Pas De Deux Hawaii

Many dance-​parents will say that there is a love/​hate relationship with their Studio. The love coming from the accomplishments of their young dancer under the wing of qualified teachers and staff. The Hate coming from the hours that are required to be at the studio or driving back and forth.
With PDD it is nothing but love on all accounts. My daughter has been taking classes here since summer 2013. She started Ballet and Tap in Las Vegas at age 3 and found a love of Hip-​Hop and Theater arts through her experiences at PDD. She currently is taking Ballet, Jazz, Hip-​Hop, Voice, Tap, and Musical Theater. We started her dance journey at 3 thinking it would be something fun to keep her busy and get out of the house. Never would I have thought at age 8 she would have the love for performance that she does. She looks forward to dance and theater classes each day. She currently has classes 6 days a week. Some nights she is at the studio most of the afternoon. She has found an Ohana in her dance sisters and dance families and looks forward to the time that is spent perfecting her craft.
In other reviews you will notice that we refer to PDD as a Performance Art School not just Dance studio. This is because students learn history of performance Arts and are guided in many genres of performance, not just dance technique The studio owners Wendy and Jeremy Gilbert are in the entertainment industry themselves (current show is «Island explorers» on the travel channel). With their knowledge and experience they have created a place for young performers to nurture their gifts in a positive setting. They also believe in giving the performers opportunities to perform and share their gifts.
In the time my daughter has been there she has performed on morning news singing Christmas carols, she has performed in 4 recitals with the 5^th one coming up this October, and she was able to audition for Destination Broadway, a theater performance camp in New York, and was one of 90 across the nation that were chosen to attend this July. In Fact, out of the 90 15 of the young performers attending are from Pas De Deux.
See, this school is not only going to give your child a place to learn the technique of dance. This school will give your child EXPERIENCES in teamwork, determination, hard-​work and rewards.
If you want a place to learn dance as an after school hobby then Pas De Deux is perfect.
If you want a place where your young performer can nurture their gifts and be pushed to their potential Pas De Deux is perfect.
If you want a place were your dancer can excel, compete, perform, and blossom into a confident and talented young adult Pas De Deux is perfect.
That is the most wonderful thing about this School– it fits for what ever your life needs. The performers are not obligated to perform in anything. Yet, there are many opportunities given for hard working performers to showcase their talents to the community.
Simply put, Pas De Deux is practically perfect in every way! (just like Mary Poppins) :)

Pas De Deux Hawaii is a wonderful performing arts school. My daughter enjoyed singing, dancing, and acting in the Musical Theatre program. Ms. Chelsea is an awesome musical theatre director. She also enjoys taking Ballet under the direction of Ms. Annri. The studio offers a wide selection of class genres and times. Street parking is okay. Having Costco nearby is an added benefit.

I never had an issue starting my daughter in their programs, getting her into trial classes, etc. my daughter is almost 7 and has been saying for years «I want to be a ballerina». Once we got settled I called to get her a trial class and they called back in a timely manner, and she was hooked. Her ballet instructor Miss Chandler has a huge heart for these kids and gives it her best effort. My daughter decided hula wasn’t for her and when I wanted to switch out hula for a jazz trial, the admin did it on the spot and got her in to try the next week. She loves pas de Deux and I think the price is very reasonable and affordable, and they work with each kid nicely. She’s happy.

My daughter tried everything under the sun from various sports, gymnastics/​cheer, and various dance courses, but nothing stuck until we found PDD three years ago. She’s made great friends, loves her teachers, and her self confidence has grown along with her skills. She is always excited to go to class and has never quit. Super happy with PDD.

My 13 year old daughter has been taking Hip Hop, Ballet, Jazz and Hula classes at Pas De Deux Hawaii for three years and she thoroughly enjoys every single minute that she is there! Pas De Deux is a top notch Performing Arts School and the owners, Wendy and Jeremy Gilbert are the most talented, giving, and caring people you will ever meet, they make you feel like you are family and that is what makes this dance school so special. All of the dance instructors are very knowledgeable, talented, personalble and most of all very patient with the children. My daughter loves all of her instructors, Mr. Erick (Hip Hop), Ms. Annri (Ballet), Ms. Taylor (Jazz) and Ms. Shauna (Hula). We feel so fortunate to be part of the PDD family!

If you are still looking for a great performing arts studio for your aspiring performer, Pas De Deux is for you! Located in Waipio Gentry a quarter mile from Costco, PDD is centrally located, so super convenient for all of us in Central and West Oahu.
My lovely daughter has been enjoying learning ballet and Jazz at PDD since they first opened up in May 2010 at their old location. Fast forward 5.5 years ahead, and she’s developed into a talented and passionate performer who refuses to miss a day of dance, even if she’s not feeling well. That’s the kind of dedication and enjoyment my daughter has derived from Pas De Deux, and that thrills me.
Proprietors Jeremy and Wendy Gilbert are two of the most energetic, creative and passionate people I know, and I love that their spirit is rubbing off on my baby girl. It’s been fun to witness, and now, my daughter gets the opportunity to compete on behalf of PDD in Salt Lake City in February 2016, then a special performance at Walt Disney World in June of 2016. These are exciting times for my baby girl… and for me!
Thank you Pas De Deux, to the terrific Teachers (Annri, Allicia, Taylor), and to Wendy and Jeremy. This ‘Dance Daddy’ is really enjoying the ride!

All teachers are friendly and knowledgeable. I also am impressed how efficient the administration. It’s unbelievable how they’re can juggle that many students’ parents on a Saturday and still answer phones and try to be nice all together.
Everyone works together to bring a wonderful experience for the kids, and that’s all that matters to me. If my daughters are happy, I know something good is going here.
I look forward to another production!!!

Update to my review on 6÷25÷15. It is quite obvious that PDD owner Wendy did not get the main point of my review. Her futile attempt to placate the situation publicly on Unilocal with her comment does not take away the sadness, disappointment and confusion my child endured as a result of Wendy taking her anger (which was obviously directed at me) out on my 6-​year-​old child and banning her from performing 4 days before the show. Her condescending emails (e.g., addressing my husband as «sweetheart») and unprofessional behavior towards my family will not be tolerated. Monetary compensation, which was not «per my request», but rather offered by Wendy when she banned my daughter from performing, is not the point. As I mentioned in my previous review, NO AMOUNT OF MONEY can make up for the sadness, confusion and disappointment that my child experienced because of this woman. I said it in my initial review and I will say it again: keep your children far away from this place. Although the teachers are AMAZING, the person who actually owns the studio is completely unprofessional and does not have your child’s best interest in mind. Take your children and your money to a dance studio that is a bit more «seasoned», where they can handle the stress and pressure that comes with performances, where they can take constructive criticism in a professional manner without punishing your child for it, and where they put your child before money and/​or their own adult emotions.

Pas De Deux Hawaii is by far one of the best performing arts talent prep schools in Hawaii. They are so much more than just dance. My daughter is 6 and has been dancing since she was 2.5 years old. She started with PDD at age 4 and her love of dance and performing has blossomed. She takes jazz, ballet, hula and hip hop at PDD and if you ever ask her which class is her favorite she always replies «all of them»! I’m at the studio at least 3x a week, I’ve volunteered at almost every show my daughter has been in & my family has been in the theatre business for over 20+ years. Believe me when I tell you I know what I’m talking about. It’s the caring, fun & loving spirits of the teachers that keep the children engaged and loving dance. It’s the attention to details by the owners that ensures a fabulous performance 2x a year. The fact that most of the staff are parents of the dance students shows just how much this school means to our children.
Pas De Deux Hawaii is the place to be if your child wants to get into show business or is like my daughter and just loves to dance. Check them out during their free trials. Stop by the studio for a tour. It’s a great place.
On a side note… They are not the only company to ever make an announcement about not taking pictures or video during the performance. It is prohibited during all dance performances. Their costume fees are totally acceptable. Other dance companies charge the same amount as a «cleaning fee» and you have to return them. With PDD you get to KEEP these exquisite costumes. The owners are the real deal. Being in show business themselves they know what it takes to put on a great show. Isn’t that part of the reason you put your child in dance? So you, friends & family can watch them perform on stage and see how much they have learned and accomplished?

This is an update to my review from 12/​14/​2014. So today, 07÷06÷15 I get an email from Wendy asking about who was my daughter’s instructor and what could be done to remedy the situation. Actually, Wendy was listed as the instructor when I signed up, which is the reason I signed my daughter because she recognized her from her Disney show. Wendy taught the first few classes, then handed it over to someone else. I was paying $ 50 for a half-​hour session! Such a rip-​off. What can a child learn in a half-​hour which includes the warm up. They charge an arm and a leg for everything. Overpriced costumes, make up, dvds ($ 50), etc. My daughter currently goes to hula and hip-​hop an hour long for each weekly for $ 35 each class a month ($ 70 for a month for both classes) and has learned so much more. Don’t waste your precious time and money, people!

I attended the performance put on by Pas De Deux at the LCC theater this past weekend. I was just an audience member. Not a parent, not associated with LCC or PDD in any way. Just there to watch.
Let me tell you, either the production crew is super stressed out and unable or unwilling to hold it together, or they are all just plain mean (all of them including door workers). Geez. I go to a fair share of shows and this was shocking. I mean, it’s supposed to be for the kids. They seem to have lost sight of that.
Midway through the show they had technical difficulties with the audio. They chose to use that time not to apologize, but to REPREMAND the audience for using their phones. I myself did not notice anyone, but they must have had a major problem somewhere because it was said in such an EXTREMELY rude manner. It left everyone around me looking at each other like wtf! Even an old lady with no phone was trippin! They could have said it nicely but they were threatening. I mean THREATENING. WOW. Take it easy.
Needless to say last time I’ll ever attend. If you are considering putting your family through that — good luck. Scary stuff. Unnecessarily rude. Unprofessional. Overpriced. Underwhelming.

I just wanted to share my daughter’s and my experience with Pas De Deux. My daughter is 6 years old and has been going for almost three years now. Our experience so far has been a positive one! Amy has wonderful teachers Ms Anri who teaches ballet and Ms Shauna who teaches hula. I have seen my daughter grow physically and emotionally at this school.
Parents at anytime can watch their child practice as they have glass windows. Also they have two waiting areas with TVs so your other children won’t get bored. The upstairs waiting room has four desks so you can get your own work done as you are waiting in air conditioned comfort!
They have performances twice a year but it isn’t mandatory that your child attend. I had my daughter skip one performance. My family loves the performances because it allows the grandparents to watch their grandchild on stage. It doesn’t matter if your child is the worst dancer, everyone has a chance to perform unlike other studios which hand-​select who gets to perform. They ask that your child attend their scheduled classes, pay for their performance fee and pay for their costume.
The monthly tuition is not outrageous, $ 55 per a month for preballet. This includes weekly one– hour classes. They require that you buy their leotards from them but the ballet shoes and pink tights I have bought from somewhere else. They just sell the items at the studio to make it easier for the parents who don’t want to order online or travel in town to buy those items.
The staff has always treated me nicely. On my side, I try to be patient because I know how it is trying to service customers.
Also, a previous review mentioned that after each class a «Dancer of the Day» is awarded. Every dancer receives a sticker at the end of each practice and they can out it in their sticker book. However, a dancer of the day award goes to someone who is putting in a little extra, maybe smiling throughout their performance. My daughter gets disappointed too but I just tell her that «you have to keep trying hard… One day you’ll get it!» (I think for a period there were several classes that weren’t passing out the dancer of the day award and parents were complaining.) When she finally got it after several months she was so thrilled because it meant something!
I know that some parents have given this studio one or two stars but no place is perfect. If you look at the Unilocal ratings and comments of other places, there are always people who aren’t going to be happy. Also, read the policies for each studio and you will see that Pas De Deux’s policies are not outrageous. See for yourself.

This place is a joke. I enrolled my 5 year old daughter here after 2 previous years of ballet on the mainland. The teachers never put forth an effort to speak to the parents, there was a bully in the class who they did nothing about. You had to buy their leotards for $ 36 a pop. (my daughter had been there every week learning with the rest of the class) so since I am due around the time of their summer recital I went to the front desk and explained if I was in labor or something during dress rehearsals that my daughter may miss one. They seriously asked me «well if your in labor, can’t your husband bring her?» I replied, «uh, no. If I’m in labor my husband will be with me.» So they proceeded to tell me, «well she may as well not plan on performing in the recital. If she misses a dress rehearsal she won’t be aloud to perform.» THESE ARE FIVE YEAR OLD LITTLE GIRLS! Then worst of all… In a class full of little girls. The teacher gave out a «dancer of the week» award every week. A certificate saying this little girl in particular danced best. And here’s my issue with this… All of these little girls in this class doing there best to learn and dance and parents having there child there trying to instill a love for dance… Every other little girl who didn’t get the award that week walked out of the class looking disappointed. And on more than one occasion I heard multiple little girls saying to their mom or dad, «I guess I’m not good enough». The front desk staff is only polite when your upset. I went from my daughter begging to go to dance for 2 years straight… To her telling me her belly hurt or crying when I told her it was time to get tray and go to dance class.” I strongly suggest you look into other dance studios on the island.

The only reason I even gave them two stars is for the voice teacher my Daughter had, she was great. EVERYTHING else about this place is ridiculous. It is overpriced, completely unorganized, and DO NOT expect a response to any emails or voice mails left with them. Private lesson students pay for the whole month so if something happens and the school is closed or you can’t make it, the school is paid for the lesson anyway (over $ 1 a minute by the way). I would definitely keep looking…

My daughter has been dancing at PDD for almost a year. She has just done her second recital with them. PDD as a whole is great.
The studio is great. Its large, clean, and has a nice waiting area for parents and siblings. They usually have a kids movie playing to entertain waiting kiddos. The front desk has someone there for questions, purchases and answering phones. They have bathrooms as well as dressing rooms for kids to change. There are 3 spacious studios including one that is an actual theater where they do voice concerts and other small shows.
The staff at PDD is great. They are all dance educated and very experienced and really great with the kids, they provide superb dance education from the basic fundamentals up to the most experienced. They are all friendly with parents and helpful to answer any questions or address any concerns that you may have.
While we are pleased with PDD overall, there is one thing that concerns me about the studio. The pre-​ballet and jazz 5 – 6 year old classes are overcrowded making it harder for kids to get the attention they need to have proper dance education. The teachers and assistants try their hardest to help everyone but with so many students, they can only do so much.

Tried it for a couple of years and was relieved when our daughter decided she did not want to keep going there. She wanted to learn Hip Hop and although she enjoyed it at the start, she realized that all they want to teach is routines for their shows at the LCC. The shows are very nice. The teaching part was bad. They do not teach Hip Hop, they teach routines for their shows. Big difference! The teaching itself was god awful. Every performance they required a new «uniform». A uniform could consist of jeans, t-​shirt, hoodie, etc. They would charge parents an arm and a leg for what they called «uniforms».
They will nickel and dime you until the piggy bank is empty. I honestly believe that dance is secondary to profit and publicity at this place.
Again, if your child wants to LEARN Hip Hop, this is not the place to go.

What a mess! Very unorganized. Would not bring my kids back. They make shows in Thier studio and don’t control ticket sales. If you are not quick to buy tickets you can’t watch your kids preform. But bottom line for them is money and not the passion to teach the art of dance.

My 4 yr old daughter enjoys her hip hop dance class very much! She’s currently prepping for her first performance! This place is filled with colorful art all over the studio! Makes it bright and fun atmosphere for the kids! Also has a little station for kids to color and chairs everywhere for the parents! It’s an awesome experience! My daughter’s instructor seems right on in teaching the dance moves to the young ones.

The facility is very nice and offers many styles of dance. However, the school is very strict, and if your child has a poor or short attention span, I would not recommend this school. My 5-​year-​old son tried a Pre-​Hip Hop class. I told the teacher my son is autistic, but he was able to follow fairly well. Still, the class was too advanced for him.
My son lost focus after 40 minutes. When the teacher saw that, she suggested we leave and to try the 3 – 4 year-​old class since it was shorter. What prevented me from considering the 3 – 4 year old class was because earlier, my husband saw the same teacher kick a child out of the 3 – 4 year-​old class. She brought the girl to the father and asked sternly, «Is this your child? I can’t teach her. She doesn’t pay attention. She forfeits the lesson.» The child’s parents had paid for the class, but because she wasn’t paying attention, the teacher kicked her out. This is a 3 – 4 year-​old child we are talking about.
Had my son been a paying student, the same thing would have happened, since we were asked to leave after 40 minutes of his trial class. In addition, there are no absolute beginner classes available for newbies in my son’s age group, so we’ll be looking elsewhere.
I appreciate that this school offers a free trial class, because then you can see if your child can handle the class or enjoys it. Unfortunately, this school is not a good fit for my son, since he is autistic and can sometimes lose focus or be unpredictable. The school has a low tolerance for inattentiveness. If your 3 – 5 year-​old child is mature for his/​her age, has good concentration/​attention span, picks up steps quickly and shows self-​discipline, then this school is a good fit for you.

My daughter has been dancing with Pas de Deux since we moved to O’ahu in 2011. She absolutely loves her classes, her instructors & performing. As parents, we couldn’t be more pleased with the extraordinary level of professionalism we have always encountered at PDD.
Yes, parking is difficult (even at the new facility) but then again, parking is tough anywhere on the island.
And yes, when you add up tuition, attire & performance fees it does get a bit expensive, as many extra-​curricular activities for children are nowadays. Keep in mind that participation in the performances is completely optional to students. We find what we pay at PDD to be a small sacrifice for a high quality dance school that makes our daughter very happy.

We (I’m not alone) parents have a LOVE HATE relationship with this studio. Been with them since they opened up in old Waipahu they are now in Waipio (parking is horrendous and they really need AC stat)! Costco and 7 – 11 nearby.
Why the love hate? Our kids love to dance! Hate that they are disorganized, late with communication, and most of their decisions (although that’s why they’re in business) is $$$$ driven!
Her markup on practice uniforms, costumes, and show admissions are ridiculous!