Debbie Werbrouck’s School of Dance & Music

3466 Douglas Rd, South Bend, IN 46635, USA

Address:	3466 Douglas Rd, South Bend, IN 46635, USA
Phone:	+1 574-247-1590
Site:	danceeducation.net
Rating:	4.8
Working:	11AM–7PM 11AM–7PM 11AM–7PM 11AM–7PM Closed 9AM–12PM Closed

Location

Photos 47

Reviews 8

Haley McElwee

I grew up dancing at Debbie Werbroucks School of Dance (taking classes there from 4 years of age to 18 years). Until late middle school, dance was a hobby. It was fun, mentally stimulating, and kept me active. As a child with virtually no depth perception and therefore no ability to throw, catch, and kick, Debbies gave me the opportunity to engage in a "team" activity that encouraged practice and and self-discipline without making me feel like I was responsible for a loss or like I had failed. Even as a young child, I was being taught so much more than just great technique. At Debbie Werbroucks, I learned self and spatial awareness, critical thinking skills, and personal morale and manners. My mom still reminds me about the ways in which she saw my early dance training at Debbies aid me outside of the studio. For example: my kindergarten report card read "Haley is a good cookie with good posture." and 14 out of my 26 letters in my Alphabet Autobiography had to do with the dance studio. The atmosphere at Debbies, especially as I got older and began to take more classes, gave me a second family. The older students and junior company members were some of my biggest role models growing up. I watched them train at the studio, be accepted into great colleges or get professional dance work, and carry themselves very differently than most teenagers were apt to. They fulfilled the roles of older siblings by offering advice and care as student demonstrators and helpers at recitals and even went so far as to help with homework at the studio on Saturdays (3 classes on Saturdays plus Christophers Christmas rehearsals). The instructors never failed to give individual attention. Julie Bodle (instructor and assistant director) was like a second mom to me and was a huge rock (along with Debbie and the rest of the faculty) when my parents divorced. Jaci Mullins is largely responsible for my personal successes in dance, spending extra time outside of classes to research and help me apply for summer intensives and college dance programs. ***I am now a year out of college and out of all of the times Ive been able to visit home, there has only been maybe once or twice that I didnt make it by the studio to see my second family - and thats really only because its a holiday and the studio is closed! Haha!*** Late middle school was when I decided that I wanted to pursue dance as a career and Debbie Werbroucks School of Dance gave me every tool I needed to do it. In high school, I was spending 30+ hours dancing. I was the varsity captain of my schools dance team, serving at a restaurant, studying, training, and teaching at Debbies and graduated 11th in my class. My parents friends were questioning why they would let their "smart" daughter go to college to dance. My parents, as the amazing supporters they are, would say "youre right, shes smart, and we know shell make things work." They knew that they (and Debbies) instilled in me a sense of self-discipline that would enable me to do what I love and support myself. Now, after graduating in four years with a B.S in Kinesiology and Dance and a certificate in Journalism from Indiana University, we know that they were right. I am currently living in Chicago, dancing for three companies - one of which iI founded myself and is currently being incorporated, teaching dance for a University of Chicago Charter school, an after-school program, and Kenwood School of Ballet, and running educational programming for a third consecutive summer. I absolutely love what I do and am able to support myself (and even pay off student loans)! I know for a fact that I would not be where I am, as happy as I am, if it werent for Debbie Werbroucks School of Dance. Ive seen as a dancer, a young woman, and an educator how useful dance education can be in a childs life. Ive now taken class and taught for many different studios/programs in the midwest and in NYC and have never been a part of programming as well-rounded and professionally run as Debbie Werbroucks School of Dance.

Kelly Shubert

I cant say enough good things about Debbie Werbroucks School of Dance! They have an amazingly warm & welcoming faculty and staff. As a parent I have always felt well informed and found everyone to be very friendly and accommodating. My daughter has been part of this dance studio for quite awhile and still looks forward to everyday she gets to dance. She has developed her own passion for dance and has learned skills not only on the dance floor but in life. Faculty is amazingly talented and invested in each student at every level. They are super passionate about teaching and push students to work hard, they give encouragement and support, and make each day fun and challenging. Recitals and performances reflect the dedication and hard work for everyone involved-the dancer, teacher, and mentor. Debbie Werbroucks makes this a truly magical time for a dancer, being on stage in a pretty costume is every girls dream. Watching your child on stage...breathtaking!

Elizabeth Browne

Debbie Werbroucks School of Dance is not only a top notch dance and music school but also became and has remained a major positive place in my life. The faculty is top notch from the office staff to the teachers. They offer Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, and Modern. DWSD offers growth opportunities which include a performing dance group, Christophers Christmas as well as travel opportunities to dance overseas! DWSD is second to none!

Lauren Bergstrand

This studio is a wonderful place to study dance! The community that works and studies here is awesome. I fell in love with dance at this studio, and it has been one of the great blessings in my life!

Evan Claudeanos

Very well organized. My daughter has been taking ballet, jazz and tap classes there since she was 3 years old and she loved. As well she had so much fun and learn a lot at the preschool.

Molly Mcgee

They are great but expensive, but I guess you get what you pay for... Can not beat the recitals they do hands down!

C Bergstrand

This was a wonderful educational experience for my girls. I highly recommend this school of dance.

Keshava Mysore

My daughter just started her preschool here. A simple learning environment