Studio L Dance Co.

Reviews 5

JU

Julia & Bruno Livolsi

This review is based just on the GLEE Musical Theatre (under age 10 category) class in Waldwick, not any of the dance classes. From watching the recital, the dancing seemed like what you would get at any other dance studio. The specialized Larkin dancers were amazing though. Anyway, my daughter enrolled in the Glee class back in September for 1.5hours every Monday. I didnt expect her to become a Broadway performer (not even off broadway), she was just interested in improving her Musical Theatre skills. The brochure stated the class was a triple threat: Singing, Acting, and Dancing. It also said there would be a Holiday Showcase and a Video Production. I noticed throughout the year that my daughter wasnt learning any songs or dance steps (not even humming a catchy tune). When I asked her about it, she said, "We dont really do any of that". I asked in January about the Holiday Showcase and was told that it was just for the staff, though my daughter didnt remember any such event. There was 1 video shoot supposedly over spring break when we were away, but I never received a video production, nor heard any information on what was produced. I didnt have high hopes for the recital in May, as my daughter said they were only doing 1 "original" song which consisted of 8 rhyming lines. The recital performance consisted of about 12 students standing on risers. There was no consistency in their appearance. Im not saying they should have worn costumes, but maybe all in the same color. There was no stage presence whatsoever. The performance was flat and awkward, they all just stood there, not even a sway. The song was mediocre at best. I could not believe that after 8 months of classes, that was the highlight. I found out that I was not the only one from the class that felt this way. My daughters elementary school does a musical every year taught by moms, which requires 8 weeks of hourly rehearsals. They do a wonderful job which proves that a professional school should have done and can do so much more than what those children were "taught". I called and spoke to Kelly regarding my disappointment and she was very defensive. In the end even suggesting that I would be a terrible person with no life, for writing a review. My goal in this review is to hopefully save one family who may be considering enrolling their child. I wish a review had been available before I made that mistake.

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TE

Terri Svendsen

Sadlly, agree with the other 1 star reviews. I had very high hopes for Studio L when it came to our area. Unfortunately, should have known from the unorganized mess it was from the get-go that the year would not go well. We had done competitive dance for many years, and my daughters wanted to take time off from that, but I still wanted them to have technique classes, so we were told they could register and that there would be recreational classes. Big lie. All classes were for competitive dancers only, and even though my daughters could keep up, they would be set on the side while the company dancers ran routines. Studio L succeeded in killing my kids love of dance. Especially my youngest. Very sad.. all the times we would show up for class only to have her call me 10 minutes later telling me that they canceled her class (so some other company class could be held).. with no prior notice to us. This happened so often!! Unbelievable! Never anyone at the front desk to talk to, the teachers were no help when I would approach them either. I tried emails and left voice mails for Kelley Larkin (one of THE MOST arrogant people I have EVER met in my life) and never once had my calls or emails returned by her, even though I was told repeatedly that she would call me. Sad when months later, my youngest recounts the last rehearsal before the holidays and all the company dancers did a gift exchange, but she was not told (nor was it EVER communicated to me) that there was a gift exchange, so while everyone else participated, she was left out. Pretty tough for a 9 year old kid to endure. When a prior review spoke of cost being equivalent to other studios.. guess again. You WILL end up paying substantially more. And, you pay up front, so you will have absolutely NO recourse if things turn out like they did for us. I do think some of the instructors were good, but our overall experience was terrible. Unless YOUR son/daughter is THE best and will get the attention of Kelley Larkin, I would suggest you continue to let your child have a little fun with dance, and go somewhere he/she will be appreciated for the talent they have.

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DE

Denise Infante

Studio L is absolutely an inspiring Dance company!! My 5year old daughter has been dancing at Studio L for the past 3 years. This year was her first "Superstar" Company class and she LOVED performing at the competitions. My daughter had an infectious smile and laugher while performing on stage- She definitely had a Blast!! The teachers, Nicole and Jaime, for the younger classes provide a warm confident supportive foundation for the love of dance. Theyre great mentors for our young princesses aspiring to grow and develop within the dance world. The remaining teachers including the owners, Kelley and Danielle, strive for the best in every child. Studio L is not only a great dance company- but they provide a sense of responsibility to our community. Through different charity works, walks, and fundraisers...dancers mature in body and soul. "No one is born a dancer. You have to want it more than anything", stated Mikhail Baryshnikov.... Its when your mind forgets the dance but your body doesnt!! Studio L provides the foundation for the young toddlers and motivates each developing dancer to reach their potential! Im definitely proud to say Im a Studio L Dance Mom ;)

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WH

Whitney Stanbury

Studio L is the best dance studio in the area. When my daughter was 4 we tried out a few places but Studio L was hands down the best. I loved that I could watch my daughter on the TV screen when she was tiny and see how happy she was in class. If your child (male OR female) wants a place with excellent and loving teachers as a fun hobby, there is a program at Studio L for you; alternatively, if your child is interested in competitive dancing and is serious about wanting to be a dancer, this is the place to go because they are the best. Most kids start out just wanting a fun hobby and eventually get more serious - why start at a studio that cant accommodate your childs needs as they grow? The kids adore the teachers and there is a bond between the younger dancers and the teenagers that is precious. The teenage dancers are excellent role models for the younger kids in terms of discipline around dancing, time management to complete schoolwork and also through the (totally optional) philanthropy projects organized through Studio L. Prices seem pretty similar everywhere so you might as well get the best training and lifetime friendships for your dollar.

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JO

Joy Meisner

My 16 year old daughter has been dancing at Studio L for fourteen years. The studio has become a second home, and the staff and her peers there are her extended family. She has been dancing in the nationally acclaimed and award winning Studio L Company for ten years. Through the dedication of the well trained staff and her perseverance she has grown into a well rounded and talented dancer. She has received many exciting and fun professional and charitable opportunities through Kelley and Danielle Larkins Talent Management company. The studio caters to the recreational dancer as well as the competitive/preprofessional dancer. There is a special place at this studio for every level of dancer. Studio L also offers classes in acting, singing, gymnastics, and adult fitness programs.

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