Discussion Groups: Talk of the Valley

To Beware of this Studio:

Where is the performing arts that you mentioned?
Thanks.

Oh please, what mother in her right mind would solicit information from the vindy message board about "dance lessons" for her "little daughter."

"The idea of being with other little girls, and dressing up in costumes to "put on a show" is what really appeals to my daughter."

I bet! I bet it appeals to your "daughter." You sicko, do you have a fetish for little girls in uniforms??

To Vindy moderators, this very sick person left their email address with ther name. I implore you, for the good of the community, to report this gentleman ASAP!

Daughter Wants to Dance Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Thanks, mother and another mother. Both of these
> places were on my list to call. I've always
> thought about Ballet Western Reserve for my
> daughter, but didn't know if she was too young or
> if it was too "serious" for her. I think I'll
> check into it anyway. And as far as Torrie
> Trella's, do they do recitals and the whole deal?
> The idea of being with other little girls, and
> dressing up in costumes to "put on a show" is what
> really appeals to my daughter. Thanks!

concerned Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Oh please, what mother in her right mind would
> solicit information from the vindy message board
> about "dance lessons" for her "little daughter."
>
> "The idea of being with other little girls, and
> dressing up in costumes to "put on a show" is what
> really appeals to my daughter."
>
> I bet! I bet it appeals to your "daughter." You
> sicko, do you have a fetish for little girls in
> uniforms??
>
> To Vindy moderators, this very sick person left
> their email address with ther name. I implore you,
> for the good of the community, to report this
> gentleman ASAP!
>
> Daughter Wants to Dance Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Thanks, mother and another mother. Both of
> these
> > places were on my list to call. I've always
> > thought about Ballet Western Reserve for my
> > daughter, but didn't know if she was too young
> or
> > if it was too "serious" for her. I think I'll
> > check into it anyway. And as far as Torrie
> > Trella's, do they do recitals and the whole
> deal?
> > The idea of being with other little girls, and
> > dressing up in costumes to "put on a show" is
> what
> > really appeals to my daughter. Thanks!

There have been other questions on this site from decent people. There was a recent request by a future mom who wanted some suggestions for names for her baby. There was nothing wrong with that and I don't believe that the mom who asked about dance classes did anything wrong either. You, however, may not be a mom or even have kids, so why are you on this site? Perhaps YOU are the sicko/pervert.

Daughter Wants to Dance Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> To Beware of this Studio:
>
> Where is the performing arts that you mentioned?
> Thanks.


Performing Arts is in Warren. Don't know much about it either.

another mom Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I took my daughter to Judy Conti when she was 3
> during a summer program. I wanted to see if my
> daughter was interested before getting too
> involved. We tried dance lessons there for about
> a year. "Finally Smartened up Mom" is right about
> the teachers. My daughter had a 16 year old
> student as her teacher. We switched studios the
> following year.
>
> Another good dance studio is Center Stage in
> Canfield. The owner/instructor, Tina Kaminski,
> and all the other teachers are certified. They
> did a really good job with my daughter, but again,
> this studio is geared for the competitive dancer.
> We tried competition for a year, but it is just
> too expensive and time consuming. Also, all
> practices, rehearsals, competitions are mandatory
> and if you miss any without a good reason, you
> will not get to participate in a competition. The
> prices are similar here with 1 class/month in the
> $40 range, costumes also are $65 and up. They
> have a spring recital at Stambaugh. They have
> pictures taken and there is an annual yearbook.
> The entire class group picture will go into the
> yearbook. For an additional fee, you can put an
> individual picture in the yearbook. They have a
> website with info. I think it's
> Centerstagedanceacademy.net.
>
> Personally, I think that the best place to start
> is Ballet Western Reserve. They do a wonderful
> job and you don't have to spend a fortune. Your
> daughter can get a feel for dancing and can
> advance through the program. They offer other
> classes in addition to ballet. You can find out
> more by going to their website it is
> www.balletwesternreserve.org.
>
> Good luck and happy dancing!


You're mistaken about all of the teachers at Center Stage being certified. They're not, but TIna definitely is. And just because a teacher is certified doest'nt mean they take continuing education. Check on that information when looking for a studio. We are required to take so many hours per year of CE courses and classes.

I went to Judy Conti as a child and i sent my daughters to Judy Conti and i was very pleased. It was resonable in price and she puts on an awesome recital. She has been around the valley for 40years at least. She has a well estableshed bussiness. I think that you should just go and sit in on a class and see what you think.

Judy Conti has an excellent reputation as does her staff. Here's a list of reputable and accredited studios:
Debonaire Dance--Warren
Jillsdanceshop--Cortland
Zahnow Dance--Warren
Richard Dickinson School of Ballet--Warren
The Performing Arts Center--McDonald
Ballet Western Reserve--Youngstown
Kathi Halbert--Poland
Donna Crean Dancers-- Warren
Jones Academy--Liberty

*Look for teachers that are certified to teach and also that keep up on their continuing education throughout the year. It's important to not get caught up in the chaos of the "competition studios" in the area. Unless of course if that's what someone is looking for. Two dance organizations that are nationally accredited are Dance Masters of America and Dance Educators of America. Make sure if a teacher says they are certified through these that they show you a ceritificate... they are sent to the instructor once a year after dues are paid and classes or conventions are attended by the instructors. Hope this helps and happy dancing!

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Jamie's Dance Studio is also a very good school. As said, they do go for the more competitive dancers, but the non-competition way outnumbers the competition. I have seen lots of competition dancers quit because it is just too much.

My daughter started out at Dance Dimensions in Struthers, she is tough, made some girls cry. Parents could only watch one time a month. Judy Conti, parents watch every class (towards the end of class). My daughter also went to Sandy Bee's-- for gymnastics and we also went to Ruth Robics for Baton-- great teacher!! Probably the best experience there at Ruth's-- All recitals were good. I didn't care for Dance Dimensions because we were not allowed to video tape or take pictures of the recitals. Even during the reharsal for the recital, moms had to stay away from the stage. We weren't allowed to watch. Hope this helps

Hi all!! I have 3 girls who dance and they started off at Jamies Dance Force and it was ok. As soon as the class starts they close the blinds on the windows so no one can see in. The moms are sooooo snooty and cliquey!!!! Then we moved them to Kathis Dance and Gym Center in Poland. What a DIFFERENCE!!!! The classes are awesome and my girls love it. The recital in June is like a Broadway play!! Its awesome!!!! The tuition and costume price are comparable to everyone else and they do have fundraisers to help offset the price of the costumes. Kathi's is accredited by the the Dance masters of america and the teachers are AWESOME!!! hope this helps!! take care.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with a mother acquiring about dance lessons for her daughter on this site. Afterall, it is a discussion board and there are many decent people out there who have a great deal of valuable insight to offer. Whoever, was looking for a good place for gymnastics should check into Sandy Bee's. Many girls have left Youngstown Gymnastic Center to join the gymnastic team at Bee's. There are excellent and CARING gymnastic coaches there.

Ive sent my daughter to Center Stage in Canfield since she was three and it is excellent. The center is very big. With four huge classrooms with wood dance floors. Huge waiting room. The teachers are excellent, it is very professional there. Yes, they have a lot of competition, but you dont have to be in competition. We never have. You dont even have to be in the recital if you dont want to. They also have private lessons to. Also, she sells all her dance wear there so you dont have to shop around. These teachers do have continuing education and if you want like dance champions to teach your children then go to New York and pay thousands of dollars for tuition. The other nice thing about Center Stage is they have fundraisers every month and different ones to do each month. So you can actually get almost or every thing paid for with fundraisers. But once again, it is optional to do the fundraisers, you are not obligated, which is very nice for some families who dont like doing them. Also, you are not allowed to wear your dance shoes outside, you must change into them when you come to class and it keeps their expensive dance floors good as new. I took my daughter to Jamies and it is very small and old looking and the mothers are very snooty. At Center Stage, even though Mrs. Tina is the owner she always is excited to see you and your daughter and she greets everyone even if they dont make as much as other parents. Plus, it is nice when you have older siblings or other siblings, the waiting room is so big that other siblings can sit down and get their homework done. Im thinking she might of added a afterschool program but not sure. It is very professionally done and we are not a rich family.

Love Kathi's Dance and Gym center--the teachers are great, and the recital is second to none. Terrific program!

Kathi's Dance and Gym Center in Poland/Springfield Township is awesome! My kids all went there and loved every second of it ... and the staff is well trained and give 150% to the kids.

Jamie's Dance Force is a great place to go! Even though it is geared toward competition, the regular classes are still really great.

Which ones have the best looking instructors and staff?

Kathi's Dance and Gym Center is a great place to get your child started with dance. I took dance there from the age of 3 until I graduated from high school. I loved every minute of it! The teachers are exceptional and really care about each and every student. If your child is interested in gymnastics, Kathi's also has a very good gymnastics program, as well.

There is a studio called Babylon in Austintown that is always looking for new dancers, and do not require previous experience. I don't know if they do recitals or competitions, but maybe you could give them a call.

I LOVE Kathi's! I danced and did gymnastics there from ages 4-18. I will also send my daughter there to dance (when she is old enough). The instructors are fantastic and the recitals are so good I know people who still go even though they don't dance there anymore!