I have been taking classes with The Cassandra School for about 8 years now and I am so happy to…read morehave discovered such an amazing Middle Eastern dance school that is so highly regarded. I started dancing in my adult life as an absolute beginner. Women anywhere from the ages of early 20's through 70's have been in my classes over the years. All of the instructors are professionals and have studied Middle Eastern Dance for many years, however the star of the Cassandra School is the founder herself, Cassandra Shore. Not only is Cassandra a marvelous dancer and choreographer, but she is also an amazing teacher, taking the time to break down movements and explain things so that you can work on developing the best technique. Instructors follow a curriculum so that dance steps and topics progress throughout the different class levels (levels 1-5). All the instructors are excellent and have their unique dancing and teaching styles. If you are looking for a workout, belly dance is a great way to stay fit as well. The first portion of class is stretching and toning exercises, much like Pilates. Beginner classes focus on base techniques and some musicality. Advanced classes are longer (2 hours) and can be a very good cardio workout. Classes are extremely reasonable considering the classes are 1.5 to 2 hours and cost only as much as most 50 minute to 1 hour yoga/pilates/social dance classes. The studio is a lot of fun to be around, it is a very friendly environment well suited to all levels. If you like Middle Eastern music, like to dance or have an artistic or creative streak, I highly recommend signing up for a class or a session to see for yourself how fun and inspiring taking classes at The Cassandra School can be.

My favorite thing about this place is the inclusiveness of all ages, body types, and level of dance…read moreexperience. From my experience as a beginner to more advanced levels, there has always been a range of bodies and ages from twenties to seventies. There have even been some belly men! Another big positive for me is that instruction is really grounded in a knowledge of and respect for the cultures behind belly dance. Especially as you become more advanced, you'll learn about different regional or folkloric styles of movement and music. Cassandra Shore is an internationally regarded dancer and you're truly learning a new art form. An example of art over fitness is that we practice moving with finger cymbals in every class. It's not always the most athletic thing, but it's awesome. In short, this isn't just about wearing sparkly tops, feeling sexy and getting fit (you could still do all those things, but that' s not the focus). That's not to say the instructors are uptight--they're extremely friendly and helpful and classes are always a lot of fun! You learn a lot of movements that are completely different from other forms of dance and you'll notice muscles you never thought existed. I have to disagree with something Kristen H. mentioned, though, about not wanting to jiggle your stomach to look like a fatass. I've actually learned to appreciate my jiggling from belly dance! Every woman's got something extra that moves, and while my instinct was always to hide that, from really focusing on wanting to get better at belly dance that changed. When you're doing something well, your body can make really neat jiggles and ripples that are rhythmic, that rise up from different parts of your body like waves. By the way, my name is Cassandra but this is not my school. I just take classes here.

I've been seing Cari from the pilates side of the business for a year and a half and followed her…read morewhen she opened Paragon. I cannot say enough good things about both her pilates expertise as well as the quality of the studio. Plus, she's fun and energetic yet calming at the same time! One outstanding strength I find in Cari is her anatomy knowledge and ability to flex her teaching approach to best serve her clients. I suffered an acute joint injury over the summer and paired classical PT (not through Paragon) with pilates training. My therapist said he had never seen someone recover as quickly from such an acute injury and attributed a majority of the success augmenting PT with therapy.

I love going to Paragon... Cari and Rhondi know exactly what they are doing, and do so in a…read morehelpful, fun, and enthusiastic manner. They are the best!!

Momentum is a wonderful gem in Hopkins/Minnetonka. The owner and primary instructor is fantastic…read more Not only is she talented, but she is also caring and patient. So glad we found the school. It feels so much more welcoming than other schools my child has trained at.

From the owner: Momentum School of Dance is a family friendly studio and will provide all of our students with an…read moreenjoyable and fun learning environment. Dance classes are offered in three sessions: Fall, Spring & Summer. Our trimester sessions provide families with flexibility in scheduling classes and allows dancers to explore different classes throughout the year. In order to offer our students with the best well-rounded dance education as possible, Momentum School of Dance provides many different styles of dance instruction.

With the recommendation from one of my friends I heard about the Ragamala Dance School…read more They teach bharatanatyam style of dance. Bharatanatyam is a classical dance form originating in Tamil Nadu a Southern state in India. It is one of the oldest of the classical dance forms in India and is usually accompanied by the classical music. It has its inspirations from the sculptures of the ancient temple of Chidambaram. It's mostly noted for its sculpturesque poses and the fan-like costumes of it's dancers. I'm actually not a Bharatanatyam dance, I've had over 10 years of dancing Kathak which is a more graceful and floaty style of dance from India. I was very fascinated by this dance studio and really wanted to take a class. I registered for the summer session, where I met with a diverse group of students, the age range of the class ranges from small kiddies to adults. In the non-air conditioned rooms, you learn the basic steps of Bharatanatyam, which uses a lot of core muscle balances. At the end of the hour long session, I felt as if I ran a marathon. It really is a great work out, and something unique at the same time. My teacher, Tamara is attentive, and gives you constructive feedback. It's a lot of fun learning from her. If you're interested in learning something new, or a great work out, you should give them a shot. They also preform in collaboration with other dance forms, which makes for a very creative experience.

From the owner: Under the direction of Ranee Ramaswamy and Aparna Ramaswamy, Ragamala Dance Company's work explores…read morethe dynamic tension between the ancestral and the contemporary. As choreographers and performers, Ranee and Aparna create dance landscapes that dwell in opposition--secular and spiritual life, inner and outer worlds, human and natural concerns, rhythm and stillness--to find the transcendence that lies in between. As mother and daughter, each brings her generational experience to the work--the rich traditions, deep philosophical roots, and ancestral wisdom of India meeting and merging with the curiosity, openness, and creative freedom fostered in the United States.

Jason and Jill do an amazing job of combining serious fitness with community fun and enthusiasm. A…read moregreat variety of classes, skilled and dedicated instructors, and total commitment to your overall well-being.

I found this studio via ClassPass and LOVE coming here. I typically stick to the same class…read more(Tuesday morning with Tara) but I have tried others and have heard that ALL of their classes are wonderful. I love TRX so that is the class I stick too. I am the poster child for not being a morning person BUT I love waking up to start my day with a TRX workout early with Tara. Everyone has been going here for forever and they all know each other and their kids. Everyone is friendly and encouraging- very inclusive which is nice. The studio is family friendly and they offer a wide range of programs and challenges for the whole family. they encourage family activity which is so fun! I don't have kids but if I did I would definitely make attending a top priority for everyone. Tara is so sweet and is willing to stay after to help you if you want to focus on something additional or need help mastering a move. There is no pressure to be the best... she teaches you how to do the move, does them with you and is genuinely interested in YOU. Classes here make my week :) The studio is smaller and offers a lot of personalized attention, which is rare for a lot of places. Great for all levels.

Awesome dance class experience! The small class size is great for one on one instruction. The…read moreoption for competition dance is unique, my son has never competed before but is excited too, this school is very open to us trying it. And the family like environment is so supportive of the dancers working together. Huge plus is they have nice (respectable) costumes, very comfortable having the girls and boys together.

From the owner: Offering a wide variety of recreational and competition dance classes for children 2-18 years. Our…read moreprograms are committed to providing a wholesome and nurturing environment for all dancers. Our summer 2017 classes include: Bitty Ballerinas (2-3 yrs.), Ballet Blossoms (3-4 yrs.), Fancy Feet (3.5-5 yrs.), Jazz/Tap/Tumble (5-7 yrs.), and Acro-Jazz (8-14 yrs.) Our camps include: Princess Camp, Tumble-Hop Trolls Camp, Dance Team/Pom Camp, and Company Xperience Camp Give us a call today and we will find the perfect class for your dancer!