Reviews of EMC Performing Arts Studio (Dance School)

Sharon Barnes

Wonderful place for the kids to learn new things and expand on talents. So much to offer here. And such a lovely facility! The staff is so energetic even they are teaching the kids how to go through the obstacle course. It's really very exciting to watch the kids light up when they are hear having a great time.

Cari Gohlinghorst

Our 4 children have been attending EMC for close to 9 years now, and have sampled most areas of instruction, including dance, music, and gymnastics. Two years ago, we moved over an hour commute away from the studio, so I looked for a comparable place closer to Baltimore. And I couldn't find one. The caliber of instruction at EMC is stellar. Every single instructor knows each of my children, both for their strengths and areas they need improvement in. My questions are always promptly answered, and I often receive return calls from the owner of the studio herself. I have a daughter and a son in dance, so we have probably attended close to 20 of EMC's professional performances at the Pullo Center, in addition to numerous local festivals and school performances. For each one, I was well prepared with emails from the studio, and I have never found myself floundering to get costumes or accessories at the last minute. Also, when I say these are professional performances, I am serious. These kids, from little to big, rehearse until they get it right and I have never once seen a kid freeze onstage. In a 1000-seat-filled auditorium, that is a feat. The gymnastics program is run by a phenomenal instructor and it is clear she loves what she does. All of my kids have thrived under her tutelage and the other instructors she has trained. It is a fun, non-competitive, safe environment where my children are all learning new skill sets and gaining confidence in their bodies. Both of my daughters have taken piano for several years at EMC, and both can read music and know music theory. One of my daughters has dyslexia and I expected she might memorize some music, but never learn how to actually read it. I made sure her instructor was aware of her learning disability, yet I underestimated both her and her music teacher- she now reads music fluently, and has even gathered her courage enough to play in a public performance. I can not thank EMC enough for giving her this skill set, and more importantly, for having faith in her that she would gain it. Finally, what really distinguishes EMC from other studios is the sense of community and responsibility that is fostered. There is no competition; there is simply a sense of doing the best you can and encouraging others to do the same. This sense of self-responsibility, and encouragement, resonated with us and has clearly fostered growth and independence in my children. This is what I could not find in other studios and this is why I drive 66 miles round trip, 4 days a week. And I am grateful for it.

Sarah Tolley

We love the EMC! Amazing staff, quality education, it has quickly become a second home for my girls. I can’t recommend the EMC enough!

Adam Schechtman

Dance studios that not only have the capability to train their students at a professional level, but also provide a supportive and family-oriented environment are hard to come by and EMC embodies this in its entirety. Our daughter has trained here for the last few years and has accelerated her skills faster than we imagined. She loves being there and loves the challenges that their talented staff consistently puts in front of her to push her beyond the norm. EMC is the place to be!

Daniel Scott

Great dance studio!

Brianna DiMeglio

If you are looking for an environment that forms a "family" bond with your child and gives your child a safe environment to learn and grow, EMC is where you need to be. We have been a part of the EMC family for almost 5 years and has been one of the best decisions we have made for our daughter. My husband and I started our daughter in dance with the hopes of reducing her social anxiety, not only has she out grown this, but she has made some great friends and has a true love for the art of dance, music and performing! EMC has taught her discipline and respect, not just for herself but for others as well! The entire staff at EMC is wonderful, they are always smiling and happy to see you! We love EMC like family, because they are family!

Diana Keil

We couldn’t be happier to have found this diamond in the rough! New to the dance world I went with the recommendation of a friend and EMC has been a saving grace for our family going on 2 years now. Our girls are learning so much and having so much fun doing it! It truly is a studio filled with talent and friendship. We’ve experienced 3 jaw dropping shows here! We love EMC!

Suzanne Schechtman

The best quality technique-driven dance studio in the area. There are many lessons in the performing arts to be learned here as well as life lessons in hard work, friendship, responsibility, poise and character. The end result (our daughter's graduating year there) has been worth the ten years we have been with EMC.

Jenn Pedersen

EMC is a magnificent studio. If you are looking to have your child nurtured, pushed to try new things, and believed in by their teachers, then EMC is where you want to be. Can’t say enough good things about it.

Holly Brucker

I've known Robin for over 7 years as a fellow dance studio owner. The values she teaches her dancers and the expertise of her knowledge is amazing! Her love of dance is portrayed in every aspect of her dance studio as well as her acute business acumen. Robin goes above and beyond for her staff as well as her students to make sure everyone not only receives a solid dance education but she invokes a feeling of family within the EMC dance studio.

Lisa Clem

My little one started tumbling @EMC when she was 19 months. She's now 3 and loves her tumbling class. This season she srarted a beginner's dance class. Everyone here is super nice and her teacher Ms. Rachel rocks.

Gracie daniela Ngakoumandji

I really want to dance but idk how to go in

Jessica Hagan

I couldn’t think of a better place for my daughter to dance. Not only do they learn the art of dance, but they also gain such an amazing support system and family along the way. During this pandemic they surely haven’t disappointed . They have been the “normal” for our family during this crazy time. We are so thankful to have EMC!

Robyn Tedesco

I recently met Robin at a seminar. Her commitment to providing her students with sound technique and an outstanding experience is second to none. The opportunities for the students to grow in Dance, Gymnastics or music is invaluable. Robin truly believes in raising kids up!

Theo

This is a place where special privileges are given townsfolk while new arrivals are fleeced.

Edward Wienecke IV

5 stars across the board. My daughter loves EMC and the instructors are great. We've been going here for several years. Highly recommend if you're exploring different dance center. Kathy and the EMC team are THE BEST!!

Ashley W

My daughter could not love EMC any more than she does! She loves her ballet classmates and teachers. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and keeps you informed (no matter what level of dance you are in!). The performances are top notch and inspiring. Everything I could want for an extracurricular activity! Love, growth, and discipline ❤️

Rena Stewart

EMC Performing Arts Studio is one of areas most community involved businesses. The owner supports the local small businesses and goes to great lengths for the community. Robin's professional business attribute shows through her students. I admire her business vision and appreciate how adaptable she is to accommodate her clientele.

Wendi E

My husband and I were looking for a professionally run dance studio for our daughter to learn ballet. After dancing at another studio we knew we had to find a place where our daughter could thrive. We were referred to EMC by one of the ballet teachers at the studio as well as by friends. My daughter is now in her 8th year at EMC and we couldn't be happier!! My daughter refers to the studio as her second home. The staff at EMC are professional, polite and most of all they generally care about your child. The studio is also always clean. If you are looking for a dance studio for your child, you owe it to yourself to at least visit EMC. You will be glad you did!!

Christine Anderson

I'm not sure how they got my review removed....but everyone does not have a good experience here. I wrote a review of last years performance issues and how awful it was for the young ones. It has been removed. The owner contacted me personally to dispute my review, and now all these five stars have been written upon her encouragement in response to my review. Be careful with this place. I am not the only person to be appalled by the treatment of the kids and move to another school.

Lindsay Knudsen

We absolutely love EMC! Our daughter has been taking dance classes for the past two years. The teachers are so kind, patient, and knowledgeable. EMC is a great place for affordable dance lessons for all ages!

Reagan Hilsher

EMC is a place to make a family. I have been a student at EMC for 11 years, and have never once regretted stepping into the big pink door. My teachers have always made sure they are helping and encouraging everyone in the class. They always make you want to strive for greatness, and they help you succeed when you didn’t think you could. EMC is a home and a family that I could never live without.

Heather Dula

I have been impressed with how patient and understanding staff are with not only my 2 year old but with all the first time baby ballerinas. The baby ballerina class is structured yet flexible enough for the age range. The instructors and helpers are so sweet and understanding with all the kids even through the occasional tantrums and tears. My 2 year old loves dance class and it gives her the opportunity to socialize with kids her age, learn to take turns, and learn to listen and follow instructions in a fun and supportive environment. It’s a great way for little ones to lean about self expression and develop gross motor skills.

Mom

My oldest daughter started at EMC when she was 4, over 8 years ago and we've been part of the EMC family ever since. My three children have been part of their gymnastics program, and all have loved it, and my middle daughter is now a member of the dance ensemble. In the few short years that she has been dancing, I've seen her blossom in confidence and grace, and she loves the program and the friends she's made. My oldest started her gymnastics career here, and even though she's moved on to a larger gym, her current coach tells us that she's has a great foundation, which she developed at EMC. This truly is a top notch, high quality facility.

Yvonne T

My kids danced at this studio for several years, and I was initially impressed. There are some wonderful teachers, and I can confidently say that my kids have learned a lot over the years. You can also view classes using an app, which is nice, and rent certain equipment at times. Once the shutdowns in 2020 happened, and then later ended, I was impressed. I had in fact discussed with others that if any place was safe during the pandemic, it would be EMC, due to the decision making and priority placed on health of our families. Unfortunately, and I'm not sure if I was misled, or there is fatigue from dealing with regulations in general, but I cannot say that I feel the same as I once did. This is of course, my opinion based on experience, but over time it became obvious that masks were optional, even after mandates. This is a bit of a slap in the face to those of us who have done our part during this pandemic, and I find it disappointing that many of us were led to believe that this place was continuing heightened safety precautions. Sharing videos of teachers and dancers clustered together mask-less, and posting about the lack of mask requirements at the studio (framed as anti-bullying/anti- "mask shaming") contradicts that message of safety that was given at the start of reopening. I also understand that businesses are hurting during this time, but I have found a lack of transparency with lots of hidden fees cropping up over time. As an example, paying $150 per child for a much-hyped performance video that turned out to be extremely low quality was disappointing. Early viewing was also offered to those families who wanted to pay an additional fee. There is also a required fee to access a membership site that is complicated enough to use, that it just seems to exist as a reason to charge a fee. From reading feedback from other families, it doesn't seem that questioning these fees is particularly welcome, but for the price that families pay (especially if you have more than one child in the program) it's not unreasonable to expect a premium experience, rather than the facade of one. With the apparent increase in classes being taught by students, it also raises the question-- where are the teachers going and why? I don't say this to hurt anyone personally, or as a business, but I hope that some of the constructive criticism can cut through the echo chamber of die-hard EMC fans to truly help turn this place around. Until then, if any of the above sounds disagreeable, I'd recommend looking elsewhere. Your children WILL learn how to dance at EMC, but there are other considerations, too.

Capri DiGiovanni

Our daughter has been dancing at EMC since she was 2 years old. We cannot say enough great things about the environment and life values EMC has taught our daughter and our family. She has not only learned the foundation of what it takes to be a great dancer, but also how to be a good friend, importance of working as a team, and how to be successful in any area of her life. EMC is our second home and we are so grateful for all of the wonderful family and friends we have made over the past years. Even during this pandemic, EMC has continued to provide our daughter with a safe environment to learn and grow with her favorite dancers and teachers. We highly recommend EMC to anyone who is looking for a safe place for you performer to thrive!

Raffaella Shraga

We love EMC! Our daughter enjoys her classes so much! We look forward to see her grow here.

Every Yalan

Hello, My friend has been attending dance at EMC for about four years now, and before COVID she would always recommend this place to our mutual friends who took dance or were interested in taking lessons. She loved it here. Currently, from what I have heard, she said her mom is thinking about taking her out because they aren't following safety guidelines. That is ridiculous. Even as a teenager, I know people who are handling and/or teaching CHILDREN ESPECIALLY, should follow safety protocols and follow the CDC recommendations during this crisis. I know COVID isn't your fault but it's not our fault, or the children's' faults either. The owner is the judge in this situation and I think she should either do the right thing or let someone else make choices. I also know you have virtual classes, and some parents are smart and put their kids into virtual classes, but for the parents that don't, I don't think the child should have to put their life on the line for their parents' mistake. I hope you make the right decision so my friend enjoys being at dance again. Every Yalan

Jaz

In my experience with this studio the owner is extremely unprofessional and rude. While Covid is ravishing our country the owner has decided to “follow her gut” instead of following the CDC’s safety guidelines. No offense, but I’ll believe a scientist over some dance teacher‘s intuition. The owner’s ignorance and incompetence are endangering the safety of every child that attends her studio. On the other hand, all the dance teachers are amazing and are doing their best to protect themselves and the children during this tough time. However, I have made the tough decision to withdraw my kid from this dangerous environment. I feel terrible having to take my daughter away from her favorite teacher. I just wish that this studio had a better leader.

Melissa Tusing

My daughter has been dancing here since she was 3 years old and over the years, EMC has become our home away from home! We love it here, the staff is friendly, the teachers are amazing and my daughter is getting a top notch education in the Arts. I highly recommend this studio and everything it has to offer! Definitely check it out!!!

Maria Cotto

My little girl is a spirited child and we enrolled her in Baby Ballerinas to give her an outlet for her energy. She loves the teachers and the class. We were concerned she would lose interest when we had to move the class to virtual, but the talented teachers kept the kids engaged. We are so pleased with how well our little girl did and look forward to signing her up for more classes. This is definitely a great start for any little dancer.

ROOSTER JEEPER

Our dancer has been dancing for 13 years. The last 6 years have been at EMC. We have thoroughly appreciated and enjoyed watching her grow through the careful methodical and holistic instruction at EMC. We genuinely feel included in the decisions made in regard to our dancer, and although nobody wants their pride and joy to not be the soloist at every level, there are a million important lessons to be learned by a dancer and her family throughout all levels of achievement. Charcoal does not become a diamond by weathering one rain storm under a leaf. As we have found through this journey, challenges will occur, and adaptations and adjustments will be made. Of course the pandemic in 2020 was quite a challenge, and immediately the studio began to offer online lessons and enrichment for all levels. As soon as in person instruction was deemed safe, we were welcomed back with open arms, and interesting changes. Temperature checks, masks, frequent hand washing, sanitizer available everywhere, limited class sizes, air filtration, and nightly cleaning of all surfaces touched by humans make us feel extremely comfortable receiving the amazing hands-on education in dance that has impressed us at EMC for years, and will continue to. HIGHLY RECOMMEND.

Michele P.

After the most recent spring show my uncle looked at me and said, "If your son or daughter wants to dance EMC is the place to do it!" This was after a show that wildly surpassed all of our expectations. There is an energy at each performance that is almost palpable. When our daughter began dancing at EMC we were a little unsure about the commitment and the fact that she was enrolled in a package of several classes as opposed to just a ballet class. Robin, the studio owner, spoke with me at length about the rationale behind having students learn many styles of dance as opposed to just one or two. We decided to give it a try and are so glad that we did. Our daughter has grown immensely in the past couple of years, both as a dancer and as a young lady. The climate at the studio is very positive and supportive. Younger dancers are paired with "big sisters" who show them the ropes and lend advice and support when needed. This fosters a sense of community that we never imagined was possible at a dance studio. Our daughter's confidence has grown immensely. EMC is the place to go if you want your son or daughter to dance. There is no other way to say it. We drop our daughter off for classes and know that she will be loved and well taken care of. We know that she will be challenged and encouraged to work hard. We know that she will be supported. We know that she is an important part of a community. As parents, what else could we ask for? I have no reservations about recommending EMC. I cannot express how important this studio is to our family.

Mandy Myrick

My oldest daughter has grown up in the EMC program and is starting her 12th season at the studio. My youngest daughter has known EMC as home since she was born. Having grown up in the dance world myself, I toured most of the dance studios in southern PA and Northern Baltimore County before chosing this one. The standard of professionalism and true compassion and caring for the dancers is what led our family to invest our time at EMC. The staff cares for the dancers holistically, and helps dancers to make long term goals for their lives whether that means a career in the arts or otherwise. It is a refreshing home in the dance world that values people over an agenda.

Kim G

I’ve known about EMC for many years and always been absolutely in awe of the community they have built, the quality of instruction, and the talent that they’ve fostered. Each year it seems to get better and better, and I highly recommend checking it out. Amazing program!