I used to be the same way as the people who have rated Monique's highly, when I was a student there. I thought that I was really training to be a dancer. Then I had to switch schools. There was no audition required, but I was placed in level 3 out of 6 levels of technique and all of the students (who were younger than me) were more advanced, stronger, able to execute more exciting dance moves....I could go on forever. They were better. period. My new teachers gave me clear corrections and better advice and hands on training as opposed to vague class comments like I recieved at Moniques. My new school informed me that I had hyper-extended knees, and gave me a sense of line so that I could move more comfortably and with confidence. Thank GOD I LEFT MONIQUE'S If you or your child truly loves dance, you will do the smart thing and leave too. In regards to the 4-5 star comments saying that people who don't love Moniques aren't good enough or were never wanted...that's OK. i used to be like you. I'm assuming that these comments are coming from people who think they're too good to have to make curfew or finish their homework ontime or brush their teeth, or from people who think it's cool to steal and cheat. I just wanted to post this, because I have attended this school for 9 years, I have attended other schools and found them better for myself as a dancer. I don't know if i would be in such good shape as I am now, and as happy, and as proud of myself if I had not switched when I did! Even at that time, I had set myself back by not making the switch sooner. Also, Dad's....you may want to get your kids out before they enter into the A and B Clubs, otherwise you'll find yourself in a dance costume, a stupid hat and sunglasses with stage lights in your eyes and your daughter/son dressed and dancing like a hooker, dancing innapropriately right up against you (she'll have to, because there will be 900 other dads an their daughters/sons on the same stage with you. As for the Mom's or adult women of the group.....totally stick with it if it's you taking adult ballet and tap. The tap program is awesome for adult women and any type of movement is better exercise than sitting on the couch and watching tv. But from the voice of a dancer/actress from the Twin Cities (currently working and very, very happy) get your kids out now. Or even just go to any other school and ask to watch a class or two to compare. I watched an old recital tape from Monique's and almost cried when I saw students go up on pointe with their legs not straightened and their backs swayed, and their legs not underneath their center and their shoulders hunched over at a dancer age where they don't have to be. It's not about being a physically different body type, it's about general common knowledge in teaching dance NOT translating to all types through Monique's. All body types can learn technique. This school is not fair to ANY body type!!!!! I even rember a girl who danced beautifully came to the school (gasp! with pointed feet that were turned out!) who Monique made a huge deal over during class.....who never came back becuase she had been trained well enough to know that she was wasting her time with this school and that she would not benefit from staying a second longer. In the end, if your child is having fun and is ""happy"" then I guess you should be too. Just know that you are paying for an after school activity, nothing more. We are all amazing in our own way, but get out anyway!
Pros: You get to dance to pop music
Cons: No technique, no discipline, non-professional results
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