Dance Unlimited

244 S Jefferson St, Frederick, MD 21701, USA

Address:	244 S Jefferson St, Frederick, MD 21701, USA
Phone:	+1 301-662-3722
Site:	danceunlimitedfrederick.com
Rating:	4
Working:	4:30–9PM 4:30–9PM 4:30–9PM 4:30–9PM 4:30–9PM 8:30AM–12PM Closed

Location

Photos 34

Reviews 6

Amber L

The first year and a half was great, the teachers are very professional and have a great repertoire with the dancers. Then my dancer was accepted into the school’s company. The parents are basically tapped dry and are used a slave labor while the director pours on the guilt trip throughout the year how we as parents aren’t doing enough and our dancers and not focused and not taking the work seriously. The dancers are subjected to erratic scheduling which can change at a drop of a hat. The director obviously feels working parents should just get over it. The schedule can run late in the evening which began to take a toll in my child’s school work towards the end of the year; not taking the dance seriously, I think not! I knew parents that took off work just to accommodate the director’s insane scheduling requirements for fear of her going off and removing their child from the company. The director demoralizes the students and instills fear in them not to speak out. She uses her bully persona on the parents when anyone questions her tactic. Direct quote from the director “those who find fault or second guess do not progress as quickly as those whose parents encourage them to follow instructions”. So basically if you don’t play ball your dancer won’t progress under her watch. If you truly want a pre-professional program, I HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend taking an extra few minutes in your commute time to find a performing or competitive dance company who has professional poise and tact. You will NOT get that courtesy from the director of Dance Unlimited! Very disappointing!

itsandyful

For the triple threat performer, Dance Unlimited at the Performing Arts Factory provides access to Fredericks best dance program, best acting teacher and best vocal instruction. My daughter has been dancing since Kindergarten, and probably at some point, been in every dance studio in Frederick County, through camps, workshops or classes. After years as a company dancer with another studio, she made the decision on her own to move to Dance Unlimited because she was in awe at the dancers and choreography she saw on the stage at the recital and wanted to dance as well as they did. We have been here for 3 years now, and under Donna Grim and Gayle Williams dance instruction, my daughter technique is finally on track. Under Vocal instruction with Cathie Porter-Borden, she has developed a decent singing voice and has learned how to sing in an ensemble chorus, and working with Susan Thornton, she is exposed to the absolute best theatre training in the area. In addition to their dance training, Dance Unlimited encourages the dancers to perform in the musicals that the Performing Arts Factory does. This was very important to my daughter, as her prior studio had a theatre arts arm, but it was quite separate from the dance side of the house, and the dancers were not allowed to participate in it. I feel that my daughters experiences with so many studios makes us particularly qualified to say that Dance Unlimited really is Frederick countys best dance studio.

Anonymous User

My 3 year old daughter loves to dance so I registered her for the 30 minute Tiny Tots class. Her instructor was wonderful! There were some classes where the class was ended well before the 30 minute mark. There were other classes where the kids colored for half the class. My daughter can color at home; I paid for dance classes. What really bothered me was the fact that after paying for a year of dance lessons, a costume, lipstick (because they all have to wear the same shade of course) and recital tickets, you are PROHIBITED from taking a single picutre of your child on stage. After all your work during the year of taking your child to each class, helping her practice her dance, and purchasing all the essentials, you will not have one picture of your dancer on stage to remember this stage in his/her life. Of course you can always shell out another 30 bucks for the DVD but we all know thats even more money in the studios pocket. You can purchase a photo package which is just a portrait photo but you have to pay for it before the picture is ever taken so I hope your little dancer cooperates. It was quite clear to me that the owner does not look out for the children but rather to fill her own pocket. The level of greed is just disgusting! Do your research. I found quite a few dance studios in the Frederick area that welcome you to take photos and your own video.

Jesse Miller

As a former student of Dance Unlimited (10 years in the company and 13 years at the studio), I am thankful everyday for the stellar pre-professional training I received under the careful watch of Donna Grim. Not only did I gain invaluable technique training from Donna and other fabulous teachers (namely Ms. Gayle-- the resident Ballet guru), I also learned how be a compassionate, team-oriented and driven person in the world. Yes, the classes are challenging. Yes, hard life lessons are learned on the dance floor, but I wouldnt trade my years with Donna for anything. I was encouraged to cultivate a passion for dance at Dance Unlimited that has stayed with me my entire life. The community that is created by Donna and the other teachers is one that is irreplaceable. I still keep in touch with many of my former team mates and their parents! My training at DU has paid off-- as I am now a professional in the musical theater industry-- represented by a great NYC agency and working in regional theaters around the country. Dance Unlimited is a save haven for those who love to dance and want to get themselves to the next level both personally and technically!

Cheryl Buratowski

We have been a part of the DU family for several years now and I wouldnt dream of my daughter dancing anywhere else. The teachers at DU are very hands on with the training and provide a lot of positive feedback. My daughter has always been encouraged to try new things and not give up. After coming from a place that was not a great match for my daughter, Ms. Amanda did a wonderful job in the beginning of taking my daughter under her wing and encouraging her growth and self confidence. All of her teachers there have been amazing and they all hold a special place in our heart. I have found the owner, Ms. Donna, to be very responsive to me whenever I have had a question or concern. I always feel her answers are honest and for the benefit of the individual dancers. We look forward to spending many more years with them.

Vallerie Jones

My daughter has been a student at Dance Unlimited for over 10 years. She was a member of both the Mini Co and the Repertory Co. This was the absolute best experience ever for my daughter being apart of both companies. She learned so much about herself, dance, performing, teamwork, attention to details, and dedication. Dance Unlimited helped to developed her as a dancer, actress and overall performer. She would not be the amazing dancer she is today had she not received her technical training from the skilled and dedicated staff at Dance Unlimited. The director and the entire staff are dedicated to the Arts and they do NOT take their job lightly and for that Im grateful. Amazing place to train and develop young dancers.