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Testimonials
We believe the best stories come from the dancers and families who experience PRJ firsthand. On this page, you'll hear from current families, longtime students, and alumni who have carried their training and memories with them beyond our studio walls. Their words reflect the heart of what we do—and the lasting impact of dance, discipline, and community at PRJ.
Delphia Sneed – PRJ Dance Parent
Having a dance studio right here in Brundidge has been such a gift for our family. Patti Rutland Jazz offers a safe, positive place where kids—both girls and boys—can express themselves, learn, and grow. It truly feels like a supportive community, and I’m so grateful Hannah gets to be a part of it.
Since joining PRJ, Hannah’s confidence has grown tremendously. Every class helps her believe in herself a little more, and it’s been amazing to watch her transformation. Her first solo and duo performances last year were big milestones. She faced her nerves head-on, worked hard, and placed in both—proving to herself that she’s capable of great things.
Dance has also been an emotional outlet for Hannah during a tough time in our lives. It brought light when we needed it most and has given her a powerful way to express herself through movement.
For us, dance has brought more than just skills—it’s brought joy, connection, and a sense of belonging. I always recommend dance to other parents because it teaches discipline, teamwork, and creativity. My advice? Encourage your child to try it. You never know what passion or confidence it might unlock.
Camille Whaley – PRJ Dance Mom & Instructor
One of the things I love most about PRJ is the sense of community—it truly feels like a second family. The energy is always so positive, and the parents, students, and staff are all so invested in helping the studio thrive. Watching how excited the kids are—even after class ends—reminds me what a joyful place this is.
Dance has had a huge impact on my son, Cabe. He started out shy and unsure, especially about performing, but now he walks with his head high and expresses himself with confidence—on and off the stage. Joining the performance team pushed him out of his comfort zone. I remember how nervous he was before his first show, but once he got on stage, something clicked. That experience showed him he could overcome fear with support and determination.
Lately, dance has become a real emotional outlet for Cabe. He’s started using movement to express his feelings, even when words fall short. It’s incredible to watch him connect with the music and pour his emotions into every step. Dance has brought so much joy into our family—it's how he resets after a hard day, and it’s something we get to share together.
I always encourage other parents to give dance a try. It’s not just about learning steps—it’s about life skills like discipline, teamwork, creativity, and confidence. Even if your child is hesitant at first, they might discover something truly meaningful about themselves. We sure did.
Robbyn Taylor – PRJ Dance Mom
From the moment Brooks walked into PRJ, he was welcomed with genuine love and warmth. When he auditioned for the team after just a few months of classes, Patti Rutland Simpson met him with a smile and a hug—it was clear right away that this wasn’t just a dance studio, but a place where kids are truly seen and valued. That spirit of compassion is felt every day at PRJ.
Dance has helped Brooks grow in so many ways. He’s always loved to entertain, but over the years, we’ve seen his confidence blossom—especially as a leader. The studio naturally encourages dancers to mentor one another, and now he finds real joy in helping younger teammates succeed. That leadership has followed him into school and beyond.
During the pandemic, when everything shifted and anxiety crept in, dance became Brooks' outlet. The studio connected us with a mentor who helped him work through that tough season. Today, Brooks is not only more confident, but he also knows how to support others who may be feeling the same way he once did.
Seeing him on stage is truly awe-inspiring. He pours his energy, love, and creativity into every performance. It’s more than movement—it’s how he connects with people and shares who he is.
PRJ has brought so much more than dance into our lives. The friendships, the encouragement, and the support from this community have become part of our family. We’re endlessly grateful for the faculty and staff who make this possible.
Dance has strengthened Brooks mentally, physically, and emotionally—and it’s brought joy to all of us. To any parent wondering if dance is right for their child: you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
Paula Simmons – PRJ Dance Mom
One of the things I’m most grateful for at PRJ is the way the instructors truly care—not just about technique, but about each dancer as a whole person. They’ve helped Kaitlin grow both as a performer and as a young woman, and the parent community has been equally supportive. It really feels like we’re all looking out for each other’s kids.
Since joining PRJ, Kaitlin’s confidence has soared. She’s become more expressive in her dancing and more self-assured in her everyday life. After recovering from hip surgery, she was nervous about returning, but the one-on-one attention from her teachers made all the difference. They helped her rebuild her confidence and get back to doing what she loves—without fear.
Dance has also become Kaitlin’s emotional outlet. On the tough days, it’s her safe space—where she can move through her feelings and find her balance again. And for our whole family, dance has been a source of joy. We love watching her perform, cheering her on, and building lasting friendships through this community.
I recommend dance to every parent—not just for the art itself, but for the discipline and life skills it teaches. Kaitlin has learned time management, self-discipline, and how to be dependable—things that carry over into every part of her life.
My advice to other parents: take the plunge. Let your child give it a try. Watching Kaitlin grow through dance has been one of the best decisions we’ve ever made.
Brandy Simmons – PRJ Dance Mom
I’m eternally grateful for PRJ and Patti Rutland Simpson for creating a safe, loving, and educational environment for my daughter. This is a studio where bullying and negative behavior simply aren’t tolerated—and that kind of culture means everything to me as a parent.
Lily has always struggled with confidence, but the support she receives from her teachers and fellow dancers—even on the hard days—has made a real difference. Being surrounded by people who believe in her helps her believe in herself.
Last year, Lily took a big step and performed a tap solo at competition, even though she was nervous about how it would be judged. The feedback she received not only improved her dancing but gave her a boost of self-assurance that’s still with her today.
Dance is also Lily’s emotional outlet. When she’s had a tough day, she turns to dance to help her reset and release stress. It’s become her way to process and express herself in a healthy, positive way.
For our family, watching Lily grow from a tiny dancer in her first combo class into a confident performer on stage has been such a joy. Her grace and artistry remind me every day why investing in her love of dance is so worthwhile.
I recommend dance to every parent—not just for the physical and artistic benefits, but for the emotional growth and confidence it builds. There’s a style for every child, whether it's tap, jazz, ballet, or hip hop. My advice? Start with one class and explore from there. The rewards are lifelong.
Heather Walker – PRJ Dance Mom & Alum
PRJ has been a part of my life since I was six years old, and now I get to watch my daughter experience that same magic. I’ll always be grateful for the life lessons I learned here, and it’s such a joy to see those same values being passed on to a new generation. Watching our family grow within the PRJ community has been incredibly meaningful.
Dance has helped Ari come out of her shell in a beautiful way. She’s naturally shy, but when she dances, something shifts—she’s confident, expressive, and willing to try anything. It’s become her element. Last year, she struggled with a challenging duo that required tricky movements. Some days were tough, but with patience, encouragement, and support from her teacher and partner, she overcame the fear and nailed it. That growth was so powerful to witness.
At home, dance has become Ari’s creative outlet. She choreographs to different songs, matching her movements to the emotions of the music. It’s amazing to see how intuitively she connects with dance as a form of expression—even if she’s not quite ready to improvise in front of a crowd just yet!
Our entire family looks forward to dance season. Competitions are a favorite—we love seeing the talent from dancers across studios and the incredible creativity from the choreographers. PRJ always brings something special to the stage.
Dance teaches more than technique—it instills discipline, punctuality, focus, and resilience. It helps kids build friendships, grow in confidence, and even improve in academics. I truly believe dance lays a foundation for success in life.
My advice to other parents? Just try it. You never know the joy, growth, and lifelong memories that dance could bring to your family until you take that first step.