-
August 2024 by Justin Kyllonen
My wife’s niece went through bullying from a dance instructor… told her she was dressed inappropriately but was wearing a tank top and shorts!? Trying to figure out the issue in that? You had to embarrass her infront of the class!!? and not talk to the mother after class or email/phone call? Not to mention she had hip hop and another class back to back and forgot some stuff. We’re new this year…. And still learning and had the nerve to speak to a kid like that? You probably shouldn’t be a teacher if you handle a kid dressing different than other kids. Hire better instructors…
-
April 2024 by Michelle McAllister
So, I am one of those parents who "doesn't leave." Yep, if my kid is there, I usually am too. But, the result is I actually see what is going on at the studio (usually four to five times a week). Here's what I can tell you:
There are levels. If your child wants to stay in what they call "Fundamentals" that's wonderful, but you should know that it is a competitive dance school. That means that while they do have Showcases twice a year for those Fundamental dancers, there are also higher level competing dancers at the studio as well. Dancers can be invited to audition for one of the Company teams during evaluations. If your child is on the team, they will be pushed as a dancer and will have a commitment for one year. As with any other sports team, if you are competing, then the coaches will try to pull the best from the athlete. As a parent I hope for two things from what our kids are involved in. The first is that it brings out their best. And the second is that it presents what we call "parenting opportunities." Any activity that pushes a child presents opportunities to help them grow (up).
You get what you pay for. Our kids are also doing other activities and I can tell you that the structure is the same and the price works out when you divide out the number of hours with the hourly cost. Also, with Krav there are "testing fees" and equipment, and and and... Let's face it, right now life is costly. The higher the level, the higher the cost--and competitive dancing (if that's what is right for your dancer and your family) is expensive. Go into it aware of that and prepared and it won't frustrate you.
I have never met a kinder and more capable staff. Truly.
Has there been bullying? I would imagine, yes. Kids are occasionally children and like all of us--painfully human. But, the MINOR situations I have been aware of the staff have dealt with it directly, immediately, and appropriately, and have used it as a teaching opportunity.
The school is incredibly diverse. While my daughter wanted to dance at Groove Nation (initially) because she said it just "felt right" compared to the other schools we looked at, I liked it in part because there's so much diversity at the school. Sadly, the PNW is not as culturally diverse as where I was raised and I wanted my child to be around people who look different from her, and act different from her. She never saw the differences, and now because of this experience I don't think she ever will. This is not a cookie-cutter school and I love that.
The owners, and coaches, legitimately care about the students.
The feel of the studio, if you stick around long enough, is one of comradery and encouragement. I was part of the competitive dance world when I was younger, and I can tell you that I've never seen a dance group as supportive of one another as these dancers are.
We have now been at Groove Nation for years and I couldn't speak more highly of the owners, staff, coaches, or dancers.
-
April 2024 by John McAllister
Couldn't ask for a better experience, or environment, outside of our own home for our daughter.
-
March 2024 by Tk L.
Best Dance Academy around! You can always tell when they hit the stage because they truly stand out above other places. They invest so much into their students to promote growth in every way possible. It is such a positive and encouraging yet challenging (in all the right ways) environment! I absolutely love this place!
-
March 2024 by miranda drake
Great company for dance. Helped my child build self esteem and confidence through her teens. I highly recommend this studio!
-
February 2024 by Mate Varga
We had our daughter's 7th birthday party at Groove Nation and they were absolute pros. Hands down among the best places for her birthday. They're super friendly, knowledgeable, and kind. Loved our time there.
-
January 2024 by W T Meier
Excellent tap class with step by step ( pardon pun) techniques that we start out slow and gradually get faster as we learn the process.
-
January 2024 by gunnar jorstad
Groove nation is the best ! They are so welcoming and knowledgeable, the facility is fantastic, the coaches are fun and supportive - all while actually putting you to work!We love MartinHighly recommend
-
September 2023 by Ben S.
Went to Groove Nation today with my 3 yr old godson for hip hop class. We were greeted with smiles at the front desk, some snacks were available for my son while we waited for our class to start. Very large space with multiple dance venues and rooms to practice. You can tell this is a place that is geared towards kids, teens, and adults with a variety of opportunities from beginner to advanced. I had the chance to talk with a couple of the other parents who were a all really encouraging and friendly as our godson was a little shy for his first time. They said their kiddos were the same way when they first started but as they kept coming we're more outgoing. I really like what Groove Nation is doing and we will be back!
-
September 2023 by Amy Roy
Groove Nation is a great family establishment that cultivates a positive atmosphere and safe-haven for all ages!
-
September 2023 by Steve Dobbs
I have read recent reviews about Groove Nation and am shocked and surprised that those posting about 'issues' didn't immediately address it with staff (always present). Beau and Rose (the owners) would have handled any such complaints promptly, with poise and compassion and definitely held accountable anyone who was less than professional, empathetic and loving toward ANY student. With that, here is my personal review.Our daughter danced at Groove Nation for over 10 years, most of that as part of the competitive dance company. Everyone was welcoming, loving, inclusive, uplifting and genuine in their desire to make every dancer feel like part of the "family". My wife and I have always been very careful about coaches/teammates/teachers/mentors who interacted with our daughter, to ensure she had people supporting our morals and values. We certainly would not have allowed her to be part of a team or studio where our own moral compass was not enhanced. From the beginning to the end (she graduated and went on to college), Groove Nation staff, coaches, teachers, parents and most of all, owners Beau and Rose lifted our daughter, not only with dance but with her personal growth, self worth and confidence. They expect that with EVERY student who walks in their door; anything less is not part of what Groove Nation stands for and they will not tolerate it.There are several dance studios around the area and maybe Groove Nation is not for everyone. However, if you want your child to grow as a person and not just a dancer, to flourish in confidence, to be held up and not held back, to be accepted for themselves and included in a 'family' atmosphere built on a moral compass that always points north, then Groove is the place for you. It always was and always will be, the place for us and our daughter.
-
September 2023 by DJ H
Google keeps asking me to review this place so I will. My wife’s younger siblings had bad experiences toward the end of their time at groove. It really sucks that things didn’t end well because we loved watching the performances. But after certain things were said and done, I definitely can’t give a good review.
-
July 2023 by Iridescent Blogs
Huge bullying culture. I brought a foster girl here from work for her first dance class ever and one of the teachers was making fun of the girl I brought. She was in the bathroom laughing so tu other girls about how the girl I brought was dancing and called her gross and dirty and spoke about how she smelled. I simply washed my hands and left with my client. Little did she know we had removed this child from a household where she endured severe trauma a few weeks back. Where’s the compassion and understanding? It doesn’t matter how old you are, if you’re a teacher at this dance studio, be professional. The teacher who was being very disrespectful has long dark straight hair, hope that helps. Mental health matter. Being kind matter. Do better.
-
June 2023 by Tesha Hansen
I love groove nation! They have wonderful teachers, the studio is beautiful, and the owners are amazing!!
-
April 2023 by Morai Ball
They have large studios and several different dance classes. Very high quality music and dance classes for kids. My youngest is 2. She is out of control and movement’s so crazy but teacher is kind and patient. She loves this toddler class.Highly recommended for your kids. Restrooms are clean receptionists are so kind and welcoming. Everything is organized and neat. I like here. ?
