Academy of Arts at January's - Charleston, West Virginia

Kinley Zeigler

January’s is an amazing place to dance and I have been so honored to be here for 15 years. January treats all of her students and staff like they are family, which makes for an extremely positive dancing environment for all (those who want to continue dance professionally or not). As a member of her company, I can say from actual experience that January enforces fairness, etiquette, kindness, and many other important dance and life skills. She is so dedicated to the welfare of her students and works harder than anyone I know. January goes out of her way to ensure everyone has a safe and comfortable learning environment. She wants to make a positive difference in the lives of her students and she certainly has here.

Brianna Sigmon (Bri)

My younger sister has been a student at Januarys for a very long time and we highly recommend!! Januarys has allowed her to grow not only as a person but also as a dancer, she has made so many long lasting friendships through Januarys and all of the girls are very supportive of one another and everyone feels like family at the studio. January does an amazing job at not only teaching dance but also making her studio a safe space where all dancers can learn in a positive space while building lifelong friendships!

Brandi Conroy

My daughter, Adeline, is 12 years old and this is her 11th year at January’s. She started out in the Tippy Toe Two’s class at 2 years old and has loved it ever since. We have loved every dance instructor and she has made amazing friends. She takes class 4 evenings per week and never wants to miss a class. It is a great place, not only for the exceptional dance instruction, but also for the way they build confidence in every dancer. We love our dance family!

Hot Hand Hoops

This is one amazing company! The decision was made for my child to relocate to January's because of how January takes a personal interest in every dancer as if they were the only dancer in the studio. January's took my child under their wings. They developed and encouraged my child to be her best outside the studio as well as inside the studio. They have equipped my child and other children with transferable skills.The company has prepared my child for college and created college opportunities for her. This company is a CUT above the rest. To give 5* is an understatement! Words and stars cannot define my appreciation for The Academy of Arts at January's.

Thank You!

Sarah

I have experience with many different studios around town as I provide professional services for several in the area. It’s okay as far as dance studio instructions go. The kids there all seem to know how to dance and most seem to value input given to them from their teachers. Their shows are decent although a little overdone at times. Atmosphere seemed very cut throat in my interaction with the students and a hostile vibe at times amongst a few of the older kids based on my observance - some level of that does just comes with the territory & competitive nature of the industry. I can only give it 3 stars however because of my experience with the owner. While my interactions with her was brief, the studio owner seemed nice but was very unprofessional with me several times and gave me incorrect information which hindered my job. Very scattered in her thoughts and constantly changing her mind. She also did not communicate in a timely or effective manner. As a business owner she is the face of her business and could definitely use someone to help as it wasted a lot of my time. That left me with a sour taste in my mouth and is a studio I most likely won’t be providing my services for in the future.

Update 12/9: January’s company students (I assume) are going through and reporting my review and others (Google notifies you). Also one somehow found my email & sent me a message calling me a liar and accusing me of being someone else (which you would think if they found my email they could see my business). Odd. been hearing rumors from other studios (and even two of her current students who take at other places) students in regards to the attitude of the company students not being great the last few months. January needs to get a reign on her students it sounds like. It’s amazing how many reach out negatively for me posting my honest review. Lowering my review in light of these new developments

Melissa Sigmon

Our family has been at this studio for about 15 years. The staff here has been top notch from day one. This studio teaches way more then just dance technique. These girls are taught self worth, respect and responsibility just to name a few. I cannot recommend this studio enough!

Amanda Smith

Amazing studio with highly qualified and caring teachers in all styles of dance. In my personal experience, this studio has become a second home to us and the people there are more like family. I highly recommend this studio!

Tré Placye

horrible owner who cares nothing about her students in my experience. My third grader came home in tears after she was bullied at this studio by a peer. Teachers and January didn’t care at all I guess because it kept happening. Absolutely deplorable. Should be a safe space to learn. Cares more about the money lining her pocketbook than the children if she lets this happen. Take your kid somewhere else that doesn’t allow this behavior. I know my kid isn’t the only one. This studio has gone downhill.