My child enrolled in the summer dance camp and it's our first visit there…read more I registered her online and splurged on this class even though it's over my budget for summer camps because I thought my daughter would love the dance class. On the first day on our very first visit, I arrive 15 min before the class starts and the only person at the front desk is in the phone facing sideways. There was someone else already waiting to be helped and a few minutes go by without this lady ever looking over to say...anything. I know she can see us. We just waited till another lady finally came along to sign us in. When it wasn't turn, I'm told to fill out a form. That's pretty standard but then she proceeded to tell me that my 6 year old needs to "sign" the code of conduct. Uh... maybe the instructor should go over discipline and code of conduct in their class rather than have a 1st grader (read and) sign any form of contract? I mean, she's smart but don't believe she could read all of it on her own so what's the point of having a child sign? THEN, "So, the before care is $35". Huh? The class STARTS at 8:30. I wait to be signed in because some woman is on the phone ignoring us customers. Then 15 min till the START of the class, if I wanted to drop her off, it's ADDITIONAL $35 on top of $225 for the week if dance camp. For 8am to 8:30. I needed to get out of there because I had to get to work so just had her charge my card but even when I went back to the sign up page, it doesn't say anything about costing whopping $35 for 30 minuets window of BEFORE CARE, where the kids just sit in the lobby coloring. Whatever. First and last time, I tell myself. Here's the big kicker. As I'm used to showing my ID and signing her out so I told them that I need to add someone to the pick up list. The answer she gave me just threw me off completely. "We don't really have a set procedure." I asked, how are you going to make sure that you don't release my child to just anyone? and their answer was "We get to know the kids and parents. You can tell us who you don't want to release your child to." OMG. I was so ticked off when I left I had to really find a way to chill out before I got to work so I don't turn into a dragon lady at my work! When I arrived at pick up time (made sure I'm not late a minute because they would have costed me another $35 for 30 minutes of AFTER CARE. Oh heck no!! There was a lady standing by the door with a clipboard but I signed nothing. I'm sure she remembered me but does she correctly remember every child's parents? Now for the classes, my daughter has been enjoying the classes and she says the instructors are nice so at least for that, I'm glad. So I'm giving extra star for the lessons to be fair. I just have hard time being ok with the 30 minutes before and after care they charge $35 per am/pm when I literally checked her in 10 minutes till class starts. I don't want her to be late and miss anything. How do they decide? I didn't hear her charge the other parent. So if I came in at 8:20, would she still had me pay? What about after care? How many minutes do they give me after 4 before they charge? It just doesn't make sense. I feel ripped off. $225 for one week is a splurge for me. Now it's $260 and it's not like it comes with meals. I still pack her lunch & snacks & water bottle every day. I don't think I'll be back after this week. That's a disappointment for both.

There's a lot more going on at Keshet than I know. A whole lot more. I know that my three year-old…read moreis absolutely boisterous about her dance class here; she takes it home, actually, and can often be found in our living room donning a ballerina costume, twirling on the carpet. I've known some professional dancers who've worked with the company in the past, they were absolutely incredible. I've seen a couple of Keshet performances and found them to be sort of nuanced modern, gorgeous and not overdone. But I've only recently learned of the nonprofit, community connected efforts of Keshet, and these earn 'em a fifth star. Amongst their various programs, I'm most impressed with the efforts that bring dance to low-income, at-risk, homeless and incarcerated youth. They also bring dance to the disabled. Really impressive. With programs for the young, old and in-between, Keshet's definitely one of the most important arts organizations in ABQ. The Center for the Arts is currently under construction; my daughter's class is currently being taught in a temporary structure adjacent to the building. But once the construction is over, it's looking like this will be a fantastic destination for the performing arts.

I am a new(ish) student of Bianca's Intro to Ballet class. I studied ballet for many years as a…read morechild and teen, even working my way up to being en pointe. A couple of years after I stopped dancing, I had to make some medical/medication decisions that resulted in rapid weight gain. That was nearly 20 years ago: I am now 36 years old, 5'2, and weigh 250lbs. I love ballet more than anything, and I have spent much of my adult life searching for a class where I could feel comfortable, centered, and try to figure out what balancing is like in this body I have now. In most classes I've tried, I have struggled to keep up, to be seen as valid in the eyes of other students, and to feel like I was worth the teacher's time. From my first email to Bianca, she assured me that fat ladies are nothing new at her school (my words not hers) and her classes are very much geared toward meeting people where they are at. I have found this to be 100% true. This Intro to Ballet class has already been transformative for me. It's a lot of work to figure out how to do many of these moves/positions that I have muscle memory of, but now in a completely different body. It's tricky to figure out exactly which muscles to engage when, since many of them aren't as close to the surface of my skin as they used to be. Bianca has been kind and accommodating, always willing to troubleshoot with me. Since I do seem to have more of a ballet background than many others in the class (an adult ballet class for ACTUAL beginners! so rad!), I feel valued for the knowledge and confidence I have. The other people in the class seem to be enjoying themselves just as much. We laugh together, groan together, smile encouragingly at each other, and make faces at each other while we rub our sore muscles. It is rare to be in an environment that is simultaneously so challenging and so supportive. Bianca fosters a really special atmosphere at this school and I look forward to taking many many more classes there. I wholeheartedly recommend Bianca Lily Ballet and I am overjoyed to feel like, and be, a dancer again.

While I haven't taken any ballet classes from Bianca, she has given me a few impromptu lessons in…read moreTango. She's great! She's incredibly patient, knowledgeable and credentialed. I can only assume she carries herself the same way in her ballet classes. From what I understand, she offers a range of classes, from beginning to more advanced.

What a kewl joint! My kids attended a birthday bash, and kudos to the staff for knocking it out of…read morethe park! The kids were engaged from beginning til end (and there was a handful of 3-5 year olds in the mix, that can be a tricky thing to accomplish). My crew learned some smooth moves and had so much fun in the process. There's a lot happening at this studio, and really worth checking out for adults and kids alike. The space is awesome!!!!

I love everything about this place. It's not just dance training, it's not just fitness, it's about…read moreconfidence, community and life skills. The coaches are all highly skilled, take time with the young ones and encourage everyone to participate. My son has been in class for about a year now, and I've seen him and so many other kids come in shy and build the confidence to perform in front of a crowd within just a few classes.

Ever since I saw Al Pacino in Scent of a Woman tango it up, I've wanted to give it a try...I mean…read morehow hard can it be, after all, "if you make a mistake, get all tangled up, just tango on..." Well, it's a much more technical and complex dance than some might think, and this is the perfect place to learn what it's all about!! Svetlana is a fantastic instructor, she is so pragmatic and uses illustrations that really help you make the connection with body, mind, spirit & the beat. She gave us sticks to help us learn technique, master our balance, and keep our alignment - I am amazed at how much we learned in such a short period of time, and let me tell you, it really is a work out! This was our very first time learning Tango, and by the time the first hour was up, we were already putting so much into practice...what a magical evening! So much fun, SUCH great music, we really and truly enjoyed every minute of it. We absolutely intend to return as soon as we can pin down the babysitting ;) Oh, and Friday nights they have Milonga, so after class you can stay and enjoy the party!

"Tango is like a nine minute love affair."…read more "It should be stretchy like pizza dough." "Walk like you are a cat on a fence." These gems of information are just a few of the tips I have learned from students and instructors at the TangoXchange in downtown Albuquerque during a few recent visits. I have had the pleasure of attending a few Milongas (dance parties) at the space hosted by the studio and Q-tango (our incredible local band of tango musicians). My friend and fellow yelper Jeremy S. is in the band and I originally went to support him. I quickly learned that having a little knowledge of the dance is an important and perhaps crucial part of enjoying the party. The music is AMAZING...but if you do not know the steps when you are asked to dance...and you will be asked...then perhaps the old awkward feelings of high school dances may creep back into mind. The party is a very sweet event in Albuquerque, mostly it is a casual affair, but there is room to dress up and dance the night away too! This morning I took my first official class at the studio and am itching for more...Svetlana and Erskine (the primary instructors, though many of the long time students are happy to offer advice) are personable and very approachable and welcoming to all levels of dancers. I have to say...when a fellow student started passing broom sticks around, I raised my eyebrows...but as soon as the class started, Svetlana quickly had us using the sticks as a tool for finding balance, alignment and direction while introducing us to some basic principles of the dance form. The class moved quickly and smoothly for all levels. I am a uber beginner when it comes to tango and was a little overwhelmed by the amount of information. I'm guessing much of the dance is picked up in the "Practicas" and "Milonga"....but for now, I am happy to break out my own broom stick in my kitchen to practice like a stretchy cat walking on a fence toward a love affair with a new dance form! Cost: Saturday class of two hours cost $15 Milonga (short class and practice and LIVE music is also $15) Usually this event is every Friday, but you may want to call ahead if your heart is set on music...the band tours regularly and sometimes are not available for the Friday Milonga. For more information on the band: http://www.qtango.com

I did these classes and I had short hair at the time. They were extremely rude to me and I would…read moreget weird stares from the instructor all the time.

My dance teacher was very nice and their building is really pretty inside. It's a great place to…read morelearn to dance!

I attended Sandra's school of dance and gymnastics when I was a child. My time at this school was…read morehorrific. Sandra was always polite in front of my mother but behind stage, that woman is a monster. The day she grabbed me up by the arm on the football field at the Lobo game still sits with me.

My daughter was dancing at this school in the combo 1 class. We were there about a year. My…read moredaughter eventually hated going to this class and it was like pulling teeth to get her to go. She didn't want to go because it was boring. All they did in this class was do the same dance every week and learned nothing new. My daughter was so bored. I also think they nickel and dime you here. The last month I was here, she went twice because the recital was one Saturday (the day of her class) and the other day was her class. The other Saturday there was no class. We didn't even get a discounted month...this wasn't the only month like this either. The recital was a total rip off too. Won't be coming Back here.

Major admission prior to the review, here: my wife teaches at this school. She's finishing her…read morefirst year as a Special Educator. So there's that. And obviously the rating must be balanced by this admission. But the place deserves a solid review, and I'm approaching this on two fronts: 1) the reputation of the school at large and 2) my perceptions of the learning environment and kids therein. Albuquerque has a storied, especially difficult history with public school education. As one of the poorest states in the Union (we're always battling Mississippi for that crown), our educational system tends to take the brunt of this unfortunate reality. I'll leave it at that. If you're new to the city, be especially wary of the system you plan to enroll your child in. We have major issues. Charter schools aren't the perfect solution, by any means, but they're a great start. Most Charters, if not all, choose attendees via a lottery system since they receive far more applicants than they have room to receive. This is a sad truth, and definitely not what our Founding Fathers envisioned regarding universal public education. Our kid won out on the lottery. She attends another stellar Charter. But it isn't fair. In my personal view, the worth of any populace is best measured by the education of their citizenry. Last I checked the great U.S. of A. was ranked 13th, behind Cuba, if you can believe it. Locals call this place PAPA, rightly so. It's an endearing institution that mentors students in the arts and sciences with a critical eye toward the creative spirit. I've walked the "halls" and witnessed the collective talents of these kids, they're rather extraordinary. Dancers, science geeks and guitarists, singers and mathematicians, all of these kids manifest a fabulous energy that keeps them connected with education, which should be the goal in the first place. Great, amazing kids. So there's my second point. The first point, regarding the reputation, plays out in state-wide rankings. PAPA typically scores at the very top of the Charter school rankings on a yearly basis, as measured by test scores, attendance, and post-graduate success. It's one of the best. If not The Best. So enroll your kid in the lottery, take a tour, and let one of the students tell you why PAPA rocks. Charter schools aren't the ultimate solution; great public schools are. But while we work this stupidity out, schools like this make the grade. (One star off for the facility itself. At this time, it's all portable classrooms; I know they're searching for a new home, but for the moment the place is quirky, just like the kids that attend it.)

I fit in perfectly , and I am surrounded by creative and innovative people. The education I am…read morereceiving is amazing. The performing arts classes are really amazing, no other school I have ever seen or been to has such an amazing performing arts program! I love this school and never plan on leaving and would highly recommend this school to aspiring artists!

My daughter loves her class! This is a great place for kids to have fun and learn the fundamentalsread more

This is a great place for young people to fall in love with dance. They are afford the opportunity…read morefor many to learn and enjoy dance. The staff is great and location is awesome.

Congratulations to the Indian Pueblo cultural center, and they're opening of the new exhibit…read more"Grounded in Clay: The Spirit of Pueblo Pottery" It is more than an art experience-- grounded in Clay has a meaningful connection to culture, history, and living tradition. What makes this exhibit especially powerful is its voice. Rather than being interpreted solely through a traditional museum lens, Grounded in Clay is curated by members of the Pueblo Pottery Collective--artists and cultural stewards who bring firsthand perspective and storytelling to each piece. That authenticity comes through in a way that is both educational and deeply personal. You have time, it will be here for a little bit, but don't wait too long because you want to share the experience with others

A joyous stop into the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. We…read morewere in town the other week for the holidays. There were many different holiday celebrations going on. One that we had heard a few times about was the gingerbread contest at the cultural center. We had been here briefly a couple years ago and had vowed to come back, so this seemed like an excellent reason. We arrived in the mornign and there were plenty of people there lready. The front had the contest. There were dozens of gingerbread creations. A fella there gave us a clipboard so we could all judge and pick our favorites from different categories. After we spent time appreciating the artistic creations, we went ahead and checked out the center as well There were plenty of rooms with artifacts, video displays, and historical breakdowns of the many Pueblos around New Mexico. We learned a lot that day. I'm proud of my family, being inquisitive and appreciating the many people of the New Mexico tribes that day. It's a fun museum to pop into.

Fishback Studio has been like a second home to me for years - I cannot thank them enough for all…read morethe positive experiences I've had through their dance training. I attended all styles of classes growing up, and the training was not only so much fun, but also increased my confidence, poise, work ethic, and sense of self as I grew from childhood to teenage years. Fishback teachers offer high level expertise in dance training as well as a positive environment for learning. The studio is a wonderful environment for all ages - I've recently returned to take classes as an adult! I am so happy that I can continue to be a part of such a joyful community and and have the opportunity to move my body and relieve stress. I highly recommend classes to anyone wanting to get started with dance!

Our daughter has been going to Fishback since she was 4 years old. We love this studio. Her…read moretraining in all dance forms has been top notch. The teachers are amazing and extremely supportive. This studio has been our daughters second home and the teachers and dancers her second family. Highly recommend!!!!