Gayton Dance World

These people are so much fun! Make no mistake, they are great dance teachers who will push for excellence, but it’s the right combination of fun and work. The shows they put on are fabulous. They regularly get a large number of 5 year olds to mostly do the same thing at the same, which is a small miracle in and of itself, but also have a number of their graduates stick with dance as a profession that end up on Broadway, in major videos, and with sports teams.

We are not re-​enrolling my daughter with Gayton Dance this year due to consistent issues with mistreatment and disrespect by the owner. My daughter has been attending Gayton for over three years, and on multiple occasions the owner has made unprofessional comments to her and other girls. For example: On the day of a recital, my daughter was told in passing by Robin Gayton, «Your hair needs to be better!» She continued to walk past, and gave her no input on what needed to be improved. Her hair did look nice, and no instruction was given prior to the show about how it should look. Another time, a younger girl at the studio was wearing a tie-​die shirt at practice (mind you– there are no restrictions against color of clothing for practice), and Robin Gayton told her that her shirt was «hideous!» Another staff member (Robin’s daughter– Santana) had to comfort the girl as she was crying at the insult. The owner speaks to girls in a condescending tone on a regular basis, is short with parents, and fees for recitals and costumes are regularly outrageous. After three years in hip-​hop, Robin informed us that my daughter was «not ready» for ballet, while ballet is offered at their studio for all skills levels. I feel my daughter would be better instructed at a studio where she is treated with respect, encouraged to try new styles of dance, and provided with positive, self-​esteem building encouragement. Dance is a hobby for many girls, attended for fun as well as skill. Robin treats children as if they are all professional adult broadway performers, and could use some education on how to tactfully interact with children.
Another side issue: It is my personal opinion that this studio is sexualizing young girls with many of the costumes and dances they choose. Girls should be taught a little more modesty and respect for their body.

This studio is great for younger dancers looking for a foundation in dance. Also great recreational classes. Not the best for the serious dancer looking to improve technique.

Santana is a great teacher but the rest of our experiences, including my child being blamed for the cancellation of an entire class because she took the summer off, were not so great. :(

We enrolled our daughter here, the studio is nice and tucked in the corner, large and the owners are friendly. They really take the dancing serious on all levels. Age wise that is. Very professional.