Business ProfileforJDM School of Dance

My daughter has attended JDM studio since the beginning of 2020. When she became a part of the JDM dance family, we were so excited for her and felt she would be taught the art of dance with love and kindness (especially since the owner prides her company on maintaining a safe and happy environment for all children).However, I am sad to say, this was not our experience. We have had multiple situations occur, but the most recent event has truly baffled our family. As of this year, My daughter was diagnosed with ADHD. I took the time to communicate this with Julie and also explained that we have placed her in skills classes. I wanted to communicate with Julie what was going on so that she would understand what my child was personally dealing with. I was hoping she would offer the same understanding I have given to her staffs needs to my daughter.Instead she provided negative and false information to her staff by stating that my daughter has "special needs" and the way she portrays herself at times is due to "bad parenting". Multiple teachers voiced this concern to me. It is very disappointing to have my child attend a dance studio where the owner is not even concerned enough to understand what ADHD actually is. So she is aware for future parents and doesn't spread false information, it is not bad parenting, autism or ID. Since the new school opened the McKinney location is never clean... boxes everywhere and not pristine as it was when we started. Now I understand the job market turn over is hectic currently, but even before Covid hit the constant revolving door of teachers coming in and out was crazy! We never knew who anyone was and every teacher my daughter has had has resigned. I feel like I have watched the same dance since my daughter was three. Progression is lacking. The owner trash talks, too. This has even happened in front of me about another parent who was asking a question before me, during opening week for the next dance season.

Hello ********. Thank you for your review. I would have loved the opportunity to address all of your concerns in person, but, was never given that opportunity before you wrote your various reviews. And after further review of your account, I do not see one concern voiced. I always tell our customers we can't address any issues that we are not aware of.

We enjoyed the time we had watching your dancer grow. After review of your account, your dancer has had three teachers. Your first teacher resigned during Covid and moved home due to the economy. There was also a transfer of classes requested by you. And your daughter has had the same teacher since. We have had teacher assistants attending classes, as this is how we train our teachers. We have teachers that have been with us a long time and some that are with us for a season or two.

As a registered nurse with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Biology and Chemistry, I am aware of what ADHD is. Over the last 9 years in business I have worked closely with several parents and their dancers to make sure the dancer is supported while taking class. I have also worked with parents on nutrition plans, recommended therapies and whatever resources they may need. We have seen great outcomes. I am sorry you have decided to listen to false information.

As far as my second location, it has nothing to do with JDM. I have professional cleaners that clean the studio weekly as well as staff that cleans in between. If something was out of place or not to your liking, you could have voiced your concern and we would have addressed it immediately. I do apologize about the boxes of costumes. Unfortunately, with the costume shortages and shipping issues we have been experiencing world wide this season, all of our costumes came in at once, verses trickling in over three months like we are used to . We simply didn't have the space to store them all away. I will make sure to take that into consideration next season. We are blessed to have all of our dancers receive their costumes for recital.

At JDM, we do have a curriculum and our dancers are learning different skills every month which allows for progression. This curriculum is very successful. Again, if you had any type of concern I wish you would have given us the opportunity to discuss it.

The fasle allegations are unfortunate.

I wish you and your daughter nothing but the best and hope that you find a studio that makes you happy.
Best Regards,
Julie Dickens, Owner and Director of JDM School of Dance.

Thank you for responding. I wish ongoing open communication during our time there was actively applied to my family's situation.

It is understandable that you feel that every effort was made to rectify any issues expressed verbally to you or your staff. But your perception does not supersede our experience and how we were made to feel.

I am not a perfect person nor parent, but I welcome growth in all areas of my life. I have learned valuable lessons in this season and will apply this experience to better myself and protect my child.

As for the reviews, I only rate only on my experience. You cannot label me a liar because of my experience, no more than I can call someone a liar for giving your studio a positive review. I understand your feelings over what was was said, but everything I stated is the truth, experienced first hand. My hopes are for you and, anyone else reading this review, is to listen to your community. Log on to Facebook/ Yelp, Moms of McKinney, Moms of Allen, Moms of Frisco, and see that I am not alone in what I experienced. There are many other families who also have expressed the same sentiments over the same unfortunate events. At the end of the day it's about what's best for the children, a goal I'm sure we all share.
Regardless of a positive or negative review, I hope the thoughts of your future customers help you measure areas you are doing right and areas that can and should be improved.

I do not wish to engage in a tit for tat. I simply did what was best for my family. We will move forward looking for the best environment for our little girl. And I hope you take the opportunity to grow from this as well.