So my niece takes a combo dance class of ballet and tap for age 4/5 yr olds at Carolina Dance Academy. The studio is the closest to our home. I haven't been able to attend a class with her but she hasn't been wanting to go and since I was able to make a recent visit I can totally see why. My niece loves to dance and she has rhythm. This class is her appropriate age group but she catches on quickly and the things they do in this class are not benefiting her. The dance room is ice cold. My nieces hands were freezing when the class was over. The instructor was in a sweatshirt and these small kids were in leotards and tights freezing. The instructor is young and very apathetic. The kids don't have good behavior and it's a big distraction. Her reward system is a sticker and she harps on earning a sticker. She spends most of the time on behavior and not instructing the students. After that visit I unenrolled my niece in the class. One due to my niece not being challenged and two because it's too far for my mother to take her in the evening. I know it's not far from our home but mother doesn't drive in the dark and the academy is off South Tryon which gets very busy at the time of the class and she can't see. You have to give them a written letter to unenrolled. I would not recommend this class if your child is advance, loves to dance or picks up steps quickly. This class is a waste of time. Carolina Dance Academy 13902 S Tryon St Charlotte, NC 28278 read more

Carolina Dance Academy - Dance Studios Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

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My gut reaction is to offer 1 star, but my daughter has learned and improved somewhat over the year she has been enrolled. That's the only real good part of CDA, and some of the learning I attribute to my daughter actually practicing after class, so that may also be inflated. The studio owner seems nonchalant about everything (to a fault), just wants the tuition money, and is absent nearly all the time. Even at big competitions like Inspire and DMI when the announcers call for Studio Owners to come up on stage and accept their "award" she's not even present! The owner's daughter accepted this year's awards. Lame. On more than one occasion the office manager/instructor Chelsea text messages the dancers (not the parents driving the dancers) class will be cut short by 30-45 minutes with no real reason. Occasionally and more inconveniently this occurs mid-class with little time for parents to react and shift gears. Instructors in general can't seem to regulate the student behaviors, and many evenings I hear how the "inmates were running the asylum". And while teenage girls are generally drama filled, instructors must be able to connect the girls so their friendships and bonds are evident when they are on the stage. Simply ignoring the drama and letting infighting occur, and it shows onstage at performances to the dancers detriment. Pricing is pretty straight forward at this studio, with a flat rate fee each of the 12 months in a calendar year(even though there are not really any "consistent learning classes" and are only held every other week in June or July). This is supposed to cover "everything"; Instruction, costumes, entry fees, and makeup kits. However there have been multiple occasions, some last minute, where parents have to buy $60 shoes, or a dress for a recital, or leggings or whatever. While some people may again be okay with it, if you say everything is included it should be included. Otherwise drop a disclaimer; doesn't include shoes, makeup, etc. Nobody likes having to buy things last minute. Solos, duets, etc are $500 additional should you be interested in having your child accept one. Lastly, dance competitions should be fun and a time to celebrate accomplishments and the time on "the big stage". Do you think CDA has any sort of "after competition" dinner banquets, ice cream parties, bowling events etc. post competition events where all the dancers are in one place celebrating? NOPE. Nothing. Nada. Again, the owner is only interested in getting your money and putting in as little effort as possible. In my opinion, if your dancer truly wants to learn and grow as a person and as a dancer, CDA may not be the right place for your dancer. There are some good things here at CDA, but the good doesn't outweigh all of the negatives for us, and the primary reason we left CDA read more

My daughters started the Acro class a few months ago. They absolutely LOVE their time at CDA each week. The instructor (Mrs. Paula) is engaging and challenges the girls. My girls love that they never do the same type of circuit twice and each week feels new. Everyone is so kind and welcoming. I definitely recommend CDA to anyone looking to start dance or tumbling. read more

My daughter began taking ballet classes at CDA four years ago after I visited several other dance studios in the surrounding area. What stood out to me the most (and why we selected CDA) was their welcoming approach to new dancers, their respect and support of current dancers, and the growth displayed from varying ages/levels of dancers. The instructor invited my daughter into her class eased my daughter's hesitations to the point she jumped right in and joined the class! [side note: other local places did not make her nor I feel welcomed, more of an after thought and distraction] Fast forward four years and I (and my daughter) am just as happy, if not more, than that first impression on that preview day. The relationships each instructor builds with each dancer is amazing. The owner knows every dancer by name and is just as excited to see someone new vs. someone who has danced there for years. Each dancer supports one another and is also KIND to one another. My daughter has blossomed not only on stage but behind stage as CDA not only values dancing skills but LIFE skills. Another huge benefit of CDA is their 'all inclusive' prices! No hidden fees, not extra costs...up front communication of financial expectations! Specially in these trying times, this is so important. CDA's end of year performance for the dance studio is my absolute favorite! ALL dancers are welcome and ALL friends/family are invited to attend and celebrate all the accomplishments from the past year's worth of hard work. There are varying ages and abilities with the studio and the management, instructors and fellow dancers support each dancer and each level equally. CDA offers varying class types at different levels and age groups, really something for everyone. I highly recommend CDA as a place for your current (or future) dancer! read more

Both my girls have been dancing with CDA and my son just started this year. This place is their happy place! The owner and instructors are welcoming and really know how to foster a kids love for dance. My oldest has anxiety and when she walks in the doors you can see her immediately relax and really let herself be who she is. My middle girl is loved for her free spirit and not forced into a box like she has been at other places. And my son has already learned so much just in the few weeks he's been doing dance and acro. As a dance mom I love the ease with which the staff handles everything and how willing they are to help you if you reach out to them with any concerns. This studio is truly my kids home away from home. read more