By Your Side Dance Studio

(77 reviews)

1.1 mi

Working with Lisa for our wedding dance was truly one of the most special parts of our wedding…read morejourney! She has such a brilliant spirit--so thoughtful, kind, and genuinely invested in making the experience meaningful. What could have felt intimidating as complete beginners with zero dance experience quickly became one of the most joyful parts of preparing for our big day. We chose Brown Eyed Girl for our first dance, which isn't the most typical choice, and Lisa completely embraced it. She choreographed something that felt perfectly us--fun, natural, and achievable for beginners while still looking beautiful. She has an incredible gift for tailoring choreography to your abilities while helping you feel confident every step of the way. What truly sets Lisa apart is the care she puts into her work. She spent time outside of our lessons thoughtfully crafting and refining our dance, something we've honestly never seen another instructor do. Her attention to detail and genuine investment made us feel so supported. Lisa didn't just teach us a dance--she helped create one of the most memorable moments of our wedding. We'll be recommending her to every friend and family member with an upcoming wedding. She is truly one of a kind.

We cannot thank Lisa enough for the incredible experience she gave us while preparing for our first…read morewedding dance. From the very first lesson, we knew we had made the right choice! She has an amazing, fun, and outgoing personality that made every lesson so enjoyable. She made us feel at ease from the start, and it never felt like a chore--more like a fun and exciting activity we looked forward to every week. One of the things that stood out most was her flexibility. We had a lot of moving parts with wedding planning, but Lisa was always accommodating with our schedules. As a teacher, she is so patient as we worked through new moves. She really took the time to get to know us as a couple and choreographed something that matched our beginner skill level, while still being show-stopping for our guests. On the big day, our first dance was a hit! We've received so many compliments from our family and friends who were blown away by how smooth and elegant it looked. We couldn't have done it without Lisa. The dance lessons ended up being one of our absolute favorite parts of the wedding planning process, and we're so grateful for her guidance and encouragement. If you're looking for an instructor who will make your first dance both fun and memorable, we can't recommend Lisa enough. Thank you again for making our special day even more amazing! We love you Lisa! -Adam & Ariela

Santa Monica Hip Hop Dance Dance Parties for Kids - Teens - Adults

Santa Monica Hip Hop Dance

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Biginner Hip Hop Dance classes are great for learning the basics of Hip Hop Dance with Lisa Kellogg

FlowMotion Dance Studio

(17 reviews)

3.8 mi

Love this studio! Been going for about a year ish now. I used to go to studios on Melrose & Ventura…read moreexclusively but wanted something closer to the west side and this has been the perfect spot! Truly one of the most welcoming studios I've ever been to as well - it's the fastest I've made new dance friends at a studio before and the staff is so nice. They film the end of every class which is great, and sometimes they'll even bring in professional videographers for certain classes or pop ups. I typically go to Jingle's jazz funk and heels classes but have branched out recently to Kpop and other instructors and have always had a good experience.

My first time at this dance studio and it was a good experience! I came for a 6pm Kpop class taught…read moreby Ria on a Monday. I signed up online via a link from their Instagram and the website was pretty user friendly and I was able to get registered for the class I wanted. No sweat. Looking for parking can be tough as it's street parking only, so I came a bit early to ensure I was able to get a spot. Walking in, the interior was pretty cozy and it was smaller compared to other studios I've been to in LA, but not a bad thing at all! The person working the front greeted me and I told her it was my first time so she gave me a rundown of how the studio works. I appreciate the great customer service! They have a full front mirror, cubbies to store your belongings, a clean bathroom, and an ipad up front to sign in. The class was comfortable since there were people of different dance levels so it's not intimidating. I also liked that it wasn't crowded. The classes usually last for 1 hour and 30 min. I would definitely take a class here again in the future.

Anniversary showcase 2025.

K-pop class with Ruby

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Kpop With Ruby

By Your Side Dance Studio

(155 reviews)

1.2 mi

Laura is an incredible choreographer and dance instructor! She was recommended by friends who used…read moreher for their wedding dance, and she exceeded all expectations! Not only did she choreograph the perfect wedding first dance, she also choreographed a high energy, super fun father/daughter dance for us. She even taught a few simple moves for the mother/groom dance to make everything look special but natural. We cannot recommend Laura enough and are grateful for making the process so seamless!

This review is specifically for our amazing instructor, Sindy. From the moment we met her for our…read morefirst wedding dance lesson, she made us feel completely at ease. She came up with our routine on the spot and tailored it perfectly to our vibe and skill level. Her teaching style is clear, encouraging, and so supportive - even through all our mistakes, she was patient and upbeat. Sindy has years of experience, and it shows in the way she breaks down each move and makes the whole process enjoyable. Thanks to her, our first dance turned out so graceful and smooth - and it was to a fun, upbeat song that she helped us bring to life beautifully. It felt like us, and we got so many compliments. We couldn't have asked for a better instructor. Sindy is truly the best - kind, professional, and completely dedicated to helping her couples shine. We're so grateful for her and would absolutely recommend her to anyone wanting to feel confident and look great on the dance floor.

Wedding First Dance Choreography (Eric and Tiffany)

Laura Canellias from By Your Side Dance Studio saved our first dance! We danced to "our song", Latch by Disclosure.

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Dance Competitions

Jillyjazz

5.0

(13 reviews)

0.9 mi

Jilly is so fun and inclusive- traditional NYC jazz! Fun classes great workout challenging but not…read moredaunting

Best Jazz class in LA! I have danced with Jill for many years and absolutely love her classes…read more Her adult Jazz classes have a mix of all ages and all types of dancers, it is a welcoming non-competitive non-judgmental environment, but that doesn't mean it's easy! Her classes are serious old school NYC style Jazz and she emphasizes technique and will will give you quite the workout! She uses an eclectic mix of music and her choreography is so beautiful to dance and always choreographed perfectly to the music. It's all about style! Her classes are fun, you leave feeling good about yourself, inside & out. The Electric Lodge is a great location, in the heart of Venice but with a large free parking lot for dance students. Try a class, or stop by and take a peek at one, you'll want to join in.

We teach technique, style and classic jazz. Come try a class.

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The Electric Lodge

4.5

(26 reviews)

One of the best black box theaters in LA. I've seen two shows here and enjoyed it every time.read more

Got invited to a last minute screening of a couple of Venice Producer/Directors...who just happened…read moreto be friends of ours too! John, Stuart, and Bruno put their feelings on film...as well as their visions! After the films, was a Q & A session - downstairs, where the elite meet and eat. An assortment of brownie bits, cookies, cheese and cracker platters, lots of roasted almonds, and even a surprise Birthday Cake were available to feast on! And along with a tended bar of wines, waters and sodas. A wonderful jazz trio played in the background, and, above head height, there were cartoons being projected on the wall. Saw people we knew, and met friends we didn't know, until we met them. And it was nice to be out and about, (it's been a while) The staff was great, going the extra mile to get a chair for a senior holding a cane. We'll be back!

Always something different!

Turn up Tuesday w/ GROOV3 at Electric Lodge! Hip hop dance class for all levels! 8:00pm w/ Zoe & DJ Stereothief :)

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The Upstairs Studio

3.9

(7 reviews)

1.3 mi

I studied with Coco and Mark and they are amazing teachers!…read moreAll the students are all nice and friendly; we helped each other to learn. The learning atmosphere is really healthy. And I feel I've improved a lot.

Instruction is good, students are absolutely wonderful, but business policies are terrible to…read morenonexistent. The website is unusual. It tells potential students to reach out to the instructor before taking a class. The purpose of a website / marketing is to make it easier for the consumer to do business with you. No other studios do this. I just showed up for the first class and luckily saw another student who showed me where the entrance is. I've seen others do the same. Coco is warm and welcoming. Mark is off-putting and rude to most newcomers. It also lacks all basic information and policies you expect to see on a dance studio website - there is no bathroom, dressing rooms etc. There are no class policies, payment information, prices, anti-harassment policies, processes for how to report incidents. Customers are treated differently - I've seen some told to use the owner's bathroom in her home while others told to go across the street to the park. Communications are poor and myself and other students have driven a long way to attend class only to find out class was cancelled. Be prepared for mixed messages. I had been going there 4-5 times a week for a year and received nothing but positive feedback. I always felt welcome there. Out of the blue I received the nastiest, rudest, most threatening email from the owner I've ever received. For months she wouldn't give me a reason and refused to have a conversation about it like any reasonable person / business owner would have done in her position. It was insulting, rude and unnecessary. Not to mention completely passive aggressive. If there were a problem, wouldn't you pull them aside after class to chat or set-up time for a discussion? No, straight to threats. Please note: Coco is one of the best teachers I've ever studied with and this review/rating no way reflects on her. She is professional, communicates well, is patient and creates a true no judgement environment to learn in. She is also one of the best sources of information on tap. She truly wants to see her students grow. And she offers a true intro to tap class for adults which is difficult to find in any style of dance. I have not had the opportunity to study with Joseph or Lynn but have heard only good things.

Fred Astaire tap dancing to "Putting on the Ritz." Tap is lots of fun.

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A very happy dancer.

Studio U

(47 reviews)

0.1 mi

My biggest regret moving from Venice was giving up working out with Bevin at Studio U. This studio…read moreis incredible, the perfect size, clean, welcoming, and it's owner, Bevin, is competent, badass, kind and overall just good people. She made an existing passion of mine, boxing, even more fun and challenging in the right way. I did both group classes and 1-1 sessions and it never disappointed. Even group classes that can sometimes be bleak at other spots were fun and engaging, partially because Bevin builds a community. I never tried the Pilates section, but I only hear great things about it. 10/10 would recommend for anyone looking for a stellar local workout spot with wonderful people to brighten up your existence.

I bought the Daily Candy deal for the TRX 3-class package deal. I used to work out with my trainer…read moreusing TRX and remembered how much I loved it. I honestly haven't seen any studios focusing on TRX classes alone and I was pretty stoked when I got the deal. First off, Studio U is located on Abbot Kinney just down the street from my favorite spinning studio, YAS. I'm shocked that I never knew this place existed and I literally drive by everyday. I guess I was really lucky on my first visit t there was one other student beside me. The instructor, Bevin is knowledgeable, patient and very nice...she watched our every move, form and reminded us to keep breathing. The entire session was literally like a semi-private. My body definitely remembered the moves and I'm sure I'll be feeling sore tomorrow. You can sign up for classes online and there is a 24-hour cancellation policy. Bevin was understanding the first time I canceled due to a last minute conference call I had at work with Asia. I understand now why they need such a lengthy period of time for cancellation as the class sizes are really small. Nevertheless, I will definitely be coming back here.

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LA DanceFit Studio

4.6

(311 reviews)

4.2 mi

Karma is an A-type personality who makes sure you get a lot out of the class, but she's also…read moreincredibly emotionally in tune, which is a rare and amazing mix. She makes sure you get the moves while also keeping the environment supportive, comfortable, and celebratory. I love when she gets so excited that she literally starts screaming because someone in class is going off. She celebrates people constantly, by name or even just noticing something they're rocking like, "Yes, GREEN JUMPSUIT!" Being the only guy in the class, I've never once felt isolated, judged, or uncomfortable about assumptions people might make about me. I've only ever felt celebrated. It was refreshing not having to navigate that in a public place. She encourages fluidity in whatever way feels right for you, whether it's super masc, super feminine, or somewhere in between. Her focus is helping you connect to your artistic dance spirit, and that's when you know you're doing it right. She also celebrates neurodiversity and really focuses on what the strengths are within that, while also helping people navigate certain challenges. Karma's class is more than just learning choreography. Watching her dance is witnessing powerful, raw, and inspiring artistry. When she demos, it honestly feels like a mini performance during class. Then when she dances with us right after, you feel like this epic backup dancer, and it inspires new moves and articulations within you. There's also a strong sense of community in Karma's class. She's built a culture where you not only bring self-love to the class, but appreciation and love for the people dancing alongside you. Someone might be doing a twerk, an offbeat wild move on their chair, or some epic crawl across the floor, and the whole class erupts with roaring encouragement. Karma encourages asking questions about the dance moves and routines. She absolutely loves them. But remember, she's an A-type personality, so be sure to raise your hand. ; ] She's also a motivational instructor because she's real. She doesn't say generic things. Sometimes she shares philosophies or lessons that helped her in life, and I've caught myself thinking, "How is this level of Impacting dialogue happening in a chair dance class?" It's a one-of-a-kind experience that involves a chair, saucy moves, and surprising moments of human-centered community, full of loving people hosted by the radiant Karma!

I took a Hip Hop 1-2 class with LaShawn and loved it! She had great energy and challenged us to…read morepush ourselves. I also appreciated her focus on hip hop fundamentals like popping and waving as part of our warmup. While I enjoyed the class, I think it would have been intimidating if it was my first time setting foot in a dance studio. I would encourage the front desk employees to greet first time visitors and give them a brief rundown of the space, where to place your belongings, what to expect from class, etc. A lot of the people in the class seemed to know each other already which just shows you how popular these classes are. I hope to return soon!

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Dance Attractions

5.0

(131 reviews)

Nadia was absolutely amazing to work with! From the very first lesson, she made us feel…read morecomfortable, confident, and excited for our wedding dance. She's incredibly patient, professional, and knows how to break everything down in a way that feels natural and fun even for beginners. What really stood out was how personalized everything felt. She listened to what we wanted, worked with our song and style, and created a dance that felt authentic to us instead of overly choreographed. By the wedding day, we felt completely prepared and actually enjoyed being out on the dance floor. You can tell Nadia genuinely loves what she does, and it shows in her energy and attention to detail. Whether you're preparing for a wedding dance or just want to learn how to dance with confidence, I highly recommend her

My fiancee and I recently worked with Nadia for our upcoming wedding dance. Nadia was such a…read morepleasure to work with! She was incredibly professional, receptive to our desires/suggestions, and still politely made any recommendations to take our dance to the next level! We ended up doing 3 sessions with her and felt like we came out significantly more confident for our big day. Thanks so much Nadia for the excellent experience! Highly recommend working with Nadia!

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The Studio MDR

(442 reviews)

0.9 mi

I've tried lots of workouts over the years, but nothing has stuck like Lagree at Studio MDR. It…read morestarted as a birthday gift from my sister, and I was hooked from the first class. What makes it special isn't just the workout - it's the community. I felt welcomed and supported from day one, and the encouraging environment keeps me coming back. The instructors, especially Lindsay, Dani, and Marissa, are incredible -- knowledgeable, attentive, and truly invested in helping you improve. I'm so grateful for this experience and always look forward to the next class

Tried a class at The Studio (MDR) and it was much more intense than regular Pilates! I have some…read morePilates experience so I skipped the beginner class thinking I'd be fine, but this Lagree Megaformer workout definitely hits different. The studio itself was very clean and well maintained. Also randomly noticed someone selling farm fresh eggs outside the entrance. They actually looked pretty good, though I wondered how they keep them fresh in the sun.

Our Team!

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Studio interior

Burton W Chace Park

4.2

(140 reviews)

I was back at Chace Park for another free concert. This time it was the band that defines Los…read moreAngeles, Los Lobos. We arrived just as they started playing and we were still able to get pretty close to the stage. The crowd ranged from kids in "The Clash" t-shirts to old people in wheelchairs. It is a great place to see a show. If someone you like is playing, make time to go see them.

The LA traffic is enough to make me want to poke my eyeballs out…read more This is a great spot to walk before the dreaded LAX or before returning your rental car. Elephant seals. Lots of walkability. Boats. Yachts. Best Trader Joe's you've ever seen. Right on the water with great staff. I have no idea if I was parked in a good, authorized spot. I wasn't there very long... but I loved it here. The air smells of smog and money. Big money.

Happy New Year

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Santa Monica Swim Center

3.9

(92 reviews)

2.3 mi

Awesome place to swim! Reasonable rates especially for Santa Monica residents. Have also taken…read moreadult classes and they are pretty descent. Above all, super clean and well organized

I have been coming to this pool since 2003. Ever since covid, the rude staff and stupid policies…read moreseem to dominate the center. First off, private interest can hire out lanes at any time and they deduct those lanes from paying customers. Second, if your a tax paying resident and a student you get the cheapest rate, but some of the staff (Dave) take it upon themselves to dictate rules and limit you on how many you can buy (like a Nazi). Lockers and locker rooms are near disgusting. Amazing how a city that has 1-bedroom apartments that rent for $6,000 can't make a nicer facility.

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Venice High School Pool

4.6

(14 reviews)

0.6 mi

I taught my son and daughter how to swim at the Venice High School Pool decades ago, so this review…read moreis based on a multitude of swim sessions. The locker room is what you'd expect in a facility open to the public, but the pool itself, water quality, staff attitude and lifeguards are all first class. The pool water temperature and chlorine levels are nearly always right where they should be. At times when I've forgotten my goggles, I have completed my workout without great eye discomfort. Currently, October 2022, the pool is not open as many hours as it was prior to the pandemic. On Saturday and Sunday afternoons, the pool is divided in half with four lanes for laps swimmers ; the balance of the pool is reserved for recreational swimmers. There is a diving board for those that pass the swim test. Be sure to check the schedule before heading to the pool as swim lessons can intrude on lap swimming lanes. Children's and adult swim lessons are offered for a modest price, and the classes tend to be small. Most all of the staff wear face masks at all times. As of now, masks are not required for entry. The entry fee has varied over the years, but it has always been very affordable. Right now, 2022, seniors get in for one dollar.

I write this review with trepidation because I do not want this pool to become crowded, but I've…read morebeen searching for a good local pool and hope that this review can help others who are doing the same. This pool is located on the campus of Venice High School, and is open to the public during various hours (see website for details). Also, it is the only indoor pool in that area that I know of beside the one at the Santa Monica 24 hour fitness. The locker rooms, like any public pool, leave much to be desired, and are built like concrete bunkers. The walls and floor are all concrete, thus cold pools of water cover the entire floor and it is freezing in there, especially when you're wet. However one thing I liked was that rather than having actual lockers, there is an attendent behind a cage window that you hand your items to kind of like a coat check. They also have these mesh bags that you can use which hang on these metal poles they set up so that you don't have to put your stuff onto the wet bench or floor. Once you put everything in the bag you simply hand it to the attendant for you to get later. This way you don't have to cram everything into a little locker or worry about bringing your own lock. There are also lifeguards on duty and they have kickboards and poolbuoys available for use. The structure itself is also very well ventilated so though it gets colder than a smaller building, there is less of that strong chlorine smell. All of the attendants and lifeguards on duty are friendly and helpful. The crowd is mixed, though I would say it skews toward the older side. All in all, this is a great place if you're looking for a no frills swim. While you do have to suck it up while you're undressing/dressing before and after swimming if you're going during the colder months (and wet floors and benches are annoying), the pool is spacious and well kept. I also love that it's less than 2 miles from my apt.

Fall 2019 Pool Hours

Spring 2020 Pool Hours

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The Electric Voyage - Marina Del Rey

What a perfect afternoon out on the Marina. This experience was literally turnkey. Our boat arrived…read moreon the dot at our scheduled departure time. We were given a quick overview of the boat mechanics and safety equipment and boating etiquette. The boat was fully stocked with soft drinks and a phenomenal charcuterie that we were able to arrange as an "add on" and decorated for our friends birthday. This was a seamless and top notch experience. Adriana and her team clearly know what they are doing and are completely dialed in to make your day putting around the Marina as effortless as possible. You will not be sorry and should not hesitate to book your trip with The Electric Voyage.

Went with my 10-year-old daughter and my 10-year-old goddaughter and had the best time. The…read moreelectric boat was smooth, quiet, and very kid-friendly perfect for a relaxing ride around the marina. We added the charcuterie and s'mores package when booking online, and it was totally worth it. The kids loved it! Staff were kind, patient, and made us feel comfortable before heading out. Such a great family-friendly experience and a really special memory.

Dad birthday event

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Rediscover Center Venice

4.8

(43 reviews)

I attended a Junk Journaling workshop with Hanabee at Rediscover Center and absolutely loved it! It…read morewas free, which was great - it's hard to find similar events that are low or no cost. It was fun to have access to so many recycled materials and meet new people. I've attended a few other Rediscover-sponsored events (farmers' markets, one at my kid's school) and I really appreciate their ethos, as well as the friendliness and helpfulness of the staff. Thank you!

My son's class took a field trip here and it was absolutely wonderful. I had no idea that places…read morelike this existed, but how great because my son and his friends love the idea of re-using old, unwanted materials and turning them into something new. All of the kids had a blast and were so excited to bring home their creations. I definitely plan to be back both to drop off materials as well as to do some crafting together as a family. No mess at home is a huge plus, and it's eco-friendly. I also heard they have day camps when school is closed.