I was an elite level rhythmic gymnast for many years and had retired in 2007 at the age of 16. I was looking around for a place to take a few dance classes for fun, and thats when I found Miss Augga at NW Dance and Acro. She welcomed me in very quickly. I learned so much from her! She then wanted to hire me as a teacher to instruct acro, little ribbons, and strength and flexibility classes because of my experience. This was at the age of 16! I quickly learned of the passion I had for teaching. Augga took me in like family, and I know that she views every single one of the dancers as her own child. Augga will go to great lengths for your child to accomplish her/his goals! Miss Mo is an absolute wonderful teacher! She is so fun and loving to her little ones! Some of our elite dancers started out in her class and discovered their passion for dance! Miss Casmir and Miss Kalona, some of our student teachers, have grown so much as teachers over the past 2 years. They are wonderful with the kids, and they are diligent about teaching the correct tumbling technique! Miss Mija, our ballet teacher, is a professional ballerina! She is so sweet, and the girls have grown so much with their ballet technique since she began teaching with us. With My education from Top Gymnastics coaches in the country, I make sure the girls/boys get the proper and safe way to stretch and tumble. I have had education from Alixa Sutton, a Cirque Du Soleil contortion trainer. I have learned to stretch the legs and back safely to prevent any injury. We also have a competition mom who is a Physical Therapist that will volunteer to help any dancer with any pain or injury that they have. She also helps the dancers strengthen their "weakness" so they dont have any further pain or injury. We are a studio that doesn't believe in harsh words or yelling while teaching. We don't put up with this behavior, and if any of our teachers demonstrate this, they would be removed immediatly. We are stern, but we give the right amount of positive feedback that the dancers need to keep them going. In result, we get winning dances at competition. We have won many National titles. We don't believe in the "Dance Moms" style. The office staff are so patient and very helpful. They will work with you, and help you out in any way they can. :) This is the most loving studio I know of. I have had many job offers at other neighbor studios, but I could never leave this wonderful place. They are like family. And the bonds I create with these children in unbelievable. I highly recommend this studio to anyone! :) :) :) read more

My daughter is going into her seventh year at NW Dance and Acro and each year her passion for dance continues to grow. I am so grateful to have found a local studio with such excellent instructors intent on teaching the importance of good technique but not at the expense of their students' self-esteem. I like that the teachers are open to experimenting with different, innovative equipment and exercises to help the dancers train. Another big plus for me is that the studio has done a great job cultivating a caring and encouraging environment, which you can see in the students' daily enthusiasm, and bullying and rude behavior are not tolerated in students, parents, or teachers. I love the friendships that the dancers make and that they will cheer for each other when they master something new. In my experience, the office staff has always been polite, professional, and happy to help. When I've had a question regarding a class or issue that couldn't be answered in person, I received an email or call within a timely manner. The few instances over the years that I've had issues with receiving emails or communications, I was able to resolve quickly. I know that in recent years the communication has greatly improved, so any concerns they received seem to have been taken seriously. That's something I really appreciate, knowing that my comments and concerns are being listened to and addressed. I would highly recommend this studio to anyone with a child interested in dance. There are a variety of classes and experience levels so it's a great fit for the casual dancer as well as the more advanced, offering excellent instruction in a fun and friendly atmosphere. My only complaint is that sometimes it's hard to get my daughter out of the studio! But that really speaks to the character of this studio, the teachers' passion and joy in what they're doing really resonates with the students and serves to inspire. We're very happy to be at NWDA. read more

My daughter has been dancing at this studio for 3 years and I have nothing but great things to say about the instructors and staff. In the past 3 years she has had instruction from at least 6 of the teachers both in classes and private lessons of which I have never witnessed anything remotely close to "dance moms" style of training or instruction and nor has my daughter had any complaints. As a matter of fact it is hard to get her to leave the studio every time we are there. As for the administrative staff I have to say that they probably get the least amount kudos for the job they do. Most of them work at the studio in addition to their normal full time job but yet you can still get an answer to you concerns or questions almost immediately and they are always willing to help. I have never encountered a problem with how the studio administration is ran or handled but we are all human and mistakes can and will happen on occasion. I have and would recommend this studio to anyone interested in dance for their child. This studio is our second home but not because of how often we are there but because the staff welcomes not only the dancer but the whole family as one of their own. As long as my daughter wants to dance she will dance at NWDA and continue to grow in her experience as a dancer because of the great teachers and staff read more

What I love about this studio is the diversity in dance Miss Augga offers. My daughter takes ballet taught by a classically trained professional one day, then learns contortion and acro on another. She dances jazz... then works with silk ribbons. She's enjoyed large-scale productions, small groups, a duo and solos. Miss Augga does a wonderful job of blending West with East for a very unique and well-rounded dance experience! Depending on the family, some dancers enjoy recreation/recital classes, while others pursue competition dance. Recitals are always sold out (they're awesome!), and the competition team brings home national titles. year after year. Others have mentioned the acro team's audition with America's Got Talent, and that was icing on the cake. We didn't need a t.v. show to tell us our kids have talent though--we get to enjoy it every day! And a note on the staff: The instructors are all professionally top-notch, but also very supportive and caring of their students. The office staff is friendly and hardworking. We look forward to many more years of dance with NWDA, with the friendships both my daughter and I have formed lasting well beyond that! read more

My daughter has been at NWDA for 5 years. She started in the little combo groups and has moved up to Competition. She has danced with all the staff at various times and loves loves them all. She has done Competition for 4 years now and she wants to dance more and more every year. The older Teen girls love the little ones and they are wonderful role models for them. Augga Hawkins is an amazing teacher and studio owner, she has more patience than anyone I know. Ms. Mo is a wonderful instructor and loves all her girls :) and boys. Ms. Libby is fantastic with the kids of all ages.. There are so many great Staff. We even have a Professional Ballerina for a teacher!! There are so many wonderful things to say about this studio and the staff and families who make it a second home for the girls, I could not list them all in one day. Suffice it to say we will be here as long as my girl wants to dance :) read more

My daughter has danced with this studio for the past five years and we've had nothing but wonderful experiences. The teachers know just how far to push her and she has made a lot of growth this past year in particular. My daughter has made solid friendships with the girls at the studio I as well with many dance moms. We all look after each others children and the teachers encourage team work and kindness to all. I have never had a problem with exchanging money and the front desk workers have always been helpful and polite in answering any questions I have. We love Ms. Augga and all the teachers that help to make this studio a postive, caring and fun environment for my daughter to dance at. read more

Finally, a place that doesn't baby my 6 year old! So far we've only done "summer camp" style classes for a month now, but we have been extremely impressed by the 2 instructors and the owner and their ability to work w both my daughters, especially my 6 year old that everyone usually baby's due to her size. She's extremely talented, but many places won't push her to be even better or put her on a competitive team because she's "only 6". In just a month she has perfected her back handspring, round off back handspring, and is now working on aerials and round off back tucks!!! read more

My daughter has been dancing at this studio for two years and would not dance any where else. Not only does she love her teachers, she also loves the girls on her teams. This year alone she has improved so much from the beginning of the year. She has not seen progress like this in other studios that she has danced at. The dedication of the teachers to their students show. We love the other families and the positive environment. This truly is a second home for my daughter! read more

I love, love, love this studio. If I could give them 10 stars I would! Both of my daughters have danced here for years and we consider it our second home, everyone there has become like a second family to us. The teachers and staff are amazing! If you want your child to be the best dancer they can be I would highly recommend this studio. read more

My daughter loves taking dance lessons here! Miss Libby is wonderful with the kids, she lets them have fun while learning new moves. I like that I can sit in the hall and watch without interrupting the class, the windows in the hall are wonderful for parents. read more

NWDA is absolutely AWESOME! My daughter just finished her first year of competition there. The staff and teachers are great and all of the dance parents are wonderful too. I wouldn't have my daughter dance anywhere else! We will be back next year! read more