Oh my goodness... fell in love with this place tonight!…read more I have been fruitlessly searching for a quality Hip Hop class for a long time now ... each time I would sign up for one it ended up being cancelled bc not enough people registered. Finally... I FOUND A CLASS and it is a fantastic studio that I HIGHLY recommend. Dance Theatre Studio is right in the heart of U of M's campus. It is a second story location above Moe's sporting goods store. Great walkable area if you want to grab a bite or a drink after classes. It is a narrow spot and it was very very crowded in the waiting area, yet it is truly a wonderful space! They have an office in the sort of attic upstairs, and the man who I think owns the place is so so sweet- his name is John. He was helpful, and kind, and very endearing. There are 3 studio spaces A, B, and C. There are also small changing areas for men and women. Studios A and B are larger- C is a smaller space. They offer so many classes here .... Zumba, Cardio Barre, Jazz, Ballet, Hip Hop, Pilates, Body Sculpting,Tap ...for ALL different skill levels and ages. I personally am taking a Hip Hop class and I can't wait to continue classes here for years to come.It is a very well organized studio and it has a really helpful and easy website which I appreciate. My first class was SO fun !!! The instructor was not only a talented dancer and teacher - she was great at amping up the energy of the class and making everyone comfortable. Class starts out with a warm up - including crunches, plank, push ups. We learned great choreography to fun music and then cooled down and stretched. I'm so thrilled to have discovered this place... if you've ever thought about taking dance you should totally try it !!!!!

I stopped in for the Intermediate Jazz class with Michelle while I was visiting from the Bay Area…read more Really good! I'm a modern dancer without a lot of jazz experience, so I was a little worried about jumping into an intermediate class at a studio I wasn't familiar with, but everyone was super welcoming. The class was fast-paced and mostly regulars. I would be cautious of coming to this particular class if you don't have some experience, because I could see it being frustrating. Michelle didn't take a lot of time to offer corrections and taught the choreography quickly, but not too quickly for the class -- everyone was at least getting a sketch of it, but everyone also seemed challenged by it (I was!). She seemed to have a good sense of what parts were difficult for the class in the moment. She also picked some rad music. I would totally go back if I lived here!

Buyer beware. Make sure you read the fine print in the contract about how much and how often you…read morewill be charged as it is inconsistent with the information provided over the phone or through email. The cost is NOT apparently by month or based on how many classes you receive. Also, while the jumping jam class itself has been ok, the entire enterprise for preschoolers appears to be focused on the recital and making as much money off it as possible.

My daughter has been taking piano with Jeff for close to 2 years. Jeff is a fantastic piano…read moreteacher. He teaches her workbook chords, classical pieces and current radio songs. She certainly gets a lot of variety. He goes above and beyond to arrange music to her level by either enhancing a piece or simplifying it for her. If she doesn't have the music for a song they wish to work on, he has gone out of his way to hunt down the music, and then arrange it individually for her. I especially love the duets they do together on the piano, but in addition, she certainly learns pieces by herself. He has taken a child who knew absolutely nothing about playing piano, and turned her into to a child learning songs using both hands simultaneously. The studio has private practice rooms with a window in the door. I am able to peek in on her lesson at any time I wish to see how she is doing. Jeff also explains to me as a parent what she should be working on at home, and how she is progressing. My daughter also started dance at Michigan Academy this past fall. Michigan Academy went out of their way to welcome her also as a dance student. Mrs. Lisa and all the dance teachers are extremely approachable. I can not even put into words how refreshing that is. When choosing a dance studio, I have learned that it is extremely important to know that the staff are approachable. They really welcome all questions and take their time with all students and their families in a professional manner. This makes for a comfortable environment that students thrive in, and parents also feel comfortable because we as parents are never left in the dark and everything is always explained. Truly stress free. You can tell immediately that they really truly care about all students in regards to their dance education, empowering the child's self esteem, and helping them grow as individuals, even outside of dance. The dance teachers at Michigan Academy also go above and beyond. Recently, when my daughter asked what she could work on at home to improve, Mrs.Rebecca went out of her way and made a list of ideas for her that she could do at home. She gave her suggestions, such as, straddle split rolls and barre work that she could do on her own time. As you can see, the dance teachers really take the time to help the students with their individual dance goals. Michigan Academy is a place for all ages and all levels! Every student is welcomed, appreciated, and celebrated. I highly recommend Michigan Academy to any child interested in dance or music. My daughter couldn't be happier at Michigan Academy and I also couldn't be happier that we found this studio.

Great studio. Everything is age appropriate, music costumes, dance steps, and teaching styles. The…read morestudents have so much fun!

Excellent dance studio where the older girls are kind and helpful to the younger ones. My daughter…read morehas taken classes there for three years and she will be returning again this year. The varied types of dance offered make it unique for the area. The littlest kids take combo classes, getting exposure to both ballet and tap. The option to try acro and bop hop are available for little ones who want to expend their energy on styles outside of the traditional dance realm. I will encourage my daughter to continue here as long as she enjoys dancing.

Best dance company in the area! Professional, highly skilled and experienced teachers. Great…read morewith the dancers. A family environment where lasting relationships are formed. My daughter has grown so much in the 3 years she has been a part of the competition full company team. Very caring staff who all have the best interest of their dancers at heart. I would highly recommend joining the Spartan Dance Center family! You're rolling now - got any more to add?

My +1 and I went to the Spartan Dance Center to try their basic Salsa class with instructor David…read moreTorres for a date night a couple of weeks ago. We live in Oakland County, but the grandparents in East Lansing were ready and willing to babysit for us. I purchased two adult (age 16+) drop-in class reservations online for $14 each (the spots for the date you want usually open up for access/reservation about 2 days before). They offer very reasonable discount packages otherwise as 5 and 10 class card groupings (you turn in a card when you show up for a reserved spot in the class). In fact when we showed up, they had 50% off the 5 class card package for the week. Too bad since we live so far away and I just feel lessons like this require regular/more frequent attendance to catch on. They also offer student and senior discounts. I was hesitant to sign up for one of the other more franchised / popular dance studios local to me that had a buy one get one free intro class because I'd heard the first lesson was more of a hard sell on getting you to buy a package versus an actual lesson. From what I saw online and posted in their studio, the Spartan Dance Center offers tons of other classes, but I, of course, can only speak for the salsa lesson. It was a small group when we were there, another single girl who'd had 2 lessons before and another couple that was a little more advanced. So if you are single and/or don't have a partner for the night, don't be afraid to show up. But, yet, I am one of those people who has no fear of that. David was a great teacher for the basics and, while he starts with salsa, he did indicate he adds on the merengue and bachata dances to the lessons. You will usually use all 3 dances when you hit any club or social that plays Latin Caribbean style music. One thing I love about salsa is that the rhythm and moves cut across the cultures. I am actually Latina, but am admittedly a sorry dancer. The instructor and I were the only Latins there. :-) And, a word to the guys: there is nothing sexier than a man who can expertly lead you in a smooth salsa dance. The dance in itself is sexy, stylized and fun. I am not a great salsa dancer by ANY means, and I tend to force a lead, but a good/take charge partner will always take you in the right direction and tend teach you something along the way. David is one of those guys to learn that from. He started us off with front-to-back, side-to-side steps and a basic turn (my +1 had ZERO salsa experience prior to this lesson and is probably one of the whitest white guys ever, by the way). David worked with the other more seasoned attendees on an individual basis where needed while me and +1 practiced our basic moves. He would then come back to us to refine the work we were doing and reminding us to keep the 'quick-quick-slow' tempo. The class was an hour and went by surprisingly fast. I would suggest for any ladies to wear low-to-mid height heels, if not flats. Mine were a 3"+ mistake. I looked good, but had foot pain by the end of the class. David was very encouraging in the male AND female aspect and quite a nice overall. He emphasized practice, practice, practice and was not overbearing in the least in his suggestion to come back for future lessons and getting the great 1/2 off deal they had going on. If I had lived in the area I definitely would have purchased the 5 lessons to continue. The Spartan Dance Center also has another instructor on another night that teaches the intermediate/advanced salsa class when you feel ready to upgrade your moves. If you and your significant other (or a few girlfriends) want to try something new, beginner Salsa lessons are a fun and interesting thing to attempt. Even if just to try it out with a single drop-in class to see how you like it before you commit to a package. Both beginner and advanced classes are held on a weekly basis. I left off one star because of the slight smell of sweat in the air in the studio. Granted, there was a pilates or yoga class going on prior to when we arrived, but a small touch of Febreze would have been nice. The class started on time and the lady at the registration desk was very friendly. The SDC is located in a strip mall right next to a pizza place (Marco's, I believe). It's easy to pass, especially in the evening. There is a small waiting area upon walk-in divided by a small wall of cubbies to wait at while the prior class finishes up. We did not notice this from the outside and just waited in the car when we didn't need to. You can also learn more about salsa socials and other lessons in the Detroit Metro area and beyond by looking up YA Salsa on the web to put those new, sexy moves into practice.

VERY UNPROFESSIONAL. Do not waste your money sending your children to this "dance" studio. Half…read morehour classes-it takes 5 minutes to get the kids settled down, 15 minutes to "Stretch" and that leaves 10 minutes to "teach" the kids dance moves. The class is once a week, and ends when school ends for summer. There is a recital at the end of that period. Half the kids do not know what they are doing. They have to look off stage to watch Toni or whomever do the moves. This year, the final "dance" was the boot scoot and boogie. NONE of the kids even rehearsed it, they stood on stage watching the helpers dance to it. It was a cluster F. It was embarrassing to watch. During rehearsal, Toni was very rude to the parents. She yelled at them and even cussed at them. I heard at least 10 parents mention that their kid was not going to return next year. Do NOT waste your money or your children's time attending this so-called "school of dance."

We joined MDA diaper darling class this season and so far my daughter Aria absolutely loves it…read more Building such great skills and part of an amazing dance group as well. Everyone is very friendly and the teacher of the class is wonderful as well.

My sister has been dancing here since she was 3 years old and she loves it here! Ms. Jenny is the…read morebest teacher, mother, and owner.

I have been going to this studio for seven years now and it truly is my second home. Everyone makes…read moreyou feel like family and we all ARE a family. I don't think I will move to another studio ever again. The owner... Amanda is so funny, polite and a great dancer as well! All the dance teachers are very experienced and amazing. Some of them are even dance competition judges. I truly love this studio.

Amazing dance studio with wonderful staff! They are patient, skilled, and an all around great…read morestudio.

Proceed with caution before signing your child up!!!!…read more I called the studio numerous times and left voicemails requesting a returned telephone call regarding being over charged several months in a row after the season ended. I called for months without any returned call, so I contacted the "facebook page". The owner Kate Price finally responded after deleting my review about my experience with the Academy of the Arts. Kate Price "owner/director" responded via Facebook she would personally look into the situation the following day (6/16/13) and call me. Needless to say I have yet to receive my refund or even the "assured" telephone call from Kate Price. Let alone a simple apology for the mistake, which would have gone a long way. Instead Kate Price used terms "IF you called and left a voicemail" and "IF you were overcharged". I find it very offensive questioning my integrity after I have tried to deal with this for several months. This was common throughout the year too. No one ever answered the phone or returned voicemails regarding lessons. I drove from West Bloomfield and took a half day off work to watch my niece practice, whose lessons I pay for as a present. I called prior to making the trip and of course no one called me back. Upon my arrival the staff was extremely rude and wouldn't allow me to watch practice despite my travel and service I pay for. The "end of the year" performance was a joke. They charged 10.00 a person (including my 3 year old daughter) to sit in a high school gymnasium hard bleachers, that was too hot and crowded with no air flow. It was very unorganized and hours sitting around watching other people's children and your own perform for 3 minutes. Once it was finally your child's turn to perform you had to go sit on the gym floor to even see her or capture a photo. This was all on top of an 85.00 leotard that was very basic, nothing special or flashy for the "End of the Year" performance. I would not recommend the Jackson Academy of Arts to anyone. You are paying for is the "name". They did a wonderful job creating their webpage to make the place look top notch. There are much better studios in the Jackson area with much better experienced and friendly staff. I would give Academy of the Arts and Kate Price "owner/director" NO STARS.

I can not say enough about AOD! Both of my children have taken classes there and not only have they…read morelearned a ton they had so much fun. One of my children danced competitively with AOD and had an amazing experience. The dance teachers are passionate, caring and knowledgeable. We could never imagine dancing anywhere else.

This is my kids 4th year dancing at AOD. All of the staff is friendly and the kids have so much…read morefine while learning. Highly recommend if you want a great dance experience.

Love the purple rose theatre. This show was excellent the…read moreactors are so talented. Easy parking, walkable restaurants Kudos to jeff Daniels. Support the arts.

I love the theater, so when a friend suggested an outing to Purple Rose, I agreed even before the…read morewords completely left her mouth. She researched and purchased the tickets, and all we had to do was show up on time. Nice and easy. The theater is situated in the picturesque town of Chelsea. I love the cute shops, well-maintained homes, and charming community. The Purple Rose is just off the main road, with a nearby parking lot. The theater is small by Detroit standards (Fisher, Fox) but perfect for the hilarious play What Springs Forth. Unlike most theaters, the stage was in the center of the room, with the audience surrounding it. Given the cozy size, every seat had a great view of the stage. My jaw hurt by the end of the play - I laughed continuously throughout the show. The theater staff were friendly and earnest.