Complaints

The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:04/21/2025

  Type:Sales and Advertising Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I was in this dance school, was mandatory to sell tickets for dance parties. They wanted us to pay out of pocket if we didnt sell them or we couldnt go for any reason. One night I sold my tickets and The front desk lady (*** *******) said in front of everyone that I didnt pay. I gave her first $30 and 2 weeks after I gave her $5 then $10 because one person delayed two weeks giving me the money of one ticket. When I tried to clarify this issue with her at the front desk she insulted me then showed me a note book where she wrote my name in red color and ran. She obviously had my money and didnt report it to the owner. I asked them to check the cameras and they didnt want to. The owner (***** ********) said he didnt trust me and that I was in trouble. I ask them to return me the half of my tuition $100 to leave ** I just went for two weeks on Jan/25 and they didnt want either. They only accept cash and dont give any kind of receipts! They had been working like that during 22 yrs. They defamed me in public, I contacted the owner by IG to get into a solution but he didnt respond. ******************* cant help with no proof of payment. I dont want to go to court. This happened in Dec/24-Jan/25. Im so mad and sad about this. When my landlord is happy that I always pay my rent on time then I was defamed by this ppl with no proof. These pictures are from a student reporting similar issues and other pic of a Venmo payment I maid to *** one time, she told me she was going to return me that $ bc had to be cash and she never returned. The cost of the tickets is $45 plus de half of the monthly payment is $100 (cause I just had paid the month $200 when this happened). So for me they owe me $145. They operate Mon-Thu from 7 pm to midnight and Sat from 4 pm to 8 pm. Actually they have many reports of sexual abuse, **** and drugs but those are other accusations that are not related in this complaint. Please help me and help other people inspecting this business. Thanks.

  Business Response

  Date: 05/01/2025

  Dear Better Business Bureau,
  We appreciate the opportunity to formally respond to the complaint submitted by *** ******* *******. At Yamulee Dance Company, we take all concerns seriously and strive to address them with transparency, professionalism, and fairness.
  We would like to address each point of the complaint carefully and provide necessary clarifications:
  Ticket Sales Policy:
  As clearly outlined in the contracts provided to all dancers, it is mandatory for members of our dance company to sell tickets for our monthly social events and to submit payments on the day of the event. This practice is standard within the Latin dance community and mirrors the policies of other reputable dance companies such as Live For Movement NYC, Zafire Dance Company, and Empire Dance Studio ***, etc. 
  December 2024 Social Events:
  Due to the holiday season, Yamulee Dance Company hosted two social events on December 14 and December 28. Students received all six tickets in advance, giving ample time to fulfill their sales obligations.
  Prior Conduct:
  *** ******* was a member of our training team for approximately two years. During this time, she frequently demonstrated difficulty fulfilling her ticket sales obligations and attending mandatory events. There is extensive documentation, attached herewith, of *** ******* contacting her coach, *** *** *******, requesting leniency to which she was consistently advised to address such matters directly with the owner, *** ***** ********, as per our protocol.
  Opportunity for Leniency:
  Yamulee Dance Company has a long-standing history of working with students who face financial or personal difficulties. Numerous students have had their obligations adjusted after simple and respectful conversations with the owner. *** ******* was given this opportunity multiple times but failed to initiate the necessary dialogue.
  Non-Compliance with Ticket Payment and Attendance:
  *** ******* did not remit payment for the tickets corresponding to the December 28 social event and failed to attend the event without informing her team leaders or management, in direct violation of her obligations.
  Failure to Timely Pay December 14th Social Ticket Sales:
  Despite clear obligations, *** ******* did not submit full payment on the night of the December 14 event. She communicated sporadically between December 15-21 regarding one delayed ticket, and was reminded on December 22 to escalate the issue to the owner which she again failed to do.
  Notification of Outstanding Balances:
  On January 16th, 2025, *** ******* was presented with documentation outlining her outstanding balance of $30. Rather than resolving the matter professionally, she verbally insulted *** *** ******* in front of many witnesses, accusing her of incompetence and dishonesty.
  Record of Staff Conduct:
  *** *** ******* has served as an administrative staff member at Yamulee Dance Company for over seven years without any prior complaints regarding financial management or client relations.
  Voluntary Departure Without Refund Request:
  *** ******* chose to leave the company that evening and did not request any refund for tuition or ticket payments at that time.
  Prior Venmo Payment Incident:
  On October 6th, *** ******* sent $15 via Venmo for a previous event ticket. *** ******* promptly informed her that payment must be made directly to the owner and subsequently deposited the funds to *** ******** in cash. Despite repeated advisements, *** ******* failed to address her outstanding obligations appropriately.
  Inappropriate Communications:
  On March 3rd, 2025, *** ******* sent a further disrespectful and disparaging message regarding *** ******* in a team group chat, demonstrating a continued pattern of misconduct.
  Disciplinary Record:
  Throughout her time at Yamulee, *** ******* exhibited frequent disciplinary issues, including habitual tardiness, early departures from class, and disrespectful behavior toward fellow students. Of particular concern was an incident in which *** ******* sent a degrading message to a fellow team member with a disability after a minor accidental collision during class. Evidence of this communication is available upon request, with the consent of the affected party who wishes to remain anonymous.
  Defamatory Allegations:
  Finally, *** ******** complaint includes baseless and inflammatory allegations unrelated to the issues she raises (i.e., allegations of criminal behavior). These statements are categorically false and defamatory. We have already engaged legal counsel, and the matter is being addressed through appropriate legal channels. A letter from our attorneys is attached for your reference. The website will not let us upload our documentation. Please contact us at ********************************* for all evidence. 
  
  In closing, Yamulee Dance Company categorically denies any wrongdoing in this matter. We maintain clear and documented policies for all students and ensure that concerns are handled fairly and respectfully. While we regret that *** ******* is dissatisfied, her complaint is based largely on misrepresentations, omissions, and personal grievances rather than facts.
  We remain committed to resolving valid disputes in a professional manner. However, we must also protect our staff, students, and business reputation from baseless defamatory attacks.
  Thank you for your attention to this matter.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 05/02/2025

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID# ********, and have determined that my complaint has NOT been resolved because:

  [Your Answer Here]Everything ***** ******** and *** ******* say is a lie: Selling tickets was something new starting mid-2024. No one explained it very clearly to me that if we didnt sell we were forced to pay out of pocket.Whenever I had trouble attending, I communicated the reasons in writing or verbally, including the danger of walking alone in the early morning because those social events end at 3 a.m., illness, etc. One time a classmate kicked me brutally in the right foot (I also sent a photo), creating a bruise and a horrible injury that still hurts today, the owner himself understood, and we agreed that I would pay for only one ticket. Another time was on Osmar's birthday when I spent there half an hour that's why I paid only my ticket via Venmo to **** But that IS VERY DIFFERENT from saying that I sold some tickets and didn't deliver the money, which is totally FALSE. As I said I paid them separately because that was the way I received the money. The value of those three tickets on 12/14/2024 was $45. I earn more than that per hour at my job, so I had no need to lie or do anything like that. I also paid $200 for the month of tuition before most of the ppl there. On 12/28/2024, I sent a WhatsApp message wishing my team luck because I couldn't attend (I had asthma and a fever from attending a gift party at that school until midnight 12/16/24). As a professional, I'm not used to insulting. I was very decent when I suggested that maybe *** "forgot to write down my payment." Instead, she yelled at me and insulted me: "You didn't pay, get your life in order $&*#." Was HER mistake, she defamed me in public without proof. I even suggested they check the cameras, but they didn'*. ***** yelled at me in public without confirming nothing "I don't believe you, you're in trouble." I was crying, in emotional shock and couldn't go back. Just writing this and remember that Im crying. On 1/21/2025, I sent several messages via Instagram to ***** ******** explaining my truth, which he completely ignored. I asked him if he would give me receipts for my payments if I came back, and if he didn't want me to come back, to return half of my monthly payment. I HAVE PROOF OF ALL THOSE MESSAGES. The disabled student was reprimanded countless times for his arrogant attitude and for refusing to practice with several female students,  the blow he gave me was not accidental. I understand that they are very busy with all the problems due to the allegations against Yamule dance studio of sexual abuse, abuse of power, drugs, etc., by several dancers on social media. I'm not saying it, they are. I wouldn't be surprised if they resorted to false witnesses against me. Since I'm sure I paid $45 + $200 for the month and *** ******* said I didn't, I'm requesting a refund of $245 and a public apology at the school. f you think I owe you something, I'd be happy to pay you if you issue me a receipt. I was recommended to report this also in other instances. Please help.

   

   

   

   

  In order for the BBB to appropriately process your response, you MUST answer the question above.

  
  Sincerely,
  
  ******* *******
  
  
  
  
   
  

  Business Response

  Date: 05/29/2025

  Final Business Response:

  We appreciate the opportunity to respond and have taken the time to thoroughly review this matter. Based on the documentation shown, we have shown no evidence that any payment was ever made to our company by the complainant. 

  Additionally, during her time involved with our services, there were multiple documented issues related to non-compliance with established rules and disciplinary policies. These concerns were addressed appropriately at the time and contributed to our decision to discontinue further engagement.
  

  We understand that the customer may be dissatisfied, but in the absence of a financial transaction and given the ongoing behavioral issues, we do not believe any refund or further compensation is warranted.
  

  As this exchange has not been productive and our position has been clearly stated, this will serve as our final response. We appreciate the role of the Better Business Bureau in facilitating communication and remain committed to resolving legitimate concerns in good faith.

  We remain open to resolving any legitimate concerns supported by documentation and thank the Better Business Bureau for facilitating this process.
  

  Sincerely,

  ***** ******** 

  Yamulee Dance Company 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 06/13/2025

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID# ********, and have determined that my complaint has NOT been resolved because:

  [Your Answer Here]

   Clearly all ***** ******** responses were maliciously written by someone else, probably by his lawyer as he doesnt even speak or talk good English. The same lawyer who is defending him  from allegations of sexual misconduct, abuse of power, tax evasion by multiple men and women in the dance scene, promoting fake marriages between members of his school and foreign dancers cheating immigration laws to incorporate foreign dances to his team. There are witnesses of his written and verbal confessions of his fake marriage (***** ******** and ***** ******) where he stated wasnt for love but to fix her migratory situation in this country. *** ***** ****** now is one of ***** ******** victims who has exposed his abuse publicly. ***** ******** posted legal threats asking the victims to retract and delete their posts from their social media but all the complaints are still there, no one retracted. **************** was another student A student from ****** also accused them of financial fraud by charging him an unjustifiably high monthly fee for years compared to other students. The reputation of this business is on the ground, many of their shows in other states and countries were cancelled and one of his teachers and best friend was accused of drugging and ****** women. All the victims mentioned ***** as an accomplice to these situations. I was personally the victim of abuse and yelling at *** ******** from the first day I entered that academy. I have witnessed many students who told me, "How could you let that guy yell at you and treat you like that?" I simply ignored it because my goal was to learn. My English isnt perfect either but Im here coming with the truth. Im exposing all this for you to know what kind of people are we dealing with. So how a man like ***** that is know publicly as a liar and an abuser for decades without any kind of education, moral values or scruples, a perfect cheater in every sense dares to talk about my behavior for not letting me do it under all his ridiculous rules?. This is *** ******** and the people around him. His best friend fled to another continent due to **** allegations, and the woman who is his right-hand woman in his illegal debt collection at Yamulee Dance School caused things to get to this point. The solution could have been through talking and checking the cameras, as I proposed at the right time. Instead, I was defamed by these two individuals (*** and *****) and insulted by *** *******. This is simple; let's put it in the right words. I categorically denounce that I was robbed and defamed at Yamulee Dance Company by *** ******* and ***** ********. *** *** ******* stole $30 from me from ticket sales, and *** ***** ******** stole $100 from me by refusing to return half of my monthly payment, as I requested before leaving the night of the defamation and later in writing.

   

   

   

  In order for the BBB to appropriately process your response, you MUST answer the question above.

  
  Sincerely,
  
  ******* *******