Accommodating, professional, caring, and motivating!…read more
After dancing for over a decade as a child, more than anything I had hoped our daughter would choose any other activity. After months of begging, I finally caved and allowed her to take "just one" class in 2015. Upon the recommendation of some friends, we chose CSDA. Our experience could not have been more different than mine was as a child.
Communication is excellent. Advance notice is given for all recitals, rehearsals, and any changes. The entire team of instructors puts the needs of their students first and foremost, working to make sure each student reaches their best potential. Students are moved up levels when they are ready, and not a moment before. Those interested in joining more advanced groups audition for them by invitation, and I have personally witnessed the staff upholding ethics on more than one instance. Oh, and costumes are always appropriate.
When COVID hit, we were honestly crushed. We feared the worst, since it definitely isn't one class any longer. Instead, the team of teachers pivoted immediately and found ways of reaching the kids, starting with Instagram, then moving more formally to Zoom. While we lost a season of recital and competition, the students gained skills and we're able to keep up connections.
Once studios were once again able to open, they were incredibly accommodating, continuing to offer Zoom classes for students who could not attend in person due to health concerns of their own or family members. They have continued to require masks of all staff and of all students until vaccinated (as mandates allow for the flexibility, when masks are required for all it is followed!) During a of the uncertainty of opening and closing again, constant and informative emails were sent to all parents.
I thought years ago we would be one year and done. One class and done. Instead, we are up to nine classes, and our only child has found an extended family. We will keep her at CSDA until she decides dancing is no longer fun. Given the staff and her fellow students, I have a feeling she will age out of the studio before she tires of the art/sport.
