Since coming to The Dance Academy of Puyallup, my daughter's skills have improved dramatically (age 8 ). I greatly appreciate Shari's kind but firm leadership and the fact that she brings me in every step of the way. I'm enabled to be a partner in my daughter's dance journey, rather than just the wallet. Along with beautiful dance technique, my daughter is learning poise, manners, good sportsmanship, and how to carry herself as a serious athlete. I am thankful that both my daughter and I feel comfortable in talking with Shari and the other teachers about absolutely anything. We know our thoughts will be welcomed and addressed respectfully, without fear of consequence. The studio is always clean and is a welcoming environment to dancers, parents, and siblings. Most nights my daughter asks to stay long after her classes have ended because she feels so at home and has built strong friendships. In addition to the High Impact Team, we love the recitals and extra performance opportunities. It is only April and my daughter is already counting down to Victorian Country Christmas because she had so much fun dancing in the shows there. We are proud to be apart of The Dance Academy of Puyallup. It's a great home for any dancer! read more

I have been dancing at The Dance Academy of Puyallup for almost 8 years and I couldn't imagine dancing anywhere else. The environment that Shari creates for all of us is amazing, we are like one big family. We are given so many opportunities, and taught to chase our dreams and strive to be the best we can be. Not only are we supported in the studio but we are also supported outside the studio. The teachers here are like no other they are all incredibly supportive and caring, and they treat us like their own. Whether you do recreation or team you will have an amazing experience here. I am so lucky to be a part of such an amazing team and I couldn't be happier. read more

When I first came they did teach me many things and I was dancing competitively with the teens and everything but then the next year I was moved down a whole level and I was in that level for three years all because I didn't have one skill the higher level had and Shari furnstahl the studio owner would definitely not push me and she will barely look at my skills and all the things I had but what she did do was favoritism to many other students she would also body sham students my sister included she would have her daughter teach my solo when I asked for because her daughter wasn't a teacher she was a student she also forced me to do a dance that I really did not want to do but she forced me too and I have to be honest it was all about BLM and there would be so much drama there it's not even funny it's all the time nobody there saw what I could do and when I tore my meniscus it was so hard on me because I was out the whole season they did send me a basket on Easter but after that they just completely forgot about me they would put me in the back of many dances for wear I wasn't seen they would make me feel like I don't want to be here but now that I am better we have relocated to payette school of dance where it has so many teachers that I have worked with for so long they did used to wok for tda But not anymore the people there are so nice and they bring you up not down i would definitely recommend not going to TDA!!!!!!!!!!! read more

This studio is more concerned with winning competitions than with providing a nurturing fun and safe environment and experience for all kids involved. The owner focuses more on body type and image than what the kids can bring to the stage. There have been multiple times where she has told these kids "you need to be fit." The studio owner comes in after a comp and will tell kids "i saw rolls on stage", "i don't want to see you eating at the studio this week," while her kids are saying before comps "keep the morning skinny". I took offense to this because most of these kids dance 20 hours a week and as far as I'm concerned, dance shouldn't be based on body type. These kids work extremely hard and sometimes it doesn't always end at the studio! The practicing resumes at home. I know for a fact that this can determine if a child can move up in levels. The number one reason for this is the kids have to be better in maneuvers which they can't do with out being taught and most of the time there are excuses for why they aren't taught. The kids are pushed to get "skills" they aren't ready for so the injury rate is high. It seems that favoritism is welcomed as is bullying and gossip all the while conflict resolution is non existent. The owner focuses more on her own children which is evident at every event watching her girls front and center in most routines. Also when you look at their website! As an educational establishment for extra curricular activities, things could be better. In the past year four teachers have either left or have been pushed out without even being told and now students are teaching classes which is problematic because: 1. parents are paying for classes and 2. it can be unsafe because they don't have the proper education. The owner hides behind her teachers. Saying it's their fault certain kids aren't in certain routines. When the teachers have no creative say in the matter. She places teams based looks rather than skill. The goal should be to create positive experiences for all children giving them a creative outlet to express themselves while building on their potential, instead they are turned away from opportunities and there is never a straight answer to justify why. So thank you TDA for teaching my kids what they shouldn't tolerate in their dance careers. read more

They are currently at a new location on Canyon I believe. They are a great faith based organization that does great things for our young girls. I give them a 4 out of 5 starts. read more

Thank you so much for the amazing birthday party. It was set up beautifully. Better than I ever thought. This was the first time I have ever got to just enjoy the party and not have to worry about anything! You kept the party going from one activity to the next. The kids were never bored. Everyone was so impressed! I can't thank you enough. Also the price can't be beat! We called a number of places looking for a party space. Everywhere wanted almost double for less than they provide. Truly life savers. **************************Also I will add that my daughter recently started dance classes here. We came from another school. I'm so glad we changed to here. My daughter loves class. She has a huge smile the entire class period. read more

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The Christian aspect that drew us to this studio diminished over time as the competition team grew bigger & winning became more important than the children enjoying their activities. Repeatedly kids are told that other studios are cheating at competitions & that's why they placed higher than those from The Dance Academy. What is that teaching these poor children?! Regularly children are told to dance through injuries or illnesses because making sure the team is performing it's best is more important than the dancer's health. Shockingly, children being bullied is not that big of a deal, especially if the bullies pay more money to the studio than those they are tormenting. The chaos that occurs during all performances backstage drives all the teachers batty, yet no help is provided & often children are running amuck. My child still dances & is so much happier not being forced to do things he doesn't want to, just because an adult thinks it would look great. My child dances now, not at the Dance Academy, but a place where he is free from bullying & free to once again dance because he loves it! 7/2018 In response to the nasty look my 10 year old received from Shari Furnstahl, the studio director, when he went to a competition to support his friend that still dances there: I am proud of my son, even through adversity he was brave enough to go support a friend, because she mattered more to him than what you or any of your people thought of him being there. Be a real teacher & embrace all children. Don't squander their spirits, because you are unhappy or don't like a situation. I used to want to be like you, but I am better than that. I show my son how to be the better person. I saw 2 of your girls today & not one of them did I give a dirty look to. My son saw you in the hallway for mere seconds & you made him feel like crap. Your face portrays a lot...think about that. Have a wonderful time at Seaside! read more

Where do I even begin? This place my second home. I feel safe. I feel loved. I feel happy. I feel beautiful. I have been dancing since I was 6, and this dance studio has changed my life for the better. You will never ( and I mean NEVER ) see a studio that is as neat and clean as The Dance Academy. The floors are swept, and vacuumed every night. Every mirror and window is sparkly clean by the time the doors are locked at the end of the night. The couple who owns the studio are two of the most dedicated people I have ever met. They are always accommodating people's needs and making sure every dancer and their family is happy and feels cared for at the end of the day. It's little things like letting the smaller children ( or in some occasions, us older dancers ) have a piece of candy at the end of the day, or rewarding them with a prize from the prize box for good behavior in class or acing a new skill. They are always open to new ideas and appreciate all levels of creativity. The wife is a dance teacher and is ALWAYS so kind hearted and comes up with beautiful choreography that send lovely messages and leave the audience in tear from time to time. The husband is fantastic about making sure everything is "ship shape", from fixing ballet barres, to organizing tangled cords, and building INSANE props for our dances, and even giving out popsicles after rehearsal on hot summer days. He is always happy and has a smile on his face. Their children dance at the studio as well, and they are fabulous. All three girls are so kind and respectful and make classes a blast to be in. The staff is phenomenal. Every single one of them has their own style, and put passion into every second they teach. They all truly care about the dancers, not just their paychecks. They are all organized and have the perfect balance of fun, and discipline. Their brains are packed full of knowledge, and though they are all young, they are so wise, and have answers to every question. Our dancers are always respectful to each other, teachers, and all guests. At competitions, we have gotten sportsmanship awards several times because we play fair, and support not only each other, but even our competitors - everyone! The best thing about The Dance Academy is the atmosphere created by each of these things. There is no other studio like this one. Personally, I have come to realize my dance friends are my true best friends, I can depend in them for anything, because that's the way we've been taught here. We all share a passion to dance and it's beautiful. We are one big family, and the studio is the reason we are so close. Thanks to The Dance Academy for forming my live for the art, I am planning to go off to Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle, WA to study dance and choreography and maybe one day open my own studio! There's no place on earth like it, and I am blessed to have such a place to call home. read more

My daughter just loves to dance and sing! TDA is the Best Dance Studio here in Washington! She loves the Musical Theater class! All the teachers and staff are very professional and caring! read more

The dance academy is a great place to build confidence and Mack friends. Along with that the super nice teachers love tho help when it comes to flexibility to courage. I love the TDA because since I started the've been nothing but loving and caring and I've become so much more flexible. And faced my stagefright. read more

What a racket. The Christmas recital was just a mess. Elementary school music class productions do better than this. If you were a parent of a student and you were there, I understand your frustration. Most of the dancers tried their best, some were lost, and a few were very good, but the real issue was the production as a whole and how it was handled by the production staff. I can't believe how much money it cost our family to see two minutes of what appeared to be a cheer practice. Carefully read the contract too, you could spend a lot of money at The Dance Academy well after you decide this school is not for your child. By the way, there was no seating available for our DISABLED VET, aka, dad. He had to stand, with his cane, for the whole show. The production staff would not release my daughter to us until the show was over. Two hours of standing to see our child wiggle her hips for two minutes. Spend the extra money and get your child a beneficial dance education, or you'll pay for it in the long run! read more