Merrilee Studios

Reviews

• CS

  Courtney Stivers

  Apr 7, 2021
  5.0
  Both of my kinds take dance here currently. My daughter has been with Merrilee for three years and my son for one year. You can tell that the studio really cares about every kid and all skill levels. They are always professional, positive, treat others with respect, and give accurate and helpful feedback. If you have a son (or daughter) that struggles with focus, hyperactivity, and/or emotional regulation, please consider an individually focused sport/art such as dance. There are other boys in almost every class, especially tumbling and jazz. We tried baseball, soccer, and considered wrestling, but none of it worked for our son. He liked the social aspect, but did not ever want to practice or give any effort. It was such a struggle. We took a year off of trying sports due to the pandemic and then reevaluated what was the best activity for both our kids. My daughter very vocally dislikes participation in all other sports. She wants to be a dance teacher. My son had asked regularly for two years to do dance (since he was dragged to watch sister's practices every week), and I always said no. He had other activities and I was honestly concerned he would be bullied for being a boy. Last year, he went to his sister's dance classes during a "bring a friend week" and the rest is history. I only regret not putting him in it sooner. He has done SO MUCH BETTER with regulating his emotions, showing empathy for others, he never ever hits his sister, and he can now focus enough to read books for an hour or more on his own. He takes no medication. He actually asked me to see if his teacher would video his routine so he could practice at home. Voluntary practice? Who is this child? He may want to stop dance a year from now or take lessons for years. Either way, he is learning skills now (e.g. practice, patience, grit, focus, empathy) that will help him for a lifetime. Do not let concerns about what other people think keep you from something that truly helps your kids. I can't say enough about how helpful Merrilee has been for my family.
• SI

  Samantha Ingold

  Aug 2, 2019
  5.0
  my home away from home:)
• DC

  Deanna Clark

  Aug 1, 2019
  5.0
  Merrilee has been my daughters second home for 14 years. They teach to every skill level and only want what is best for the students. The Russian Ballet method is fantastic and shows during their yearly recitals and competitions. This type of ballet is the foundation of other dance and the dancers really enjoy learning it as well. The teachers have extensive knowledge of dance and do professional development yearly to increase their dance skills. The tumbling program is also well done and professionally taught. I can’t say enough good about this locally owned and operated studio.