Ultimate Dance & Cheer

Fantastic experience: We started out at UDC doing a recreational tumbling class...that was almost 10 years ago and our only regret is that we didn’t do it sooner! Our daughter began in that tumbling class, but when she caught a peek at the cheerleaders practicing one night that was it… she begged me to try that… she is now in her 9th season as a competitive cheerleader and we can’t imagine our lives without UDC! Mary Pat, Erica and all of the coaches are extremely dedicated to growing the kids not only as athletes, but as human beings. As parents, we have enjoyed watching our 16 year old being molded into a much stronger (mentally and physically), more confident young woman...she has excelled in tumbling and now tumbles at Level 4/5… and she still can’t wait to get back to the gym to work on getting that next skill… and thanks to great coaching, she always gets there. For me as a parent, it makes me so happy that at UDC it’s not just about a jacket or a ring, it’s also about being a good person and doing the right thing... being thankful for all we have and helping someone in need... things we need more of in this world. You won’t be disappointed.

Negative experience: First of all, I’d like to say I take no pleasure in this review. I’d LIKE to. But I can’t. I am happy to share how completely dishonest, immature, and meanspirited this person who runs UDC is, so others don’t fall into the same trap we did. Thank you to everyone who is now speaking up. My daughter attended UDC for years, which I’m embarrassed to admit. Has anyone ever questioned MP’s technique or knowledge or formal education in dance? Maybe some of you don’t care, but she has NO FORMAL TRAINING (such as dance instruction/school). She was an *assistant* for a formally trained dance instructor named Julie and that is where MP’s “training” ends. If you care about your child getting REAL dance technique, take them somewhere else. MP has always been a challenge to deal with; what the other reviews say about being inaccessible is absolutely true, unprofessional, and infuriating. Emails, fb message, text, calls, no reply. Grr! If our daughter had other events or was sick, it didn’t matter. We paid irregardless, and never got a response except her childish, grouchy attitude next time my daughter showed up. We were always given a monthly “tuition” to pay, but somehow, extra expenses got added on. She’d say “if you have extra $ in your account, you can use it for xyz.” But we NEVER had any. We paid the monthly tuition and invariably, there were added things we needed to pay for: shoes, outfits, competitions, SOMETHING (STUDIO EXPENSES!!) that we were never informed of when we signed up. It wasn’t until our daughter quit and took training elsewhere that we discovered that charging the students for a new spring floor or mirrors (or whatever added amenities MP wanted for HER studio) was NOT typical of dance studios. WHY DO STUDENTS/CLIENTS HAVE TO PAY FOR MP’S BUSINESS EXPENSES?? The fundraisers were endless. We never had access to those funds. MP alone did. (so her claims of “someone taking funds” is a lie.) So WHEN they were spent, and they WERE, we never knew what for. And it wasn’t until our daughter got FORMAL training that we learned that MP was teaching the WRONG technique. Our daughter’s new dance instructors asked where she learned it and she admitted UDC. She learned how to do a PROPER fouetté and PROPER pointe technique from QUALIFIED instructors. To think I spent ungodly amounts of money on this place makes me sick to my stomach. Those are just the business aspects that I take issue with. Then there’s the personality issues she has. Early in MP’s “business” she was to attend a smalltown dance event. She was mad about this event for whatever reason and chose not to attend. But some of the students were from that small town and wanted to perform there and they (LITTLE GIRLS!!) were told not to cheer for the dance team from that small town. WHO DOES THAT?? She also did this at dance competitions where MP didn’t like other teams and not just our little girls – even high school girls were told not to cheer for other teams. And this is just a couple examples of her petty, immature, mean nature. The stories are endless. At the time, I didn’t believe it all. But as time went on, and other parents expressed their disgust, I began to see the light and we left. Another example of her high school-ish behavior is that she would trash talk my daughter – a little kid - when she wasn’t around. TO HER CLOSE FRIENDS IN THE SAME CLASS. Some would share what MP said in my daughter’s absence, some would chime in so MP didn’t attack them, and some were silent (because speaking up got you a place in the back for her routines – a common practice if you didn’t show her your loyalty.) Never mind her shady business practices and lack of formal training – she is just a mean girl who never grew up. If I were a parent taking my kid there, knowing what I know now and what people are finally speaking up about, I’d want to take them FAR away from this toxic environment.

Negative experience: 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.

Fantastic experience: We love Ultimate Dance and Cheer more than I can even put into words. My daughter has been dancing here for 9 years, and this place has truly become part of our family. She’s an honor roll student with the biggest heart, and while I’ll take some credit for the person she’s become, a huge part of that is thanks to UDC. The coaches and staff have poured so much into her—not just as a dancer, but as a person. They’ve helped shape her into a strong, confident, kind young woman. The discipline, the teamwork, the friendships… all of it has made such a difference in her life. I’ve watched her grow up here, and I’m so proud of the dancer she is and the person she’s becoming. UDC has played such a big role in that, and I’ll always be thankful for it.

Fantastic experience: 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!

Fantastic experience: It's a great environment to watch your kids grow with so much confidence and have fun at the same time

Fantastic experience: Ultimate Dance and Cheer is a fabulous studio for your child to learn dance and tumbling skills. The coaches care about your children like family. My children having been dancing here for 13 years. The studio is like another family to us.

Fantastic experience: We have been at UDC for 5 years and love it! The coaches are so helpful and kind.

Fantastic experience: 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.

Fantastic experience: 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!

Fantastic experience: 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.

Fantastic experience: We enrolled our daughter last year & she LOVES UDC. Mary Pat runs an amazing studio with amazing coaches/teachers. We were so blessed & she always asks when she can start dance again. Highly recommended!

Negative experience: My daughter is now in year two at UDC. She enjoys her nights of practice there and has always spoken highly of her coaches. I have not been happy or impressed with UDC. The communication between myself as a parent and the staff of UDC has been a struggle. It starts with ownership and trickles all the way down. The three occasions my daughter has had to miss practices because of family vacations or events I text the coach as expected to make her aware. I never receive a response back. Not an ok, not a thumbs up, nothing. The very first text I sent a follow up just to ensure I had the right number and then I got a confirmation back. I have three children who have been very active and involved in sports over their lives. The communication between coaches, teams, and leagues is always great and comes through emails, texts, App’s etc. The owner at UDC only communicates through Facebook pages. I do not get texts and I do not get emails. You have to make sure you like all appropriate pages and stay on Facebook. As a result, I sent a Facebook message to the owner and was ignored. I was later told she doesn’t use Facebook Messenger for communication which I found odd as this is how she communicates to us. I sent two emails and as my messages were ignored and I finally got an answer to the second one when I threatened to not pay. The billing is wierd. Your asked to calculate the cost based on hours your kid is there and then told if you overpay it’ll go to future costs. I’ve worked customer service my entire life. I like giving my money to businesses that appreciate it. Doing business with UDC is a one way highway. It’s not do right for the customer. It’s my way or the highway and the owner is always right. There are lots of options in town. I would do your research.

Fantastic experience: I love UDC

Fantastic experience: We are starting our daughters 7th year at UDC. We could not ask for a better place to have our daughter dance. This is truly a second family to us.

Fantastic experience: I have been going to UDC for almost 7 years now. Mary Pat is a WONDERFUL coach. She has made amazing personal connections with almost all the dancers and cheerleaders at Ultimate Dance and Cheer. She is truly a great role model for everyone and one of the people in my life that I look up to.

Fantastic experience: The UDC dance and cheer family is just that...a family of people who love and care about one another! It is a wonderful studio to try out dance or cheer, or to join a competitive team! Come and see if UDC is the right place for your family!

Fantastic experience: We are so blessed by the Ultimate Dance and Cheer coaching staff and the family community! My daughter has excelled at her skills and become a stronger and more graceful dancer since we started. Best decision I ever made was bringing her to UDC!

Fantastic experience: Our daughter has been going here for 4 years, since she was 2 years old- and we LOVE it. She’s done both cheer and dance, and the coaches have all been so amazing in helping her find what she loves and build on her strengths. We can’t wait to see what the years ahead bring!

Fantastic experience: As a dad it takes a lot for me to trust someone to take care of my kids and teach/coach them. This Mary Pat has my trust and I feel my kids are in good hands!

Fantastic experience: We love all that this dance and cheer studio has to offer for the kiddos. Awesome instructors!

Fantastic experience: We started at UDC when my daughter was 2. Could not have asked for a better studio. All the staff is phenomenal with the kids and truely show they care about not only teaching the children routeins but each child growing as an individual. The staff and other families have become our dance family and we couldn't ask for any better!

Fantastic experience: I've been dancing here since I was 5 years old and I have never thought of going anywhere else. I love being there. You make new friends and every one is like family to me. Everyone loves having new team members. UDC is the best place to dance!!!

Fantastic experience: We started attending UDC when my step daughter was 2! Mary Pat and all of her coaching staff are amazing at working with children of all ages and athletic ability. They are patient and look out for your child's best interest. My step daughter looked forward to going to "class" with her friends she had made and seeing her teacher every week. She is now 4 and in her second year on a competition team. Our 2 year old daughter has now started her first year at UDC on a recreational team. I feel we have struck gold by finding such amazing place that both our children love to come to every week. Also the price cannot be beat compared to the other dance studios we had looked into when deciding which studio we wanted them to attend.

Fantastic experience: Our daughter is in her 4th year of dance at UDC, and she loves every minute of it! Mary Pat and the rest of the staff are all amazing, and we couldn’t be happier to be a part of this wonderful family! I highly recommend UDC if you’re looking to get your little one involved in dance or cheer!

Fantastic experience: We've been with UDC for the last 6 years and we love the coaches and our UDC family!

Fantastic experience: This is our 4th year at UDC, needless to say we are so very happy here!! Mary Pat and all the coaches truly have the best interest of the athletes in mind. We love UDC!!

Fantastic experience: We love UDC! My daughter started dancing here when she was three. We moved to Arizona for a short while and one of the first things our daughter asked about when she heard we were coming back to SD was dancing for UDC again! Needless to say, we are re-enrolled. UDC is not just your average dance studio; it is a wonderful community where everybody is like family. If you are searching for dance/cheer for you daughter (or son), I highly recommend giving UDC a call!

Fantastic experience: My daughter started dance when she was 18 months old at a different place and they changed owners when she was 3 and she started to hate it. UDC was suggested to us and so we gave it a try and my daughter who is almost 4 loves dance again. She loves her teachers and friends and gets so excited to go to dance each week. She is doing competition this year and for the price we pay for dance and tumbling at UDC each month it is still cheaper than just 30 minutes of dance each week at the previous place we were at. We are very happy we made the switch and cannot wait to see how our daughter grows in her dance.

Negative experience: Attempted taking my girls for a month or so. I had high hopes for this place and was excited because it was closer to our home than a previous place we took our girls. However, unless you are already part of the clique that understands how things happen around there, you are left in the dark. There's no communication. Emails go unanswered, and 50% of the time my questions were ignored in their Facebook group that they try to keep everything in. Good luck getting a question answered unless you somehow manage to catch staff in the middle of practices. HAPPILY driving the few extra miles back to where our girls used to attend. I would strongly advise seeing what else might be available before enrolling a child here.

Fantastic experience: I an going to try it

Negative experience: I am not impressed with this place or the owner. I think she is rude and impatient.