Cute, family-run business. The teachers are clearly passionate about dancing and I appreciate that…read morethey are not looking at the students like $-symbols. But, as a small family-run business it faces some expected challenges: class options and class sizes are unpredictable but usually fine.

3.5-4/5 Pros:…read more-Competitive prices for the area ($75 per person for 4 classes) -Talented instructors -Water bubbler -Restrooms -Nice staff Cons: -There are two main studio areas, separated by a curtain. There are usually 2-3 classes happening at the same time, so unfortunately you can hear the music from the other classes and it can throw you off. -One of the studio areas is adjacent to the waiting area and there's no door or curtain in between, so anyone waiting might be watching your dance class, which might be less than ideal for self-conscious beginners -Street parking

During a long summer trip my teen daughter was missing dance team practices and intensives. She…read moretook some drop in's in both contemporary and hip hop at Urbanity. The classes were fun yet challenging. The teachers and students were all pleasant and welcoming. Overall it was great experience. Definitely recommend.

I hired 4 lyrical dancers from Urbanity Dance to perform freestyle solos as part of a surprise…read moreflash mob proposal for my partner, and I couldn't be happier with how everything turned out. The dancers were super professional, dressed elegantly, and really breathed life into the song that the orchestra (hired from a separate company) played. I paid a flat rate per dancer, which included the performance and 50 minutes of rehearsal time before the proposal to give the dancers a chance to rehearse with the orchestra since they had not worked together before; Urbanity Dance was worth every penny and then some! The final performance was exactly what I had envisioned, and I especially appreciated that the dancer who performed last (Joy) finished her solo with a "lyrical invitation" for my partner and I to follow her to the predetermined proposal spot - this aligned perfectly with the music as it was fading out, and allowed for perfect photography/videography coverage - plus the two of us were in such a daze as everything was happening that we definitely needed the clear guidance Joy provided. Big big thank you to my POC, Cayley, and each of the dancers who made this possible: Genny, Katie, Haley, and Joy.

My wife and I aren't exactly dancers -- three and a half left feet between us! But decided it would…read morebe fun to give lessons a whirl. We've been to three so far -- two individual and one group. Judit is a patient instructor, and we're moving along a little better than I'd expected. The only negative is that my wife has unexpectedly taken a shine to swing dancing, and it's clear that I'm going to have to try to keep up with her. But Judit swears she has it under control. Maybe I'll provide an update in a few weeks! The studio is inviting and relaxed. Our kids are welcome, and they just sort of hang out in the corner and eat the snacks that are provided. Prices seem reasonable, and she's been accomodating about scheduling the individual lessons at times that work for us. We'll give it a week or two more, then try one of the dance party practice sessions. Wish us luck!

I've been taking classes here for almost 4 months now and I've learned so much. I couldn't dance…read morefor the life of me when I started. ZyriaB and Judit both said if I could walk I could dance and to my disbelief they were right. I'm gained a ton of confidence on the dance floor and discovered that I really love dancing. You've got to come by and try a class. So much fun!

I've LOVED taking lessons here - I've been a student since Dec 2016, came in for a free lesson and…read moreI haven't left since! The instructors are the best - encouraging, thoughtful, passionate, and just so much damn fun to be around in general. The student community is also a wonderful perk about taking lessons at this studio. Everyone is wonderfully friendly and welcoming - it is a certainly a safe (and not to mention beautiful) space for learning. Re: COVID precautions - they're taking all the necessary precautions to keep the space safe (temperature checks at the door, readily available hand sanitizer, gloves requirements for the teachers, mask requirements for all, outdoor lessons, and reduced indoor capacity to limit exposure). I've never felt unsafe when on-site for my private lessons or group activities. All in all, if you're looking to try something new or find your inner ballroom dance spirit animal, I'd highly recommend checking this studio out!

I have been going to this studio for 7 months and I'll tell you, it's been amazing! Everyone here…read moreare the nicest people you will meet and definitely supportive. It's such a positive community and you can learn dancing so fast here because they are such good teachers! It's like a second home to me, I suggest you come check this place out because it could become one for you too :)

Came in for a beginner class, brand new to aerial. They have an assistant instructor who helps us…read morefeel supported, esp when learning a backflip. It's a great class to challenge yourself! If you like being in a hammock, this is the studio for you! Don't forget your yoga mat! ($5 to borrow). Friendly staff as well. They are on ClassPass which is great to try when visiting the area! Def try to arrive on time or they have written they won't let you in.

Swet was a very unique experience! I really enjoyed trying aerial yoga, and the instructor was very…read morebeginner friendly. Looking back on the photos and videos from that day is making me want to search for something similar locally. I highly recommend, it's a fun yet rewarding activity that hardly feels like exercise.

When I was younger, I took ballet, pointe, modern and jazz extensively in the New Haven area, but…read moretook a hiatus during college. Feeling the desire to move beyond the monotony of the gym, I returned to ballet, starting with the adult classes at Fresh Pond Ballet 2 years ago. Nina Alonso Hathaway is a wonderful teacher. She presents clear, no pressure instruction while helping her students to improve their skills. I've had many teachers who believe the path to becoming a better ballerina involves insults and physical torment, and Nina is about as far from that camp of teaching as possible. She works with Blake Barich as well, who teaches with her, and Blake maintains a similar philosophy to teaching as Nina does. Her studio is affordable and a good choice for adults with hectic lives, as instead of a semester fee, she offers a 10-class card for $105 dollars. If you need to miss a class, you are not going to lose on your investment. Adults of all levels join her adult beginner classes, and students who have had training in the past are welcomed to dance with her advanced students (and even invited to take part in their annual ballet production at Pine Manor College).

There is something not quite right about Fresh Pond Ballet…read more Fresh Pond Ballet is past its prime. I learned the hard way and don't recommend sending a youngster to classes w Nina. I have 2 daughters and both have taken classes at FPB and other schools and the contrast is dramatically different. First of all, the place is a disaster. Having a lifelong relationship with dance - I have always taken lessons and belonged to gyms. I am an athlete, not a princess, so I don't need my workout space to look like a spa. But this "school" is a joke. There is no place to change, you have to step over strollers and parents changing diapers in some weird hallway, and I always feel like I am in the way or somehow in the wrong while trying to get my daughter ready for her class. I asked Nina if the bathroom had any more paper towels one time and she snapped at me with too much detail about her landlord not doing something or another and how it wasn't her responsibility to potty train children! I was astounded. Which brings me to Nina. My girls started classes with Nina last year. They were so excited to take dance lessons and learn how to dance like ballerinas! But Nina's critical nature and short temper soon took the wind out of my daughters' sails. Like I said, I've taken dance classes off and on for my whole life and have an understanding and appreciation for the discipline and hard work it takes to become good at dance or any of the performing arts. But Nina seemed more focused on keeping her students well behaved than well trained. My oldest daughter never asked to quit (even though 2 of her friends did) and went to every class, but I could see her mood change and as we would get closer to the class. She would set her jaw like she had to endure the class. It was stressful. My younger daughter's class was completely disorganized. Beginner classes always have a variety of levels but my daughter's skill actually got worse in Nina's class. The girls went to a different (not to be named) school this year and have blossomed. The school welcomes parents w a pleasant environment and they don't harass us with rules about where to sit and how to stand and when to pay. They have parking for cars and strollers and the teachers can focus on teaching the art of ballet. The teachers are firm but kind and my daughters have re-discovered their love of dance. Reading the previous reviewer's post about how the school really worked for her as an older returning student makes a lot of sense. I think that the teachers at FPB just don't have the energy for teaching to youngsters any more.

I was brand new to ballroom dance and was very nervous to take my first class. That all changed…read moreduring my first class! The instructors are all caring and knowledgeable and the owners welcome you in as if you have been there for years! I am now addicted and have been dancing there for a few years now. If you are an experienced dancer or a newbie as I was this is the place for you! This has truly been my get away from all the craziness happening in the world at this time. There are several rooms available in addition to a gorgeous ballroom and the studio is always clean! I have improved so much but more than that I have obtained more confidence in myself and made so many new friends that I am truly grateful for! If you have been contemplating trying salsa or smooth or latin this is the place to come! Don't wait...just do it!!

I was with Fire Beat for 14 months til I had a knee injury( not from dancing). As an experienced…read morecompetitor, I must say that this studio, by far, provided me with skill-set apart from other studios I've been to. Instructors are dedicated and patient. Admin director is great. Whether you want to dance competitively or socially, this is the place you will get what you would like, out of dancing.

Esh is the kind of place that is very "Somerville," which basically translates to quirky/unique,…read morewith the right amount of support for people of all kinds. Months ago, I was looking to move my body more, and in a way that didn't feel like a complete slog. I've never liked running or hitting the gym, so I needed something that would feel more like fun to me. I knew Esh existed, and out of the blue it hit me that mayyyybe I could take classes there. That was almost 3 months ago, and I started with 1 class per week. Now, I am up to 2 classes each week and I am considering upping it to 3 classes a week in the fall. The people who work at/take classes at Esh are kind, supportive, and there are many ways to learn new things while taking it at your own pace. There are so many different class offerings - everything from tumbling to contortion, plus aerial arts and much more. If you want to give it a try without the commitment, there are drop-in classes as available, as well as some taster classes and private lessons.

Great staff and experience I would recommend this to anyone looking to try. Very affordable and…read moreclean facility.