I have been meaning to write this review for a while. My daughter has been at RAD for two years now (she's 5) and it has been the best experience since the very beginning. I was overwhelmed when searching for studios to start her at since there are so many. We actually tried another studio in the area and there were behavior issues in the class, staffing issues with instructors, and communication issues from the studio, among other things. When the culminating performance was pretty much a disaster and very amateurly run, we felt like we had to explore other options. After all, dance classes are an investment and you want to feel good about the studio your child is a part of. We switched to RAD and it made a WORLD of difference. The teachers are professional, but sweet and loving with the students, while also having great group management skills. The classes don't waste any time (another problem at the previous studio where there would be 10-15 min each class that the students were simply standing around- definitely not helping the behavior issues I mentioned). Experienced dance teachers would know you have to keep the class moving to keep 4 and 5 year olds engaged. RAD classes are so much fun for the students but also thoughtfully planned so they are productive and organized. This studio has the warmest environment where front office staff knows every student by name and greets them when they come in. You don't feel like your child is forgotten in the group. Also, the communication is INCREDIBLE. For a busy working mom, I really appreciate how they respond so quickly to emails, always send out updates ahead of time and even send reminder emails! You can just tell the studio is well run, organized and on top of things. Just wait for the performance in June- you will be blown away by the way they run it professionally, safely and efficiently. The level of talent at this studio is undeniable which makes us glad we chose it for our daughter. You can just feel the love the owners have put into this space. Truly, I can't say enough good things about this studio and it is what keeps us coming back and shouting from the rooftops to anyone who will listen. :) read more

Newly renovated, new ownership, and overall the best place to explore the art of dance. The atmosphere is encouraging, bright, and inviting. Teachers are kind, inspiring, and knowledgeable. Management is kind, professional, and passionate. Overall the best place to put your kids in and set them up for success read more

Cannot say enough good things about RAD studio. The staff is so pleasant, so kind and extremely helpful. My daughter feels very much at home here since day one, everyone has been so lovely and welcoming. So happy we found this gem! read more

I've always been a dancer and loved dance studios. Once I became an adult, I thought dancing with something that I couldn't do at the studio anymore. A friend of mine use to dancing at Rad. She asked me if I would want to take a dance workout class I said sure. I wasn't really sure what we would be doing, but thought I would give it a whirl. It was easy to register for the class and pay once I got to location. Walking back into a dance room with the bar and the dance floor just gave me all of the hopes and dreams that I had back as a kid. The teacher was beyond amazing making sure everyone felt included, and that it was challenging for everybody, but not too hard for those who needed an easy class. It was great. There was working out cardio and we even got to put together a routine. That's the best part. I went to the opening which is really fun. I I have been out on pause with a broken arm but can't wait to get back on the dance floor. This class was great. It was a Saturday morning and it was 18 and over. I'm hoping at some point they offer some actual pure dance classes for adults as well! I give Rad five stars and a bow! read more

My daughter has been coming here for two years now based on the recommendation of a family friend whose daughters both went here from toddler through high school! Everyone here is so friendly and welcoming! I am truly grateful to have found a dance studio that is actually friendly to its patrons and non judgmental about children who don't know what they're doing but are here to learn. Everyone here is patient and respectful but also able to work wonders in getting all the children to be involved and participating! I highly recommend RAD and it's new owners, I and will continue to support them for years to come! read more

This place has been our home away from home for 10 years now. My daughter's are both on the dance company and they love it. The new owners are great and gave the studio a beautiful makeover. Nadine and Ramsey are very warm and welcoming directors, and are going to continue to make the studio our safe second home. read more

I took my 7 year old daughter for a trial class at RAD tonight. I was absolutely blown away. We were greeted by Ashley who was so warm and friendly. She immediately greeted my daughter by name without me even having to introduce her. Ashley gave us a tour of the beautiful space and gave us a full rundown which made me feel so welcomed but more importantly made my daughter feel at ease since she knew what to expect. Ashley introduced us to the owner who was also so friendly and bubbly. My daughter did the trial class and came out with the biggest smile. She let me know she wanted to continue attending classes there. I was a little worried about signing up financially since I didn't know what the tuition was going to cost. Ashley gave me the price breakdown and I was AMAZED at how affordable the classes were. This was just our first experience but I am so grateful we found this dance studio. read more

The studio implemented a new policy requiring the purchase of their premium package in order to participate in the concert performance. The change in policy wasn't communicated very well, but that isn't the point. When my wife called to ask why it was mandatory Linda, the owner, became defensive and quickly escalated to yelling at my wife loud enough that I could hear her across the room. Anyone that knows my wife also knows that she isn't one to be verbally agressive or abusive. If anything she is too accommodating. My wife was in tears after the call. We've really liked the instructors and the classes but this behavior is entirely unacceptable. read more

For this review, we must go back to the beginning... I have ALWAYS danced. (period.) I made up dances to Paula Abdul when I was four, cavorted around the house to "Like A Virgin" when I was 5, and created soulful, lyric dances to Mariah Carey when I was 10. However, I NEVER took classes. Well, for like a year and a community center when I was 7, but that hardly counts. So, stepping into Retter's at age 14 - scared shitless because I had never been to a dance studio before - was THE life-changing experience. And like the cheesy disco era song repeated over and over says "I haven't stopped dancing yet" Darryl and Linda really put their heart and soul into this dance studio. Lilian was my first dance teacher and so good at inspiring her dancers. Wanna learn how to tap? Take from Darryl - he's unbelievable. They bring in a plethora of master teachers from LA and the rest of the country too. Not the cheapest place to dance and they cater towards the under-18s (unlike the Edge). But if you have kids or are a kid - this is one of the best places to dance in the city. read more

My daughter was 2 years old when we came for the Parent and me class all those years ago. Now she is a graduating senior this year and Retter's Academy of Dance has a special place in our hearts. I never intended for her to become a "dancer". It was initially something fun to do. But Retter's is such an amazing place where kids can express themselves in a nurturing and positive environment, I think she felt that and wanted more. As a parent, I love the age appropriate music, choreography and costumes, the positive and loving energy by all staff is so contagious that it flows through the children who attend Retters as well. We have been with the studio for almost 16 years now and dance has become an integral part of my daughter's life. She has received numerous opportunities thanks to Linda and Darryl Retter. The experiences that she has had will take her to all facets in life. I am proud to say and promote Retter's as an amazing dance studio. Regardless if your child is a recreational dancer (like many I know) or really wants to take dance to that "next level", you do not need to look any further than Retter's Academy of Dance. read more

Amazing dance studio! Linda and team are beyond amazing. We are lucky to have found such a great dance studio. read more

I could go on for days about how amazing Darryl, Linda and the entire staff at Retter's is, but for the sake of space and time, I'll just say this: As a current dance instructor, and someone who has always wanted to keep dance in my life, I owe EVERYTHING to this studio. I wouldn't be the dancer, teacher, or person I am today without these people. They literally changed my life for the better, and I'll likely spend the rest of my life trying to re-pay them in any way that I can. If you've got a child interested in dance and you want them to have quality instruction from good instructors (and good people), take them to Retter's. You won't regret it, and it might be the best decision you ever made for them. I'm 25, and I still thank my parents for giving me the opportunity to grow up there. read more

Darryl is amazing! And we loved this place until Linda turned on my then 7 year old daughter and decided to make her life hell! I had originally decided to take the high road and not say anything until we ran into her last night. My daughter was so excited to see her and when she said hi to Linda. Linda, the owner, looked at her gave her a dirty look and walked the other way! Needless to say my daughter was devistated! Shame on you Linda Retter to not have the common sense to know that kids are off limit. You keep wondering why your studio has not changed or grown in 25 plus years it's because most people leave because of your treatment towards them and their children! read more

I absolutely love Retter's! My daughter is so happy dancing here. She loves all her teachers and has come so far since staring here two years ago. I feel so lucky to r found this dance studio so close to home. read more

My 3 year old was in the tap/ballet dance class, and we loved the teachers, the routines, and the holiday dance parties they put on. My only real issue with this studio is the new policy requiring one to purchase an expensive package in order to participate in the recital in June. It seemed a little unnecessary to spend an exorbitant amount of money on a 3 year old (part of the package is the purchasing of a DVD of all the performances of ALL the dancers at Retters, and I just didn't feel that was needed). I am very sad because my daughter made friends there and did well in the class, and I felt put in an awkward position being that I had to either choose to spend that much money, or to not have my daughter participate in the recital. I spoke to Linda in regards to this, and at first, her email seemed a bit abrasive, but over the phone a few days later, she was polite, but unwilling to budge on the policy. If the policy to make this purchase ever changes, we will very gladly come back to Retters. read more

This our my girls second year dancing at Retters and WOW! They look forward to their classes once a week and love every second of being there. Their teachers are absolute dolls, Charlotte at the front is amazing and Miss Linda is fantastic. We had been somewhere for a few years prior to making the switch and we are so thankful to now be at RAD! read more

RAD is a home away from home for dancers. A safe environment filled with love, friendship and passion. As a client of Retter's for over 15 years I have chosen to remain at this studio for it's high level of instruction and professionalism. As a parent of a RAD Company member I am complimented at the many conventions we attend not only for how wonderful our girls perform, but for the respect our dancers show while in class. Our costumes are always beautiful and age appropriate - due to the tireless efforts of Ms Linda. Her imagination and creativity is incredible. I can think of no other place my daughter would rather spend her spare time, but surrounded by her friends and her greatest passion, dancing than at RAD! read more

My daughter has been dancing at Retter's for 4 years. She has grown as a little dancer and a little human as well. Linda and Darryl go above and beyond to take these kids to the moon and back again. All of the teachers she has experienced are nothing short of fabulous! From Ballet to Tap to Jazz to Hip Hop and summer sessions and dance camps, her skills have grown exponentially. I am glad to have found a studio with integrity, energy, talent, and the desire to grow these children up in the way they should go. In dance and in life. Thank you!! read more

Retter's is about much more than dance. Of coarse it is a fabulous dance studio. Retter's can dance and produce beautiful productions. The Concert of Love productions every June have us tears every time. Over and beyond the high end professional productions and award winning competitions Retter's has been a development center for our daughter. We tried Retter's first with a Mommy and Me class and we have been hooked since. The studio staff, owners and community is really helping to shape our daughter into a confident, fit, balanced person. She has learned discipline, disappointment, hard work and success all while enjoying dance. Her dance lessons have also spilled over into life lessons. Our daughter has a place where she feels safe to express herself, build strong friendships, engage in community outreach AND share the love of dance. Linda and Darryl Retter have a well rounded approach for any age dancer, and the beauty of their studio is you can be involved at any level you wish. read more

Retters changed my life. The classes are taught by professionals in the industry, the environment is welcoming and familial, and the memories and friends made here are lasting. Not only do you benefit from the technical teaching, but the artistic emphasis as well. If you're looking for a place to seriously train or just have some fun, this is without a doubt the studio. Linda and Darryl Retter have created a special space here in Agoura. read more

It is my daughter's first year here at Retter's Academy of Dance, and everyone there has made us feel SO welcome! Amazing teachers, staff, and a very positive atmosphere. LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!! read more

We just picked up our videos from Concert of Love/ Dance Recital and my family is in heaven! We just keep watching the show over and over again. What an amazing program Linda and Darryl Retter put together. It's really incredible to see all of the dancers at Retters flourish in their dance journey. We love Retters- it's our home away from home. I have a 5 year old who is in the starlet classes and can't wait to go to dance each week. Then I also have a 10 year old who is starting her 8th year at Retters. She dances on their competition team and just can't get enough of dance. I think she'd live at Retters if she could. What I love about Retters is that they not only teach dance, but life skills that prepare these kids for real life. This studio really is a class act! They are also super organized- you always get your schedules of dance events for the whole entire year in August.... who does that? I could go on and on about Retters. I know that there is no way I could go anywhere else. It really is the best place to dance. read more