The Dance Connection - East Haven, Connecticut

Madeline C.

Ms. Sandee, Ms. Linda, and Staff: Thank you for offering a nurturing learning environment for our daughter. We have seen tremendous growth in her skills and confidence since she started attending your classes. Your dedication and passion for teaching dance are truly inspiring. Our 3 year old daughter looks forward to every class and is always excited to show us what she has learned. We are grateful for the positive impact you have had on her development both as a dancer and as a preschooler. Your commitment to fostering a love for dance in such young children is commendable, and we appreciate the patience and encouragement you provide to each student. It is evident that you create a supportive and welcoming atmosphere that allows our daughter to thrive and enjoy her time in class.
The improvements made to the studio are also greatly appreciated, creating a clean, welcoming, and safe space for our children. Your commitment to providing quality instruction and fostering a love for dance in our child does not go unnoticed. Thank you for all that you do to make her experience so rewarding.

Luci R.

Upon joining The Dance Connection family, (and it truly is a family), I have seen nothing but joy in my daughter's heart. She has made wonderful friendships with girls of all ages. She has received incredible teaching by gifted, talented and nurturing teachers who truly share their love for dance. This year my daughter is moving up a level and we can't wait to see her grow as a dancer. I highly recommend The Dance Connection.

m C.

Thank you, Miss Sandee and Ms. Linda! Your dedication and commitment to our daughter's growth and development are truly commendable. The way you both inspire and challenge her to reach her full potential is something we will always be grateful for. The impact you have had on her confidence and skill level is undeniable, and we can't thank you enough for all that you do. Your passion for dance and genuine care for each student shine through in everything you do, and we feel fortunate to have found such amazing teachers for our daughter. Your studio truly is a special place, and we are so thankful to be a part of this dance family.

Julianna T.

The Dance Connection has been a second home to me for 17 years now. I’ve developed a passion for dance, met my life long friends and learned from the kindest and most supportive teachers. If I had to start my career over again, I would choose The Dance Connection every time. Thank you Miss Linda for loving and believing in me since I was 2. Thank you Miss Sandee for pushing me to be better than I thought I could be and for supporting me on and off the stage. You two were always the first people to pick me up after an injury or congratulate me after a win. TDC is my forever family.

Jakob C.

I disagree with this recent review, and it's truly disappointing to see this. In our years at the studio, The Dance Connection's focus is on fostering a love for dance and building confidence in each student, rather than solely focusing on winning competitions. My daughter has been dancing for 8 years. The instructors prioritize individual growth and development, creating a supportive and encouraging environment for all dancers.

It's refreshing to see a studio that values the art of dance and the well-being of its students above all else. Their dedication to providing opportunities for all students regardless of financial constraints is truly admirable. The impact of their generosity extends far beyond the studio walls, creating a sense of community and inclusivity that is rare to find in the competitive world of dance. The emphasis is on growth, technique, and personal development rather than just winning trophies. The studio prides itself on cultivating "better," well-rounded dancers who not only excel in technique but also in character and teamwork.

With 67 years of successful legacy, this studio has proven that their approach to dance education truly sets them apart. By supporting local small businesses like this one, we not only contribute to the growth of our community but also help preserve the rich history and tradition that they bring to our city. Let's continue to support and uplift these establishments so they can continue to inspire and nurture future generations of dancers.

Gabrielle S.

The only reason I give them two stars is because my daughters dance teacher, Abby was wonderful , patient and a great teacher.

Make no mistake- this is not a dance school- its a competition factory. They only want girls who compete. There are NO CLASSES for teenage girls that do not want to compete.

Have you ever heard of a dance studio that has no dance classes at all for a 13 year old girl? Exactly! Enough said.

Debora

The Dance Connection has been a a beneficial part of my god-daughters individual growth the past couple of years. She has become passionate and creative. Loud & confident. She lives & breathes dance.
I have no doubt the encouragement she will continue to receive will not only make her an amazing dancer, but an amazing person. Though she is still young and learning, the training thus far has made her strong.
Thank you Miss Linda & Miss Sandee for creating a safe haven for children to thrive!

Antonio F.

Unprofessional staff. My daughter went into her class today and there was a completely new teacher they don’t give you a heads up or communicate this change at all, they expect you to just be okay with it I suppose. My daughter was doing a fine job dancing with the older ones but requested mom in the room and the owner confirmed it was ok one week, the receptionist comes in 15 min before it’s over to tell my wife to get out in a very rude way.. the next week my daughter requests a cracked door for her comfort the owner said this was okay while the receptionist felt it was not so 15 mins before class is over they come over to shut the door without any care of my daughters well being. She was beginning to have a melt down and cry and my wife had to quickly get my daughter out before they shut the door to the classroom. I have not seen such disrespect by another grown woman towards a family the way I saw it this evening. She didn’t want to hear my wife out who was trying to explain this happened the week previously about her being inside. Not once did the lady try to talk to us about having a closed door next class(seeing as it was 15 mins away from being over). My daughter left in tears two weeks in a row due to their poor communication, ms Linda wanted to apologize after and say she had no chance to talk this employee about her allowing a cracked door but without asking or talking this woman comes out of no where to shut my daughter inside there’s no excuse for this. Just take your kids elsewhere this place is going downhill very quickly as I’ve seen in the past year. Employees seem overworked and tired or they simply just did not care to be so disrespectful. They claim the door was a fire exit and it does not act as a fire exit at all it’s just like an apartment door with 2 locks on it and they are right next to do a fire stations so seriously! It couldn’t be cracked for 15 more mins? Just ridiculous if you ask me. They clearly have some issue against my wife to continuously bother her weeks in a row when she was just doing what the owner allowed, so ruining our kids comfort and experience here was the way they decided to handle it. They’ll have family and friends make perfect reviews to filter ours out and that’s fine but I’m just glad to take my daughter elsewhere now, respectfully.