X-Cel Athletics Cheer and Tumble Academy home of Step 1 Allstars North

This is our 4th year at Xcel and we’ve had an exceptional experience! The coaching staff has been amazing- my daughter has had continuous improvement in her skills while learning to work hard as a team. The owner of the gym is actively involved and has been an outstanding mentor to my daughter. I would definitely recommend this gym for a great all around experience!

Eight years ago our daughter wanted to learn competitive cheer. I asked around for recommendations. I was told about a new gym that was very family-friendly. I found that they employed highly trained coaches with years of experience including some who were trained nurses. I'm so happy that I am trusting my child to Melanie (the owner) and her staff. My daughter not only has learned to tumble and cheer at a much higher level than we ever expected, but, she is well prepared for school cheer. She has so much confidence. She is very physically fit and has developed lifelong friendships and relationships with many of the coaches and other athletes.

Billing statements were confusing and riddled with errors. Billing questions and requests for clarification were most often ignored, while demands for payment were often abrupt, curt, and aggressive. Promised sibling discount was later denied based upon an undisclosed “policy” that discriminates against modern blended families. Confidentiality of billing dispute was repeatedly violated by sharing details of that dispute with third parties. Illness policy removes virtually all discretion from parents as to what is best for their sick children. In our experience (we have two older daughters who cheered on the west side), sick kids were expected to attend practice but never required to participate. This gym reserves the right to require a child with a high fever to practice with her team, jeopardizing the health of the sick child and exposing the otherwise healthy team mates to contagious infection. In support of this policy, gym owner, Melanie Vitale stated “as a gym, the risk (to the sick child and healthy team mates) is a risk we are willing to take.” During winter, the grounds of the gym are not properly winterized, often making entrance and exit of the building a dangerous proposition. Parents are sometimes expected to bring children to practice during severe weather emergencies and children are penalized for failing to attend practice, even if road conditions preclude safe travel to practice. We have two daughters at Step 1 North. Melanie openly favors one daughter over the other, showering one with multiple gifts and praise while avoiding any interaction with the other, causing both sisters to be extremely uncomfortable. If you are divorced, be extra wary, as in our experience, Melanie seems all too anxious to try to pit one divorced parent against the other to support her own position/desire. We chose this gym because it was known to have a good training program. In the end, however, we found the negatives far outweigh any positives. We no longer trust the gym to take care of, much less mentor, our daughters. They will finish out the cheer season and we will not be returning. Our advice, find another gym.

My daughter is apart of the preschool classes on Monday mornings and they are so fun! They find fun and creative ways to get my little one active while learning basic tumbling skills. The instructors are great with kids and really know how to get them to have fun and get excited about learning! I highly recommend parents to put their little ones in this class!

Step 1 North has given my grand children so much of their time and endless life lessons. These types of lessons can't be taught in a classroom or in a book. Step 1 has provided a home for our whole family and has always been fair and kind. I have never met such compassionate dedicated gym owner and business woman. We adore Melanie and are so thankful for everything her and the staff do day in and day out. Not many know the countless hours that goes into what the staff does. Many never think of the fact that people like Melanie provide a way for all athletes to achieve their goals at all times. I have seen coaches go out of their way to give athletes ride and even take them to competitions if their parent couldn't come. We could not be happier!! We are making life long memories through what Step One has provided. Thank you all for everything you do!