Riley's School Of Dance Inc

• I have been at Riley's going on our sixth year and love it!! I now have my two sons and my daughter in this school. It has been a great pleasure watching my children grow as dancers and also as individuals. This school is very professional and does a great job making you feel part of an extended family. I have so many new friends and always feel welcome and comfortable. I can only say great things about the staff. They know what they are doing and have been a family of dancers and a school for over 75 years. I have always recommended this school to family and friends. The recital is a true show in the sense of Broadway and my family comes from all over to enjoy this spectacular event. I am one proud dance dad!!\r \r As for a previous comment I saw regarding the rules; it is clear every year what is expected of our children and ourselves every year when we register. It is in writing and you sign it. I think for you to say how horrible your experience was and then say you went back to register again shows that you see the quality of the school. My kids are always fed before the show and during intermission and have never been told they cannot eat. Your child is with you and is not left with the staff of the school. So if you brought your sick family to auditorium full of people and could not find a baby sitter for your youngest is sad and is your responsibility as an adult and parent. I also have never had an issue with my family seeing my children during the show. You are over exaggerating everything and contradict yourself. But after all your complaining of your issues, you still went back when you know you did wrong. You are an adult and you need to teach your children by your example. People are responsible for their actions. And you broke your daughters heart, not the great staff of the school and you were warned the day it happened before you left. Your choice you that have to live with. Own it….\r more

My Momma bear claws are coming out. \r \r For the past 2 weeks, Sophia and I have been talking about how excited she is to start up dance again. This year, she was going to start tap for the first time and couldn't wait. I couldn't wait. I know just how much she loves to dance and I get so much enjoyment in watching her.\r \r That all has to change today.\r Why?\r \r Because Riley's School of Dance told me, in FRONT of my 4 year old, that she is NOT welcome back. I, as her mother, am a rule breaker. You see, during their recital in June, all of the dance students were made to stay backstage for 3 hours with NO food or drink. They were NOT allowed to leave to see their family members and they were NOT allowed to see any of the performances. I, as her momma, stayed with her backstage because I didn't want her to be alone. After an hour and a half, I knew my youngest (who was ONE at the time) was not feeling well. She had diarrhea and was beyond exhausted. My THREE year old was hungry, thirsty and tired. The rule enforcers came around backstage very frequently to be sure no one was eating or drinking. I, as her momma, made the executive decision to go home. It wasn't fair to my THREE year old nor my ONE year old to stay. Besides, I wanted my daughter to see dance as something fun, not something dreaded. And believe me, I was not the only momma upset with these rules. We left and went home.\r \r Well today was dance registration. Sophia, Molly and I were all looking forward to it. Unfortunately, because I am a rule breaker, because I am a mother who puts my child's needs first, I was berated in front of a room of people. ""It was not the children who were breaking the rules, it was YOU. You are not welcome back.""\r \r And with those words, I then needed to explain to my very upset FOUR year old why she wasn't allowed back. It broke my heart. But you know what, it was a blessing in disguise. This studio is not at ALL where I want my daughter to be. For a studio that supposedly prides itself on its rules, this seemed to be the only rule they actually enforced. Not only am I disgusted and embarrassed, I am outraged. \r \r On a new note, I'm thrilled to find a new dance studio. A place where my daughter is welcomed, encouraged, supported and accepted. more