Stage One Dance Center

My 5 years old daughter dances here and is in the ballet/​tap group. She enjoys the teacher she has Ms. Kiana and gets so excited for wednesdays because of what she will be learning. The Spring recital is coming up and I cant wait for the Father/​Daughter dance! :)

Bravo! For the joy of dancing! Have you experienced the shows like I have? Have you ever seen so many smiles, or heard the sound of a happy audience? Stage One is dance business at it’s best! For 22 years the owner has inspired many a dancer and family alike. The popularity has grown and so has Stage One Dance. With the yearly Torchlight parade, to the spectacular end of year shows, where every dancer gets to perform. Everyone is included in this celebration of dance. From mesmerizing lyrical performances, haunting modern interpretation, to fast paced and fun, the choreography and skill will remind you of the purpose of dance as an art form. A favorite performance the, ‘father and little dancer’ number, always brings resounding cheers. Also for the experienced dancer, there is the Company which dancers have the opportunity to perform all around the Bay area. This is what the dancer is working for, to express his or herself and create joy. Besides the compilation of talent, costumes, music and choreography, there is the enduring benefit that this Dance Center has upon the student and the community. I’ve witnessed how dance training improves a young life, from instilling confidence to learning responsibility. The positive attitude of the instructors towards their students leaves an impression on their hearts that will last a lifetime. Dancers never forget the numerous lessons they learn in the Studio. The joy of working hard, expression of self, and the chance to perform for the people they love. What a gift Stage One has been to Benicia, and the surrounding area!

Would never take my daughter’s here again. Due to their no refund policy. They had taken one class and still no refund accepted. Mr daughter was 4 and changed her mind. Waste of money and would never spend another dime for this sorry blank studio.

Regarding the quality of instruction: I felt my daughter (age 3) received adequate instruction. It might’ve been nice to see a stricter policy regarding parents and siblings in the studio during class though. While I’m sure they felt they were helping their child, they were also increasing the commotion/​distraction level overall.
My poor review is in regard to their «no refunds» policy. My daughter started her second semester there and lost interest after the first class. I called asking for a refund and got a flat ‘no’. I understand the need to reserve space in a class and the potential need to turn away other kids, etc., but that wasn’t the case here. There were six girls in the class and we signed her up on the night of the first class. There was no other kid being turned away and no associated revenue loss to the studio from our daughter taking a spot in a class that size.
A good owner/​businessperson would take this into consideration — along with the fact that if my daughter wants to dance again in the future — we might be customers for the next decade or more.
In the end though, we’re out a semester’s tuition because a three year old lost interest, as three year olds sometimes do. I’m sure she’ll take ballet again at some point. And if necessary, I’ll drive to San Francisco before I’ll give Stage One another dollar.
Don’t make the same mistake I did. Take your kids someplace that’s more understanding of their customers.
Two stars for instructors/​facility. Zero stars for ownership/​management.