Parents it all depends on what you want for your child at a dance studio. If you child is serious about dance in college or a career, take them out of DP and get them some real instruction and technique. If they just want to dance and be part of a team, DP will be fine as long as you can handle the treatment given to the ""stars' of DP.\r
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Finally, if teachers are constantly late and class gets out late this is just plain rude. It is also disrespectful to your family and in a way telling you that your time is not important. In this day and age with a bad economy, parents don't need to put up with this nonsense. No studio is perfect but as somebody who was a DP and have had children dance elsewhere, there is better especially after reading these recnt reviews.\r
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Pros: Studio, Choreography
Cons: Ed Phelan
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