DeVore Dance Center: A Cultural Hub in Jamaica, NY

DeVore Dance Center Introduce

In the vibrant and diverse community of Jamaica, Queens, the DeVore Dance Center has been a long-standing institution dedicated to the performing arts. As a cultural center, its mission is to provide a space for aspiring dancers to learn, grow, and express themselves through the art of movement. The studio offers a wide range of dance disciplines, from classical ballet to high-energy hip-hop, catering to the varied interests of the local community. It positions itself as a place that not only teaches dance technique but also helps build character and confidence in its students. The studio's commitment to the performing arts is a central part of its identity, preparing students for recitals and performances that showcase their skills. For families in Queens and throughout New York City, DeVore Dance Center is an option for dance education, offering a variety of classes for all ages. It is a place where young people are encouraged to discover their passion for dance, develop their talents, and become part of a larger artistic community. The cultural center aims to be a hub where the next generation of performers can find a strong foundation for their artistic journey, and an overall experience that is enriching for all involved.

The experience at DeVore Dance Center, as with any educational institution, can vary from student to student. While the center has a long history and is a Black-owned business, which many local New Yorkers appreciate and wish to support, some recent reviews have raised concerns about the day-to-day operations and student experience. The intent of the studio is to provide a high-level academic experience in dance, but some parents have noted that in their view, some instructors lack creativity and the movements for younger classes may not be age-appropriate. There have also been concerns about the fostering of a sense of community, with some new students feeling a sense of disconnect and isolation. It is important for parents and students to do their own research and consider all feedback before making a decision. The studio’s commitment to providing a professional dance academic experience is a goal that many families seek, and it is a factor worth considering when exploring local options. The studio’s founder, Carolyn DeVore, is a well-respected figure in the community, holding a Bachelor's Degree in Modern Dance and Secondary Education and a Master's Degree in Special Education. She has received numerous awards, including the U.S. Congressional Award in 2001 and the Queens Borough President's Special Recognition Award in 2008, which speaks to her dedication to her craft and her community. Her vision of reaching young people through the art of dance is the driving force behind the cultural center.

DeVore Dance Center is located at 205-05 Hollis Ave, Jamaica, NY 11412, USA. This location places the studio in the heart of Queens, making it a convenient option for residents of Jamaica and surrounding neighborhoods. As a cultural center, its presence in a central part of the community enhances its accessibility for families. The studio’s location is a key factor for those considering it as a local option for their children's dance education. Its central position in Jamaica makes it easy to reach via public transportation and by car. While specific parking information is not provided in the public data, the studio's presence on a well-known avenue suggests that it is integrated into the local transportation network. The studio's commitment to being a central part of the community is a factor to consider for those seeking a dance school that is not just a business, but a local institution. The studio's location is a benefit for those who prioritize a short commute and easy access for daily classes and rehearsals.

The DeVore Dance Center offers a wide array of services and classes designed to provide a comprehensive performing arts education. Their curriculum covers a variety of dance styles, catering to different interests and skill levels.

Ballet Classes: A core offering that teaches the classical discipline of ballet.
Classical Ballet: A focused class on the traditional techniques and forms of ballet.
Concert Dance: Classes that prepare students for performances and stage productions.
Groups Classes: Standard classes for students of all ages in a group setting.
Hip-Hop Dances: High-energy classes that teach the popular and modern style of hip-hop.
Modern Jazz Dance: A class that blends the styles of modern dance and jazz.
Performance Arts: The overarching focus on preparing students for performances.
Performance Dance: Classes that are specifically geared towards performance and stage presence.
Special Education: The studio offers programs tailored to students with special education needs, a significant and commendable feature.
Street Dance: Classes that teach various styles of street dance, emphasizing rhythm and personal expression.
Tap Classes: A class dedicated to the rhythmic percussive style of tap dance.
Tap Dance: The general term for the studio's tap offerings.

A key feature of DeVore Dance Center is its long history as a Black-owned business, which is a source of pride for many in the community. The studio’s founder and artistic director, Carolyn DeVore, has a background in both modern dance and special education, which is reflected in the unique offering of special education programs. This specialization is a major highlight, as it provides a valuable service to a demographic that may not be served by other dance schools. The studio also accepts a variety of modern payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments, which adds a layer of convenience for parents. The focus on performing arts and concert dance is a notable feature for students who are serious about pursuing a career in dance. However, it is also important to consider the feedback from some customers who have raised concerns about the studio's operations. The reviews mention a lack of professionalism, disorganization, and a perceived favoritism toward returning students. These are factors to consider when evaluating the overall experience. The positive features include the studio’s commitment to teaching a variety of dance styles and its focus on providing a platform for students to perform. The studio is also noted as being "Good for kids," which speaks to its intended audience and the family-friendly nature of its programs. The studio's longevity in the community is another feature that many people consider when choosing a dance school.

For more information or to inquire about class schedules, you can contact DeVore Dance Center directly. The address is 205-05 Hollis Ave, Jamaica, NY 11412, USA. You can reach them by phone at (718) 776-0060. The mobile phone number is +1 718-776-0060. This direct contact information makes it easy for prospective students and their parents to ask questions about class schedules and programs. It is recommended to contact the studio directly to get the most accurate and up-to-date information, and to address any questions or concerns you may have before making a decision.

When considering DeVore Dance Center as a choice for dance education in New York, it is important to weigh all aspects of the experience. On one hand, the studio is a long-standing cultural center with a clear focus on the performing arts, a variety of classes, and a commendable commitment to special education. It is a Black-owned business that many families wish to support, and its founder has an impressive background in both dance and education. However, it is also essential to take into account the recent customer reviews that have highlighted concerns about professionalism, class quality, and a lack of communication. The reviews mention issues with a chaotic recital, disappointing choreography, and a general feeling of disorganization. While it is important to support local businesses, especially those that are minority-owned, it is also crucial to choose a place where your child will feel safe, supported, and truly able to "bloom." The feedback suggests that prospective students and parents should exercise caution and seek a "genuine reference" to make an informed decision. For those who prioritize a rigorous performance arts education and are willing to navigate potential operational issues, this studio may be a fit. However, for those who value a consistent, nurturing, and well-organized environment above all else, it may be worth exploring other options in the vast New York dance scene.

DeVore Dance Center Services

Dance School
Ballet Classes
Classical Ballet
Concert Dance
Groups Classes
Hip-Hop Dances
Modern Jazz Dance
Performance Arts
Performance Dance
Special Education
Street Dance
Tap Classes
Tap Dance

DeVore Dance Center Details

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids

DeVore Dance Center Photos

No photos available at the moment.

DeVore Dance Center Location

DeVore Dance Center

New York Queens County Jamaica Hollis Avenue

205-05 Hollis Ave, Jamaica, NY 11412, USA

DeVore Dance Center Reviews

An average rating of ★4.1 from 28 user reviews.

studioblack owned businessmoneystudentschoreographyinsecurityfeereviewconfidenceclasses

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

I recently enrolled my granddaughter with the Devore Dance Center because the school stressed building character and grace, along with a dance academic experience on a higher level.To my dismay, this did not occur. Many of the dance instructors showed a lack of creativity, and some movements for the younger classes were not age appropriate.My granddaughter said she felt isolated as a new student because the dance instructors showed obvious preference toward the students who were there the previous years. She did not feel a sense of fellowship as a member of the group which should have been fostered by the dance instructors.The instructors also offered little positive instruction when critiquing a dancer's missteps. They did, however, insult the dancer's intellect, which caused shame and insecurity.It’s also essential to know, classes aren't held every Saturday as expressed during registration, and you won't get everything that was promised with the registration fee.Keep in mind that Devore Dance charges you for the last month of classes right at the start, even though no classes are actually happening that month. So, you end up paying double for the first month of dance lessons as well as the required registration fee.My interaction with the staff was also pretty unpleasant; I found them to be rude and dismissive. They showed a lack of interest in my concerns or questions, as though they were not knowledgeable or affiliated with the Devore Dance Center.Overall, I do not recommend Devore Dance Center as your upcoming dance experience on any level. This experience was HORRIBLE and not worth the hassle, stress or money! As someone who supports Black owned Businesses, I am truly disappointed and expected more.
July 25 · Deelizbeth G
I really wanted to support a black-owned business, but this dance company shows absolutely no degree of professionalism. For the year 2024–2025, my daughter was registered at Devore Dance, but she wasn't much pleased with her experiences there.Even if Devore's fees are less than others, it’s due to the minimum amount of classes provided and the subpar choreography. Classes are not provided each Saturday like we are told when signing up, and the registration price doesn’t cover everything promised.When there are questions that need to be answered or concerns to be addressed, the staff shows no accountability. The parents and students are ignored or told that it isn’t their issue and there’s nothing they can do to help.It also appears as if Devore is overbooking her classes, so the end of the year recital was very chaotic and disorganized. It lasted nearly 5 hours! To top it off, the choreography was very disappointing.While the staff members are quite severe and dismissive, the dance instructors frequently resort to screaming at students, thereby showing a high degree of unprofessionalism and unacceptable verbal abuse.Rather than elegance and confidence, Devore Dance creates an atmosphere of anxiety and self-doubt. The noticeable favoritism among instructors and lack of encouragement of a sense of community among the kids cause some of them to feel excluded and disconnected.Since the academy isn't worth the money, or the time invested, it's best to stay away from it. Please don’t be like me, I had no genuine reference to make an informed decision.Consider once more, if you're only giving this school some thought because of its convenient proximity or due to recommendations which are manipulative and self-serving! There are far better choices if you want a credible dance school.We all deserve to have our children bloom like beautiful flowers, rather than having their petals wither due to inadequate instruction and encouragement.
July 19 · Tunis
This school is just the worst! My daughter had a terrible time at this dance academy during 2024-2025. Any review that states anything different is just being biased, untrue and totally off-base.Devore seems to be driven by greed, focusing more on volume rather than high quality technical excellence. You don’t always get what you pay for, even when you request it, like the dance photo that every student is supposed to receive. That's just a standard part of any dance academy but it was never provided after it was taken.It's clear that this environment does not at all meet the promised standards of quality and performance that were expected upon enrollment, which is very disappointing. Especially for a Black Owned Business.The staff is very rude, dismissive and unprofessional and the dance instructors shout at the students, and demean them when they make a mistake, instead of encouraging them to do better in a positive manner.The dance classes do not take place each Saturday, and the choreography is very mediocre, salacious and not age appropriate. The students can learn better dances on social media or by being self-taught, truthfully.The instructors don't encourage the students to facilitate camaraderie, and the preferential treatment is very noticeable, causing some students to feel lonely and left out. Instead of instilling confidence, class and grace, Devore Dance fosters fear and insecurity.Don't waste your energy, time or money. It's not worth it at all! If you're considering this academy due to the convenience of the location like most people do, Don't! And what may appear to be inexpensive initially, can lead to greater costs and problems in the long run. There are much better options if you're seeking a quality dance academy.
July 19 · D A
The DeVore Dance center is family and they treat all the dancers like family. When Dance is your lifestyle or your passion there is something for everyone. The Whole child is their number 1 priority at DDC
February 12 · Camille Doherty
This is my first year with Devore Dance Studio and my two daughters are truly appreciative of the hard work and professionalism that goes into their dance instruction. The recital was amazing and well put together! I can see the rapid growth of my daughters' skill after joining late in the year. Thank you Ms. Devore and to all the teachers that serve with love, skill and passion. -Jo and Ayana's mom
July 12 · Angela Monique