Complaint Review: The Dance Academy Kay Williams Prunty - Worthington Minnesota

Guy's report on the Dance Academy and Kay Williams Prunty is full of lies and slander. I am a dance mom and a WITNESS. I was there... I saw and heard everything! Guy, your wife has given you false information. She has taken statements out of context. Kay was talking about the STATISTICS that show the kids involved in extra-curricular activities while growing up, like dance, learn responsiblity, commitment, have better grades, less likely to drop out of school, or to get pregnant. Also, it is ILLEGAL to falsely accuse or state that someone is physically abusive or is a racist. I can't believe someone would try to ruin a person's business, personal name, and life just because their daughter need an hour of practice and had money issues...

The reason for the existence of this forum is to report what, in your opinion, are bad business practices - to warn consumers. These are, in my opinion, bad business practices that are conducted. Obviously, I'm not alone. If you disagree with my opinion, condone those actions or otherwise disagree, you are also entitled to your opinion. My only concern is with the business and how its customers are treated. I am very happy that you have had great and inspirational experiences. I pray they continue. I did not. That is my story, is 100% true, and I will stand by it forever. To try to keep it a secret, deny it, or explain it away would be against everything for which I stand. A postdated check without a prior agreement is absolutely illegal, however when both parties agree to it, it then becomes a contract, and the failure to honor the contract constitutes a breach. And if a post-dated check were not agreed to, another method would have been used to pay. That was a courtesy we appreciated. At the time the letter was originally sent to the business owner, no remediation had been made. This was not our first year in dance. The reason for any attack on the chosen career path was merely an attempt (I admit cheap, and I apologize as it was made in extreme anger at what was said to my children) to deflate the arrogance that seems to me to have arisen from it. Obviously, some things were said in jest, for effect, and with anger and may have been inappropriate. In retrospect, I wish the letter hadn't been sent in such haste, because with a cooler head, I would not have made any personal attacks or used inappropriate phrases (i.e. paint sniffing) for effect or used arrogance, because not only are they in poor taste, and unlike me, but they detract from the point. I have no problem admitting wrongdoing and apologizing when warranted. I just wish everyone practiced the same philosophy. I can say in consolation, however, that my personal attacks were the result of anger at the actions toward children and not someone's spelling. This has been a difficult situation. Never has my credibility been in question. Never did I think I would have to explain to a 7 and a 5 year old that, contrary to what we normally teach, sometimes you do have to quit. Never did I think I would need to explain to a 7 year old what it means to get pregnant and drop out of school. And the only thing the 7 year old knows of this issue is what was said to her and our explanation to her of why sometimes people entrusted with authority can mishandle it. This will undoubtedly affect the rest of her life. And someone please, please tell me how I should explain to her what a great experience she must have had, because when I asked her if she was ok with dance this morning, she put her face in her hands and began crying.

I am writing a response to anyone who has had anything negative to say about Kay Williams Prunty. I have been a dancer for 12 years and am proud to say that 9 of those have been with Kay. During the time i have danced with Kay i have had nothing but a great experience. She is an amazing woman who is like my second mother, she devotes so much of her time to teach children something that she is absolutely passionate about and does a wonderful job doing so. I have learned so much about my self and dance during the time i have spent at the studio and i dont regret a minute of it. Kay loves kids and would never say anything to them to bring them down, in fact she does her best to make sure every single student gets the best out of the experience. At the end of every class each kid will get a great big hug from her just because she wants them to know how special they are to her. She treates her dancers like her own kids and would never do anything hurtful to them. On the issue of the account list, if Kay were to send home a slip of paper with most young children showing their account balance then most parents wouldnt see it. The fact of the matter is that kay pays out of pocket for the recital costumes and most parents wouldnt pay attention to their balance unless it was posted. It shouldnt be an embarrassing or degrading thing because every dancers name is on that list regardless if they owe money or have a credit, this has just been found as the easy way to keep track of it. Most people only pay attention to their own accounts anyways. I myself, alongside a handful of other girls have been intrusted by Kay to help assist with classes. At least two of us are at the same classes on a regular basis so we know the routines just as well as Kay does and we know everything that is taking place with the class. Kay trusts us to go over the dances with the girls and ensure they have a good fun time. The only times that we are alone with the class is when there is an emergency or Kay is sick but she still wants to make sure that parents get what they are paying for and the assistants know how to provide that. Mostly all of the classes from preschool to high school are culturally mixed. There is absolutely no discrimination against any child at the studio, we are all treated equally. As for "Guy", I wish you and your family all the best in the future but i do think that it is not at all appropriate to be making accusations against Kay when they are made out of spite. I did know both of your daughters and i knew both of them to have a fun time at dance, that is whats important. Kay dedicates so much of her time to make sure that every child has a positive experience and enjoy dance. Recital is her gift to the students to show off their talents so she wants them to perform to the best of their abilities, but as long as they do their best thats all she can ask for and she loves them for it. Kids learn so much from being in dance and it is such a positive opportunity for those able to participate, its a shame that your kids will no longer be able to experience it. All the best, Courtney.

I am writing a response to anyone who has had anything negative to say about Kay Williams Prunty. I have been a dancer for 12 years and am proud to say that 9 of those have been with Kay. During the time i have danced with Kay i have had nothing but a great experience. She is an amazing woman who is like my second mother, she devotes so much of her time to teach children something that she is absolutely passionate about and does a wonderful job doing so. I have learned so much about my self and dance during the time i have spent at the studio and i dont regret a minute of it. Kay loves kids and would never say anything to them to bring them down, in fact she does her best to make sure every single student gets the best out of the experience. At the end of every class each kid will get a great big hug from her just because she wants them to know how special they are to her. She treates her dancers like her own kids and would never do anything hurtful to them. On the issue of the account list, if Kay were to send home a slip of paper with most young children showing their account balance then most parents wouldnt see it. The fact of the matter is that kay pays out of pocket for the recital costumes and most parents wouldnt pay attention to their balance unless it was posted. It shouldnt be an embarrassing or degrading thing because every dancers name is on that list regardless if they owe money or have a credit, this has just been found as the easy way to keep track of it. Most people only pay attention to their own accounts anyways. I myself, alongside a handful of other girls have been intrusted by Kay to help assist with classes. At least two of us are at the same classes on a regular basis so we know the routines just as well as Kay does and we know everything that is taking place with the class. Kay trusts us to go over the dances with the girls and ensure they have a good fun time. The only times that we are alone with the class is when there is an emergency or Kay is sick but she still wants to make sure that parents get what they are paying for and the assistants know how to provide that. Mostly all of the classes from preschool to high school are culturally mixed. There is absolutely no discrimination against any child at the studio, we are all treated equally. As for "Guy", I wish you and your family all the best in the future but i do think that it is not at all appropriate to be making accusations against Kay when they are made out of spite. I did know both of your daughters and i knew both of them to have a fun time at dance, that is whats important. Kay dedicates so much of her time to make sure that every child has a positive experience and enjoy dance. Recital is her gift to the students to show off their talents so she wants them to perform to the best of their abilities, but as long as they do their best thats all she can ask for and she loves them for it. Kids learn so much from being in dance and it is such a positive opportunity for those able to participate, its a shame that your kids will no longer be able to experience it. All the best, Courtney.

I am writing a response to anyone who has had anything negative to say about Kay Williams Prunty. I have been a dancer for 12 years and am proud to say that 9 of those have been with Kay. During the time i have danced with Kay i have had nothing but a great experience. She is an amazing woman who is like my second mother, she devotes so much of her time to teach children something that she is absolutely passionate about and does a wonderful job doing so. I have learned so much about my self and dance during the time i have spent at the studio and i dont regret a minute of it. Kay loves kids and would never say anything to them to bring them down, in fact she does her best to make sure every single student gets the best out of the experience. At the end of every class each kid will get a great big hug from her just because she wants them to know how special they are to her. She treates her dancers like her own kids and would never do anything hurtful to them. On the issue of the account list, if Kay were to send home a slip of paper with most young children showing their account balance then most parents wouldnt see it. The fact of the matter is that kay pays out of pocket for the recital costumes and most parents wouldnt pay attention to their balance unless it was posted. It shouldnt be an embarrassing or degrading thing because every dancers name is on that list regardless if they owe money or have a credit, this has just been found as the easy way to keep track of it. Most people only pay attention to their own accounts anyways. I myself, alongside a handful of other girls have been intrusted by Kay to help assist with classes. At least two of us are at the same classes on a regular basis so we know the routines just as well as Kay does and we know everything that is taking place with the class. Kay trusts us to go over the dances with the girls and ensure they have a good fun time. The only times that we are alone with the class is when there is an emergency or Kay is sick but she still wants to make sure that parents get what they are paying for and the assistants know how to provide that. Mostly all of the classes from preschool to high school are culturally mixed. There is absolutely no discrimination against any child at the studio, we are all treated equally. As for "Guy", I wish you and your family all the best in the future but i do think that it is not at all appropriate to be making accusations against Kay when they are made out of spite. I did know both of your daughters and i knew both of them to have a fun time at dance, that is whats important. Kay dedicates so much of her time to make sure that every child has a positive experience and enjoy dance. Recital is her gift to the students to show off their talents so she wants them to perform to the best of their abilities, but as long as they do their best thats all she can ask for and she loves them for it. Kids learn so much from being in dance and it is such a positive opportunity for those able to participate, its a shame that your kids will no longer be able to experience it. All the best, Courtney.

This first part is to address "Guy": obviously this was your first year with Kay. The Pioneer Village event happens to be a Christmas event, not even a recital. The classes start about a month in advance to work on a fun Christmas song or one of their routines from the previous year. It's very sad that you found that moment in your daughter's life "painful" to watch. Being she is only 5 or 6 and hasn't "perfected" the dance for her daddy, that is truly sad indeed. Even professionals aren't perfect. HELLO - how could you possibly put that kind of pressure on a 5 or 6 year old to have a perfect routine done in only 4 classes. Shame on you for being her dad!!!!! How could anyone consider watching their child developing be a "painful" event to watch. As for "a dancer's dad"; obviously you don't pay your bill on time either. The "fiddling around most of the year" that this dad and the dance mothers he mentions happens to be called "teaching them technique". Would you put your child out onto a soccer field for a game against other kids who know the game, if your child knew nothing about the game??? The answer I hope would be "no". You would have the learn the basics, the "techniques", of the game. And if you enrolled your child in dance just for exercise, then take your child out of the class and make room for the child on the waiting list who want to dance. This is dance, dance is hard, not easy, not just fiddling around, it takes alot of time, dedication, practice and hard work. Dance is an art -- not a sport of exercise. You want your child to get some exercise, then spend time with your child and go for a bike ride, throw around a football, go hiking, walk around the lake, go swimming (this sport I wouldn't recommend "fiddling around for most of the year" or your child could drown. Kay has assistants who are taught by her and attend conventions to learn about teaching techniques. These young assistants are more than qualified to take over when Kay is not able to be there. That is what she pay them to do. I have lead many classes when Kay couldn't be there over the years, and if you were to say that I was not qualified to teach in Kay's place to me or to any of the parents whose child attended any of the classes I taught, well what I would say to you would not be too pleasant. I am sure there are alot of parents out there who would stand behind me and her other assistants she has this year. Enough about the posting of who owes, If you don't like it PAY YOUR BILL EVERY MONTH. My goodness, it's only $30 to $40 each month depending on if your child is in a 50 minute class or in an hour and 20 minute class. That's very inexpensive!! So suck it up and pay on time or don't complain. The postings have been done since she started 12 years ago, it's nothing new. It's time to get over it.

(1) No I do not and have not had a overdue balance posted I was just bringing up a point and trying to be kind at the same time if you want to talk bad about the points I bring up I tell you what we can do since you and Kay find it ok to let the world know somones money troubles I have the ability to post Kays credit report with no problem on here for the world to see it is public info for those that would like to see it is there any late payments or past troubles she isnt proud of?? If somone has a debt to pay the first thing she should do is send a letter letting them know what they owe, then speak to them in private, then if they still dont have the desired effect then maby a posting like that would be in order. (2) As far as the whole spelling thing ya know what I could give a hoot less what you think of my spelling you got the point I was trying to get acrost didn't ya I didn't write to get a pat on the back for spelling I wrote to show support for somone I didn't evin know till this happened that was done a wrong and was getting berated for standing up for themselfs and they'r kids. Up till the time I read all the posts by you guys bustin his chops for speaking his mind and telling his story I was going to ignore this page and let it go but you all feel the need to make him look like he has no support well I am one that will stand for those that are wronged and be proud to do it..

(1) No I do not and have not had a overdue balance posted I was just bringing up a point and trying to be kind at the same time if you want to talk bad about the points I bring up I tell you what we can do since you and Kay find it ok to let the world know somones money troubles I have the ability to post Kays credit report with no problem on here for the world to see it is public info for those that would like to see it is there any late payments or past troubles she isnt proud of?? If somone has a debt to pay the first thing she should do is send a letter letting them know what they owe, then speak to them in private, then if they still dont have the desired effect then maby a posting like that would be in order. (2) As far as the whole spelling thing ya know what I could give a hoot less what you think of my spelling you got the point I was trying to get acrost didn't ya I didn't write to get a pat on the back for spelling I wrote to show support for somone I didn't evin know till this happened that was done a wrong and was getting berated for standing up for themselfs and they'r kids. Up till the time I read all the posts by you guys bustin his chops for speaking his mind and telling his story I was going to ignore this page and let it go but you all feel the need to make him look like he has no support well I am one that will stand for those that are wronged and be proud to do it..

(1) No I do not and have not had a overdue balance posted I was just bringing up a point and trying to be kind at the same time if you want to talk bad about the points I bring up I tell you what we can do since you and Kay find it ok to let the world know somones money troubles I have the ability to post Kays credit report with no problem on here for the world to see it is public info for those that would like to see it is there any late payments or past troubles she isnt proud of?? If somone has a debt to pay the first thing she should do is send a letter letting them know what they owe, then speak to them in private, then if they still dont have the desired effect then maby a posting like that would be in order. (2) As far as the whole spelling thing ya know what I could give a hoot less what you think of my spelling you got the point I was trying to get acrost didn't ya I didn't write to get a pat on the back for spelling I wrote to show support for somone I didn't evin know till this happened that was done a wrong and was getting berated for standing up for themselfs and they'r kids. Up till the time I read all the posts by you guys bustin his chops for speaking his mind and telling his story I was going to ignore this page and let it go but you all feel the need to make him look like he has no support well I am one that will stand for those that are wronged and be proud to do it..

It's pretty tough to take you serious when you write like a 2nd grader.

Apparently you have had your dollar amount the you owe Kay...that should have been paid every month posted on her wall at the dance academy. Are you ashamed you didn't pay her on time? because the rest of us who pay on time are not writing letters about her posting what we owe. I think it's great she does that at least you know where you stand with what you owe. I think if your 2 months behind in paying her kids shouldn't dance. Does Kay do that NO! because she loves her job,kids, and parents! so get over your self, pay your bills on time and you won;t have anything to complain about.

Apparently you have had your dollar amount the you owe Kay...that should have been paid every month posted on her wall at the dance academy. Are you ashamed you didn't pay her on time? because the rest of us who pay on time are not writing letters about her posting what we owe. I think it's great she does that at least you know where you stand with what you owe. I think if your 2 months behind in paying her kids shouldn't dance. Does Kay do that NO! because she loves her job,kids, and parents! so get over your self, pay your bills on time and you won;t have anything to complain about.

Apparently you have had your dollar amount the you owe Kay...that should have been paid every month posted on her wall at the dance academy. Are you ashamed you didn't pay her on time? because the rest of us who pay on time are not writing letters about her posting what we owe. I think it's great she does that at least you know where you stand with what you owe. I think if your 2 months behind in paying her kids shouldn't dance. Does Kay do that NO! because she loves her job,kids, and parents! so get over your self, pay your bills on time and you won;t have anything to complain about.

So we all saw your posting about the OD charges being reversed by the bank and KAY PAYING THE REST OUT OF HER OWN POCKET! Then you STILL wrote that report about Kay? You forgot to mention in that additional report about the OD charges being reversed, that those charges were reversed BEFORE you attempted to SLAM Kay and her business to the ground on this web site. I am sure you thought about the outcome of posting that report on this web site. did you ever dream it would be this outcome? Everyone responding with positive reports, TRUE reports of Kay and her business? I bet you never thought you'd end up the laughing stock of Worthington MN. Well Guy, your plan back fired. Instead of Kay being humiliated...you and your family are being humiliated instead. Instead of putting a cowardly response on the site about your OD charges being reversed, be a man and post an apology to Kay, for your pathetic attempts to do what ever you were trying to do to Kay. Just like in your letter, you said how you would make things "public through all available channels" go ahead and make your apology public. Tell the world and Worthington YOU ARE WRONG about KAY! You don't have to like her, your kids don't have to dance with her, you at least owe her an apology. If not life will go on. Kay will continue to be pleasant, caring & kind. Her business will will continue to have a waiting list for dancers to "get in" to her classes. Believe it or not, her classes will continue on, even without your family. Next year will be great...since she won't have to deal with your "temper tantrum" you posted all over the internet!

I have been a dancer under the instruction of Kay Williams Prunty for 10 years. I have not only danced with Kay, but I have also assisted Kay in teaching younger dancers. Kay is one of the nicest, kind-hearted, caring people you will ever meet. Obviously, not every one gets along, but this is beyond low. Kay not only LOVES everyone of her dancers, she also treats everyone with the utmost respect (including people of different ethnic backgrounds). When I heard about these comments that you rudely expressed over the internet, it made me sick. I don't know what Kay Williams Prunty you're talking about, but it's obviously not the one that has taught me countless life lessons along with teaching me, what I think to be, excellent dance curriculum. I wish nothing but the best for you and your children, but maybe you could spend a little more time teaching them important life lessons like the ones Kay has taught myself and MANY other dancers. Sincerely, Lexi

Guy of Rushmore, MN FYI. Writting post dated checks ARE ILLEAGEL. You COULD be prosecuted for that. If you don't have the money in the account, don't write the check.

I have a daughter in TDA and tho we havn't had the privlage of one of Kay's verbal assaults Guy isnt the first to have this complaint but is the first to stand up and be heard.. For any grown woman to stand there in front of a child and say the things that she said is down right wrong. I have heard of kids that have come home crying after Kay tore into them and finally got to the point of just quiting all together after they couldnt take it anymore.. Also as far as Kays posting of these people owe this much list for the world to see that is bad for buisness as far as I can see!!!! Especally when you consider that you posted one family owing such and such hundred dollars when they were payed in full, hmm anyone else think of that as a smart buisness move?? Now from my experance I have gone in to pick up my child on several occasions to find the Instructor no where to be found and the older students teaching the class, should I have written a check to them and cut part of you'r pay Kay?? My wife and other dance Moms have talked about the fact that you just kind of fiddle around for most of the year then in the last few months try to get the dance routine pounded into the kids heads. I am not a dance instructer so I cant say why it takes so long to get this going but I do know that practice practice practice makes perfect!! So in closing I would suggest. {1.} Let the kids doing this have fun its about them getting excersise and wanting to learn somthing NOT about making the instructor look good! {2.} Hold your temper, a kind word makes a better impact then a yell! {3.} Posting who ows what is rude not to mention bad for buisness, (unless you are trying to embares them into paying then by all means keep posting and watch your buisness drop) {4.}If you as the instructor cant make it to a lesson cancel it, it makes you look bad if a person walks in to find another student teaching my child since I pay you for your time not them. I would also have a fit if I walked into a class room to find a high schoole senior teaching my daughter. {5.}Take the children and teach them from the begining what you want them to learn, practice makes perfect so more time to practice makes them great!!! Just wanted to voice my opinion give a few suggestions and show Guy that he ant alone!!!

This letter from this father is truly sad. He obviously cares for his children, however, the way he choose to handle this situation is a sad education for his children. He is teaching by example. If you make a mistake, financial or otherwise, the best way to come out on top is to complain loudly about something that had nothing to do with bouncing checks. Yes, it's embarrassing to have checks, let alone one check, to bounce. But to extend the frustration level about that into something else is really immature, don't you agree? What have you taught your children by doing this? They have to go back and face their classmates about this now, because we know society, and as immature as it may be, it will roll into the classroom of these innocent children, all because of a father's tantrum and financial embarrassment he chose to expose on the internet. Hello???!!! My family has been with Kay since the end of December, her first year of teaching 12 years ago. I brought my 3 yr old out of one dance studio to hers because of the verbal abuse the 3 yr olds were getting from a woman named "Linda". Over the last 12 years, both of my daughters, my son, and myself have danced out of Kay's dance studio. We have all had wonderful experiences over the years. Is dance easy?? NO.. I started dancing when I was 32 yrs old. It's work, but you can have fun while you work if you chose to. I personnally helped Kay with classes for many years, my last year (last year) had helped with 8 of her classes. I was her substitute when she couldn't be there. I have never witness anything in these 12 years that comes close to what "Guy" says about Kay. I have seen Kay well-up with tears whenever she hears of a teenage girl getting pregnant. Kay is a very compassionate person. What you have published here is false, and I will stand behind Kay wherever this goes. "Guy", you owe Kay a public appology for your immaturity on handling this matter and for your false accusations you chose to make public. I hope your education in your "Masters" has taught you how to handle a libel lawsuit, because I really hope it comes to that.

I am hoping that this isn't the way of the future! How can one opinion, true or false, be popping up on google as the first thing a researcher will find on a business!?!?! How sad!!! Kay's long standing relationship with this community has been nothing but great! She continues to satisfy dancers and parents yearly. If you are new to our community I hope you notice that there has not been another negative posted on this situation. To me...that's a clear statement that this opinion is shared by few. As someone said earlier..."hundreds" of families have been involved with this great program. I know Kay on a level both in and outside of dance...this information is not a true picture of her character! Please check her out yourself...I know you will not be disappointed...One more thought...if you want an opportunity for your child to learn thru Kay...quick call and get on the list...it can be hard to get in with the overwhelming number of hopeful applicants!

Business owner had 5 OD charges reversed and paid the remainder in full.

Business owner had 5 OD charges reversed and paid the remainder in full.

Business owner had 5 OD charges reversed and paid the remainder in full.

For the last 12 years I have had at least one, and for several years all 3 of my daughters in Kays Dance Academy. It has been nothing but a positive experience. I don't need to elaborate on Kay's accolades. Anyone who has had the privilege of meeting her knows she's as quality of a person as you'll ever find. I do however want to make a comment on the gutless attempt to publicly defame someone simply because of a personal grudge. If you don't like Kay...take your kids out of her class. If you think she's a bad teacher...take your kids out of her class. If you can't afford it...don't enroll in the class in the first place. But don't post your crap on the internet. Up until 10 minutes ago, I didn't even know forums like this existed. Who has time for it? Maybe if you and your family spent less time "sniffing paint" you would be able to put your energy to more constructive use.

I've been dancing for about 6 years now with Kay Williams Prunty and I think its safe to say that this slanderous report is the result of embarrassing actions taken by the person who reported this, who just couldn't picture themselves of any wrong doing. So, what is the alternative to just parting ways with the service that they couldn't pay for on time? Let's go to ripoffreport.com and drag this great business through the dirt and make sure that the business goes down. I am certain that that will not happen because the following of The Dance Academy is stronger that of any false accusation on the internet. Guy, you talk about you and your wife studying "worthwhile" subjects, was common decency or general mannerisms one of them? I'm sorry to say, no matter what you study, that doesn't make you any better than anyone; especially someone that needs to pay their bills. (I was also wondering did you post this report before or after you had finally posted your over-due payments to Kay?) As far as the Academy is "racist", that is the most obscene comment I have heard about the Academy or Kay W. Prunty. As a person of ethnic background I can say that it is all false. Also, I am at the studio quite often during the dance year that I can say that there was no "abuse" there or at the Auditorium. Kay has taught me a great deal about dance and just as much about life through dance. I have learned that there are greater things than dance but to enjoy life and all that is great through dance. I have only progressed through dance by the guidance of Kay and her assistants. So if you can raise your kids to be anything like Kay don't disown them, praise them and be grateful that they are very well rounded, loving, and generous pupils. Here's to wishing you a great life without dance and God Bless. I'm hoping for those interested in taking lessons from Kay, that they don't believe anything in this report and to personally contact Kay. I know the saying goes if you get one customer P-O'd then they tell 10 people. This is taking it to another level. So I hope consumers read beyond the report and into the rebuttals because thats where the proof is. Proud Dancer of Kay Williams Prunty

I am proud parent of a young lady who has danced with Kay Williams Prunty for going on 8 years. I consider Kay to be a family friend and role model for girls in the Worthington area. She is a caring, compassionate person who involves herself in our community in a number of positive ways with her family. I trust her implicitly with my child and I believe that she has her best interests at heart. That said, Kay does have high standards for her program and she does care about getting her dancers to show their best on the stage. That doesn't bother me in the least. Sometimes kids need a little encouragement and guidance. It shows on the stage, as it did this past weekend, at two nearly sold out performances where 199 girls and a few boys danced their hearts out on stage, along with a third "gala" performance for the older kids. I challenge any parent considering the Dance Academy to obtain a copy of the DVD of that recital and see for yourself whether "very few of the kids under 15 new (sic) an entire dance." And I ask you to talk to any of the 8 seniors on stage Saturday night--who have taken a combined 158 years of dance classes with Kay--and ask them whether Kay knows how to teach dance. It is very disturbing that you chose to defame publicly this outstanding member of our community and her business over a personal dispute involving a post-dated check and a disagreement about whether your daughter was ready for the dance recital. No more of your personal issues need be spilled on this page--or any other place for public consumption, for that matter. Spare us the details of your personal financial situation, your educational achievements (which apparently don't include spelling), and your "payment method." Your efforts at rationalizing your defamatory statements are laughable. No misunderstanding over a check, which I understand Kay has rectified completely, or a personal disagreement over readiness for a recital, justifies your defamatory, threatening statements on this page (or any other public forum). Parents and others, for the record: Over the 7+ years of numerous practices and dance recitals I have attended involving Kay and the Dance Academy, I have NEVER witnessed any physical or verbal abuse of a child from Kay. I frequently hear positive words of encouragement by Kay to her dancers and often see the girls run to hug her at the end of practice. If these "instructor tantrums" you report with the "throwing of objects" were truly a daily occurrence, my wife and I and the parents of other longtime dancers would have noticed them. The statement that Kay's program "excludes ethnic children and their families" is another whopper. I saw a number of dancers on stage this past weekend of Hispanic, African-American, and Asian ancestries -- from little kids up through high school dancers. Their families were in the audience cheering their dancers on like everyone else. A parent who would even jokingly refer to his children engaging in "paint sniffing" as this parent does isn't somebody I would trust with anything. His post is unworthy of any consideration.

My two daughters have been a part of The Dance Academy for the past 7 years and never in all that time has Kay Williams Prunty ever been so falsely accused of anything so outrageously ridiculous as what I have just read. I cannot understand why anyone who considers themselves as "professionals" would stoop so low as to post something as cowardly and slanderous as this. During the past 7 years I can't count the number of times I have observed Kay instructing not only my daughters' classes but others as well and NEVER have I EVER seen Kay be physically or verbally abusive to dancers and/or parents. In fact there have been many times I have been amazed at the patience and understanding Kay has shown both dancers and parents. I truly admire her for that. Dance recital is the time of year for the dancers, and yes Kay, to shine!!!! Correct me if I'm wrong but I for one want my daughters to know their routines to the best of their ability. And guess what, that takes committment from Kay, as the instructor; my daughters, as the dancers; and me, as the parent. It takes effort from all of us to make it work. I find it amazing that you are willing to place blame on only one person, Kay, and not take any responsbility yourself!! Could I be proven wrong? Possibly, but I would find that highly unlikely as nothing like this has come to my attention in the past 7 seven years and one would think that I would hear some rumblings or my daughters would come home mentioning something. I for one will take your comments and treat them with the respect they deserve (I think you know what I mean.) My daughters will continue to attend The Dance Academy and I will continue to support Kay as my daughters' dance instructor and my personal friend.

I have been a dance mom for 8 years. During this time I have seen Kay teach many girls and boys the art of dance, commitment (finishing what you start... like a dance season) and respect for others. Not all children are taught this at home, as you can tell. Some parents, have not even learned how to respect others (as seen in the hardly believable report about Kay). I, as a paying customer of Kays Dance Academy am very happy, satisfied and comfortable with the education she provides my girls during the dance year. We have had the discussion about kids dropping out of school and getting pregnant before. It is a proven fact that children who are involved in the fine arts are much LESS LIKELY to drop out of school and get pregnant. So If Kay said something to that effect I can believe that, but not that she was spitting, pointing and picking out certain children. Maybe its an insecurity on the parents part. As for children not dancing during recital because of not performing well. I AGREE! The kids who actually listen during class, practice at home and show some commitment to learning what they are taught during class deserve to dance. I feel the students who don't know their dance should NOT dance. But I have never know Kay to make a child sit out of recital for that reason. Nor because their parents cannot be responsible enough to pay their bills on time. It's interesting we hear all about the big "overdraft charge" this family received because they hadn't paid Kay in time to begin with. What about Kay not receiving her "paycheck" from you? what should she have done? sent an email to ripoff.com that says...Irresponsible family rips off Dance instructor by not paying their bill on time, their Children get free dance lessons from a GREAT instructor, because she cares enough for those kids to keep teaching them the art of dance even tho parents don't pay their bill? Maybe, but Kay is not the kind of a person to do something like that. She is a good Christian woman who knows better. She cares for everyone...including different ethnic populations. During this years Celebrate recital you could see how much time, effort and energy she puts into a wonderful end of the year recital. If I remember correctly their were even more "ethnic people" in this years recital than last year. Kay does not have to have a recital. She has a recital for the students to be able to show all that they have learned throughout the whole year. This HUGE, well thought out and prepared recital is all done out of the goodness of her heart for her students who LOVE KAY!!! Anyone who knows Kay, knows what a wonderful person she is. she puts in long hours helping, teaching and preparing our children the love of dance. She is also very involved in her children's school, activities, church and community functions. She prioritizes her life and work very well and would never dream of anyone putting dance before GOD or family. She would however; ask that you put dance before "paint sniffing". As would any other normal human being. WE love our dance instructor and think she does a GREAT job and we look forward to dance and her recital EVERY YEAR!

We have been dancing at The Dance Academy for 8 years! Our two daughters have had a very positive experience and we feel very fortunate to have such a quality program in our small community! Kay Williams Prunty has ALWAYS shown kindness, care, and much love to her dancers! This report is completely slanderous and unacceptable. We are outraged that someone could publish this information without the moderators of this site checking to see if there is any truth to this report! What is our society coming to? Do we really want to accept this????? Kay Williams Prunty has always shown a very encouraging and positive attitude to our girls' classes. I have personally witnessed many occasions where extra attention, love and great concern has been given to various students. It is true that recital time gets a little stressful for everyone....and I know that my daughters put in extra practice time to "get it just right" before the concert. As I think about our experience over the last 8 years, I am reminded of the MANY times that our children have had "extra" opportunities to dance outside of the regular concert. (i.e. Corn off the Cob, Snow on the Porch, at the Regatta etc.) and all of these performance required extra practices and set up etc. by Kay. Never once were we ever charged for these practices and performances! We believe this is a testimony to her love of the arts and her willingness to help create a great experience for her dancers! The report indicated that Kay is predjudice in her enrollment.....totally inaccurate! Have you looked at her classes? I can name 5-6 different nationalities that are represented without even thinking about it! As for the concert being "painful" to sit through, I couldn't disagree more! We thoroughly enjoy watching all the young dancers feeling proud and beautiful!!! We are truly lucky to have such a quality facility and Kay is always going the extra mile to make the concert perfect! We attend BOTH performances and wouldn't have it any other way! We are 100% in support of this wonderful person and her company! Our hope is that anyone reading this report would consider the source of this slanderous information, do their own evaluation of The Dance Academy before making any conclusions!

In responding to the person's complaint I would like to examine it on both a logical and personal level. On both levels it is clear that this complaint is completely unfounded, full of malice, and beyond the pale. First, from a logic standpoint you have no case. According to Minnesota Law what you are doing with your checks is against the law. If you knowingly write a check when you don't have the funds available it is a bounced check. Kay Williams Prunty wouldn't even need to accept the check, much less wait until the date you have on their to case it. Look it up yourself by searching Minnesota Statute 609.535. Moreover, what is it Kay's problem that you have 90,000 in a student debt and your wife has recently had a child. I applaud you for the education and congratulate you on the child, but the hardships that go along with that are well known and it isn't the responsibility of a business to make special considerations for you. In anything we do there is an opportunity cost associated with it. Recently, I bought a new car. When that was added to the budget, I had to forgo putting new carpet in my house. You have to sacrifice. I couldn't go to a floor covering store and ask them to install carpet now while I decide when it works for me to pay. Life just doesn't work that way. Further, you need to realize that unless you have firm proof that Kay Williams Prunty is guilty of excluding minority families and all the other crimes you lay on her, you could be sued for libel. You would be spreading information you know is false with the intention of destroying her reputation. You criticize her with allegations that she insulted your child, but then you do the same to her on what she chose for a career. Aren't you doing the same thing? You did the appropriate thing when you removed your child because you thought they weren't having fun. The inappropriate thing is to throw out allegations without providing proof in a public forum. On a personal level, I have experience the joy it is to know Kay Williams Prunty. She is one of the classiest individuals I have ever known and quite frankly, I wish I had half the character and empathy that she has. Never has there been one more willing to help and make sacrifices. Never once, in the time I have known her have I seen her insult a student. She has always wanted to spread the joy of dancing and she is a wonderful representative of that activity. I have chosen to work with her again and I will continue to ask her to work with me as long as she is willing. Her skill and love for what she does is unparalleled. I hope everybody sees through this complaint for what it is. A parent who is upset at some of their own failings and have chosen to rip down a person who has always experienced success and worked to help others experience that same joy.

The allegations in this report are completely false and I along with hundreds of dance families resent that you chose to spread your dirty laundry as well as slander a wonderful person like Kay Williams Prunty all over the internet. This report is full of lies and half truths. My family has been a part of The Dance Academy by Kay Williams Prunty for 11 years. In those 11 years I have never witnessed physical, verbal or other abusive behavior by Kay toward any dance student or parent for that matter. My husband and I respect Kay as a dance instructor as well as a person. She has a wonderful way with the kids. Her positive attitude is a joy and my kids come out of dance wanting more. They love dance and Kay. Dance Recital is the highlight of the year for all the kids. I, as a parent, want my kids to do well on the stage and to know their dance routines. This does take a lot of practice in class and at home. I for one appreciate it when Kay encourages the kids to practice at home. At time, this may take sterner attitude to get the kids to realize this is an important day for them and they do need to practice and take it seriously, or they will be lost on stage in front of hundreds of people. NEVER in our 11 years with The Dance Academy have I ever witnessed any action by Kay that was out of line. As far as the exclusion of ethnic children, this is a downright lie. I know Spanish, African, and Asian children that are currently students at The Dance Academy. Kay does not have a prejudice bone in her body. In fact, Kay has taken native dance moves she has learned from these kids and incorporated them in recital pieces. The Pioneer Village performance is just an opportunity for children to perform and to experience being on stage. Sometimes this is the first time a child is on stage in front of an audience. This is supposed to be fun for the kids not a stressful event. I think Kay does a great job at keeping everything light and positive. My kids are excited for this performance every year! My kids continue to be apart of The Dance Academy because Kay is an outstanding instructor!!

My daughters have been students of Kays for the past eight years. They have become excellent dancers because of Kay's instruction and, more importantly, enthusiasm and love. This report is absolutely outrageous and slanderous. This is a vicious attack on an outstanding citizen of this community like Kay Williams Prunty.

My daughters have been students of Kays for the past eight years. They have become excellent dancers because of Kay's instruction and, more importantly, enthusiasm and love. This report is absolutely outrageous and slanderous. This is a vicious attack on an outstanding citizen of this community like Kay Williams Prunty.

My daughters have been students of Kays for the past eight years. They have become excellent dancers because of Kay's instruction and, more importantly, enthusiasm and love. This report is absolutely outrageous and slanderous. This is a vicious attack on an outstanding citizen of this community like Kay Williams Prunty.

For 12 years, hundreds of young girls and a handful of young boys in the Worthington community area have had the privilege of dance instruction by one of the kindest, most-able instructors imaginable: Kay Williams Prunty. Between Kay and her husband (a math teacher at the Worthington Middle School, HS wrestling coach, and a recent winner of Worthington "Teacher of the Year"), it's hard to think of any other single family that has had such a total positive impact on the youth of our community! One would think that, if the report of consistent "abuse" and "tantrums" were true, after 12 years there would be at least a dozen other accusers out there with the same, basic allegations--if not more! And yet I know of not a single one!!! I also would think that, personally knowing literally dozens of families with young dancers in Kay's program, if Kay were the awful kind of person the report portrays her to be, I would hear these families make lots of negative comments about her. Again, I have NEVER heard one negative comment about her dance studio!!! Hmmmmm...... Something clearly doesn't add up here..... Maybe I'll be proven wrong with future posts to this site, but I highly suspect this report is an isolated case where this family has some kind of vicious personal vendetta against Ms. Prunty. My advice to any parent with an aspiring dancer in the family is to get to know Kay Williams Prunty personally, actually attend some of her classes (she will gladly accommodate this), and then judge for yourself if this report is valid. My prediction is that you will quickly come to see that the report is sheer fallacy if not outright slander.

For 12 years, hundreds of young girls and a handful of young boys in the Worthington community area have had the privilege of dance instruction by one of the kindest, most-able instructors imaginable: Kay Williams Prunty. Between Kay and her husband (a math teacher at the Worthington Middle School, HS wrestling coach, and a recent winner of Worthington "Teacher of the Year"), it's hard to think of any other single family that has had such a total positive impact on the youth of our community! One would think that, if the report of consistent "abuse" and "tantrums" were true, after 12 years there would be at least a dozen other accusers out there with the same, basic allegations--if not more! And yet I know of not a single one!!! I also would think that, personally knowing literally dozens of families with young dancers in Kay's program, if Kay were the awful kind of person the report portrays her to be, I would hear these families make lots of negative comments about her. Again, I have NEVER heard one negative comment about her dance studio!!! Hmmmmm...... Something clearly doesn't add up here..... Maybe I'll be proven wrong with future posts to this site, but I highly suspect this report is an isolated case where this family has some kind of vicious personal vendetta against Ms. Prunty. My advice to any parent with an aspiring dancer in the family is to get to know Kay Williams Prunty personally, actually attend some of her classes (she will gladly accommodate this), and then judge for yourself if this report is valid. My prediction is that you will quickly come to see that the report is sheer fallacy if not outright slander.

For 12 years, hundreds of young girls and a handful of young boys in the Worthington community area have had the privilege of dance instruction by one of the kindest, most-able instructors imaginable: Kay Williams Prunty. Between Kay and her husband (a math teacher at the Worthington Middle School, HS wrestling coach, and a recent winner of Worthington "Teacher of the Year"), it's hard to think of any other single family that has had such a total positive impact on the youth of our community! One would think that, if the report of consistent "abuse" and "tantrums" were true, after 12 years there would be at least a dozen other accusers out there with the same, basic allegations--if not more! And yet I know of not a single one!!! I also would think that, personally knowing literally dozens of families with young dancers in Kay's program, if Kay were the awful kind of person the report portrays her to be, I would hear these families make lots of negative comments about her. Again, I have NEVER heard one negative comment about her dance studio!!! Hmmmmm...... Something clearly doesn't add up here..... Maybe I'll be proven wrong with future posts to this site, but I highly suspect this report is an isolated case where this family has some kind of vicious personal vendetta against Ms. Prunty. My advice to any parent with an aspiring dancer in the family is to get to know Kay Williams Prunty personally, actually attend some of her classes (she will gladly accommodate this), and then judge for yourself if this report is valid. My prediction is that you will quickly come to see that the report is sheer fallacy if not outright slander.

For 12 years, hundreds of young girls and a handful of young boys in the Worthington community area have had the privilege of dance instruction by one of the kindest, most-able instructors imaginable: Kay Williams Prunty. Between Kay and her husband (a math teacher at the Worthington Middle School, HS wrestling coach, and a recent winner of Worthington "Teacher of the Year"), it's hard to think of any other single family that has had such a total positive impact on the youth of our community! One would think that, if the report of consistent "abuse" and "tantrums" were true, after 12 years there would be at least a dozen other accusers out there with the same, basic allegations--if not more! And yet I know of not a single one!!! I also would think that, personally knowing literally dozens of families with young dancers in Kay's program, if Kay were the awful kind of person the report portrays her to be, I would hear these families make lots of negative comments about her. Again, I have NEVER heard one negative comment about her dance studio!!! Hmmmmm...... Something clearly doesn't add up here..... Maybe I'll be proven wrong with future posts to this site, but I highly suspect this report is an isolated case where this family has some kind of vicious personal vendetta against Ms. Prunty. My advice to any parent with an aspiring dancer in the family is to get to know Kay Williams Prunty personally, actually attend some of her classes (she will gladly accommodate this), and then judge for yourself if this report is valid. My prediction is that you will quickly come to see that the report is sheer fallacy if not outright slander.