Dance Unlimited

"Dance Unlimited has become a 2nd home for my daughters. The quality instruction by their outstanding team of instructors has guided & challenged my girls allowing them to develop & strengthen strong dance technique, artistry all while encouraging them to work toward goals & overcome obstacles. Additionally, the life skills my daughters have found within the walls of DU like time management, dedication & the value of hard work is immeasurable. The joy on their faces while they dance says it all and we look forward to many more years ahead!"

"My daughter has been a student at Dance Unlimited for over 10 years. She was a member of both the Mini Co and the Repertory Co. This was the absolute best experience ever for my daughter being apart of both companies. She learned so much about herself, dance, performing, teamwork, attention to details, and dedication. Dance Unlimited helped to developed her as a dancer, actress and overall performer. She would not be the amazing dancer she is today had she not received her technical training from the skilled and dedicated staff at Dance Unlimited. The director and the entire staff are dedicated to the Arts and they do NOT take their job lightly and for that I'm grateful. Amazing place to train and develop young dancers."

"For the triple threat performer, Dance Unlimited at the Performing Arts Factory provides access to Frederick's best dance program, best acting teacher and best vocal instruction. My daughter has been dancing since Kindergarten, and probably at some point, been in every dance studio in Frederick County, through camps, workshops or classes. After years as a company dancer with another studio, she made the decision on her own to move to Dance Unlimited because she was in awe at the dancers and choreography she saw on the stage at the recital and wanted to dance as well as they did. We have been here for 3 years now, and under Donna Grim and Gayle Williams dance instruction, my daughter technique is finally on track. Under Vocal instruction with Cathie Porter-Borden, she has developed a decent singing voice and has learned how to sing in an ensemble chorus, and working with Susan Thornton, she is exposed to the absolute best theatre training in the area. In addition to their dance training, Dance Unlimited encourages the dancers to perform in the musicals that the Performing Arts Factory does. This was very important to my daughter, as her prior studio had a theatre arts arm, but it was quite separate from the dance side of the house, and the dancers were not allowed to participate in it. I feel that my daughters experiences with so many studios makes us particularly qualified to say that Dance Unlimited really is Frederick county's best dance studio."

"The first year and a half was great, the teachers are very professional and have a great repertoire with the dancers. Then my dancer was accepted into the school’s company. The parents are basically tapped dry and are used a slave labor while the director pours on the guilt trip throughout the year how we as parents aren’t doing enough and our dancers and not focused and not taking the work seriously. The dancers are subjected to erratic scheduling which can change at a drop of a hat. The director obviously feels working parents should just get over it. The schedule can run late in the evening which began to take a toll in my child’s school work towards the end of the year; not taking the dance seriously, I think not! I knew parents that took off work just to accommodate the director’s insane scheduling requirements for fear of her going off and removing their child from the company. The director demoralizes the students and instills fear in them not to speak out. She uses her bully persona on the parents when anyone questions her tactic. Direct quote from the director “those who find fault or second guess do not progress as quickly as those whose parents encourage them to follow instructions”. So basically if you don’t play ball your dancer won’t progress under her watch. If you truly want a pre-professional program, I HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend taking an extra few minutes in your commute time to find a performing or competitive dance company who has professional poise and tact. You will NOT get that courtesy from the director of Dance Unlimited! Very disappointing!"

"We have been a part of the DU family for several years now and I wouldn't dream of my daughter dancing anywhere else. The teachers at DU are very hands on with the training and provide a lot of positive feedback. My daughter has always been encouraged to try new things and not give up. After coming from a place that was not a great match for my daughter, Ms. Amanda did a wonderful job in the beginning of taking my daughter under her wing and encouraging her growth and self confidence. All of her teachers there have been amazing and they all hold a special place in our heart. I have found the owner, Ms. Donna, to be very responsive to me whenever I have had a question or concern. I always feel her answers are honest and for the benefit of the individual dancers. We look forward to spending many more years with them."