★ 1

Beware of Chattanooga Dance Theatre – Completely Disappointing Experience

I cannot recommend Chattanooga Dance Theatre. My 7-year-old daughter was kicked out of the Nutcracker performance at Christmas simply because she missed a few rehearsals. While we understood the importance of attendance, these were due to real family and health emergencies, which we communicated well in advance. The studio showed zero flexibility or compassion.

What makes this situation even more upsetting is that they were the ones who encouraged her to join the performance in the first place. Their email made it sound like a special opportunity—something exciting and meaningful for the kids. But looking back, it feels obvious that it was nothing more than a pay-to-play, pay-to-participate model, not something she genuinely “earned.” This wasn’t the School of American Ballet, Joffrey Ballet, or any elite academy with rigorous auditions. This was a local studio with no real tryouts at all—because everyone who shows up and pays is automatically included. No child’s spot was at stake; this wasn’t a competitive casting—it was a paid program. We were customers who paid to be included.

Despite already paying regular class tuition, we were also charged an additional monthly performance fee—on top of the cost of the costume, photos, and required extra dance clothing—and after all of that, they still removed a seven-year-old from the show. The attached email inviting her to participate is clear proof that this was a sales pitch, not a selective opportunity. Since August, we have spent over $1,000 at this studio, including $536 in class fees, $360 on show tickets, and additional money for required outfits and performance-related expenses. We invested emotionally and financially because this was supposed to be a cherished childhood memory—one of those magical moments a child carries for life. Instead, Chattanooga Dance Theatre shattered that moment and refused to refund a single penny.

The most heartbreaking part is that they took away an experience that should have built confidence, joy, and excitement for a 7-year-old. Dance studios should be uplifting children, helping them fall in love with the art—not discouraging them and tearing down their self-esteem over something as small as a few missed practices due to legitimate family emergencies.

In a world that is already challenging enough for kids, a business working with young children should lead with compassion, kindness, and understanding. You never know what a family is going through. When parents pay for a service—especially one involving their children—you expect support, empathy, and professionalism, not punishment, inflexibility, and profit-focused decisions.

On top of that, the facilities are unclean, and there are serious safety concerns. Classrooms and the waiting area are overcrowded with children, making it stressful and potentially unsafe for young dancers.

Families, please think twice. Chattanooga Dance Theatre talks about creating magical experiences, but their actions show otherwise. For us, this has been deeply disappointing, stressful, and completely avoidable had they chosen compassion over policy and profit.

November 25 update - To make everything even more unbelievable, the studio actually had the gall to call us this morning—after seeing our reviews—to ask if we still planned on continuing with the studio and paying for more classes. And the craziest part? They didn’t even have the courage for someone in leadership to speak to us directly. Instead, they sent some poor finance employee to call an upset parent and awkwardly ask if we intended to keep paying monthly fees. It was almost surreal. Our review alone should have made it painfully obvious that we are not giving them another dollar. The entire call only highlighted how completely out of touch this studio is with the families they claim to serve. And to make matters worse for them, even the person on the phone seemed to quietly agree that our daughter never should have been removed from the show in the first place.

Source: Google

★ 5

I started taking the Adult Ballet Basics class in December of 2024, and I have always felt welcomed and encouraged. There is a lot of room for growth, and a great sense of community.

Source: Google

★ 5

My daughters have been dancing here for years and absolutely love it. The instructors are amazing and truly care about all their students. The way they encourage the dancers is amazing! The different classes and performance opportunities make it a great option for anyone. Plus the fact that they have classes for preschool kids through adults is wonderful.

Source: Google

★ 5

My daughter absolutely loves CDT. After searching for about 7 years for a place for her to call home, I am glad she is loving this school. The teachers are so caring!

Source: Google

★ 5

Choosing Chattanooga Dance Theatre for my daughter was one of the best decisions we've made. The instructors are incredible—patient, fun, and great at connecting with kids. My child is always excited to attend class and comes home proud to show off new dance moves. The studio is well-organized, with excellent communication. The nurturing environment has boosted my child’s confidence and love for dance. The end-of-year recital was a beautiful experience, showcasing how much the kids had learned. I highly recommend Chattanooga Dance Theatre for any parent looking for a supportive, skill-building environment.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 1

I reached out to them three times by email and twice by phone about having issues enrolling my daughter. Never got any correspondence back. No email replies. No nothing at all.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

I absolutely love CDT!

Source: Google

★ 5

My daughter attends and the class is her "most favorite thing ever!" The teachers are marvelous people, so patient and kind. We're glad to be here.

Source: Google

★ 5

Love having my daughter attend. When we moved to the area this year, being able to access the dance theater by walking has been the highlight of our time. Looking forward to "Clara's Tea". Can't wait to see what other fun things are in store!

Source: Google

★ 5

I've watched several performances and they were wonderful.

Source: Google

★ 5

Two of my Granddaughters attend Chattanooga Dance Theatre. One grandchild takes Ballet level 3 and the other takes HipHop level 4-6. Both girls love this school. The owner is a wonderful person and the instructors are well trained. I would highly recommend CDT.

Source: Google

★ 5

As new residence in this area we were looking for a dance studio that not only provided excellent training, but also had a family friendly feeling. The first moment we stepped into the studio we felt welcome and Ms. Andrea went out of her way to sit and talk with me about the classes offered and how the curriculum is structured. She talked with me in length about classes that would be a good fit for my daughters, and made both me and my girls feel so comfortable. It's been so wonderful not only getting to know the staff, but also see me daughters thriving and making wonderful friends. It's been a wonderful experience!

Source: Google

★ 5

My daughter has danced at CDT for several years now. I have a dance background and was looking for a studio that has sound technique but also makes dance fun and exciting. CDT has been such a breath of fresh air! The teachers are passionate and caring and truly love what they do. My daughter often says she wishes she had more classes or more rehearsals because she just loves it that much.

Source: Google

★ 5

My daughter has thrived under her teachers at CDT! She loves going to her classes and is always eager to share what she has learned with me! Her teachers really care about her and I even get emails from her teacher telling me what they have been working on in class! She gets the opportunity to try out for different productions and perform on stage!

Source: Google

★ 4

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

I am so happy to have found this studio to start my dance training! Starting dance as an adult with no dance experience can be quite intimidating but Chattanooga Dance Theatre made me feel so comfortable and welcomed I kept coming back. I started in the adult basics class and am now currently moving up the levels along with the other students allowing me to grow in my skills and technique in ballet, hip hop, jazz, and modern. Even though you are in a large class setting the classes are extremely focused on individual development and the staff is all about assist you to hit your own personal goal. I highly recommend this studio to anyone wanting to pursue dance as a hobby or a serious art form!

Source: Google

★ 5

CDT is the best dance studio in town! Both the staff and dancers are incredibly positive and encouraging. Every dance class is a blast! Plus, the technique taught is unparalleled. I have improved so much as a dancer and person from being there! I would not be where I am today without CDT!

Source: Google

★ 5

What are the age ranges? I couldent find it on the website.

Source: Google

★ 3

The cheap plastic stand alone bars don't cut it. If it weren't for that, this would be a great place.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

CDT is run by talented, experienced dancers. My daughters love their beginning ballet class! I highly recommend CDT for affordable, quality dance classes in Chattanooga.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google