10/31/09

Good instructors, bad business tactics, high pressure sales

by Beaker2009

Good instructors, but high pressure sales tactics and overpriced lessons: NDC in Murfreesboro is a nice studio with great instructors. The only problem I had was the high pressure sales tactics used to get you to book another package with them. They sell classes by packages and there is no negotiation. I did the introductory course and 2 out of the 5 courses, I spent half the lesson being sold on my next package. Then on your last class of your intro, I was taken to a manager's office to sign up for my next course of 10 private lessons and group classes for $1800. I felt very pressured by both my teacher and the manager to make an immediate purchase, they wanted a deposit on the spot and kept pushing for me to put something down. I insisted that I needed to go home and look things over, then they offered me their computer to look it up there. I found that completely out of line. I felt like someone was trying to pull a fast one on me before I realize what im getting into. So, all in all, my experience with NDC in Mboro is mixed. The teachers are ok, their business tactics are not. Very pushy, and you don't get as much out of your lessons as you wish as you spend it talking on future packages you need to buy. DanceWorld offers the same package NDC is offering at $1800 for only $650...one third of the price and you are not locked into a studio contract as you are with NDC. Also, on top of that, if you would like to perform in a Christmas show for NDC, they will charge you extra for performing onstage, and then an additional amount for a 12 bar solo. You should never have to pay for a show where you as a student, are helping the studio market their product. Bad business ethics. Good teachers. What can I say. I unfortunately it left a bad taste in my mouth and I will not be going back.

• Pros: Good teachers
• Cons: Pushy, bad business ethics, high pressure sales

05/29/09

High Quality Service

by hapE2B

I had gone to some other dance studios in another state before I moved to Nashville. I found the service severely lacking in those schools, so I was reserved when coming to National Dance Clubs. I had also heard about the high pressure-sales and the expense, but I really wanted to learn at a good school and was ready to pay for it if it was to be had. I am a teacher myself, and so I know a thing or two about teaching.

National Dance Clubs was the most friendly school I had been to...(I had tried 2 other schools). When I came to a party, everyone knew me...and if they didn't, I was introduced by the teachers. I always felt very welcome, which I definitely did not at other schools.

I never had a problem with the so-called high pressure. The first time I went, I left my purse in the car--but I went out and got it because I was so impressed with the quality of the service and the knowldgeability of my teacher. Yes, they did tell me about some things I could not do or did not really want to do because I could not afford it, and yes, they did ask more than once, but I am a big girl, and if I do not or cannot do it, I smile and say no thank you...once, twice, three times. Frankly, I would be a little insulted if they decided for me what they thought I could or could not afford and did not make me aware of opportunities they were offering to other people. They were never cold or mean...ever.

I have worked it out and the private lessons do run about $100/private hour. By today's standards, that is NOT expensive for private instruction. In fact my daughter's gymnastic coachings are just about as much, and this is for both me and my husband...who, by the way, has paid more for private golf lessons. I certainly think there is a LOT of value in the price, because not only do we get superlative instruction, but we feel part of the studio through their many events and parties.

Be wary of places that say they only charge $50 or $60 dollars per lesson. They do not tell you about the floor rental you have to pay to use the floor. Also, I have heard that because these are floor rental studios and do not employ their teachers, you are actually subcontracting help and may technically be responsible for the taxes. That was something I just did not want to even worry about!

Also, at pay-by-the-lesson studios, there is usually not an over-arching goal planned or lesson plan, which, as a teacher I value very much. I know exactly what I can expect to learn with a block of lessons. I know people who have had to stop lessons because of circumstance and were afraid that they had lost their money because of what they had heard from people who had never been at NDC, but the supervisors were very understanding and offered a payment plan, to put their lessons on hold, or a refund.

I just wanted to put my 2 cents in because I saw those harsh reviews--some from people who had never been there.

You get what you pay for. If you want to be treated like a valued customer with a lot of potential as a dancer, given lots of opportunity to really enjoy what you have learned, and get to meet a lot of really wonderful, positive, and supportive people, both teachers, supervision and staff, and certianly not least, the students, try out the National Dance Clubs. I go to the Brentwood location.

• Pros: Terrific service and a variety of different opportunities
• Cons: Leaves you wanting more

03/16/09

AVOID this place for dance lessons

by thebandit04

My 3 friends and I have all had bad experience at this place. When it comes to selling lessons here it can get pretty interesting. the manager watches you dance for about 10 seconds then calls you in there office and says your progressing really fast and should buy another lesson package. When they told me how much it cost ($6400) I said no i just wanted to learn the basic steps and that was it. They turned from fake and cheerful to mean really fast.. After getting hounded for about and hour to by more lessons i left there about 8pm. later that night about 10:30 PM the dance instructor calls me trying to sweet talk me into buying more lessons!!! A couple days later i go in for my last lesson and they changed my instructor hoping she would do a better job at selling me lessons, My last lesson i didnt even learn anything, the instructor sayed i had no communication skills and was unable to fuction in the real world unless i purchase the 6400$ pakage. So i got pulled in the other managers office i told them straight up no within the first minute then i was excused. PLEASE DON'T TAKE LESSONS HERE.

• Pros: Friday night parties are fun (open bar)
• Cons: very fake people,not serious with you. Its all about selling