Joyce Willett School Of Dance

My daughter danced with JWSD for 12 years! Dancing at JWSD taught her more than dance. She learned to achieve something great that she had to work hard for it. JWSD taught her discipline, gave her a strong work ethic and many lifelong friends. I believe that the reason my daughter has excelled in all of her endeavors is because of the confidence she gained from being a part of Body Talk Dance Company. We are such strong believers of JWSD that for years we drove over an hour to attend class at least 4 times a week. We knew that the quality of instruction was worth the long drive. I encourage parents to enroll their children in JWSD. more

I've been a dancer at JWSD for 12 years and I couldn't have asked for a better studio. JWSD has taught me so much about teamwork, dedication, and discipline. The teachers here go above and beyond to make sure each child feels like they can call this studio a home. Our teachers our qualified to teach very young kids and they are great with pre-school age children! They make sure the toddlers are doing age-appropriate dances, and are dressed in age-appropriate dancewear, this includes making sure all the kids come and go in coverups, trust me parents you will be so thankful when your kid is 15 and they try to walk out in a bra and tights and you can tell them its a rule that they wear coverups!!!!! At JWSD they believe in instilling discipline in dancers at a young age, but of course the teachers do not expect 2 year-olds to behave like 12 year-olds!!!! The instructers have a lot of experience teaching dance and they how much a child can handle. Yes, the teachers will be hands-on with the kids but that is neccessary when teaching dance. When the kids are little they need help tumbling, and learning how to place their bodies in the different dance poses. This studio is an amazing place for any age child, whether they are serious about dance, or just there to have fun! I hope you come check us out (there are free trial classes!!!!!!!!!) more

We recently had our recital and I was a stage mom back stage for my daughter's class. They couldn't find anyone to do this and I didn't want to but felt pressured because with no stage mom, the girls don't get to dance. This was my daughter's first recital and I really wanted to sit in the audience. I reluctantly agreed. They told me I would have the best view even better than the audience, so that seemed nice. Turns out I did not have the best view. I had to stand way to the side, and I could not see my daughter at all the only kid I saw was the one at the end of the line. Also it was stressful to work with all the kids backstage, especially when one had to go to bathroom and I couldn't find anyone to help me watch the rest. The backstage mom job was pressured on me and was told to parents the job is to keep the kids safe, but when I took the one to the bathroom and left the rest, I got stressed. My daughter loves to dance, and I didn't enjoy her moment. I'd love to hear any recommendations for another studio. It seemed many parents were quite happy. Probably not for us. The price was reasonable, but I guess you get what you pay for. more

Unfortunately, we chose a school we found was not for us. We loved it initially, but then our experience went down hill. We did not appreciate our child getting in trouble for needing to use the restroom as she is hewly potty trained. I understand they wish for no interruptions, but little ones have to go when they have to go! To receive a note at the end of class to ""have your child use restroom before class"" is so annoying because we always do. more

We had a horrible experience here. The young instructors forced my barely 4 year olds to dance to inappropriate songs like Mambo number 5 with sexy dance moves, including singling my son out to ""judge"" the little girls around him as part of the dance. I was horrified. They are training little girls to be little Britney Spears. When I complained and suggested there are many wholesome songs for 4 year olds, like Annie or Disney the owner LAUGHED AT ME. On top of their strict rule your child wear a coverup they literally write your 3 or 4 year old up for asking permission to use the bathroom during class. How can you treat a 3 year old like that? I am shocked these people HAVE a license to RUN a preschool they SHOULD NOT. They have no appreciation for children's developmental needs. The Berkman location is very dirty, unkept and the parking lot feels especially unsafe. more

My daughter has been dancing at Joyce Willett for 2 years now. She takes the tap, ballet, gymnastics class and just loves. No pressure, just fun - but the teachers really know what they are teaching! They make it fun and yet Sophia has learned so much in 2 years. more

Our 4 year old has been going to Joyce Willett's School of Dance for 1 year now. We love the teachers and they make dancing fun for kids - while teaching tap, ballet and gymnastic skills. Pros: Amazing teachers and very diverse kids! Cons: Studio can use a little makeover more

My son has been attending the Joyce Willet School of Dance Reserach location for almost a year. The staff are all very caring, understanding, and well-trained in the learning needs of young children. Ms. Joyce is very hands-on and knows all the students. She is often at the studio and will always talk to you about any particular concerns you have about your child. My son is 3 and just loves his ""dancing days"". This is a great place for young kids to learn muscle coordination, balance, and social interaction. Pros: Great staff, reasonably priced more

We have two girls at Joyce's, the oldest going on four years now. They are very helpful, they work with us on the dues and fees, and are very reasonable regarding costs. I have friends with children in other Austin studios, and they indicate that my costs are very reasonable. The Willett studios also have classes during the evening hours and on Saturday to accommodate working parents. That is very important for us. The teachers are very skilled, but also make learning to dance a good experience by creating a fun atmosphere. Our first teacher, who was in her early twenties, had taken classes from the Willett studio since she was a pre-schooler. Many students have been there a number of years. There is a big variety of classes available, including theater arts, hip hop and gymnastics, including summer dance camps. All classes may be viewed by parents through two way glass or closed circuit TV. I strongly recommend this studio to any parent looking at dance studios for their children. Pros: Reasonable rates, evening and Saturday classes Cons: Really can't think of any. more

My daughter has been attending JWSD for over two years and she loves it. We both love it. She absolutely adores Ms Kristi. Ms. Kristi is a good balance of love and nurturing and discipline. I feel like my daughter is not only learning the many skills of dance, but the self discipline, self confidence, grace and poise that will get her through every day life. I feel very comfortable leaving her with the teachers and Ms Joyce. She gets exercise along with learing to work as a team. I love JWSD for teaching and loving her in a way that makes only a mother smile. more

If you want something truly unique for your preschool aged child, Joyce Willett School of Dance offers some fantastic options; everything from the typical combination class (ballet, tap and tumbling) to a new theater arts ""pre-school"" program for ages 2-5. Your young child will learn rhythm, coordination, balance, and movement skills (like skipping and hopping on one foot) all in a very caring and positive environment. If you choose a theater arts type class, your child will learn, in addition to the skills previously listed, how to act out stories, improvise scenes, and perform fun songs. These high energy classes provide the perfect creative outlet for outgoing children, as well as, an awesome experience that helps shy children to enjoy creative activities with a group and even on stage! This is such a fabulous way for young children to experience organized and disciplined social time while learning new skills that will prepare them for the more technical dance classes or simply for the demands of school. You owe it to your pre-schoolers to check it out! Pros: Creative unique experience in a caring, positive environment! Cons: No time between classes to chat with teachers. Most classes are back to back. more

Hi - we've been dancing with JWSD for many, many year. 3 of my 4 kids (boys & girls) danced there. 2 are now teaching dance and performing. They have an exceptional children's program which allows kids to enjoy all parts of dance while still learning the discipline and rigors of this art. Great physcial workouts to all types of music (great music appreciation here - classical to NOW, country, pop. rock, hip-hop, etc etc etc). Being able to get PE credit at JWSD for AISD allowed my kids to do more at school. This program is for the informal dancer, the kid or adult who wants fun exercise, and the serious - the one who really wants to take it to the professional level. All levels of dance for all ages and my kids/family loved it. Plus great opportunites to perfrom on stage - what a great confidence builder for all ages. All types offered - ballet, tap, hip-hop, jazz, musical theatre, basic gymnastics/tumbling - my kids did it all. My son loved it - tap and hip-hop for my son was awesome - great for physical endurance, balance, rhythm, self-confidence and just plain fun. Sorry this is so wordy - but I just cannot say enough.... Pros: Thumbs up for kids thru adults Cons: may have to work their schedule to get it all more

My two daughters have been going to Joyce Willett for over 5 years and they love it. Pros: Ms. Joyce and Ms. Kim more

JWSD is a great dance studio. My daughter is 4 years old and started when she was 2 at the Research location. Ms. Kristy is a fabulous teacher with amazing patience and enthusiasm with the little ones. The summer recital at Westlake High School was professional, exciting and such great costumes (with no midnight sewing for the moms :)! I highly recommend you go check out the studio and try a class! They even have classes for adults, which is my next adventure for some ""me"" time. more

Good central location (located in Northeast Austin), although a little hidden on a small shopping strip. The most culturally diverse dance studio in Austin and surrounding areas. Daughters have been dancing here for over 7 years and are still having fun. Registration fees and monthly tuition are the most affordable in Austin. Owner is willing to work with those on fixed incomes and strives to find sponsors for scholarships for dancers who cannot afford dance lessons. Choreography and technique are extremely competitve with the most expensive dance schools in Texas as evidenced in the dance company's awards and high scores in various dance competitions. Provides different dance levels for my most serious dancer and for my more nonchalant dancer. Even offers addult exercise, hip hop and jazz classes for me. This studio provides dance classes at times that are convenient for the working parent (after 5:30pm and on Saturdays). Pros: Affordable tuition, flexible class times Cons: lighting in parking area, ambience of the shopping strip location, more

My daughter has been dancing at both studio locations for 6 years and loved every minute of it. She has especially loved her time in the Body Talk Dance Company. The performances are wonderful and all the teachers are not only fantastic dance teachers but wonderful life coaches as well. Dancers are expected to give and receive respect and nothing less is tolerated. It is a real family environment with students and parents supporting and looking out for each other. We are very very happy. more

Joyce Willett School has 2 locations one in NW Austin and one on Berkman drive in East Austin. Both women are great teachers. Ms. Joyce concentrates mostly on introducing very young children to dance. Most of Kim's teaching focuses on the Dance Company: Body Talk. They are both extremely passionate about their work. Kim is dedicated to the children but does not have tremendous patience with doting parents. If you are a parent that wants to have a lot of one on one conversation about your special little one this is NOT the dance studio for you. If you want your child to participate in dance with a high level of discipline in a culturally diverse setting then I recommend Joyce Willett School. My daughter has attended JWS since the age of 4 (she is now 17) and has had an excellent experience and attributes the skills she learned in this studio to other successes she has had in life. One thing that attracted me to the studio was the cultural diversity - there are children in the dance programs of many different ethnic and social backgrounds. more