While I feel that HWDA has the best in local dance instruction, they are FAR too focused on the ""company"" girls. All of the fundraisers are for the sole purpose of helping to pay for the extravagant expenses associated with being a company dancer, which the average family may be unable or unwilling to afford.
I constantly felt myself asking ""Why do I want to donate my household goods for a yard sale or buy a calendar that features ONLY the company girls when I am paying full price for instruction?""
The students who are there for recreation are relatively ignored and unrepresented. Heather needs to place more attention and focus on the students that truly fund her studio, regardless of their innate ability or access to unlimited financial support. It would be so nice to see the newsletter ""spotlighting"" a ""regular"" student who has shown individual improvement or a fundraiser calendar compiled of photos of ALL the students (i.e. candid recital photos). Heather needs to recognize that without the dedication and tuition of her ""regular"" or ""average"" student, she would not be where she is today or be able to afford her glamorous new facility.
Remember that dancing is a unique and joyful experience. Not everyone is a protege or prodigy , but that doesn't mean they aren't doing their best and worth recognition.
I will enroll my younger daughter is a less company-centered facility in the near future.
In response to another commenter: Heather's receptionist, Patty, does indeed come across as ""ditsy,"" RUDE and snobby. I've never been so ignored by someone while waiting to ask information or give them my money! She comes across as arrogant and unapproachable. The fact that she has a ""degree"" (in what?) is irrelevant.
Pros: Beautiful, state-of-the-art facility; competent teachers
Cons: ""Company"" (competitive dance students) centered
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