My daughters love JWSD! My 8 year old has been in dance classes here for over 4 years now, and my 6 year old has been going for 2 years. I have to disagree with Rachel's review. There's no way that the situation she described has actually occurred. They have a very strict policy about wearing cover ups in and out of the studio, and they take every aspect of the studio seriously, ESPECIALLY the comfort level of the parents. Ms. Rachel and Ms. Mara have been excellent as instructors, and Ms. Kim has been instrumental in running the school. These women take dancing and the etiquette surrounding it VERY seriously. The school coordinates dance recitals for the students bi-annually, and they are always well orchestrated. In the past when I couldn't come up with enough dues to keep the girls in dance, Ms. Kim and Ms. Rachael even worked with me to make sure that the girls could stay in classes! My girls have been in other dance studios for brief stints while moving to different areas, but I've always ended up commuting to keep them coming to JWSD. JWSD has a dance company called Body Talk that they train and choreograph in house as well, so there's really no ceiling in regard to what your child can learn there. As a side note, I have a friend I've known for nearly 20 years who learned to dance at JWSD when she was a young girl and onward. She's now a very talented professional dancer and choreographer. Ms. Kim and Ms. Joyce were her teachers. I highly suggest bringing your little ones to JWSD, even if just for comparative analysis. They also have tap and dance classes for adults! Feel free to message me for more references. read more

My two daughters have been part of this studio for 2 years, starting in rec classes, then Sparks, and now dancing with Body Talk. They absolutely love coming to JWSD. The teachers are supportive, fun, and truly invested in the kids. Not only have they grown as dancers in such a short time, but they've also built so many friendships that make this place feel like family. The energy in the studio is positive and welcoming, and it's been amazing to watch their confidence shine both on and off the stage. We're so grateful to have found this dance school! read more

This is such an incredible dance school! The teachers are supportive, kind, and really caring. It's a small family-owned business with very reasonable prices. Ms. Kallie and Ms. Cheyenne are the best!! Truly, though, we are so grateful for the impact all the JWSD teachers have had for our family. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a dance school for your kids or yourself. read more

Great dance studio, our daughter can't get enough of the amazing teachers and courses offered.

Great dance school! Love their Sparks program and adult tap classes. Recommend it to all my friends and family.

I had a very bad experience here as a consumer. My 4 year old children were taught dance moves that were very sexually suggestive. The music the children perform too I also found inappropriate: it was Mambo Number 5, which has lyrics that refer to drinking and sexual content. When I complained to the head of the program she laughed at me. I do not recommend this program. I want my kids to enjoy the innocence of their childhood and not "rush" them into being sex objects. I don't want my 4 year olds to feel pressured to dance sexy. I also want to take my kids to a program where the instructor listens to parent's concerns. I complained about my experience once already on Yelp and it was removed. Parents, be careful. Consumer and reviewers beware! read more

My 3 year old has been attending class at JWSD for over 6 months. It's the highlight of her week. For her age group, it's just about having fun - not an emphasis on learning specific dance techniques, which I appreciate. read more

The Cons: 1. Poor technical instruction. After 18 months, my child cannot demonstrate or identify the 5 basic positions in ballet or perform a basic shuffle in tap. I asked other moms who have kids in comparable combo programs at other schools and who have been in dance as long as my daughter (or longer) what their kids can do and all of them have already learned the fundamental basics of ballet (positions, plie, tendu, releve) and tap. I'm not saying the kids shouldn't have fun and do creative/dramatic dance, but they have an entire hour with those kids. Surely they can teach some technique! 2. Too much emphasis on performance. This school seems mostly focused on performance, which means spending 3-4 of the 9 months learning dances for the two recitals. Performance is a valuable part of a dancer's education, but it should never, ever take precedence over quality technical instruction. 3. Age-inappropriate dance costumes. The opening number at the last recital featured a young teen in a leather corset and tight leggings. In another number, the girls wore costumes that revealed their midriffs and just barely covered their busts. This is not appropriate. For a school that's so obsessed with modesty that it forces parents to cover their children up before and after class, putting their older girls in revealing costumes sure seems hypocritical. 4. Bizarre obsession with underwear. JWSD has a rule that the girls cannot wear panties under their leotards (mind you, when you sign up for classes they don't tell you this). On the very first day of dance class, my 4 year old's new teacher walked over, half pulled down her leotard and announced to the entire class, "UH OH! SOMEONE HAS ON PANTIES!" Tears of embarrassment welled up in her eyes. She didn't understand why it was "wrong" to have on panties. I told her afterwards that she isn't wrong, the school is. Dead wrong. Panties on little kids is just more hygienic, period. They don't always wipe well, if you get my drift. I'd rather have a $2 pair of panties ruined than a $20 leotard and tights don't work. Every piece of communication that comes home has somewhere in bold "No panties are to be worn in class." This is just weird. I danced from the time I was small up until college and was also a gymnast. I never once recall a dance teacher or coach questioning panties. I understand about wanting a smooth line under dance clothes, but even then we could wear nude body liners underneath for hygienic reasons. 5. Teaching our girls that their body is something to be ashamed of. Look, I get the purpose of cover ups, especially when it comes to safety in the winter months. Cold muscles are bad news and you're just asking for an injury. Otherwise, they should be optional and up to personal preference for modesty purposes. Again, I never once remember having a teacher insist we cover up before and after classes. I think it's crazy that they insist so strongly on covering up your child, especially when it's blazing hot outside. We are also talking about little girls. No one cares if your kid walks around in a tutu and a leotard or black jazz pants in public. No one. Why are they teaching girls that their body is shameful and offensive to others and must be covered up? This only contributes to the body image issues that plague girls today. It's hard enough to raise our daughters to be confident and strong women without them becoming ashamed of their bodies. I refuse to support a school that teaches my child that her body is offensive to society and needs to be hidden. 6. Power trips. A sign reading, "Please make sure your child's cover up STAYS ON, if they are seen without a cover up YOU WILL BE FINED" was posted predominantly at the 2015 spring dance recital. Who the heck do you think you are? There is nothing about fines over covers ups in the contract you sign when you enroll. This is legally dubious and the fraud department of credit card companies would love to issue a chargeback over that. This sign was the final straw for us. A lot of other parents at the recital also expressed dismay and disgust. We are declining to re-enroll and are moving our child to a school with a more positive and nurturing environment where she'll actually learn to dance. The Pros: 1. Location: There are two, which is great for parents in north, central, and east Austin. 2. Class options: most classes are offered a couple of different times a week. 3. Fun: there's almost always a smile on the little childrens' faces. read more

JWSD Cross Park - Yes, they threaten to fine you if your kid doesn't have a cover up. Huh?! Take this as a warning and take your business elsewhere. - Dance Studios Near Me - Austin, Texas

My eldest daughter has been dancing at JWSD for the last seven years, and my youngest was there for five years before deciding to switch to music. The teachers are fantastic, the kids love them, and the Body Talk troupe is amazing. For the kids in Body talk it is quite a commitment - generally 3 nights a week for 1-2 hours and 3+ hours on Saturday, sometimes Sunday too as recitals near. Recitals are twice a year and are a mix of the younger kids who are so cute, and the older kids whose routines are very professional. Body Talk also regularly puts on a show and is occasionally involved in other local exhibitions. Tuition is very reasonable given the amount and quality of instruction. They also have dance instruction available for parents, and I've enjoyed volunteering with greeting and lighting for shows. Teachers do a great job at trying to instill virtues of hard work, dedication, and focus with the kids. Diversity is valued and the other parents cooperate for carpooling. read more

Three years later, we're still going strong at JWSD and we love it. We've jumped around different activities as everybody seems to, but dance is the one that's stuck. My girls are both very happy and feel like part of a family. My older daughter has joined the dance company and I am exceptionally impressed with the caliber of kids she gets to spend time with (when I volunteered in the dressing home, I listened to the teenaged girls talk about homework and work ethic and setting priorities-- they're good kids!). Expectations for these kids are HIGH, but the kids learn to work for big goals and hit them. I really appreciate this studio. read more

My daughter has been attending classes at JWSD for 6 years and loves it! When she started my main goal was for her to love dancing and enjoy her classes. That happened from day one! She has continued to be excited about dance and going to class while learning technique in several styles. She has developed a strong relationship with all her teachers and consistently talks about how much she loves them (especially Ms. Rachael)! This year she is joining the company, Body Talk, and she is very excited about continuing to grow with her skills and technique in dance! read more

So far so good. My 3 year old loves going to dance. I like the teachers. Nothing has been suggestive or over the top. The only thing I don't care for is the location. The shopping center is very run down. I'm concerned about being there when the fall comes around and it's dark at 5:00. Other than that, I'm really happy with it. read more

JWSD is a great place to learn dance. I started dancing there when I was young, and now take my daughter. When looking for options for my daughter, I was grateful to find a place with class hours that are workable for parents who work full time. read more

Dozens of neighbors recommended JWSD to me, and I am so glad that I signed up my daughter. The instructors are all so kind and knowledgeable. They understand the developmental levels of their students and make class fun and instructive at the same time. The director is extremely helpful and responsive to emails. read more

Our daughter has danced here for 9 years! She is super committed to dancing thanks to the relationships she had made with both the staff and other kids at JWSD. Watching her grow as a dancer not just in skill but attitude and confidence has been invaluable. We couldn't be happier! read more

This studio has been a main-stay for the Windsor Park Neighborhood for over 35 years. They have taught and helped raise hundreds of children to be active and creative. They are always willing to support our neighborhood with demonstrations and performances whenever we ask. All three of my children participated in classes and met many friends there. read more

My daughter, who is now 5, has been taking dance at JWSD for over a year now and she absolutely loves it. As a parent, I love the positive, encouraging, fun classes and enjoy peeking in on what she's doing through the observation window. Her teachers are fantastic and I just love that JWSD is a true family-run business. read more

I am still amazed after all these years of my association as a parent and now grandparent how JWSD teaches excellent dance technique to kids of all ages and backgrounds and still keeps it fun for the kids. Great music selections exposes the students to a huge variety of the art and encourages creating thinking along with creating movement. read more

I disagree with Rachel's review. I was in the same dance class as her kids. We expressed concerns about the lyrics and the teacher immediately changed it. She was really responsive. Overall, I've really had a good experience there. They care about their craft and they care about kids. read more

I really loved the staff at JWSD my daughter was in Ms.Chayenne's class. They were caring and attentive to her as a new student. I also appreciated Ms. Kristy's quick response in emails/text when communicating with her. Recommend this dance studio! read more

Make sure u keep up with your monthly payments .I paid on time every month and all the extra fees for dance recital. On the day of the recital which was on Father's Day there was 2 rehearsals. We made the morning rehearsal but was told by another teacher since I just had a baby I did not have to come to the second rehearsal . Joyce said there was miscommunication gave me half my money and would not let my kid participate. It wasn't about the money my kids wanted to be in the recital they worked and I paid all year for this. Our whole plans were ruined that day grandparents drove out of town for this on Father's Day for nothing. She told us " if u miss rehearsal u will not perform I've had people who's grandma died and missed rehearsal and didn't let them perform" once she said that I realized I don't want to give my money to someone who gloats about not letting a 5 year old participate because of a death in the family. She left my kids heartbroken I will never recommend this place to anyone ever read more

With regards to 1st Reviewers suggestion of "Annie" in place of "Mambo #5" for a cultural dance, I probably would have laughed as well considering "Annie" represents the American West as oppose to "other" cultures. While JWSD continues to be extremely creative with their music and dance, the variety and dance styles for the 2-5 year old age group is very limited and there may be times when they will teach a routine to this age group that is not "I am a Little Tea Pot". The studio is usually accommodating to these types of request as long ad it does not stifle creativity. I have 3 daughters now between the ages of 9-15 that have been going to JWSD since they were 2 years old and they still love it. I love the studio for the fact that it was and still is culturally diverse. I also appreciate the studios recognition of hip hop is a dance form as well as their desire to do cultural pieces (Asian, Hispanic/Latin America, African, Middle Eastern/ Bollywood, etc) other than the traditional dances of "White" America without jeopardizing moral standards of the reasonable parent. read more

My girls have been dancing at Joyce Willett Windsor Park for the last three years, starting when they were 3. The teachers are top-notch, both in terms of their ability to create fun and engaging age-appropriate instruction for the little ones, as well as actually teach them to dance. The company is family-owned and very responsive to the family's needs and requests. My kids attended one of the summer camps last year and it was, hands down, their favorite camp experience ever. They still talk about it! JWSD offers numerous parents-night-out evenings each year, including an overnight on New Year's, and while we have never attended them they look fun and they are a great deal. The recitals are fun and I appreciate how they sell flowers there since I always forget to bring them. Most of all, the community of dancers and parents who are part of JWSD are kind and friendly and draw from a diverse group of families. read more

The teacher was really nice, but the owner (Joyce) was rude enough that I am taking my daughter to a new dance school. I am not surprised by the other negative reviews I have seen, having met the owner. read more

My granddaughter has been taking classes since she was old enough and she has loved it. Best of all she has grown so much in her socialization and love of music. It is a treat when I'm able to take her there and watch her interact with other children her age and have so much fun. Great place for beginning dance - looking forward to many years as she develops her dancing skills read more

These folks work real had in providing the best dance class for kids I have ever seen. My wife was a dance instructor and JWSD truly has raised the bar for professionalism. They are very organized and have great communication skills through email and directly. My daughter Lula looks forward all week to her dance class and I am grateful for there service. read more

I love these guys. My kids (4 year old boy and 6 year old girl) both dance here. Great exercise and the teachers are super fun.

My 3 year old daughter went there for a year, and we've now decided to move elsewhere. The sticking point for me was the recitals. If you were not willing to put make-up on a 3 year old, your child could not participate in the big, on-stage recital at the middle school. This probably only applied to girls, of course (my assumption). I brought it up with the teacher and supervisor, but was told that, "their little faces will wash out unless you put make-up on." Who cares? To me, not socializing three year old girls that they need make-up is more important than a face washing out in bright lights. Others may disagree, but for me, it's not what I want for my daughter. I was surprised at their reaction considering this is in a pretty granola neighborhood in Austin. Because I wouldn't do it, my daughter was relegated to the smaller, nursing home performance with kids half her age. I actually liked the idea of the kids dancing at a nursing home, bringing some sort of community service into the equation, but I figured at some point my child would catch on that she wasn't able to dance with kids her age. I was told this would continue to be the policy, no changing it, so we're done and will be taking our business elsewhere. It's too bad, because the teachers are great (Miss Mara in particular) and I feel like they have really encouraged a love of dance in my daughter, not to mention that it has been a diverse presence in the neighborhood for so long, which I appreciate greatly. I just wish the directors would respect the way that parents want to raise their children and provide choices rather than ultimatums on this issue. More so, you would think that a school that serves primarily girls would want to teach them healthy attitudes about their appearances rather than the toddlers-and-tiaras route. Maybe if other parents take issue with this, they will realize that they ought to (and need to) change their policies. I've spoken with other mothers there who also disagree with their policy and who either begrudgingly go along just so their girls can participate or who are considering leaving as well. read more