Broadway Babies and Kids

Thrilled to know the kids all had a blast, Philip! We had so much fun too! We love hosting fun parties here and to help make sure it all goes smoothly! It was great getting to know your family, and we appreciate the opportunity to celebrate your little guys birthday with you! Thank you for your support and kind words! Hope to see you all again soon!

All the best,
Katie G., Owner

Hi Lena,

Thank you for your review, we appreciate the feedback and take our reviews very seriously. We did have a sub that day, as our regular teacher was very ill. We are also sorry to hear you had a negative experience and would like to offer you and your little one a free class or play visit. We can't seem to find you in our system otherwise we would immediately refund you the payment you mention in your review, but you should not have been charged for the class as a new family. We always extend a FREE introductory class to our clients, please let me know if this was not the case. Our toddler classes are a half hour, and our 0-5 class is 45 minutes. I am not sure which class you attended and which rate you were charged. Please contact us at (650)218-6831or info@broadwaybabiesandkids.com for a full refund and I hope you will give us a second chance as the experience you seem to have had is not typical. I hope you will take us up on the offer as we really strive for excellence. Thanks again for the feedback, I will discuss it with the teacher that filled in that day. In the future please feel free to email us directly with your concerns, we appreciate them immensely. Hope to see you again. Best-Katie Kerwin-Gielniak (Owner) & Hayley Nassif (Studio & Business Manager)

Hi Lizelle,

Thank you for your review, we at Broadway Babies and Kids take our reviews very seriously. We do have toys and a playroom at your disposal for the children to play and warm up in. I am sorry to hear that was not available to you prior to the class beginning. We would like to offer you a free class or play visit to try us again. I personally would like to invite you to try the class I teach, as I believe you will discover a completely different experience that I believe will meet your expectations. We truly appreciate the feedback and hope you will give us a second chance. Hope to see you again. Best~Katie Kerwin-Gielniak (Owner) & Hayley Nassif (Studio Business Manager)

Hello Raychel, thank you for taking the time to review us. I would like to clarify our interaction so that other Yelp families can understand our position on masks and the other items you shared. We did respond on several occasions about the protocols and procedures we were taking to keep the kids safe, as well as directed you to our website for updated information which was constantly changing. As I stated in my email (see below) we were aligning with the school district and the recommendations of the CDC and county and now it is optional masking as of May 1st. As far as the subs, yes unfortunately we had subs as our teacher went out on maternity leave earlier than anticipated, and with covid, we do not encourage our teachers to come teach if they are sick so,as to protect the children and families at BBK. I am sorry your experience was not 5 star, as this is not the typical experience with our families, and I was unaware that the class was not at our standards, I appreciate you bringing this to my attention now and it will be addressed.

As far as moving from our other location, it was a hard decision, and was time sensitive. My landlord announced he was doubling my rent along with asking for full repayment of lost rent during the shut down. Unfortunately we were unable to meet those expectations and so San Carlos Children's Theatre generously offered to share space with us to move to and help us get back on our feet. Although agreeably the parking is not ideal, the studios are quite spacious, well ventilated and we have an outdoor area as well as zoom for families to observe class. In our agreement to be in the new space we agreed to keep people indoors limited to students and instructors until the fall. At that time we will be implementing our in person once a month "watch weeks" again, which is standard for most dance studios, but we will also continue the zoom and outdoor options as well. The parking is not ideal at the moment, but we do have a drop off system and currently working with the city on clearing the front area for a larger drop off zone.

I do hope that you understand that we are a small business, and every review makes a deep impact on us. I appreciate you bringing your concerns to our attention and we will continue to do our best to grow and bring a top quality performing arts education to our community. Thank you.

Hello Raychel,

I will try and answer your questions as best I can.

As for the mask removal we will be revisiting this based on CDC recommendations, and where the State and County stand with Covid Positive cases in May and will only be considering removing them for our programs that are aged 5+. We are still following the CDC guidelines for those 5 and younger kiddos who are not yet able to be vaccinated. (But we are all ready to ditch the mask) Just keeping things as safe as we can for those younger kiddos.

As for the new location. We have submitted to the city of Belmont a request to have the front curb painted white for loading and unloading only. No parking, so that we can meet the kids for drop off and pick up. Hopefully easing up the dash to get a parking spot and into class on time. We agree, it's not the best. But there is nothing we can do about it.

For parents watching the classes.

We implemented Zoom viewing for families who are getting acquainted with the new location and while the kids get more comfortable attending classes in Belmont as well as getting to know and trust their teachers. Normally, families viewing a dance or performing arts class is not recommended or adapted by art schools for many reasons. One reason is that having spectators watching can distract the children from paying attention to their teacher, feeling that they are being watched and or judged by family members or other spectators. Even though your child may be fine with you watching the class, the other children may not be and can affect their experience and performance. Studios have found at times families may find themselves comparing their child to others therefore making judgements. We will most likely go back to our old policy of an observation week once a month where we shut off the zoom for good and host a week each month where families are more than welcome to come in and watch and see what the kids have been learning.

Also, until the observation week is implemented you can always wait in the outdoor area and peek in through the door at any time. The door is to be open fully; weather permitted. We do understand that our studio may not share your same views and values. And understand that you may find a studio that's a better fit for what you're looking for. We hope not to lose Natalie as a student due to these temporary protocols and processes but understand that it is a possibility. We are here to work with our families as we come back from the pandemic to a hopeful normal pre-pandemic status.

Let me know if there is anything else I can help with.

I absolutely adore working with your daughter, Kirth! The sweetness she brings to her group brightens my day, and I'm so excited to see how she'll continue to progress in class. When your little one can make friends, have fun, and learn new skills all in one setting, there's just no better activity for her to be involved in. I'll see you at her next class!

Best,
Katie G., Owner

I had so much fun hosting the party with you, Diana, and making your daughter feel so special! The kids were all great. I'm thrilled everyone enjoyed. Let me know how I can help in the future.

Take care,
Katie G., Owner