Our daughter has been dancing with Johansen's for 2 years now. She has felt welcomed by staff and other dancers and has found a passion for dance. I find the studio to always be body positive which is important to us. My daughter wants to be challenged and she finds that here and in the same note dancers who enjoy participating for fun are welcomed as well. My favorite part of the studio is the intergenerational classes. One of our daughter's classmates this year is in her 70's and the kindness and encouragement she has shown our daughter has been such a gift in her life. We are grateful for this studio and their impact on our daughter's life. read more

I love this studio with my whole heart and think anyone who is interested in taking dance classes should come here. This year will be my 5th year dancing at Johansen, and the staff have always been so friendly and kind. The studio truly does their best to make everyone feel accepted, and they have some of the most talented dancers I've ever seen. Not to mention Johansen has won the title of Best of South Sound 2 years in a row. read more

amazing!!! incredible instructors. everyone is so nice. they put on the most incredible productions every year. top notch dance center with professional instructors that are so kind. you'll love it here! read more

My review is not about this studio's dance instruction quality, but about their administrative and people/children communication skills. I called the studio in advance and inquired about trying a dance class for my three year old son. I disclosed my son's birthday, the fact that it's the first time we would like to try a dance class. The person I spoke to places my on hold after each question to consult another manager. We spoke for at least 4-5 minutes. We agreed that -I will try out this upcoming class for 3-4 year olds just once without registration -I will pay $6.50 for this class -I won't have to register until we determine that this class is a good fit -we won't have to buy dancing attire until we register for the further classes. Yesterday my 3-year old some and I showed up on time for the class. THE PERSON AT THE FRONT DESK TOLD US SHE WILL NOT ALLOW MY SON IN. *First she said, my son's birthday is 27 days after their birthdate cut-off date. *Second, she told us the class is full. *Third, she said we can try one class, but won't be able to register for it later. *Forth, as we responded, that we agree to try it anyway, she retracted immediately, saying she can't allow it after all. My three year old was on the brink of tears. I said, that I called and discussed all aspects just yesterday and was invited to come in. She responded "that person you spoke to must have been Tammy", as if Tammy is the one who always makes her life miserable. She repeated it several times. All the parents and children in the hall have heard this exchange. I was sad for Tammy, for my three year old son, who heard her and felt rejected and sad too. How unprofessional and cruel! Shame on you! I guess I will never find out if the dance instruction of this studio is as good as it's reviews. read more

Our son has been taking ballet there for five years. They do a great job attracting wonderful male dancers to mentor the younger boys. It is great to have two generations of dancers present to operate the studio. The teachers have all been great. My son has taken hip hop, ballet and tap. He also does the summer intensive. Most of all he never complains about going to dance, which says a lot for a tween boy. read more

My daughter has been at the studio for 4 years now and we love it. The staff is always helpful and positive, she has some health issues and they are always understanding when she can't make class. She has learned the proper language and positions. read more

This is a wonderful dance studio, teachers and staff are friendly and always polite. We've been taking our son here for 4 years and couldn't be happier. The end of year recitals are marvelous affairs with great costumes and performances and well worth the wait. They also don't charge you to go see what your kid has been learning all year, as some other studios do in the area. Also, they have done an excellent job teaching my son tap and I see definite improvement every year. read more

Very nice, friendly staff, good prices for the area (I've checked). Boys are half off and at the end of the year they have a big recital at the theater downtown. So far my kid has learned a lot and loves coming. The teachers are great. We love this place! read more

I love this place! The teachers are amazingly supportive and friendly. They always know your name. I hace been there for less than 6 months and it feels like home read more

We are heading into our 6th year at Olympia Dance Center and I couldn't be more pleased with the dance studio. The instructors are top-notch and my daughter shines under their direction. In ballet (for third graders), there is just the right mix of fun and focused skills. The recital is extremely well organized. I believe that my daughter will continue to be a dancer for many more years to come. read more

My daughter has taken ballet as a 3/4 yo at another studio and schedules just dont work out so we switched to this studio after a recommendation from a friend. Daughter seems to like it - wants to continue to go back which is great! She is now doing her second camp there. We get the usual 4 yo response when asking her what she does/likes etc which is "I don't remember" BUT I know she wouldn't be wanting to go back unless she was having fun. Things I loved about other studio that I don't see here... Communication from teacher to parents is zero....nothing at all. Teachers in no way come out of the room before or after to talk with parents about anything. Kids are shuffled in and out, doors closed, blinds shut and you have no idea how the teaching part is going. Short show cases at the end show a simple routine but not how the teachers are teaching and for those kids who are shy, you just see them standing there. Its summer and its HOT out....my daughter started telling me its REALLY hot during class and after popping my head into the studio when dropping her off one day I can understand what she was talking about....no air in there at all. Wish they had ac in the rooms for the kids, esp when they are dancing for a couple hours at a time. Reception is nice an very accommodating. They have always been very professional and the programs seem well thought through and organized. Classes/camps are not cheap and I have high expectations but overall no huge complaints...just areas for improvement in my eyes. We will try out other places too but for now this place works for our schedule and daughter wants to return. read more

My daughter has been dancing at Johansen for 12 years. I can't recommend this studio highly enough. The instructors are top notch and there's a terrific sense of community here. My daughter has thrived here both as a dancer and through the deep and abiding friends she has made. I especially appreciate that Johansen's hosts the Downs at Dance program for young people with developmental disabilities. read more

We went to exactly two classes, the first two classes of pre-ballet for the new year. With very little communication my 4 year old son was cut from attending all classes. The short explanation that I got was that he did not seem to listen very well, in the first two classes of a totally new experience. Remember now he's only 4 and a boy, they characteristically do not excel in listening I explained my side of things after I drove all the way over there in time for the next scheduled class. But it had no effect. So apparently the day you walk into pre-ballet as a 4 year old you are supposed to be spot-on and ready to go. Any preschool teacher worth her salt would tell you a very different story. So now that we don't have an enrichment activity for my son since everything is closed registration all around the city I guess we'll just be un-enriched. Don't bother unless your kid is the next prima-ballerina. read more

I am a former dancer and dance teacher. Johansen Olympia Dance Center has amazing teachers and a fantastic curriculum. My daughters are learning correct language and technique in a very clear and linear way. The teachers know how to actually teach the steps instead of merely demonstrating them. The teachers and office staff are always very welcoming and friendly. I would and have recommend(ed) this school to anyone! read more

My daughter has learned so much here! The instruction is high quality and is done in a very positive way. They have an auditioned company for dancers ages 12 and older and my daughter has had opportunities to dance in classic ballets doing beautifully developed choreography. She has made long lasting friendships here too. I can't say enough great things about this school. read more