Ultimate Dance & Cheer

★shaylen

I debated for a long time whether or not to speak up. After all, I left that studio nine years ago. But the lasting impact certain coaches have—especially the harmful ones—doesn’t fade with time. Their influence can leave emotional scars that shape how young athletes view themselves, their abilities, and the world around them. And while silence might seem easier, I was raised to speak out about the things I’m passionate about. Today, that passion is protecting young dancers from the same experiences I endured. Recently, a growing amount of information has surfaced regarding the owner of the studio I once called home. My sister and I spent 12 years at that studio—long enough to be considered one of the original competitive team families. It was our second home for over a decade. Looking back now, I realize that I experienced many things no child ever should. At the time, I didn’t fully understand how inappropriate or damaging some of those experiences were. It wasn’t until I joined a college dance team and spoke with teammates who had genuinely positive childhood experiences that I began to see the difference—and the harm. Their disbelief at my stories made me realize just how normalized the dysfunction had become for us. There were inappropriate conversations about relationships, boys, sex in front of us when we were as young as 12. There were humiliating moments during puberty when we were made to stand in front of mirrors while our physical flaws and insecurities were pointed out to us. Conversations a large group of us girls still talk about to this day. Being part of a loyal, long-term family at the studio was used as justification to treat us “like her own,” yet that treatment often crossed the line of basic decency and professional boundaries. The owner consistently masked her actions under the guise of being a “second mom,” but that does not excuse the lack of boundaries or the emotional harm caused. To be clear: this is not about bitterness or resentment. I’m incredibly grateful for the lifelong friendships and bonds I formed at that studio. But I’m even more proud of and inspired by the brave young individuals who are now speaking out. It’s not easy to revisit those memories, but vulnerability becomes a responsibility when it can help others avoid the same trauma. To the current parents of dancers at UDC: your daughters may not recognize what’s happening right now. But I promise you, at 23, they may look back and realize the weight of it all—just as I have. Dismissing or minimizing our stories because we were "young" at the time is not only unfair, it's dangerous. We were there. We remember. And we know. The studio’s repeated public responses—claiming to raise strong, confident young women—ring hollow to those of us who lived a very different reality. In my experience, and in the experience of many others I’ve spoken to—regardless of whether they stayed until graduation or left early—not one person has had a genuinely positive reflection on the leadership at that facility. I thank God every day for blessing me with positive, respectful coaches in college who helped me rebuild what was damaged. I am grateful I was able to continue my dance journey after having to walk away from it prematurely because of my experiences at UDC. There are better, healthier options out there for your children. And if sharing my story helps even one young dancer have a safer, more empowering experience, then every word is worth it.

★★★★★Kate Olawsky

Our family has been a part of the Ultimate Dance and Cheer family for eight wonderful years, and I can confidently say it's been an exceptional experience. What truly sets Ultimate Dance and Cheer apart is their incredible team of teachers. They're not just instructors; they are mentors who genuinely care about each and every student. Their passion for dance and cheer is infectious, creating a positive and motivating environment for the kids. Beyond the excellent instruction, the sense of community at Ultimate Dance and Cheer is remarkable. Everyone at the studio, from the staff to the other families, has shown genuine care and support for my girls throughout the years (even in other sports beside dance). It's more than just a dance and cheer studio; it's a place where my daughters have grown, learned, gained confidence and felt truly valued. I wholeheartedly recommend Ultimate Dance and Cheer to any family looking for a nurturing and high-quality dance and cheer experience. You won't be disappointed!

★★★★★Quinci Brewer

I enrolled my daughter at UDC last year and we've only had a positive experience with them! They have taken time to work with my daughter and have had great communication with me, as my daughter is one of the youngest in the studio currently. My daughter loves her coaches and loves dancing at UDC.

★★★★★Jessica Walter

We have been at UDC going on two years after transferring from a really bad experience at another local studio. My daughter has thrived at UDC in their competitive program. The owner and coaches have just the right balance between strictness and love to make it a wonderful place for the kids but also to mold them into super talented young people. My daughter loves it so much that on the few days a week that she doesn’t have dance she asks to go anyway. Thanks UDC for loving our kids!

★★★★★Jason Yttreness

All 3 of my daughters have been at UDC since they were 2. They are all on competitive both dance and cheer teams. Since joining UDC in 2016 we have loved being apart of such an amazing, caring, and loving dance and cheer family. My girls have nothing but great things to say when they come home from practice. The coaching staff loves our children like their own. Not only do they focus on teaching our kids to be amazing athletes, they also teach them how to be kind, caring, and good people. We are proud to be apart of the UDC family. I recommend Ultimate Dance & Cheer to all of my family and friends. Thanks to UDC we have made life long friendships we will treasure forever.