Reviews of Conservatory Of Dance & Music (Dance School)

Maria Arrieta

My children took piano and voice lessons during 3 months before summer. My son continued with 2 piano lessons on september, but due to personal reasons we needed to stop. They made me pay 50 $ withdrawal fee!!! I was never aware of such a fee. I felt like they took advantage of us. Think twice before going into any program, if you need to stop it, they will make you pay.

Yurika 2000

Although I have only danced for one year at CDM Dance, I can truly say that the experience was fun, and helped improved my dancing. The teachers and staff are amazing, and I will definitely be going back.

Sophie Warlow

The Conservatory of Dance and Music produces strong technical dancers. The studio presents a wide range of classes for all ages in recreational, part-time competitive, and full time competitive streams. CDM has a strong sense of community formed by the teachers, parents, and dancers. The teachers always value; technique, safety, and overall well being. I am so happy to call the CDM team my second family!

Sakina Raza

My 3 year old daughter was in the capable Hands of Miss Olsen and Miss Renuka. Once she understood the format of the class, she loved participating and even practicing on her own. The transition to online class due to covid was new for all of us but the instructors were very patient, clear and concise. I can't wait till she is a bit older so that she can take part in the more complex dances like ballet

Vianna Zanuldin

My daughter has been taking hip hop classes at CDM for a number of years now and has had the best experience. Miss Jess is an awesome teacher and it's been great watching my daughter develop her skills.

Terry

This dance school is amazing! This CDM is a great dance school! My niece has been taking dance classes there for awhile, and I can really tell that she's improved a lot from when she first started! I was quite impressed with the way the school handled classes during the pandemic; it really puts you at ease. I'll be looking into enrolling my child into dance classes there when the time is right!

Mike White

We have been incredibly happy with our experience at CDM. The teachers are dedicated, and have gotten my child interested in dance, and committed to practicing. Not only that, but their response to Covid-19 was fast and managed to retain the value of their programming while online. I cannot recommend CDM more highly.

Grace Yang

My daughter's been in CDM for 3 years. I like CDM. It's a very professional dance studio, especially Jazz.

Isabella Jean

This place should be ashamed to call themselves a dance school! Extremely unorganized, no progression for students, competitive team is a joke, removed my daughter from competitive once I witnessed how poorly some of the selected dancers danced. Studios are tiny and there is no room in the change rooms or waiting areas not to mention the amount of items that go missing from the change rooms. The shoe area is disgraceful and highly cluttered. All the good teachers leave and they have very high turnover, different teachers every week. Save your money and go to a real dance school.

Nichole Cheung

This dance company is extremely unorganized and Roxanne Williams, the studio manager is one of the rudest and most disrespectful people I have ever encountered. Not only does she not let you have any discussions with her, she demands that she is always right and the parents are to blame for the company's mistake towards scheduling. I would not recommend this dance company to anyone. There are many other great and amazing dance studios, but this is not one of them. Not only are they unorganized, they provide their students with ever changing schedules, making it hard for students to adapt. This is my first time bringing my daughter to this school and it will definitely be my last. I would definitely do more research and listen to other google reviews before entering the school program. DO NOT RECOMMEND.

Roman Leppard

CDM is an amazing dance studio. I always have such a good time when i'm there and the teachers are really nice.

Deepali Dewan

My daughter has gone to CDM for 5 years and will continue as she enters high school. She started in the recreational program and has been in the part-time competitive for 3 years. The dance instruction is high quality and we very much value the diversity of the studio in terms of ownership, teachers, and students. CDM is a big part of the reason my daughter was accepted into the Claude Watson Arts program at Earl Haig. CDM is like a boutique studio, on the smaller side and able to give personalized attention to dancers. They also teach the students to focus on the art and technique of dance rather than only winning medals (though they do ok in that too). There are ALOT of email communications for competitive families and some can be confusing due to the wording in the email, but at least they do a good job at keeping families informed.

Family Masters

My daughter has been dancing at CDM for 3 years and she has thoroughly enjoyed her experience. She loves her teachers and in the last few years I've seen her grow as a dancer. CDM is always a place that she looks forward to going!

Nelle Hyde

The staff at CDM did a fantastic job redesigning their dance classes to be delivered on line during COVID-19, both through weekly live dance classes, and through weekly mini-assignments and photo challenges. Their communication was strong through email updates and using google classroom. And in the end, the dancers got to have their online recital after all! It is clear the staff and owners at CDM are passionate about what they do!

peggy papas

Conservatory of Dance is extremely professional. Students are challenged and encouraged. Communication with parents is exceptional. I recommend this dance studio to anyone looking for a positive dance experience for their child.

Natasha Gunn

My daughter attended a ballet intensive at the studio and loved the experience. To start, the Studio Director (Cheryl) was so warm and welcoming and did a wonderful job assuring my daughter that the day would be fun since she was nervous to dance at a new studio. The students are kind and passionate dancers and they have created a wonderful studio culture. The dancers are not only lovely dancers but also lovely young people. Last, all of the teachers were amazing and highly skilled dance professionals. She learned many new things and was challenged to expand her dance vocabulary in a nurturing and encouraging space. The combination of classes was superb. She enjoyed the ballet, conditioning and contemporary. She is very much looking forward to joining more dance training at the studio in the future. Thank you for a great experience!

Eleonora

My daughter started dance at a much later age than most kids and with not being a dancer myself, my task of finding a dance school that would help her develop quickly, in an inviting and caring environment, was a daunting task for me. After contacting several dance schools, I felt that CDM would be the best fit for me and my daughter. Cheryl, the school director, offered sound advice and gave us a starting point that allowed my daughter to explore her talent. This will be our 5th year with CDM and I can truly say that our overall experience has been positive. Over the years, I have always found the staff and instructors to be approachable, fair and open. Apart from the dance training, which allowed my daughter to apply and be accepted into the Claude Watson School of the Arts (along with many of her dance mates), she has also developed close friendships. I feel that the mission at CDM is not just to help build strong, confident dancers but to also build strong confident young men and women. I would not hesitate in recommend them.

Mark Switzer

My daughter really appreciates the ballet lessons she takes here.

Ali Mortaji

Best place for you or loved one to learn

Tanya Salituro

CDM has been not only a school but a home where wonderful teacher-role models helped shape our daughter into an honour roll scholar and confident leader over 13 years; the close friendships made also became an extension of her family. We can’t thank you enough. The Salituro family.

K F

My daughter has been dancing with CDM for 5 years. During this time, she has worked with many of their teachers and has loved them all. The teachers at CDM are kind and caring individuals who encourage the children to be their best selves, to follow their dreams and to support each other. My daughter has always felt loved and supported by her CDM teachers and has often said that CDM is her happy place. During the pandemic, CDM transitioned smoothly to online classes. The teachers showed concern for the students overall well being during these unprecedented times and did a great job delivering dance classes via Zoom, which, as a teacher who had to deliver online learning, I know is not easy to do. Keep up the great work CDM team!!!

Annie G

My time at Cdm was brief and after two years, I left. In the beginning it was really good and slowly my confidence deteriorated. I didn't feel cared about as a recreational dancer, when I was travelling two hours there and back, every week for two years. I got injured there and I feel they didn't handle the situation properly. I am very glad I decided to leave. I am at a new studio closer to home and much more caring people!

B K

I do appreciate CDM management during this tough time as always. Hamdam

Ruchira Sarkar

This situation with COVID19 really helped me to see which of my daughter’s extra curricular activities genuinely put through an effort to support my daughter and frankly, still make online classes a worthwhile venture (both in terms of time and money). CDM dance was able to pivot quickly and effectively to the new realities of virtual learning. Miss Taryn started each class by talking to the kids for a few minutes to find out how they were doing. The dance company further offered free bonus instagram classes, and gave weekly challenges/assignments. Best of all, there was no pressure or judgement even if we couldn’t get our kids to do the challenges with everything else we were trying to juggle. Finally, CDM was able to splice together a wonderful year end concert for all the kids to enjoy. CDM is the real deal with dedicated and encouraging teachers and I would recommend it wholeheartedly to anyone.

Emily Chan

This was our first year at CDM for my 4 year old. She enrolled in the Jazz Acro program. I can see how she has gain physical strength and also personal confidance and pride in her abilities. The teachers Ms. Roxy and Ms. Renuka were caring and encouraging to help her out of her shy demeanour. The school is onto of email communication for upcoming news and deadlines. And when the pandemic happened CDM was quick to set up online learning and provided detailed instructions. It has been a great experience for us and we will continue to enroll our child here.

Jenna Landl

We just completed our second dance season at CDM. My daughter is looking forward to her second summer of attending dance camp and also continuing lessons throughout the summer. This year she has taken ballet with Ms. Olsen and acro and jazz with Ms. Devyn. They both hold a special place in her heart. They have been positive role models and their passion for dance and teaching others shines through. Even though the dance recital was only a few days ago she is already missing class. CDM has been instrumental in her (and our family’s) life throughout the pandemic. Showing up to class each week has given her something to look forward to and work towards. At CDM she has learned so much more than dance skills. Athleticism, dedication, hard work, commitment, perseverance, and confidence. She felt prepared for the recital and had no fear going on stage despite only being able to run the routine a few times in person. She was so proud of herself after the recital that the next day she performed her dance on Zoom for her classmates at school. She had the privilege of completing an Acrobatic Arts exam this spring. Despite her being the only child practicing for her exam level, both Ms. Rachel and Ms. Cheryl, took time to help her prepare during extra practice sessions. She felt ready for her exam and had the confidence to take the exam alone with the examiner on Zoom. With Ms. Rachel’s, Ms. Cheryl’s, and Ms. Devyn’s, time, help and patience, she was able to achieve an “excellent” on her exam. Our daughter plans to continue her dance career with CDM for many years to come.

L. M.

My daughter has been dancing for 3 years with the Comp team. It’s a positive environment and teachers are nice to the students. Parent group is also good! Some positives are that they are relatively strong in all areas of dance whereas some studios don’t offer all styles. Ballet is strong. They adapted to COVID very quickly and my daughter was so happy to continue her training online.

Christina Besharat

I sent my daughter there for 3 semesters . After the second semesters it was obvious that because she was not preforming in the recital she was not being watched or helped . On more then one occasion I noticed her not even dancing and just counting the children in , she was told she was a helper ( I didn't pay for her to "help") definitely did not get my money worth . Super unorganized and only one teacher cared about my complaint

Marcia Bumbury-Palmer

CDM is a wonderful, welcoming dance studio! My daughter, Olivia has been a student there since the age of 3. Olivia has a strong passion for dance. Roxanne Williams (Ms.Roxy) was able to see this passion from the very beginning. For example, Olivia was a part of a class were she was the youngest student. Ms.Roxy recognized that my daughter had the ability, the focus and the determination to perform at the same level as the other students in the class. When Olivia accomplished a skill, Ms.Roxy was thrilled to share. Ms.Roxy continues to support my daughters' love for dance through her encouragement, passion and love for her students. Every week, Olivia looks forward to seeing Ms.Roxy. Not only is Ms.Roxy an amazing teacher, she is a well organized, knowledgeable and approachable Studio Manager. As a parent, I feel confident in all the abilities of all the teachers at CDM. It is a studio that fosters friendship, hardwork and celebrates each and every student's accomplishments! Marcia

B D

We have been a part of the CDM family for over 7 years. The process to find a dance school included visiting several dance schools and chatting with existing families. What made CDM stand out was the way in which Cheryl Quiacos Upper(owner) spoke about her staff, the students and their families. I quickly realised that she was not just a business owner but instead, along with her staff members, had a true passion for dance and molding young minds. She had a strong desire to so share her passion with these students as she herself had experienced at the same studio as a student. After my daughter tried a Musical Theater class with the renowned Miss Roxy (Roxanne Williams) I was able to see that she also had this great passion and if you ever meet Miss Roxy you are going to hear her glee for life long before you even see her. Always always always happy, receptive and very eager to help. After this it was an easy decision for my then 6yr old to become a part of the CDM team and over the years she has had the opportunity to learn multiple genres of dance, build lifelong friendships and now sometimes even helps some of the younger students. As a parent I have also made lifelong friends, had the opportunity to take part in Adult classes (highly recommended) and I will never forget the recital that included myself and other parents in the closing number . Here are a few reasons why we have remained a part of the CDM family. First, Discipline. As a competitive dancer it’s never easy to balance school work, dance schedule, other extra-curricular activities and a social life. My daughter learned very early to manage her schedule and assignments even when she had to be out of school for performances. She has a stronger commitment to her academics from the discipline she has grown up with as a competitive dancer. Second, Mentorship. The teachers develop such special relationships with the students. For a young dancer, these teachers quickly become role models to these young students and it’s very easy to see how the students hold these teachers in high esteem. Unlike her academic school that she changes grade and teachers each year its different here as many of these teachers remain constant. This causes their behaviour to have a greater range of influence on the lives of the students over time to even become mentors. Finally, Family. I have stayed because I realise how much we are also a part of this family. My daughter cannot imagine herself not being able to see her teammates, Miss Roxy, Miss Pfaff, Miss Fisher or Miss Cheryl, to name a few. It has been great to see the senior students excel, graduate and in some cases return to teach and help develop other young kids. Like with any family everybody may not be happy all the time but it’s important that we are all open to communicate, listen and be heard, be accountable and grow into an even better version of ourselves. Thanks to Cheryl and her team, the other families and the students. For the future at CDM I look forward the continuation of balancing task oriented and relationship oriented leadership.

Akiko Hosokawa

Great teachers! Great experience! We have been with CDM for many years & the community is very warm & welcoming

Vahan K

My son tried the trial "recreational" trial hip-hop class. He loved it. But apparently, my 4 years old son, quoting their office, "needs to work on his class etiquette" and should try other classes which are out of our interest. Not sure what does it exactly mean. The comment is very disappointing. My son goes to Karate and soccer classes. Never had any issue. During this trial class, he didn't do anything wrong. He didn't require much personal attention. He was following as much as he could on his very FIRST RECREATIONAL dancing lesson. I believe their teachers are professional dancers, but not good educators for preschool age.