I'm being charged for a ballet class I'm not taking, and nobody is doing anything about it. I'm a teen who's taking Hip Hop 1&2, strictly only those classes. Recently, I've noticed that on my account activity, I've been attending a ballet class. I don't attend those classes, and I've been very careful of not entering a class that wasn't my respective class. I asked someone about this and they told me there was a girl in the ballet class that had the same name as me and they would fix it. Fine. Next day, I see it again, I'm being charged for a ballet class. I'm fuming at this point. I call, they say again, it'll be fixed. It doesn't. Nothing I do is getting this issue fixed and I'm sick of having to call everyday because they're not checking the email of who is checking in. I doubt she has the same email as me, and if I have to keep going through this then I don't think I'll be staying at the studio. read more

My favorite studio on island. - there's actual parking stalls. YES. Inner city studios are known for having zero parking, but there are actually a few stalls in their lot + street parking + parking @ a nearby shopping center (shh.) - so many different classes for the keiki AND adults. That's right. I know some of y'all secretly want to appear on world of dance and you can fulfill those dreams here. Classes change around every season for the adult classes, but hip hop 1 and street femme on Tuesday nights + hip hop 2 and intro to hip hop on Wednesday nights are here to stay! - all of the instructors are personable! New studios can be intimidating; here's how to navigate this one: 1. The building is a two-story blue building next to Still and Moving Center. Enter through the right door that has a small Honolulu Dance Studio sign on it. 2. You'll see a narrow stairwell on your left. Walk up the stairwell, put your outside shoes on the shoe rack on the top, and slip your dance shoes on (yes, you need indoor shoes specifically for dance, whether that's ballet slippers, jazz shoes, indoor hip hop shoes). 3. Walk over to the registration table on the left and fill out a clipboard to get yourself/your child registered + pay. 4. Wait until the dance instructor calls you in, put your water + belongings on the inner racks, and have FUN! Hope to see you in class! read more

Went here for my kids. They were meeting their friends for a play date and first time in Hip Hop Class. The instructor was awesome. She does really well with kids. The day we went I guess their AC was not working because it was a sauna in there. Thank god the room that the kids were dancing in was the only room with working AC. Its $20 every drop in class which is good because at least we can see if the kids like it before we commit. I guess their computer system was also down because they had a hard time signing us up. We were told that if we bring siblings we would get a discounted price. I thought. Oh, ok cool, because I do have 2 kids and saving A little money will help. But Then as we were leaving, an older lady, who I'm guessing is the owner stopped us and told us that it was wrong and that we won't get sibling discount because if we purchase the monthly tuition we're already getting a discount. Sure! No problem. I understand no big deal. But I thought it was pretty rude that she had to stop us in our tracks to tell us that in front of everyone when we didn't even ask for a discount in the first place. I just thought she could've handled that situation better like she can proceed to inform us about the mistake when we sit and actually sign up for the class. It would've been more professional and less awkward. But oh well. Overall the kids had fun, and we will return again next week to see if they want to commit. I hope this time the AC is working. read more

My daughter's spirit animal is: Beyoncé. That's right, all the single ladies gather round as we recently discovered at a Summer Fun finale that my six-year old looooooves to dance and shake it like a Polaroid picture! We had her in ballet for a few months, but it just wasn't her jam and we decided to try out hip-hop class at Honolulu Dance Studio. For an entire week she obsessed over going to hip-hop class and I told my husband we shouldn't have mentioned it until the day of her class so we wouldn't have to answer "am I going to hip-hop today? Huh? Am I? Am I?!" 9,345 times! Still, you can't ignore the genuine passion and relentless drive which will inevitably make her a star! Honolulu Dance Company is located in Kakaako on Queen Street and their main studio space is in a commercial warehouse area. There is no parking so you have to park on the street or South Shore Market (shhhhhhhhhhhhh you didn't hear that from me). Their dance space is by no means fancy and pretty run down, but kids really don't need much when it comes to dancing. I signed her up at the front desk and she took a 45-minute class for $20. This is the single class rate, but you can buy a class pack for the month which breaks down to about $15 a class. It was the end of the month, so it didn't really make sense to buy a class pack, plus I didn't know if she would enjoy it. The main teacher was out and she had a sub who turned out to be a really nice man that helped her feel welcome in the class. She learned a hip hop routine to a Justin Bieber song and even though she was off in the count, she really enjoyed herself and we had the best time watching her. Needless to say, I know we'll definitely be back in the future because of how much she loved the experience and we can't wait to see what the regular teacher will do in the class! Baby Beyonce is so excited to learn how to dance! read more

Honolulu Dance Studio - Hip hop dance class - Dance Studios Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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I'm in tears when typing this review. My kids studied at HDS for 6 years until we left Honolulu. They were very happy there the entire time. They love their teachers, friends, and even friends' parents. HDS is a big family where everybody loves and cares for each other. HDS has amazing teachers: Miss Elizabeth, Ms. Molly, Ms. Cathy and others...The studio is a bit too small but they try to rent other places for big rehearsals. Your kids will not only learn about dance, they learn to be a better person: more independent, respectful, caring... We did not know what we missed until we moved to a new place in the mainland. I chose what is considered the best ballet school in our new place, but my kids were unhappy. The school's director and some teachers are rude and uncaring. They just take advantages of the kids to play party boys, party girls...in their Nutcracker and other productions. There is no personal development for the kids. I've been looking extensively but could not find a place like HDS in our new place. Fortunately, HDS's training has prepared our kids to catch other opportunities. My son auditioned and got full scholarships to top summer intensive programs such as SAB, ABT, Houston Ballet, Bolshoi Ballet. He also got close to a full-ride scholarship to go to a top art boarding high school in the US. My daughter also admitted to the summer intensive programs of those big schools. I'm very thankful for all these opportunities that HDS has prepared my kids for. read more

We are new to the kids dance scene here on Oahu. My 11 year old tried a hip hop class at Honolulu Dance Studio and did not enjoy it. The girls in her class were very rude and unfriendly. So much for the Aloha Spirit. We won't be taking class here. read more

When my seven-year-old was a baby, I discovered she could lay the back of her head on her buttocks. That is the moment I knew she would be my dancer, my movement prodigy, my ballerina that I could live through vicariously and selfishly force to achieve all of the dance dreams I failed to attain. BUT, life got in the way of formal training and my visions of teaching her personally at home fell through because we are both easily frustrated and her feet are made of lead and she changes direction with the ease of a lethargic elephant. She really wants to dance, though. And I believe she can learn to be more of a gazelle and less of a boulder, so I signed her up for the summer intensive, made her the crappiest spray of a ballet bun ever, and sent her into class. She LOVED it. Everyone was so nice to her even though she knew absolutely nothing, she made friends, loved her teachers, and actually learned how to do some dance-like things. The training is seriously top-notch, I am a dancer myself and I KNOW. Or I think I know. I have a degree in dance, so whatever that is worth. The studio is family-run and absolutely wonderful. Communication is not always the best, parking is atrocious, but they are warm and kind and take care of the kids. If you have a question just walk into the studio and ask. Right now we spend all of our time at the fighting gym down the street, where she displays a surprising amount of promise, but when we are ready to put our girls into dance we will absolutely choose this studio. Yay! read more

I just started taking classes as a drop-in here and I love it! HDS is centrally located near Ward Centers, close to Office Depot. They offer a TON of classes for kids, teens, and adults, ranging from ballet to lyrical jazz to hip hop to zumba. I'm mostly taking ballet and contemp/jazz classes, and I have not been disappointed. In the adult classes there is a pretty wide age range, with everyone from high schoolers to senior citizens. Class sizes seem to vary with the time of the class. I went to a Monday night contemp class and there were about 8 girls. My Saturday afternoon jazz class had at least 16. The instructors here are great and the students are very friendly and laid-back. It's been nearly six years since I took any formal dance classes but the students and staff here made me feel so welcome and at home. Cathy Izumi, the director of the studio, is probably the nicest woman in the world. I spoke to her on the phone at least 5 times before deciding to come in for a class; she was so kind and encouraging. Also, she is still hella flexible and can definitely still dance, so I have mad respect for her. Her son and daughter also teach classes at the studio. Parking can be a problem depending on the time of your class. There is a small lot in the front of the studio, but it can fill up quickly (especially on Saturdays, when the studio is busiest). You could park in the Nordstrom Rack parking lot and walk over (which takes about 3 minutes), but I heard people have gotten ticketed for doing that. Also, classes are a bit pricey if you're a drop-in student like me. It is $20 for a 1-hr or 1.5-hr class. They have 4, 8, 12, and 16-class cards available which makes tuition slightly cheaper. All in all, I will continue to take class here because I think the studio is great and the location is convenient. read more

The kids have so much fun and after watching the adult classes it makes me want to join in! Everyone is friendly and kind! I highly recommend HDS! read more

Our family loves HDS....the positive learning environment, christian atmosphere, instructors that help develop self-esteem, we find it rare in today's compeititive society to find a dance studio that competes with humbleness and develops character. read more

Honolulu Dance Studio - HDS Farewell Party for Juju...May 25, 2015 - Dance Studios Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Honolulu Dance Studio has been my second home for the past 6 years. In the world of performing arts/dance it is easy to find places that emphasize the need for confidence, and a competitive edge but do not give you a safe place in which to find it. Honolulu Dance studio not only nurtures excellence and strength in the technique of each individual dancer but encourages the growth of it in a loving environment in which character and humility are held in equal regard. You will not find a place in which the teachers will pour more into you, care more about you or that provide stronger technical training. This is evident not only by the amount of students over the years who have become professional dancers, teachers and choreographers, but by the amount of those/OG HDS alumni who come back with their children to take class, or to take class themselves ~ or who just never left. I love this studio and it's heart. Those who stay with HDS long enough know you become family. Shout out to Miss Cathy and Miss Elizabeth for being me past sickled feet, low releves and bent knees (and oh so much more!) and paving the way for me to get into an amazing university dance program! Would've never dreamed if not for your faith in me. read more

Honolulu Dance Studio is AWESOME! My daughter does ballet and went to the Summer Intensive here to branch out a bit. The staff was so welcoming and supportive she felt right at home, even though she is shy. They encourage confidence and enthusiasm and have very upbeat, friendly attitudes. The directors, Molly and Cathy, take the time to know the kids and provide encouragement and instruction. They also work with the students to build a good community within the class. I wish she could go year round, the dance training and instruction is TOP NOTCH! I am amazed at the skill and technique of all ages of HDS dancers. HIGHLY recommend for all different types of dance and fitness! read more

Honolulu Dance Studio is an amazing place for all levels of dance. I love going there because it feels like a family and everyone is always so friendly. Although they are very busy they do make time to introduce themselves to new faces I wouldn't chose any other place to dance. read more

Honolulu Dance Studio - Ballet 4, Good vs Evil, Concert 2015 - Dance Studios Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

HDS is amazing! If you're considering trying it you won't regret your decision! Lots of different dance styles with quality teachers who are dedicated to every student and will ensure you learn and have fun all at the same time! They have classes for all ages and levels... So whether you're looking for something for your 4 year old or your teenager or you're a mom looking for a fun or new way to workout they've got what you're looking for! So glad to be a part of the HDS ohana! read more

This is a great studio. The staff is very welcoming and enthusiastic. They raise the barr and challenge the dancers every time. We recently move to HI, and joining the studio really made the transition much easier for my girls. I do REALLY wish they offered Tap though. read more

Love this studio! The energy is so positive and the instruction is spot on. Everyone is always learning and having fun!!

My daughter started dancing at HDS last summer and has been very happy. Her dance skills are improving as well. We were welcomed to the studio right away. Miss Cathy (director) has a heart of gold and has a strong & loving team. Great role models for my daughter! Thank you! read more

I met Miss Cathy in 1989. She was a love then and she is a love now. She is why I spent 25 years attending adult classes, had my children sit and watch me through rigorous ballet classes with Miss Elizabeth and where my son Aaron eventually decided to start hip hop. He is now performing as lead role in Billy Elliot and the director can't say enough about his work ethic, concentration and the way he shows respect to those teaching him. These skills were taught not only by me, but by Miss Cathy Izumi and Miss Elizabeth Miller, who teach kids not only exceptional technique and discipline, but how to be good people with proper moral conduct. Her students always welcome and praise other students, even the newcomers who are less skilled than they are. There is a genuine showing and feel of mutual kindness and respect amongst the students and those attitudes were translated down by the director - Miss Cathy! Aaron cannot wait to get back to training at HDS! We both miss you all! Love, Diana Joy Ostroff read more

Caring staff, excellent teachers and choreographers, all held in a couple of beautiful studios. A dance floor flown in from the east coast that was specifically made for dance, thus making it safer for dancers knees and ankles.II highly recommend the Honolulu Dance Stdio to anyone who either wants to continue in their training, starting out as a dancer, or just wants to keep in shape. You just can't go wrong there. read more

My girls love to dance and at this studio, they dance, dance, and dance! They get to perform on stage as well as compete. The staff gives attention to all dancers and teach technique in all styles. The dancers are supportive of each other and it is a good atmosphere for kids to do what they love - dance! read more