full review on facebook
Had I done this review 2 years ago, I would definitely given a five star rating My family has been going to Starz for 10 years and we have had many great experiences here. However, though 7 members of my family have taken classes over the years, only one of my daughters is going this year. There are many reasons for this, but the biggest is that we feel Starz standards - and thus quality - have declined over the last few years.
The Assistant Directors
The Great Allison, Lori, Alma, and Terri are amazing! They are all volunteers who have worked hard to ensure that the studio continues to exist and thrive. I am so grateful for all they've done! They really do work hard to choose modest costumes and keep the studio's standards high.
The not so great They are all volunteers and busy moms, thus sometimes they are hard to get in contact with, which is understandable but sometimes frustrating. I feel they have allowed the teachers to have a lot of input in the costuming which has led to some styles my family has been uncomfortable with.
Brandi Gollinger
The great Brandi has done a ton of hard work to ensure the studio's survival and success. She cares about the studio and the students and I really believe she wants each student to achieve greatness. She taught my cousin who has special needs and she was kind and patient with him. I saw him make lots of progress.
The not so great Brandi definitely picks favorite students and allows them greater opportunities than she gives the rest of her classes. She can also be difficult to communicate with.
McKade Bean
The great: McKade is very talented and enthusiastic. He interacts well with both his level one class and his older group. My daughter and sister both really enjoyed his classes. It took a while for my daughter to adjust to having a guy teacher, but McKade was patient and kind with her.
Malisa Gourley
The great Malisa is extremely patient and kind to the young students. She gently encourages them and helps them through the moves. As for older classes, she has the perfect balance of teaching without hurting feelings and helping them to iron out the kinks in their technique, which can be tough to manage. Every one of my family members who has had her as a teacher loves her. I have nothing to put in a not so great paragraph. Malisa is amazing and I would recommend her to anyone.
Schuyler Bjork & Glenn Belnap
The Great This ballroom teaching duo knows how to choreograph beautifully. I loved every dance they choreographed their first year at Starz. Their junior ballroom dance last year was amazing.
The not so great I feel that these teachers do not always take the Starz mission statement into consideration with their dances. My sister's dance was a zombie themed, and Schuyler told the girls to dance like sexy zombies which goes directly against Starz’s claim that Provocative movements are not used in our dances. Schuyler also assisted in choosing costumes for the older ballroom group that resembled belly dancing costumes with huge jewels over their nipples. Even though leotards were worn under the costume to preserve the Starz claim that they don't show bare tummies, my sister was uncomfortable in it.
Sheleena Rogers
The not so great Of all the teachers who push against Starz standards, I feel that Sheleena is the greatest offender. Several of her dances have included sexy moves. The costumes she assists in choosing also push Starz standards as they have been some of the least modest. Sheleena encourages a lot of attitude in her dances, which can be a good thing, but for the most part I find myself wincing at most of the dances she has choreographed. She is very pushy with her classes and if a student is not doing a move correctly, Sheleena will physically push the student into the position.
Overall, I still love Starz and would recommend it. I know they really do love the students and are trying very hard to do great things for them. No place is perfect, but I still believe Starz Unlimited is one of the best studios available.