Nina's School Of Dance

This is not a review but I was wondering how much it costs to dance at Ninas School of Dance because that is where my dance teacher told me to go next because im to old to dance there anymore. more

I love Ninas school of dance. This is my daughters first year dancing and she is in Ms. Nicki's class. She has so much fun and she wishes she could go everyday! While she is in class i sometimes get the chance to see the company girls practice. Ms. Erin and Ms. Nina and wonderful will the kids. Strict at times but, you have to be when you're working with teens and pre-teens. Most importantly they respect Nina and you can tell the passion that she has for teaching these kids dance. Recently we had a Christmas show and Nina nearly cried talking about the love she has for these dancers. That is passion. We love Ninas and will continue to come to nina's school of dance for years to come. more

Personally I love Nina's School of Dance, most importantly my daughter loves Nina's School of Dance - you have taught my daughter for years; until she took a break due to a family member (her grandfather) needing round the clock care, after the passing of our loved one our daughter was thrilled to return! SHE LOVES IT!!!!! more

Well my last post was in December of 2010 and another 2 years have passed. My daughter and I LOVE this studio and I would still highly recommend Nina's. My daughter has a visual perceptual disorder and her 7 years of dance have helped her tremendously. She is now in the Company Dance Class and continues to improve in all areas. I have to tell you that the staff had no idea of her disability until recently and my daughter was always treated wonderfully , fairly,and her self esteem and her dreams soar weekly. Thank you ! Thank you! Thank you!!! more

There are 5 positive reviews for this studio on this site that are all posted on the exact same day. That alone should send up red flags to readers. I can't prove that these reviews were written by Nina's staff or Nina herself, but they seem very suspicious. Personally, I feel that this studio is the most unorganized and impersonal company I have ever worked with. The teachers dote on the students that have been attending for years and ignore and talk down to new less-experienced students. Sometimes I would arrive to drop my daughter off for class only to be informed that classes were cancelled, without any warning. I was never reimbursed for cancelled classes either. My daughter took classes here for the last year and never had the opportunity to dance in a show or recital. Nina may or may not be a good teacher, but her business is unacceptable. I would not suggest this studio to anyone. more

Nina Wheeler is a professional. She teaches dance technique and showmanship. She also teaches human relations. She cares about each and every child that walks through her door-most of them DANCE out that same door. She places very high expectations upon herself and her students because she sees their capabilities. Every child does not have the same capabilities therefore they do not all have the same expectations placed upon them. I have two daughters who have danced with Nina for ten years; both very different but Nina has brought the very best in their abilities and capabilities out and helped them discover things about themselves that I as a parent would not have known how to tap into. One is now a cheerleader at West Point (hard work, dedication) and one is a senior in high school with a very bright future due in part to the time she has spent at Nina's. There isn't yelling;there is constructive criticism-TEACHING. No one is right all the time especially when learning new things-that's why she's the teacher and a great one at that. She also employs a few of the best teachers to assist her in this tremendous endeavor who are just as dedicated and professional as she. more

Having had a daughter that danced at Nina's for many years, I know Nina is the best dance teacher around. She has passion for dance & her dancers. Say what you will, but there's no disputing Nina loves dance, her dancers. and dance families. more

No matter what anybody says about Nina or her dance studio, being a part of that amazing group of people is something that I will never forget. Nina is an amazing person and not only teaches you great dance skills and exact technique, but she teaches you to be a part of a family, to love one another, to help others, and to try your very hardest at everything you do. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication to be a Ninas company dancer, but it is all worth it when you realize that you are part of something inspirational, and I truly feel like Nina's was my second home, and my second family. We laughed, we cried, we sat up at the front and did homework, but most importantly we all had eachothers backs. It was also nice knowing that Nina, the mother she is, was always there for us no matter what. more

As a former dancer for Nina Wheeler, I can honestly say that it was the best experience of my life. Not only are you taught to be a great dancer, you are also taught how to be a productive member of society. For 7 years, I had class 4 nights a week and juggled schoolwork, sports, and dance. With Nina, school came first. If we were not practicing our dances, then our books were to be out and we were to be studying. We were taught to give back to our community and to dance for the children that couldn't dance. We participated in numerous fundraisers and shows to raise money for the Duke's Children Hospital. Say what you want about Nina but know this...you were not allowed to slack off in her studio. You were expected to work hard and be dedicated. She is not here just to take the parents money. She is here to mold beautiful dancers no matter your size or ability. Everyone is equal. Everyone matters. When you graduate from her studio, she welcomes you back with a bright smile and an amazing hug. She remembers you. She cares about you. Once you are a Nina's dancer, you are a part of the Nina's family. If you are looking for a school that not only teaches you or your child dance but also respect for themselves and others, how to give back to the community, and how to follow through on commitments, then Nina's School of Dance is where you should be. more

The best decision my mom and I ever made was the move to Nina more

I danced at Nina's for a few years when I moved to the area. I definitely believe I became a better dancer because of her standards at her studio, but she picked favorites and gossiped about others. I felt like I was an outcast compared to the other girls because I was alternative and didn't conform to what people our age did. There were definitely cliques and I felt like they were encouraged. if you have a tough skin then Nina's is for you, but if you believe that you will end up hating dance because of the treatment then this is not the school for you. more

When I danced there was a scale and we had to weigh in front of everyone. I wasn't there to be embarressed. My momma tried to get me to continue & spoke to Nina. It made me feel like everyone is supposed to be thin even though my momma told me we come in all shapes, sizes, and colors ever since I can remember. I saw tears from a lot of dancers. You didn't feel good enough. more

I have been dancing for 12 years. The last five have been at Nina's. Having been a dancer at another studio for a good portion of my life, I can attest to why the sweet and play nice approach doesn't always work, we were lazy and my teacher didn't expect enough out of us and therefore I didn't get the best dance training. In 7th grade, I made the decision to come to Nina's and I have to say its been one of the best decisions I've ever made. I love Nina's. I love the friends I have made there, and the family that i know will be with me for the rest of my life. Sure Nina yells some, but she yells because she loves us and expects only the best out of us, which sometimes can only be achieved with a little tough love and criticism. Anyone who has been to dance shows in Durham knows that Nina's is the best and if they say anything bad about us it's out of jealousy and knowing that they don't have enough self confidence to be able to handle the way Nina teaches. Not only have I received the best dance training in Durham, Nina's has taught me to be confident in myself and gives me the opportunity to learn in a real-world setting, preparing me for life in ways I never could've imagined possible. I love Nina's and everyone there, it has been the best experience of my life and I will hate to leave next year when I graduate. more

My little girl has taken at this studio for 4 years. She started when she was 2. Her self esteem is glowing and she is learning dance techniques. It is so wonderful to see the learning taking place and the heart Nina shows all her kids. She knows their names and their hobbies. She takes extra time to teach and teaches well. She has an unbelievable staff and I absolutely would not take my daughter anywhere else. more

To be honest with everyone nina's is amazing if you want your kid to play and all that crap take them to a dang playground but if you want your child to learn dance and maybe a little bit of displine too then go to Nina's but nina's is not for playing around but you do have fun. Nina's is a family that is my second family and i would do anything for any of them up there.Many of you obviously were not there long enough to know what nina's is truely about. So QUITTT posting the nasty reviews when you don't have a right idea of what Nina is really about. I've been dancing there for 11 years now and I love it and sure sometimes it gets tough but o well how bout you put on your BIG GIRL PANTIES and GROW UP!!!!! I love NINA'S and i always will no matter what!!1 more

I remember coming to Nina's and as soon as I walked in and saw the girls dance I knew I had to dance there too. My first day I was there I made friends with all the girls. I have been dancing there for at least 12 years now and have loved every minute of it. Nina is so loving and many can back me up when I say she is like a second mom to us. Every year we watch our seniors leave and although we cry (A LOT) we know they will come back to visit. I mean who could stay away from family? Nina and the girls ARE my family! more

The one thing that is ALWAYS constant at Nina's is she teaches from the heart. She sees a dancer in every child. Does she yell at students NO and if you have said she does you don't listen at all. As loud as some of those classes get with all students talking yes she yells to get there attention, but at ONE student NOT. Does she make students try and stay on them to get it right ABSOLUTELY. One of the sayings that the moms there have, if she doesn't stay on you, then she has given up and the one thing you will never see Nina do is give up. Do some have more potential than others again SURE. Does she build self esteem, there is no one that graduates and leaves that dance school that does not think they can not conquer the world. The dancers at her school in her competition group whether they are 5 or 18 are have a respectful and positive attitude and will work hours to get it right. The little ones look to the older ones and the older ones take care of the smaller ones. They consider themselves family. You may think I'm on a soap box but no one knows better because you see I'm a Nina's Company dancer's mom and those dancers and Nina are my heart. When they take the stage you know you will see the best of the best! If you want your child to learn dance, go to NIna's. If you want your child to go play and have a good time, go to the park! more

Nina does know dance, but she yells like a unprofessional & doesn't seem to care what it does to the child's self esteem. Too much favortism exhibited at this studio. Pros: Nina knows dance Cons: Favortism exhibited & too much yelling more

DOWNSIDE: This was my first official dance studio when I was 4-6 years old. I HATED IT. Nina herself taught our jazz/ballet/tap combo class, and she went into a screaming frenzy during nearly every class. If I made a mistake, she screamed at me. If my neighbor made a mistake, she screamed at me. If anyone anywhere made a mistake, she screamed at all of us. I burst into tears a lot. In short, Nina made me hate dance. When I quit her studio, I never would have believed that I would go on to become a lovely dancer elsewhere, perform professionally, and enjoy dance for the rest of my life. But I was a very sensitive little girl. UPSIDE: I've seen her 'older' girls perform recently, and it seems that this tough-love approach does bring the results on stage. They looked great. Perhaps this studio is simply better for teen and preteen dancers who need harsh reality-checks to improve and who can handle receiving criticism in front of their peers. If this is your dancer, she can probably excel at Nina's. Pros: Tough love gets results Cons: This studio can wreck self-esteem more

It was said to us by a long-time parent, ""Nina is hard on these girls but she really loves everyone of them"". If you like this kind of old school approach then Nina's is for you. But if you just want your kid to have fun in a supportive environment then go somewhere else. Pros: very good recital production Cons: culture of harsh correction and communication more