A Look at the Dance Department in Clifton Park, NY

Dance Department Introduce

Introduction to the world of dance at the Dance Department in Clifton Park, New York. This studio offers a variety of dance classes aimed at children of different ages and skill levels, from young beginners to those aspiring to join a competitive team. The school provides a range of styles, including ballet, jazz, hip-hop, and acro, with a focus on technique and performance. However, choosing a dance studio is a highly personal decision, and reviews for the Dance Department present a complex picture. Some customers have had overwhelmingly negative experiences, citing serious concerns about communication, professionalism, and studio culture. A detailed review mentions a "major attitude" and "clique" problem, alleging that it led to several dancers leaving the competitive team. Another review, however, is a glowing endorsement, praising the "nicest person in the world" in owner Connie, and highlighting the experience of instructors like Ms. Lauren and Ms. Lindsey. This contrast in feedback suggests that a family's experience may vary greatly depending on a number of factors, including which classes and teachers they are involved with. It's a place that seems to be defined by a strong focus on its competition classes, as one review notes a general lack of emphasis on technique in favor of choreography. For families in the Capital Region looking for a dance studio, the Dance Department offers a clear path toward competitive dance, but it's important to be aware of the different perspectives on the studio's atmosphere and communication style.

The Dance Department is located at 1536 Crescent Rd #12, Clifton Park, NY 12065, USA. This location makes it a convenient option for families in Clifton Park and surrounding areas such as Halfmoon, Mechanicville, and Ballston Spa. The studio has a wheelchair-accessible car park, which is a key feature that helps ensure accessibility for all visitors. This thoughtful provision makes it easier for parents and students with mobility challenges to get to and from classes. The central location in a commercial area of Clifton Park is also a practical benefit, offering easy access from major roads and making it a stress-free destination for parents dropping off or picking up their children. However, some reviews indicate that while the physical location is easy to get to, the experience inside may be impacted by a lack of a waiting room, which can make it difficult for parents to connect with teachers and other families. This detail, combined with the general lack of communication mentioned in one review, suggests that while the physical accessibility is well-considered, the social and communicative aspects may present a different challenge for some families.

Services Offered

Ballet Classes: Instruction in classical ballet, a foundation for many other dance styles, with a focus on technique and form.
Acro Classes: Classes that combine dance and acrobatic movements, helping students with flexibility, strength, and agility.
Jazz Classes: High-energy classes that teach a range of jazz styles, often performed to contemporary music.
Hip-Hop Classes: Instruction in the latest hip-hop styles and choreography.
Contemporary and Lyrical Classes: Expressive dance forms that combine elements of ballet, modern, and jazz.
Creative Movement Classes: Programs for young children (as young as 5) that introduce them to the basics of dance in a fun and engaging way.
Competition Classes: Dedicated programs for students who wish to train and perform in dance competitions.
Private Lessons: One-on-one instruction for personalized training and technique.
Dance Camp and Workshops: Short-term, intensive programs that provide students with opportunities to learn new skills or prepare for performances.

Features and Highlights

Wheelchair-accessible car park: Ensures the studio is accessible to all individuals with mobility needs.
Good for kids: The studio offers classes tailored for children and youth, with a variety of styles to choose from.
Focus on Competition: The studio has a strong emphasis on its competitive dance teams, providing an avenue for dedicated students to perform and compete.
Diverse Class Offerings: A wide range of styles from ballet to hip-hop allows dancers to explore different interests and build a versatile skill set.

Contact Information

Address: 1536 Crescent Rd #12, Clifton Park, NY 12065, USA

Phone: (518) 371-1568

What is worth choosing

Choosing a dance studio is a significant decision, and the experience can vary greatly from one family to the next. For residents of New York considering the Dance Department in Clifton Park, it's important to weigh the varied feedback provided by customers. On one hand, the studio offers a comprehensive range of classes for children, with a strong focus on competitive dance. This can be an excellent fit for highly motivated dancers and their families who are looking for a rigorous, performance-oriented program. The positive review that highlights the kindness of the owner, Connie, and the experience of instructors like Ms. Lauren and Ms. Lindsey, suggests that for some, the studio provides a fulfilling and positive environment. The accessible location with a wheelchair-accessible car park is also a practical benefit. However, the deeply negative review presents significant concerns that are worth considering. Issues with "clique problems," a lack of communication, and a perceived focus on choreography over technique are serious issues that could impact a dancer's experience. The reviewer's account of their daughter being "mentally crushed" by repeated social exclusion, and a baffling lack of communication about out-of-town competitions, paints a picture of a challenging and potentially unwelcoming environment for some students. The fact that the studio may not have a clear waiting area and that the teachers may not introduce themselves to parents could also be a deterrent for families who value a more connected and open community. Ultimately, the Dance Department may be an excellent fit for certain families who are seeking a high-level competitive dance program and are aware of the potential social and communication challenges. However, for those who prioritize a supportive, inclusive, and communicative environment, a thorough inquiry or perhaps a trial class would be an important step before committing to this studio.

Dance Department Services

Dance School
5 Year Old Classes
A Dance Class
Acro Classes
Ballet Classes
Ballet Training
Competition Classes
Contemporary Classes
Creative Movement Classes
Dance Camp
Dance Workshops
Dress Rehearsal
Flexibility Classes
Hip-Hop Classes
Jazz Classes
Lyrical Classes
Modern Classes
Private Lessons
Recreation Class

Dance Department Details

Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park

Children
Good for kids

Dance Department Photos

No photos available at the moment.

Dance Department Location

Dance Department

New York Saratoga County Crescent Road

1536 Crescent Rd #12, Clifton Park, NY 12065, USA

Dance Department Reviews

An average rating of ★4.4 from 5 user reviews.★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

Go literally anywhere else. On the surface it seems nice enough, but has lots of problems. There are major attitude, behavior, and clique problems. It's been so bad the last year that as of this summer 4 different competition team dancers have left the studio in the last 12 months.Communication is severely lacking. Parents rarely hear anything and when they do emails are vague and often unclear. Additionally, lots of things are driven by text message to students the day-before or last-minute, including schedule changes for things that should have been planned and communicated farther in advance.This studio is mostly focused on dance competitions, not technique (regardless of what they claim). I frequently heard from my kid "all we did was the same choreography today". Maybe once a month I'd hear "oh my god we actually did technique today".Classes frequently start late as prior classes run over. Students often show up late leading to delays. Classes waste an inordinate amount of time discussing social media, gossip, or because a teacher has a friend visiting and distracting them. I get frustrated when I pick up my daughter and commonly hear "we stood around for half the class because of STUPID-REASON".Not welcoming. There's no waiting room or opportunity to really meet the teachers. I didn't even know what they looked like for the first year we were there. I've attended all my daughter's dance competitions for multiple YEARS and have yet to have the Studio Owner or a single teacher stop and introduce themselves. NOT ONCE. I know that dance comps aren't meet-and-greets, but basic manners aren't that hard. All it takes is a single sentence such as "oh hi, are you KID'S parents? Nice to meet you, I'm NAME and I teach DANCE_STYLE".Their Competition Team is ok, but it's made so much harder than it needs to be and is plagued by cliques. There's a clique of younger kids and one of older kids. If you're not in either one you might as well forget it. Kids are intentionally excluded from things over and over. Bad behavior occurs in front of teachers on multiple occasions and they ignore it. My kid repeatedly told me about something rude another student did or said that was directly heard or observed by a teacher and then ignored.There is also a BAFFLING lack of communication with out-of-town competitions, unless you're in one of the cliques of course. Comp after comp certain kids would get excluded from team gatherings or activities. We'd see pictures or hear conversations that these things were involving much or most of the comp team, except for the kids that weren't in the 2 cliques. After one of the dance comps this year we saw the studio post a photo to social media that showed most of the comp team (minis, juniors, seniors) in a hotel lobby posing for a photo together. Apparently they were staying in the same hotel together (gee, thanks for not telling the whole comp team) or at the very least all decided to get together there to hang out and/or take a group picture. It should not be a surprise the SAME kids as usual were excluded and had no idea this was happening. It's pathetic that not a single child or adult there had the common decency or empathy to ask who might be missing and think to text them (they all have each other's cell numbers). This particular occurrence just mentally crushed my daughter as it was one of a dozen similar experiences that just reinforced they don't want her there.Just to reinforce that we're not being paranoid another example. At the next out of town comp we picked a hotel that was quite a ways up the highway from the recommended hotels for that comp and even across the state line. The next morning we were there we saw multiple members of the studio in the lobby including one who seemed surprised we were staying there, but not surprised at all the other comp team members there. Year after year we wondered how strange it was that the majority of the comp team ended up at the same hotels for out-of-town comps except for the same few kids. It's not paranoia when it's true.
August 29 · Steven Minher
One of the best dance studios in the area. The owner Connie is the nicest person in the world, Ms. Lauren has 30 years of dance experience and Ms. Lindsey has been dancing forever as well. If you are looking to get your child into dance, this is the school. The price is right on par with the other dance schools in the area but the experience far exceeds the competition
August 29 · Ryan Kent
I'm going to join the dancestors department yay I cannot wait and going to beDoing hip-hop with Emma! I hope Emma ps if you didn't know it's Emma Destefano so I hope Emma reads this Emma is my friend she goesto the same school as me okte! LOL LOVE KEILLA XOXOYA!
May 15 · Keilla Damis
One of the Best Dance studios in Clifton Park. Mrs Lauren is great!
December 01 · Jordan Rakoske
My 2 grandaughters loved it!!
September 21 · Andre Bigos