Joyce Willett School Of Dance

Recommends

erowe13

Joined 2 years ago

Wonderful Studio for dancers of all ages!. My daughter danced with JWSD for 12 years! Dancing at JWSD taught her more than dance. She learned to achieve something great that she had to work hard for it. JWSD taught her discipline, gave her a strong work ethic and many lifelong friends. I believe that the reason my daughter has excelled in all of her endeavors is because of the confidence she gained from being a part of Body Talk Dance Company. We are such strong believers of JWSD that for years we drove over an hour to attend class at least 4 times a week. We knew that the quality of instruction was worth the long drive. I encourage parents to enroll their children in JWSD.

Recommends

Kallie K

Joined 2 years ago

Amazing studio for young kids!!!!!. I've been a dancer at JWSD for 12 years and I couldn't have asked for a better studio. JWSD has taught me so much about teamwork, dedication, and discipline. The teachers here go above and beyond to make sure each child feels like they can call this studio a home. Our teachers our qualified to teach very young kids and they are great with pre-school age children! They make sure the toddlers are doing age-appropriate dances, and are dressed in age-appropriate dancewear, this includes making sure all the kids come and go in coverups, trust me parents you will be so thankful when your kid is 15 and they try to walk out in a bra and tights and you can tell them its a rule that they wear coverups!!!!! At JWSD they believe in instilling discipline in dancers at a young age, but of course the teachers do not expect 2 year-olds to behave like 12 year-olds!!!! The instructers have a lot of experience teaching dance and they how much a child can handle. Yes, the teachers will be hands-on with the kids but that is neccessary when teaching dance. When the kids are little they need help tumbling, and learning how to place their bodies in the different dance poses. This studio is an amazing place for any age child, whether they are serious about dance, or just there to have fun! I hope you come check us out (there are free trial classes!!!!!!!!!)

Doesn't Recommend

brisks

Joined 2 years ago

Had a bad experience. We recently had our recital and I was a stage mom back stage for my daughter's class. They couldn't find anyone to do this and I didn't want to but felt pressured because with no stage mom, the girls don't get to dance. This was my daughter's first recital and I really wanted to sit in the audience. I reluctantly agreed. They told me I would have the best view even better than the audience, so that seemed nice. Turns out I did not have the best view. I had to stand way to the side, and I could not see my daughter at all the only kid I saw was the one at the end of the line. Also it was stressful to work with all the kids backstage, especially when one had to go to bathroom and I couldn't find anyone to help me watch the rest. The backstage mom job was pressured on me and was told to parents the job is to keep the kids safe, but when I took the one to the bathroom and left the rest, I got stressed.

My daughter loves to dance, and I didn't enjoy her moment. I'd love to hear any recommendations for another studio.

It seemed many parents were quite happy. Probably not for us. The price was reasonable, but I guess you get what you pay for.

Doesn't Recommend

CasaP

Joined 2 years ago

Not happy with this dance school. Unfortunately, we chose a school we found was not for us. We loved it initially, but then our experience went down hill. We did not appreciate our child getting in trouble for needing to use the restroom as she is hewly potty trained. I understand they wish for no interruptions, but little ones have to go when they have to go! To receive a note at the end of class to "have your child use restroom before class" is so annoying because we always do.

At any rate, we chose to leave after seeing the instructor "lose it" with the little ones, several times. They have these little ones sit on "their" numbers and if a child doesn't do what they say, the instructor loses patience. I feel someone who works with little ones needs to understand their need for constant assistance, activity and reassurance. They do not need to be badgered by this kind of environment which we felt was way over the top. Discipline is important, but needs to be age appropriate.

We are now at another dance school, Dance Institute, and we are very happy. It is more expensive, and further away, but worth every penny. The environment fits our needs.

We wanted to write this review as many other friends have written negative reviews regarding their experience here with JWSD and their input has been deleted? I certainly hope this doesnt happen to us. If so, then we know for sure how unethical this place is and will rejoice we don't have to deal with them anymore

Doesn't Recommend

Rachel Muir

Joined 2 years ago

Bad body image lessons for girls, horrible owner. We had a horrible experience here. The young instructors forced my barely 4 year olds to dance to inappropriate songs like Mambo number 5 with sexy dance moves, including singling my son out to "judge" the little girls around him as part of the dance. I was horrified. They are training little girls to be little Britney Spears. When I complained and suggested there are many wholesome songs for 4 year olds, like Annie or Disney the owner LAUGHED AT ME. On top of their strict rule your child wear a coverup they literally write your 3 or 4 year old up for asking permission to use the bathroom during class. How can you treat a 3 year old like that? I am shocked these people HAVE a license to RUN a preschool they SHOULD NOT. They have no appreciation for children's developmental needs. The Berkman location is very dirty, unkept and the parking lot feels especially unsafe.

Recommends

claudiamsantamaria

Joined 7 years ago

5 year old's dance dream!. My daughter has been dancing at Joyce Willett for 2 years now. She takes the tap, ballet, gymnastics class and just loves. No pressure, just fun - but the teachers really know what they are teaching! They make it fun and yet Sophia has learned so much in 2 years.

Recommends

ckramersantamaria

Joined 4 years ago

Great dance studio for kids!. Our 4 year old has been going to Joyce Willett's School of Dance for 1 year now. We love the teachers and they make dancing fun for kids - while teaching tap, ballet and gymnastic skills.

Recommends

kmasters

Joined 6 years ago

Great place for young kids. My son has been attending the Joyce Willet School of Dance Reserach location for almost a year. The staff are all very caring, understanding, and well-trained in the learning needs of young children. Ms. Joyce is very hands-on and knows all the students. She is often at the studio and will always talk to you about any particular concerns you have about your child. My son is 3 and just loves his "dancing days". This is a great place for young kids to learn muscle coordination, balance, and social interaction.

Recommends

kc5kfv

Joined 6 years ago

Joyce Willett School of Dance. We have two girls at Joyce's, the oldest going on four years now. They are very helpful, they work with us on the dues and fees, and are very reasonable regarding costs. I have friends with children in other Austin studios, and they indicate that my costs are very reasonable. The Willett studios also have classes during the evening hours and on Saturday to accommodate working parents. That is very important for us. The teachers are very skilled, but also make learning to dance a good experience by creating a fun atmosphere. Our first teacher, who was in her early twenties, had taken classes from the Willett studio since she was a pre-schooler. Many students have been there a number of years. There is a big variety of classes available, including theater arts, hip hop and gymnastics, including summer dance camps. All classes may be viewed by parents through two way glass or closed circuit TV. I strongly recommend this studio to any parent looking at dance studios for their children.

Recommends

nhanzelka

Joined 6 years ago

Best dance school in Austin. My daughter has been attending JWSD for over two years and she loves it. We both love it. She absolutely adores Ms Kristi. Ms. Kristi is a good balance of love and nurturing and discipline. I feel like my daughter is not only learning the many skills of dance, but the self discipline, self confidence, grace and poise that will get her through every day life. I feel very comfortable leaving her with the teachers and Ms Joyce. She gets exercise along with learing to work as a team. I love JWSD for teaching and loving her in a way that makes only a mother smile.