Dance Factory

I did not have a good experience buying ballet shoes at the retail part of this business. Some background- I signed up for adult ballet classes, (not at this studio). I heard trying on ballet slippers in person is best to get the right fit. Well, after two ballet classes, and educating myself online I realize my ballet shoes are too big. My experience trying on shoes there felt like the employee either didn’t know much about fit and size or she just didn’t want to help. I’ve never tried on ballet shoes. She had me try on different sizes, and I just kept going down a size to what I thought would fit best? I had no guidance from the employee on how ballet shoes are supposed to fit. I asked questions, and hardly got a response. It felt uncomfortable and odd especially because this was my first time. Also there was another employee there that maybe seemed like a manager? I was looking over at her, wondering if she would help the employee who seemed either she didn’t know what she was doing or didn’t care. My regular shoe size is a 7.5, I ended up going home with size 6C ballet shoes. I found out online after (my ballet classes) that leather ballet shoes can stretch 1/2 a size and that there are different widths for them also. I don’t have a wide foot, so I probably should have been fitted with a 5.5B to compensate for my narrower width and room to stretch. I called the store today, told my experience to the woman on the phone who tells me she’s the manager. She said unfortunately there was nothing she could do since I wore the ballet shoes to class. I kept saying to her I had no help or guidance from the employee and it was a disappointing experience, going home with the wrong size, without even knowing it’s the wrong size until I did my research later! I would expect her employees would at least be knowledgeable and guide customers especially since they’re dancers themselves! The manager asked “if there was anything else she could do?” I said if she won’t honor an exchange for the right size, I guess not because I didn’t want to spend more money on another pair there. Then I did ask if it’s possible if I could talk to the owner because I was really not happy with the whole experience… Then she tells me she is the owner! I couldn’t believe it. She couldn’t make her customer happy by exchanging a pair of $24 ballet shoes for the correct size. Then she kept asking “if there was anything else she could do?” Really?!! Obviously there wasn’t anything else she could do besides humor me. I never do reviews, but I’ve been in retail and customer service for years, so I had to share my bad experience with this owner. Why couldn’t she take back my poor fitting shoes and make it right with ones that fit? Very disappointing poor customer service.

My granddaughter is shy and her teacher was patient and kind! She loves going!

My daughter has started her dance experience in the last month. She’s 32 months (3 years old in September.) The instructors are incredible. It’s been refreshing to be somewhere she can be herself and we don’t leave feeling overwhelmed or judged!

My daughter has danced at the Dance Factory for the past 8 years. She started out taking just 1 class for a few years and is now currently enrolled in 6 as a competitive dancer. Being part of the Dance Factory family has taught my daughter discipline, dedication, time management, perseverance, team work, how to overcome fears, and more importantly that you don't always win. Losing is one of life's hardest lessons but dancing at the Dance Factory has taught my daughter true sportsmanship. The atmosphere is welcoming and the teachers work great with the kids. They are patient, knowledgeable, and fun!

I grew up dancing in the competitive program here and then taught at the studio for 10+ years. My daughter is now also a member of the competitive program after starting her dance journey off elsewhere. What I love about the Dance Factory is the good, strong, technical foundation that dancers are provided, regardless if they are a part of the recreation or competitive program. The structured environment and curriculum enables students to achieve at all levels, and become beautiful, confident performers. The teachers and choreographers here are AWESOME! The amount of hours, blood, sweat and tears that go into sharing their passion are much appreciated. As a former dancer/teacher/choreographer turned “dance mom”, I am happy to be back to the place I used to call home!