We love PD! We have been dancing here for a few months now and all the teachers here are so welcoming and friendly. The front desk staff is very professional and helpful. We love how easy it is to schedule make-up classes via the website forms and adding a class is easy. They are really organized here! My child dances here and I also take adult ballet here and love it! Highly recommend! read more

Our family has been with Pacific Dance for the past 12 years. We started when our oldest daughter was 3 years old and she took recreational classes for 5 years, and now our youngest daughter who also started at the studio at age 3, is a competitive dancer starting her 3rd year with the Performing Groups. In the decade that we have been with this amazing studio, we have always had such a wonderful experience as both a rec and a competition family. We have participated in 11 recitals and in recent years, numerous competitions. In my experience they are all run like a well-oiled machine. They have rules and processes in place primarily to keep our children safe and to ensure everything runs smoothly and to create a great experience for the hundreds (thousands?) of students and parents. If you have common sense and are a decent person, it's not hard to understand why the studio runs things the way they do. ALL of the staff and teachers are exceptional and I love having the peace of mind that my children are receiving excellent training in a loving, safe and positive environment. This studio is truly my daughter's second home and there's nowhere else we'd rather be. We are so grateful for our wonderful dance family! read more

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My youngest daughter has been dancing here since she was 3 1/2 my oldest daughter later followed her. We have been at pacific dance now for 7 years and would not change it for anything. The teachers are amazing and are always happy to be there to help your child grow not just as a dancer but as a good human being. Pacific dance has given my children a save place to come to where they can truly be themselves . Weather you are a recreational dancer or a competitive dancer I can guarantee you child will gain more than just a dance lesson. Pacific is a second home to my children honestly it truly is my kids are there Monday-Thursday As I said before at pacific dance your child will gain so much more than just a couple of dance lessons. I highly recommend this studio for all ages, this is a place to grow and meet friends while also expressing themselves through the art of dance. Thank you to all the teachers who have become family to us and helped mold my kids into the people they have become and continue to become. Miss. Lori Miss.Michelle Miss. Erin Miss. Stacey Miss.Lissa Miss. Jennifer Miss.Lo Miss. Pili. We love each and everyone of you and all your amazing talent. read more

Pacific Dance - Miss. Michelle - Performing Arts Near Me - Irvine, California

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Absolutely terrible organization and front desk. Everything you read about the front desk being rude, unprofessional, and condescending is accurate. Especially the blonde lady. And don't even try to talk to the owner about it. She doesn't care & is rude as well. My child has been attending for many years & everything has been doing downhill. The teachers are constantly late, there's lack of communication with the parents, and there's no accountability on anyone or anything that happens. The only good thing out of this is that we met some wonderful families & they all feel the same about this place. We along with several other families have transferred to another dance studio nearby. It's like night & day! read more

We've been dancing with Pacific Dance since my daughter was 3 (she loved being able to wear a tutu) and now she's 8. We mainly started because my daughter was so shy. We wanted her to develop the confidence to open up and we have watched her grow so much as a dancer. Performing in front of hundreds of people is something that would've terrified me as a child, but she has embraced it so quickly. This was her first year with the performing group and despite learning the dance mainly on Zoom this year, the girls did a phenomenal job at regionals and nationals. She had her dance friends by her side and an AMAZING teacher. Miss Erin is one of those teachers that you can tell LOVES her job, takes the sport seriously, and will be that one person on the sidelines cheering the loudest for your little dancer! This year was extra challenging and I was so happy with how Pacific Dance handled the lockdown, masks mandates, and reopening to ensure that parents felt safe enough to let their girls return to the studio at whatever pace we felt comfortable with. We have made some amazing friends and met so many wonderful young dancers. I also love the sportsmanship of the older girls cheering on the little ones and encouraging them. It's so great being part of this dance "family". read more

Pacific Dance - Nationals in Las Vegas - Performing Arts Near Me - Irvine, California

My daughter has been at Pacific Dance since 2020 and it has truly become our second home! She loves every one of her teachers and the staff, and feels so safe and loved when attending dance! Their patience and understanding with kids of all ages is excellent and puts me at ease as a parent knowing my daughter is in good hands. Then we enter into the actual ability to teach dance! As a parent who never took dance a day in her life, let's just say I am lost and they have done such an incredible job of not only teacher her the appropriate technique, but also teaching her to love the art of dance! We are forever grateful to ALL of the staff at Pacific Dance and are honored to call them our dance family! read more

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I have been at pacific dance for almost all my life and I will say it is like a second home to me. I love being there and hanging out with my friends. The teachers are amazing and everyone is so nice. Its just such a positive and happy environment. I would highly suggest going to this studio!!! read more

My 3 years old joined Miss Serah 's class for the last 3 months and it was just such a bad experience for my little happy social active baby every single time... unfortunately the instructor think if she smiles to the kids then they don't learn a ballet poor management and poor teaching skills specially for younger kids... read more

Great studio for my younger relative to take lessons. She like the ballet class & instructor. Clean place and got some showers inside to clean up. Quality service to for sure trust. read more

Pacific Dance - Performing Arts Near Me - Irvine, California

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Discrimination and an unorganized dance studio. After what just happened today at recital's and how we were treated. We are officially done with your studio. I have never been humiliated in my entire life and attacked and bullied in a hallway by grown adults in front of my daughter. Miss Lori, Miss Michelle, Chloe's mom, two other volunteer moms, and yes, you especially Jill. 6 adults. In front of other dancers walking by us and others. Jill, You approached me and you were yelling at me in the hallway saying "hey you can't be talking to our volunteers that way." Your volunteer talked to my daughter in a rude way, and when someone talks to someone's child in a bad manner, a parent is obviously going to take it personal (which that volunteer should know as a parent). When I asked that volunteer, "Why did you tell my daughter she can't use the dressing room?" she was very defensive with her body language and she was rude to begin with like why am I even asking her. That question is how she took it. When all I wanted is to make sure that she's not telling my daughter that she can't go anywhere because she needs to change for her final performance. And then all of a sudden you, Jill, approached me and you were yelling at me in the hallway saying "hey you can't be talking to our volunteers that way." You came up to me walking up the hallway loudly in-front of children and adults and basically attacked me verbally with your volunteers behind you while I was talking to Miss Lori's husband. I told Lori's husband that I would like to speak to her. Then Lori, when you came out, you basically threw your hands up in the air and said that you were done and walked away without hearing me out, who has been a loyal customer/family with Pacific Dance for 4 years. Lori saw and allowed the volunteer moms, Jill and other dance teachers gang up on me and my daughter as we walked backwards and were literally up against the hallway wall. I was holding my daughter's hand and I stood up for my daughter and myself. No one should be treated that way. Perhaps you should have a better process: set up a training day with your volunteer moms and teach them how to talk to parents and children. You accept all these volunteers during recitals every year, and you have some that are just rude to both adults and children. Jill the worst of them all who heads up the whole thing. If the leader behaves negatively, their employees tend to follow the same behavior. We have tried numerous of times to work with you all, but we feel like we've been discriminated against and not heard. None of our feedback has been taken into consideration. None of the concerns we bring up are taken seriously. Instead, Lori the owner defends everything, does not take responsibility and that there is no possible way that anything is wrong at her dance studio. The irony is that is also in the yelp feedback from other parents. This whole week of recitals has been extremely challenging for us even on Monday when we came for the mandatory rehearsals. we were told we're not allowed to be part of the Final bow, my daughter and myself so on Tuesday on the official day of recitals, we didn't attend the final bow. Miss Erin asked us why, and I told her because we were told we were not to attend by your rules from Miss. Lori. The owner. Instead of being professional, I have been attacked verbally loudly in the hallways by your volunteers, and I have been told numerous times by the same faces that I can't be backstage because I am not a volunteer when I'm actually performing in the parent child performance and my husband is in the Dad dance. We follow directions to come here during the actual intermission so we can change. And those same volunteers and PD Staff should be aware of who is performing especially going on day 3. Your process is broken. So many amazing dancers have left your studio because of how transactional you treat everyone. There is no sense of belonging and extreme favoritism!!! It's no wonder you have a 3 star rating. There are so many other studios out there that surpasses yours. This has been absolutely humiliating, and I have never ever experienced such a disastrous discriminatory, ganged up on an individual in my entire life. The only reason we stayed is because of the wonderful teachers my daughter had to work with. But when your daughter asks you, "Mom why are these moms and teachers talking badly to you", that's when you know enough is enough. Effective today, we are done with your studio and will never go back. We will be sure to let others know of this behavior as no one should ever be treated like that. No one. read more

Nice facility, teachers and staff are friendly, and they do a good job working with the kids. I recommend if you're looking for a dance studio for your child. Here's a recommendation: if you have a kid under 5yrs of age, either sign-up for the recital or skip the classes when they practice for the recital dance. They passed out the new cute costumes I'm class to wear for dress rehearsal, & it was hard for kids under 5 that weren't in the recital. I felt bad for those kids feeing left out and sad... some ended up crying. As an adult, it's life and how it goes. But kids under 5 have a harder time emotionally. read more

I recently canceled my daughters classes due to poor professionalism by dance instructor as well as ownership. Jennifer to be specific constantly shows up to class late 10-15 minutes typically and ends class on time along with mid class distractions. We pay a monthly fee for class yet majority of the classes start late but end on time. You would think if it starts late they would make it up by extending the class. Ownership is disappointing as well as a private message was sent to them regarding my frustration and instead of taking responsibility of their instructor and presenting a solution they wanted to defend them. Much more could be said but it's a waste of time and I won't be supporting this business anymore. read more

We have enjoyed all of our teachers and classes at Pacific Dance. Children are treated with patience and encouragement, and enjoy the studio in general. My daughter has done both recreational class as well as competitive levels of dance, and has had a good time in both. Would definitely recommend! read more

My kids liked most of their teachers at Pacific Dance, and took several classes over 2-3 years. It was always less expensive than other dance schools in the area, which is another reason we stuck with it. The renovated facility and seating for parents is nice. I'm giving it three stars because they exclude kids who don't participate in the dance team from participating in the curtain call and father daughter dance at the end of every recital performance. This is upsetting to the kids and embarrassing to the parents in the audience who have to explain to friends and family who have paid a lot of money on tickets why their dancers are not included. When I emailed the school about it, they replied, "Because there are so many students in the show- we cannot fit them all onstage at the same time. The curtain call is our performing group students only and their dads in the show only." They were not interested in changing their curtain call to accommodate more kids on the stage. Maybe if your kid does only one recital, this won't be as noticeable, but when you have to sit through it multiple times, it is quite galling. Pacific Dance did not explain these policies before the 2018 or 2019 recitals. My kids decided to stop participating after the 2019 recital. My understanding is that participating in the performance group requires five or more classes per week. The recitals also include numerous repeat performances by the performance group kids. In summary: Pacific Dance is an affordable option for kids and families who want to do performing group and dance competition. Otherwise, I'd avoid it. read more

Boy oh boy where do I start... I want to first THANK Lori Murphy , and all the teachers at PD for the exceptional training my daughter has received since the age of 3!!! My Cloey started competing at the age of 5 with the amazing Miss Erin who took a quite shy girl, taught her technique and turned her into a performer!!! Cloey's development and progression has been amazing!!! Cloey started the 2023 comp season in the 9-11 Jr division at intermediate level as a 9 year old beginning Jr I might add and place in the overalls every competition, also winning a technique award and going on to win 1st overall out of 67 solos at Energy Nationals with her first ever contemporary solo choreographed and trained by Lissa Stone Johnson!!! The PG choreographers/teachers such as Lissa Stone Johnson, Erin Jefferson-Foley, Stacey Orleans, Michelle Richey, Brandi Freas-Cusick, Andrew Medrano along with all of the other instructors at pacific dance are genuine and truly care about the dancers and it actually shows! I want to thank every teacher at this studio for the technical and artistic training they are providing. Thank you Pacific Dance!!! read more

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Fantastic dance studio! Highly recommend it to any parent looking for great instructors.

Last night I actually witnessed the incident that happened to that poor mom and her daughter that commented about being ganged up and bullied by the pacific dance volunteers and employees. I saw the whole thing and it was very unprofessional of how the employees approached her and how they handled the situation. Especially with her daughter by her side. I wanted to stop it, but it was definitely an inappropriate incident. So many people were there. Good for that mom standing up for herself and protecting her daughter! She kept saying to the employees and volunteers, to stop and not do this in front of her daughter, but they kept walking towards her. I was just picking up my niece during intermission and I couldn't believe what I witnessed and felt absolutely sorry for that mom and little girl. I am not one to do yelp ratings but was I was asked by a pacific dance mom to send a positive comment on yelp to help with their ratings. When I went to do so today, I saw the comment that mom posted. I am sorry, but I can't say anything positive after what I saw happen. Disappointing that the business owners allow this behavior from their employees. read more

I enrolled my kids at this studio in late October. The kids stopped attending after several lessons due to illness. I was under the impression that I signed up for one month of lessons. However, this studio will automatically charge your credit card unless you actively send an email or other notices to stop enrollment. I didn't notice until several months later that I am being charged every month. I wrote an email to the management explains the situation. The reply I got is that they sent me email at my enrollment that no refund will be issued for any absences. SO BUYER BE WARE. This company will do anything to take money from you and do nothing to return your money. read more

I am not very happy with Pacific Dance. The latest drama at this studio is either they fired Kyle Walker or she left on her own. Now the impact is to other parents invested lots of money. Pacific Dance is not stepping up to help other family that has been impacted but now is asking for more money from us. I agree with others that Pacific Dance don't care about our kids, but just see them as $$ signs. #classactionagainstpacificdance&kylewalker The replacement teacher cost more so isn't that asking for more money. read more

This is an awful place! The attitude of the reception desk is very bad. They don't give you make up class after their own break if you are going to drop it. The teacher comes in and changes. You children will learn nothing here, just wasting time! read more

My daughter attended dance here for many years. It used to be a good dance studio, but classes have become overcrowded the last couple years. 2 stars because some teachers are great, others are not. No updates on your child's progress and no moving them to appropriate classes unless you explicitly solicit feedback. read more

The receptionist at this place is horrible . Try to ask them couple questions and you'll see their attitude. They are only happy to collect money not to answer any questions. After this year I'll take my kids somewhere else read more

Pacific Dance was like a second home to my girls.  Both started dance class when they were three because we wanted them to socialize with other kids.  Who knew that the sense of community Lori and her instructors created would be so addicting?  Between my girls' two dance schedules, I was at the studio a good 15 hours a week.  Dancing was learned, friends were made, even sportsmanship was taught via the numerous dance competitions they participated in.  The latter was an unexpected bonus.  I'd like to give a shout out to Miss Kyle--an awesome teacher who takes both her role and the art seriously.  Her enthusiasm is contagious.  I applaud her for instilling the love of movement in her dancers. read more

Fun atmosphere for all ages to begin and study the art of dance. As with all extracurriculars, I would encourage those considering to do a trial session and then decide on the instructor after a 1 on 1. read more

Great program. Lori, the owner, is great and really cares about the families. My daughters have had very kind, knowledgeable teachers. The recital is organized and professional. There is plenty of dance apparel and footwear to purchase if you need to. They are also really great about getting back to you when you email. I would definitely recommend this place to others. The remodeled facility makes parking so much easier and the seating inside is great. read more

Unless you are part of their PG group and take more than 5 classes per week they treat you like dirt. They might be cheaper than the other dance schools in the area, it's best to look else where. Cheaper is not always good. read more

A great dance studio, with even greater teachers and staff. Safe place for my daughters to step away from the stressors of life, and enjoy being artists. read more

Whilst I give this review for the front desk, their website and payment/make-up policy, I will say that some of the teachers are really great. They should run their payments like Wildfire Gymnastics and it won't make parents feel ripped off. Pacific Dance- you pay the same monthly whether they are closed for holiday(s). I understand they want you to make-up a class for sick day or their closure for holiday within 30 days, but after being here for so many years- can't they be lenient and why in the world do they charge us for a girl scout class while others who don't attend Pacific Dance get to take the class for free? And when the girl scouts have come in, every single parent who came in turned to one another and said 'wow- they blew the chance to ever have us join this studio'. The front desk was disorganized and unfriendly and they could have really used this opportunity to wow us and entice new customers. They claim they can't provide more seating outside of classes due to fire hazard, but they then tell us to bring our own beach chairs (which people do). Uhhh, makes no sense!!! Their website and filter are pretty awful and parents have told me 'the only reason we come is because this is the closest but Pacific Dance doesn't care about anything else since they know they have a monopoly in this area so they don't provide great service and they don't care". Again- some of the teachers are great, but be ready for some pretty frustrating policies and lack of customer service. By the way- would be nice to post up the performance schedule online instead of in the hallway. read more

The classes are way too crowded. The waiting areas are small and smells of stinky socks. Not enough seating area, so the floors are your best bet, if you don't get run over by the crowds of waiting parents. There is a fee to sign up, a fee for late payment, a fee for coming back, a fee for recitals, a fee that is cash or checks only. There's a dance teacher that is constantly late to classes. The only positive point is that it's near a great grocery store call Zion! read more

I was sending my child to another place already but this locations was more convenient, so I tried their mommy and me class because my daughter is only 2, but definitely didn't like it. I send my child to have fun and dance but the teacher definitely doesn't get the point of this class. Music is boring , instructed is boring, obviously her point was to finish the class as soon as possible. She was acting like she is teaching for age 5-6-7, definitely doesn't know what to do. Also she was very mean to another parent who was late, she said "you are disturbing the class" I felt so sorry for that mother. She is going to disturb what? They are only 2 for god sake. Definitely they can't handle mommy and me class or for age under 3. No way I am signing up for here. I would rather drive more and have my Daughter have fun dance and laugh!!! I would give them no star for mommy and me class, but I don't know other classes so may be they are good at age 3 and up. So I would give 2 stars only. read more

This review is for Ms. Janna (my daughter has only had 3 classes, and two different teachers). Ms. Janna is simply amazing. My daughter (3.5 years old) had her very first dance class on a Saturday morning with another teacher. Sat morning was way too packed (over 12 kids) and she didn't get much attention. She was nervous and scared but she still wanted to dance when I told her we can try a different day with a different teacher. So we tried a Monday afternoon class with Ms. Janna. She was heaven sent. Ms. Janna held each kids hands, she was so sweet and gentle. She used little stuffed animals and cute age appropriate props with the little girls. When the class was over, she had a little circle time with the kids, giving each of them hand sanitizer, putting cute stickers on the hands, and even dusting some sparkly sprinkles on their hands. I couldn't hear what was being said from watching them outside, but I had no doubt in my mind that Ms. Janna praised each kid at the end of class and encouraged them. I'm an elementary school teacher and I was challenged and inspired by how Ms. Janna made each kid feel welcomed and valued, and how she gave individualized instruction to each child. My daughter asks everyday, multiple times a day, if she will be going to dance class. I am so thankful that we were able to meet such a wonderful teacher as Ms. Janna - having the right teacher, especially when you are beginning a new thing, can shape your entire experience. Ms. Janna was absolutely perfect for all the little kids with their first encounter with dance. So far, my experience with the front desk staff and the dance store staff was excellent. Everyone was friendly and happy to help. First trial class is free. 20% off at the dance store if your child is enrolled at the dance school. read more

Pacific Dance - 3.5 year old. Picture taken on My daughter's third dance class ever. Ms. Janna is a wonderful teacher! - Performing Arts Near Me - Irvine, California

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Pacific Dance is such an amazing studio with talented teachers. My daughter has been attending this studio for 7 years and begs for more classes. They are so much more than a dance studio for us. My daughter thinks of it as a second home. We are so happy to be involved in this studio. Also, it's a clean facility that is aesthetically pleasing. They recently added more classrooms and they are full of beautiful friendships. Lastly, there are helpful ladies at the front desk always welcoming us with a smile. read more

My daughter is being attending here for 3years and she's very happy with the classes,good prices and great teachers. Right now she's taking Tap and ballet Rehearsal is at the end of the year.... I love and enjoyed the show every year,I feel so proud of my daughter when I see her dancing on stage read more

I really wish I could recommend this studio. The instructors are very skilled and the depth and breadth of classes is great. Unfortunately, they have no policy for what songs are played in their classes or at their recital. I just withdrew my 11 year old daughter from her 9 classes because of the two recital songs I heard so far, one was about Cutting and the other had lines that mentioned Rape and female circumcision. What worried me most is that there is no studio policy on what songs are appropriate and no review process. Owner Lori Murphy simply "trusts her instructors". The songs I objected to were: "Cut" by Plumb and "Endangered Species" by Dianne Reeves (please search the lyrics for these songs) Lori the studio owner asked her instructor to change the song "Cut" only after I brought it to her attention, but is going with "Endangered Species". I was told that the instructor would edit the song, but not immediately. I feel that if a song needs to be edited for content, it should not be played at all. Kids want to come home and download the song and practice to it. In a time when we have so much awareness about the impact of media on our children, I was hoping that there would be a higher standard when it comes to what music they are exposing our children to. Recital songs are played 100's of times to our kids as they are preparing over many months. These songs and their lyrics will have a lasting impact. Parents, whatever dance studio you choose, please find out what the recital songs are and look up the lyrics to make sure they are acceptable to you. read more

The studio smells like the combination of stinky feet with dirty shoes the moment you walk in. Air ventilation is poor and I bet that's the reason why. Teachers are good and patient, but the cleanliness of the school is a turn off and yet needs to improve. I hardly see any teachers or staffs cleaning the handrails or door handles before class starts during this time of peak flu season and they obviously not taking any the Corona virus safety precaution. I took my daughter off the class. read more

started my child here because it was close by but i would never return here. the instructor takes his time walking over to the studio and turn on the light and get started. they probably do 10-15 minutes actual dancing after roll call, talking, stretching .... and if you don't participate in their recital, you're wasting your time because that becomes the focus instead of learning to dance. where is the professionalism? it is a business after all the front desk is rude and quick to charge you a late fee. very inflexible. I called in to express my concern regarding the virus but they said no refunds for the remainder of the month after pymt is made, even with the health issues going on. they also cancelled classes for the last two weeks of class and won't issue a refund money even though we are moving and won't be around to take make up classes. not accommodating, quick to charge additional fees, studio cancels classes and won't refund, poor instruction at beginner level classes, really crowded read more

This is a very unorganized business . They start classes 10 min late , finish 10 min early. Most of the time what they do - is practice for recital. If you choose not to participate , then you have to put up with them being "closed for the recital" for weeks !!!! Not cool read more

Pacific Dance is an amazing dance studio. The teachers go above and beyond for their students. The studio is newly remodeled and is the best of the best. Pacific Dance is great for all ages. Whether your dancer is here for fun or to become a professional some day, this is the place to go. read more

I love Pacific Dance! They have highly experienced teachers which helps each dancer thrive. The teachers are so supportive, kind, and push each dancer (in a good way!) They have taken many safety precautions which I love. If you are not comfortable with in-person classes, they offer Zoom classes which are just as great. Their competitive teams are spectacular and have won sooo many awards. Pacific Dance has so much to offer. Highly recommend!!!! read more

A lot has changed at Pacific Dance since my last review and it's all been positive. They've re-worked their website and they take credit cards now. You can also set up a monthly billing - YAY! My daughter still goes here and so do a bunch of her friends and they all love the teachers here. She never has a complaint about the staff or the teachers - they all love what they do and treat the students well. I hear that they are thinking about accommodating some of the empty space next door - which should bring in more class variety and maybe, just maybe, even a back door entrance! This would be so helpful since drop offs and pick ups can be tough and really, Pacific Dance anchors that center second only to Zion. read more