I'm being charged for a ballet class I'm not taking, and nobody is doing anything about it…read more 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.

My favorite studio on island…read more - 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!

I highly recommend Honolulu Salsa & Bachata Dance Academy! Whether you have no dance experience or…read moresome dance background, Cherry (the Academy Director) can help you become even better. I have been learning bachata from Cherry for nearly a year now, and I must say, she is one of the best bachata teachers on the island. I hadn't even heard of bachata when I met her, and now I feel confident dancing bachata at dance socials. Not only are her classes informative and challenging, she makes it fun as well! She also tries to build community with her students, so we develop friendships outside the studio. I've also made so many friends since meeting her.

I am lucky to have found this studio through a friend.. Learning salsa and bachata dancing with…read morelessons Cherry and the MBS studio instructors have been an excellent experience. Saturday yoga is my favorite

Ballet Hawaii puts on an amazing nutcracker show and shows in general, but there are a few things…read moreto address. This studio provides amazing opportunities and training for students, but the environment can be toxic and negative with some of the students and parent chaperones. An issue with a girl bullying several others has been brought to my attention, with minimal to no effort being put to stop her. I understand it is not the responsibility of a dance studio to resolve bullying situations, but if the bullying is causing girls to skip class and show days, it must be addressed at that point. As for the parent chaperones/volunteers, I have noticed several instances of them being extremely dismissive and disrespectful towards students and some audience members. Yes, putting on a successful production can be incredibly stressful, but that cannot be an excuse to be blatantly disrespectful to others, especially if you aren't even organizing the show and you are a volunteer. As a mother, I found it extremely hurtful to watch my child (and myself, for that matter) be belittled by a woman who believes she has all authority. She was a woman by the name of Hannah, for anyone who cares. As a volunteer who is supposed to be helping put a show together, disrespecting audience members (customers who PAY to watch the show) is quite counterproductive if you want to make any money at all. Ballet Hawaii, I urge you to address these issues, as they are starting to become seriously concerning.

Although I loved the Ballet Hawaii performance of the Nutcracker, with creative costuming and…read morebeautiful choreography, I must say that the venue was completely inappropriate. Deciding to have the performance in Blaisdell Arena, instead of the Blaisdell Concert Hall, which was under renovation, proved to be the worst idea. We spent a lot of money to get the "best" tickets on the bottom floor and I must say that the rows of seats were so close together that our knees were hitting the row of seats in front of us. Additionally, it was impossible to see any of the dancers unless they leapt into the air because the bottom level was flat. We were never once able to see the feet of any of the dancers. What a disappointing experience. We saw dozens of people leaving the Arena at intermission. This was a waste of time and money.

I was visiting the 'aina and needed to get my breakdancing fix. My friend recommended me this place…read moreso I decided to check out their open session. Here was my experience on a Monday evening (8:30-10). AMBIANCE: Surroundings - Not the most touristy part of Honolulu but it's across a pretty nice apartment complex regardless be cautious. The studio itself is on the second floor. Pretty spacious that's decked out with a mirror and space for about 15-20 people. I got lost at first but after hearing music bumping, I knew I was in the right area. They got mirrors to check yourself. Parking - There's street parking or a parking lot right next door. Customer Service - The open session was pretty fun. I enjoyed the beats and the company. Marc was the main person in charge and he was pretty helpful. TL;DR OVERALL 5 Stars. Dancing is always hard, regardless if you're a beginner or not. It can be difficult from mastering a move to creating your art, but what helps if you're in a supportive environment and these are one of those spaces. I encourage people of all ages to check this place out. Advice: * Bring water * Don't be afraid to ask for help.

Attended the free first Saturday class as LCC. Wow! There were only about 8 of us - apparently a…read moreresult of too large a break from the holidays - but it was lots of fun and an amazing workout! My entire shirt was soaked and sweat was dripping off my hair. I was really worried about being intimidated and just too slow to hang with the class but the instructor was really awesome about watching out for newbies like me, taking the time to call out more complicated moves and generally being really encouraging. And the other students/instructors were really encouraging too, high fiving me when completing something particularly challenging. The energy of this class is nice and high while being warm and inviting too. Parking is free, and there is tons of it. This class only happens once a month in this location, and it is totally worth it! Other classes available in town at both the Waimanu Street and Ward Avenue locations - updates here: http://streetjamzwerkout.blogspot.com/?m=1. Drop ins $5, class passes available.

Galit is an amazing teacher and coach! We found her on short notice before our big day, snuck in a…read morehandful of sessions, and wow did she save us! Our wedding dance was stress free and so much more fun than we could have imagined. Thank you!!!!

Malia is a passionate and fiery Master Instructor and Entertainer - one not to miss when she comes…read moreto your City. She taught a FABULOUS Workshop packed with technique, combos, excellent focus on breath, weight changes, yoga and body alignment and is generous sharing her belly dancing knowledge and signature move/s. Malia topped off her Seattle Tour with a powerful performance filled with Fire, Funk and Flare. Malia is Top Shelf! Stay Fabulous

I've been dancing with Malia for many years now and she is hands down the best teacher. She is able…read moreto teach multi-level classes flawlessly so everyone can pace wherever they are at. The way she structures and layers her lessons, she is able to build each student's repetoire in dance, even those with little to no experience. Because of the way she teaches, I am able to do more than I thought I could. Her classes go by so fast and I always walk away feeling like a more confident woman.

Malia is amazing!!! She really ignites the goddess in you!!! Is very responsive and so patient. I…read morehave no moves and so stiff she helped me so so much. Can't thank her enough

She is so amazing, very talanted, passionate in a dance. Highly responsible. Details matter: Malia…read moreresponds to text messages quickly, professionally. So compliant, inclusive. It was easy to schedule and to add preferences that were accepted with enthusiasm. Great show, meets every client preferences, super honest. Malia took off her traveling fees as it was close to her. I honestly, feel very blessed. We hire her for birthday surprise party in Moroccan restoran and she excited every expectations. Absolutely recommended her services.

Stefan and Andrea are amazing and nurturing teachers. They breakdown complex movements so that even…read moresomeone with two left feet, and no dance background can pick up if determined. They strike a good balance between challenging their students while being nurturing and keeping things fun. They also teach both very technically while also covering musicality and history of salsa. Highly recommend for anyone ready to challenge themselves mentally and physically. Their passion for the dance and culture are evident in every class and function that they sponsor.

Part 1. Response to Laura R. since Latin Dance Hawaii took the high road when you went low…read more Latino checking in here so hopefully I provide some culturally appropriate context to your satisfaction. Cultural appropriation applies when respect and understanding of the topic/issue at hand is not given. In case you didn't know salsa music is an evolution of many forms of music including Afro style music. Does this mean latinos cultually appropriated from them and we should all stop dancing salsa music? If you ever visit Puerto Rico or Cuba you will see all shades of people that are native and they borrowed from each other to create something beautiful. The fact that the instructors at this establishment are non-Latinos doesn't matter to us, its about the music and the inclusiveness that the music originated from which they provide in spades. I have NEVER been to a dance class where the instructors bring traditional instruments to help us understand the music and evolution of the music, and I've been to many different places including Arthur Murray, and this one does do that. How can I as a Latino say you are taking my heritage away from me when they are teaching me about it or how can I say youre just trying to profit from my culture when clearly they love the music? The spirit of the music is to bring all colors of people together. Its like saying only Americans can play baseball because it was invented by Americans even though the sport has origins tracing back to another countries sport (rounders and cricket) and latinos and Asians have no business playing or coaching the sport when the spirit of the sport is just competition. Your premise is not consistent to the spirit of salsa dancing. I hope to one day become a good dancer and continue learning from these two instructors because to me they are great at what they do, skin color does not matter. I hope you make use of the rest of the classes you purchased and we have an opportunity to dance together in the future because again, the community is about inclusiveness and I know if you show up to class today I can lead you effectively because of their work. Now onto the actual review. 2. Salsa on 2 taught by Stefan and Andrea is challanging, humbling, but most importantly fun and fulfilling. I was a terrible dancer and wanted a new challenge which I knew this would be. I have been coming to classes for 6 months and I love it. Andrea and Stefan are very encouraging and when im struggling they take the time to help me one on one even when class is full which I appreciate so much. The 101 8 week series is great as it builds on the previous week's material while allowing time for additional review so you never feel lost. It goes over all the basic steps and then moves onto partner work in a methodical approach (think Mr. Miyagi and having that paint the fence moment). The 102 course work is definitely more challenging but after their intro series you just have to trust the process and know its about practice and patience so doesnt feel too out of reach. They do have multiple different membership/packages that best fit your needs as well. I like paying for 8 class package at a time because other places I've been to charge for the series itself so if you miss a class, your cost goes up per visit. Not here, you have access to your classes for up to a year which is nice so if life happens you dont lose out on that initial investment in yourself. There are perks outside of the classes themselves too like bar-b-ques and access to their social dancing events for free! Personally I look forward to the social aspect of the community which they do a great job of communicating and encouraging a safe social environment. Highly reccomend this studio if you want to learn salsa on 2.