Simi Dance Center

I waited to write this review until I had been around a while. My kids have now been dancing at SDC since September. I want to stress that this review comes from a parent of recreational dancers, not competition dancers. There is a huge difference. It is obvious to tell that the experience of competition families here is much different.
PROS:
— The dance instruction is top notch. The teachers are excellent. This is not our first studio. But the dance instruction my students have received here is by far the best.
— There are several different dance studios and all have walls with doors and observation walls. I stress this because I have found that other studios where parents have more access to the studio creates a distraction. The way that the setup is here, dancers are not distracted by anyone watching or by dancers arriving for the next class. They get their full hour with no distractions. It’s fantastic.
— The dancers here are more responsible than other places I’ve been. The other kids in class show up regularly. Recital is this week, and I have been impressed with how all the other kids have been at class, and at picture day, and everyone is on time and ready to go. I prefer my kids to dance with other responsible families. At the last studio we were at, there were some days where my kid was the only one to show up to class. This isn’t the studio’s fault, but nonetheless, it is a benefit of SDC that the dancers are serious about dancing. They show up.
— The schedule offers a wide variety of classes at a wide variety of times. My kids are super busy, but we were able to find plenty of classes for them.
— The routines both my kids learned for recital are longer than routines they learned elsewhere and more challenging. I am grateful for this. I pay thousands of dollars a year for my kids to dance… they should be getting better. Only routines of realistic length and difficulty help them get there.
CONS:
— Too much emphasis on competition. This is a catch-​22 because we have found that families aren’t serious enough at non-​competitive studios, but here, the vast majority of the schedule (like ¾ of it) is filled with competition team rehearsals/​classes. This really limits classes available for recreational dancers, particularly for kids in the older age group. My daughter is five, and it isn’t so much the case with her. The 3 – 6 age group classes are diverse and relatively full. But the older kids get here, the more likely they are to be in competition team. My son is 9, and in some of his classes, he is the only one who isn’t a competition dancer. I suppose that could be a benefit, but it’s just hard because there aren’t as many options for him.
— Not incredibly organized. They say that everything will be posted on the website, but it isn’t always there. When I was trying to sign my kids up last summer, I found it really difficult to get the information I needed. Even once I did get the brochure, it was like impossible to read, especially since half of it is competition lingo. If you aren’t on competition team, most of it doesn’t make any sense. Throughout this year, as we have gone through the whole costume process, etc., it is has been somewhat difficult to get information. As it has gotten closer to recital, information has gotten clearer. I do believe that the recital will be well run.
— They don’t completely understand boy dancers. My son is a boy dancer and we were asked to get him all his own recital costumes, and they are boring, really plain. Most of the boys at this studio do hip hop. Those costumes are kind of cute. But my son is in ballet and jazz classes, and his costumes so pale in comparison to the fun, fancy costumes that the girls get. I guess I should be grateful because I probably saved $ 150, but my son is envious of the «fancy» costumes they get to wear. His costumes look like practices clothes. Boys like to dress up too.
— There are different recitals for different age groups. My daughter is in one recital and my son is in the other. The tickets were expensive, $ 20 each, in additional to all the other «recital fees» for the kids to participate in recital. This means that, with my two kids, since both dance, I had to buy 3 tickets to each recital, one for me, their father, and each of them to see each other’s (unless I wanted to get a babysitter I guess). I shouldn’t have to spend $ 120 on tickets to see my kids dance. That’s ridiculous. Dance is expensive enough already. If they cut down on some of the numbers for the competition team, who has done lots of performing already this year, then they could keep it to one recital, and then I’d only be spending $ 40 on tickets.

We’ve been going here for almost a year. There are very strong ballet, jazz and tap programs. It’s great to see a place that offers a lot of classes for both competition and recreational dancers. Check out their schedule and you’ll see there’s lot of classes. My only wish would be for SDC to offer some additional hip hop /​street style classes like breaking. I’m not sure where it’d possibly fit into the schedule.

There’s more than just competitions to get business in your door.
I was connected to two different dancers to help us choreograph a dance for our wedding. Both of them pulled out.
One because she had too many other commitments which is fine, but she could have told us that weeks before. I waisted time trying to set a date with her only for her to tell us she can’t do it.
The second canceled twice on us twice. The first time she canceled a few hours before and the second meeting she didn’t even show up to! I called and sent a text and never heard back from her. Still nothing.
Completely unprofessional.

We only been to SDC for 1 year so far with my 4 years old. We love mostly everything. The instructors were great! The owner is also great! When we address issue or concerns, the owner took it seriously and professionally which I really appreciate.
The recital was a very good event for parents to see how their children preform. I think the recital can be arrange better where parents can be in the back stage to help with the little one to dress, wait with the little one in the backstage and also be able to go back to the audience section to see the children’s performance.

I just started the Adult Tap Class about a month ago. All I can say is … wow, wow, wow! We’re being trained by an amazing tap dancer, Ryan Lohoff. He explains the technique very thoroughly, offers excellent breakdown of each step and combo, and surprises you with some fun and challenging brief choreographies. I’m so grateful to have found this wonderful dance center here in Simi Valley. It rocks even for adults! Come check it out =))

Great place for girls to learn and have fun in a positive, supportive environment! Simi is lucky to have such a great place to Dance!

Simi dance center is amazing. New owners Brigid and Ryan have great plans for this studio. The current staff is comprised of exceptional teachers who are there for your kids and it shows! Whether you are just looking to pick up a few hip hop moves, or hoping to get into competitive dance, this studio is a fit for you! They offer a huge variety of classes for both the serious and casual dancer. They are so organized. You can pay everything through their website which makes keeping track of competition fees so much easier. Also, when a dancer is out sick, she is able to view the missed choreography on the website! So convenient. Can’t wait to see what lies in the future.

Our 8 yo goes to Simi Dance Center. Let’s just say, we’re not the dancing type. Both the wifey and I played sports growing up, so when our little girl wanted to trade in cleats for tap shoes, we weren’t excited. However, she can do whatever she wants, so SDC it is.
I can’t speak for the whole group, but Miss Jessica is fantastic. We’ve had nothing but pleasant experiences with her. She’s supportive and our little girl couldn’t be happier.
I do wish they wouldn’t have the recital in Oxnard because it’s an unnecessary trek from Simi and Oxnard is gross in general, but I won’t knock them for that. SDC is great.

Simi Dance Center has been a Simi Valley favorite since 1963! I cannot believe there are not more reviews posted here. My daughter, now 8, has been taking classes at SDC since she was 5. We love the teachers, the opportunities (great competitive and recreational programs), and curriculum. They have Mommy and Me classes, Adult Classes, and a large variety of dance styles offered for both boys and girls in 4 dance studios. My daughter has taken the Combos offered for ⁵⁄₆ year olds, Ballet, Lyrical, Tap, Musical Theater, Jazz Tech and Hip Hop. While she certainly has her favorites, we have been impressed with all of the classes, faculty and annual recitals. If you are looking for a dance studio, I strongly recommend giving SDC a try. You will be glad you did!

It’s a good place. My only negative comment would be that the center is so focused on their competition team that the recreational dancers suffer a bit. However, if the competition team is what you are interested in… they are good…, but save you money. It’ll cost you an arm and a leg to participate in it.

My daughter is taking her first dance class here. She’s in the ¾ year old ballet/​tap class with Miss Shannon. I cannot say enough good things about the center and especially Shannon! Everyone there is helpful and nice, but Shannon is the STAR! I have never seen anyone other than a family member be so patient with the girls. You can tell that she really does care and genuinely enjoys teaching the kids. Do not hesitate to enroll your kids there. The best part is the two-​way mirror that allows our entire entourage to watch our little girl as she dances.

I’m surprised I’m the first person to write about this dance center. The location is easy to get to, and its conveniently located in a plaza with plenty of parking.
I recently joined a hip hop class for adults in the evenings with the dance center’s director: Brigid Silva and I have to say — she is one of the best dance instructors I have ever had! I know there are many classes there, and when you walk into the room, there is a shelf full of trophies that their groups have won! There aren’t too many people in this class now, which is good because it has become more one on one where she can correct you, but she also keeps the class fun — throwing in a ton of variety in and making sure we get it right. This class is once a week, but its a lot of fun! My friend who also takes it with me loves it, and when we go out dancing — we like to throw in some new moves Miss Brigid taught us.LoL.Great for all levels of people who are interested and enjoy dancing!