In Motion Dance Project

Reviews 3

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Kelsey Flanders

**This is Kelseys mother Kristin Flanders. Im posting a review under her name as I am having issues posting under mine** "Oh, your kids are competitive dancers? So is it like that show on TV?" I always get that question when talking to people who dont get it. I am very quick to explain that our studio is everything "that show on TV" isnt. In fact, as far as I know, Amanda, Api and their staff avoid competitions that associate with "that show on TV". When my children attend a competition, they are given a certain set of standards that they are to follow. Parents included. From what I can gather, proper studio representation is key. With that representation comes respect of one another and of other studios. I have to say I have never witnessed such a thing as far as other studios go! These kids applaud each other from the audience. They most certainly applaud, congratulate and support other studios during award ceremonies. What is most unique is that this team of dancers waits until the end of the competition weekend, lines up and each dancer personally thanks the judges no matter what the outcome. Frankly, it is quite remarkable to witness. These lessons are all learned from within the walls of In Motion Dance Project. If my kids take nothing else from their years of dance training, they will have taken lessons in good character. Does it get any better than that?? Id like to address the comment about not being personally addressed by staff at competitions. I am in my 7th season of bringing my kids to competitions with IMDP and I am more than aware that Api, Amanda and staff are at work during those competitions! They are "in the zone", if you will. They are watching and taking notes to improve their choreographed pieces. They are on standby to amend issues with music. I know not to approach them unless there is some emergency, and I certainly dont expect a personal greeting. If I pass them in the hall, I will say hello and expect nothing more in return than that. It might even be nice to offer to pick them up a coffee if youre running out for one. Its much more convenient for parents to slip out of the building for 20 minutes than it is for them. You get what you give :) More than once, it has gotten back to my children that they are known as "favorites". People (parents and kids of those parents) use the label in a nasty way. Things like that will always get back to people. Nobody likes that label; it has a negative connotation. What my kids are NOT: perfect, disrespectful, bullies, ungrateful, unkind, cocky or conceited. What they ARE: respectful, dedicated, hard working, driven, focused and HUMBLE. If that makes them "favorites" in your book, perhaps it is time to stop and think about the lessons youre instilling in your own kids. Is the staff perfect? No, of course not. They are human. Have I had issues with any staff since joining IMDP 7 years ago. Yes. Was it dealt with? Absolutely. And it wasnt dealt with via google review. Just speak up...Amanda and Api are approachable people. They are understandably busy, yet find the time to address concerns. It saddens me to see such a negative review of the "home" my kids have grown to love over the years. My younger children have quite literally grown up at IMDP. "Dance" is just a part of what they learn at this facility. Its a shame to read a review about issues that could have just as easily been handled internally. This is a GREAT place for kids, and I am confident that they are in a safe and nurturing environment.

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Lisa Macri

My daughters, ages 6 and 7, have both been dancing with IMDP since the ages of 2.5. In fact, IMDP served as their first school ever, with both girls starting their dance education in 2011 within the warm and loving classroom of Ms. Emily and not long after the youngest one was out of diapers! Since stepping foot into the studio, my girls love of dancing has continued to grow, along with their abilities, their sense of teamwork, and their joy! We went from that first year at IMDP with one class a week, to the next year with two classes a week, to finally four classes a week, which culminated with my oldest girl last year eventually begging for us to let her be a part of the IMDP company. Not surprisingly, the younger one made a similar request. Of course, as parents we are always evaluating the benefits or the costs related to the experiences our children will have. However, with this decision, both myself and my spouse felt confident that if we were ever to involve our girls in competitive dance, this would surely be the studio. Not because of their outstanding showing at competitions (although that is true!), but because of the leadership, the professionalism, the caring, and the sense of teamwork that we experienced coming from the owners, Api and Amanda, and from their staff. You can see their commitment to these ideals being carried out in the actions of the older company dancers in the way they act towards the younger members; you can see this through the actions of the friendly front office staff (shout out to Ms. Kelly!), and you can see it in the way the kids leave inspired, even after tough days, to keep trying their best. Nothing is ever perfect and teachers are human and can have good days and bad, just like anyone else. But as an educator myself who is married to another educator, we understand the amount of time spent before, during, and after classes that occurs to help your students succeed. If ever we had a question or a concern, I can assure you that it was handled by staff in a professional way. And because Api and Amanda encourage positive, goal-directed behavior/attitudes from everyone, including company kids, staff, and PARENTS, the occasional negative comments or bad behavior by a kid or a parent sticks out like a sore thumb and is not encouraged. In terms of the net benefits of having been involved with this school, I cant say enough good things. My girls have grown as dancers, developing technique, as well as an appreciation for the terminology and form related to all types of dance. My girls have also grown in terms of their ownership over dance and over at-home practice - even at their young ages, my 6 year and 7 year old will initiate practice of their routines and work so hard on their own time because as they say to me, "If we work hard and do our best, we can celebrate no matter what!" If nothing else, the sense of teamwork and the sense of hard work will be the biggest gifts my girls will take away from their experience with IMDP, but we are in awe of their blossoming skills as dancers too! Thanks IMDP!

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Lily Flanders

As a graduating senior dancer at In Motion Dance Project, where I have trained for almost 7 years, I have come to realize many things. I have realized that as a dancer, you need to learn many things, such as discipline, passion, and acceptance-all of which never would have been instilled in me if not for the exceptional training we recieve at IMDP. I have also realized that it is not easy to come across an environment as nurturing and affectionate as this facility. For example, at the end of every class and rehearsal we always give hugs and genuinely say thank you to the instructor. Not because it is a rule or because it is expected of us, but because they work so hard to better us even when they are beat tired, so therefore we each feel a personal connection to them. Every teacher and staff member has shaped me into the person I am today, and I cant even begin to fathom what my life would have turned out to be for the past 7 years-and what my future would hold if it werent for every single one of them. I have realized that the respect that every person at the studio has for each other is truly one of a kind. The support system that brews at IMDP is contagious and infectious because although we are a competitive team, we are still a team that loves to inspire one another. But I can honestly say that we wouldnt have this positive mindset if it werent for the guidance given to us by the amazing owners of the studio, Ms Amanda, and Mr. Api. We are so lucky to have mentors who encourage us to make friends with dancers from other studios at competitions and to support the local dance community by always being friendly to one another. Dance is not only an artform, but it is a lifestyle by which to swear. In Motion Dance Project is a state of the art dance training facility that raises not only amazing dancers, but amazing people as well. I have in the past, and will continue to for as long as I live, highly recommend IMDP to any dancer looking to further their dance education and to build lasting personal and professional relationships along the way. To Infinity and Beyond.

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