Cindy O'Keefe I've been attending the Senior Classes at the Kennedy Dancers for a number of years and enjoyed learning different types of daces Ballet, Jazz Contemporary Dance different types of exercises Yoga, Zumba and also socializing. Last year {2023} I had Major Surgery and went through several months of rehabilitation . Knew I had to continue some types of exercises and my income was limited . So I decided to go back to The Kennedy Dancers Classes In the beginning it was hard for me to keep up with the different movements in each class. As time went on and the encouragement from the teacher Erik and Gigi (Diane-the Executive & Artistic Director) and others I kept coming to the classes. I've come a long way, maybe I'm not as fast ,but I'm getting there. I'm Thankful for the Kennedy Dancers and the funds and grants that are given to them by N.J. State Council on the Arts and hope they and others continue to help fund the Senior Program so the Seniors that are on a limited income can keep attending the classes. read more

I was looking for ballet classes for my daughter as her school stopped offering one and found Kennedy Dancers by accident. I am really glad that I found this place. They are highly organized, skilled and really good at what they do. I liked that they have this diverse mix of classes where my daughter enjoys her Ballet and Gym. She is learning fast and waiting for her classes all week. Diane is also flexible with makeup classes if we miss a class or two during normal schedule. Overall I am really happy with them and would recommend Kennedy Dancers to friend/family. read more

The prices for the classes offered are definitely reasonable. After much searching this is one of the few places that offered adult lessons in the JC. The place is definitely nothing glamorous- its everything you would expect for its rough around the edges Jersey City Heights location. All in all it is adequate and offers cheap classes for beginners. However, there is a smell of cat urine so strong that it made me gag. Literally. There are several cats that live at the studio and it smells as if all of them have marked territory all over the place. The smell is so pungent that I questioned whether or not I would be able to get past it to enjoy the dancing. If the smell of feline urine bothers you, I would not recommed this place unless of course you bring your nose plug. read more

My review is based on a purchase and attempt to get into the school but I was never able to go because of the Director, Diane. So I purchased a LIVINGSOCIAL deal for $35 which was for one month of unlimited Zumba classes. I had to use the deal before March 18th, 2012. I never got around to using it but I knew I could use my paid value until March 16, 2016, so I wasn't worried or upset about missing out on the unlimited month. On April 15, 2013 I called the studio to schedule my Zumba classes (their website said they had $10 drop in Zumba classes) and after speaking to Priscilla, this was confirmed. Priscilla spoke to the director, Diane and told me that I can't use the voucher anymore but as a "courtesy" she would give me 2 weeks of free Zumba classes. I asked Priscilla to call me back so I can speak to her directly. While I appreciated the offer, I wanted to talk to Diane about what I was due...which was $35 worth of services. At $10 for each class I was hoping to take 4 Zumba classes and pay the extra $5 for the last class which is a total of $40. Two weeks passed and Diane never called me. I called today and spoke to her. I was a little annoyed because she knew exactly who I was (which means she got my message but never called me back???) and told me I missed the deal. I explained to her that the deal I purchased said I can use my paid value of $35 until March 16, 2016 and she wasn't having it. Although she kept a polite and professional disposition on the phone, I felt that she didn't care about me at all. She even said, "We have so many people come in and out of here so I can't accommodate you." So does that mean if business was not booming she would cater to me just to get more customers? Regardless of how many students she has, I was one of her customers since I purchased this deal (THAT SHE CHOSE TO OFFER NEW CUSTOMERS). She didn't have to put this offer out there, but she did and now she was pulling back because she didn't like the fine print. Besides Zumba I was also interested in salsa classes and I was going to bring friends. I was hoping this would be a new business that I would frequent but after hearing her excuses on why she would not live up to her end of the deal, I felt extremely dis-honored and I would not want to put my money into a business like that. She did offer me one complimentary class, and she made it seem like she was doing me a favor, which was very annoying because I already paid for $35 worth of services that she didn't want to offer. Why would I want a complementary class at a school that I would never go to again? And I would never want to go there again because Diane showed me that she is not a trustworthy business woman. read more

The kennedy dancers have many selections on their menu of choices. There is something for everyone twice over and then some. The prices are very reasonable and the inner city junior dance company girls are simply amazing! Im going to their cocktail party fundraiser in April-it's going to be a blast and alot of well knowns will be there! ADULT SALSA class is really fun and for the ladies-take the belly dance class with Diane, she's a trip and she's a very good teacher! Go there to buy your dance outfits too...zills, coin skirts, you name it--jewelry, etc... Send the kids to the Summer dance camp-they get breakfast & lunch and jam packed summer days filled with fun around the arts! read more

My boyfriend and I came in a recent Saturday evening to support a friend of his. The production was Bare Soles, "an evening of dancers, music, spoken word, and visual arts". The room was full so I was looking forward to an evening full of emerging dancers showcasing their talent. The show started at around 7:20 and it was very enjoyable. It was a brief performance but kept my attention the whole time. They're hoping to make this a monthly event so I plan to go back. read more

I think that I should have done my research a little better before signing up my daughter for classes here. First let me say that the thought behind the program is thoughtful and helpful to a lot of inner city youth in this particular area. Anyways, after searching high and low for reasonable priced ballet classes for my 5 year old daughter I finally stumbled upon Diane's Kennedy Dancers. I took my daughter to a trial class, first thing I didn't like was that I wasn't allowed to see anything that my child was doing, but, I got pass that and accepted the fact that kids do get distracted when they see parents. The fact that there are students of the school teaching these young girls without a director or some teacher who has long term experience in the class with these kids just starting our bothered me as well, but because my daughter liked it so much we continued on. Fast forward to recital rehearsal and the actual recital. The rehearsal practice, what was supposed to go well, ended in just utter unprofessionalism, where a mother picking her child up an hour early from rehearsal, was told that rehearsal didn't end until a certain time, and that led to a cussing match in front of the children. The day of the rehearsal another parent concerned with the fact that she wasn't allowed to escort her daughter back into the dressing area, but in fact a male was escorting her back, led to an exchange of not so nice words, between the parent and the owner/director of the company in front of parents, family members, and small children. The recital, which was actually just a recital for the older INNER CITY YOUTH KIDS, led to the younger kids being the filler entertainment while the INNER CITY YOUTH KIDS changed costumes. I paid $65 a month plus $85 for a costume that my daughter dance 2 minutes in. On top of the fact that every time that we went to the studio it smelled like cat pee, because they have therapy cats running around everywhere. I appreciate what the director is trying to do with this program. But coming from a family where I have professional ballet dancers and owners of actual studios in other states, I don't think that this holds a high standard of professionalism. I feel if you are trying to give your child a valuable dance experience that this isn't the place. Please do your research and make sure that the teachers have at least 5 years of experience in the field that they are teaching, otherwise it is waste of money. read more

I've been over for over 5 years, and I've absolutely learned and improved in so many things. Dance is everything to me and being here has helped me discover and express myself in many ways. If you would like to explore dance and learn more about it come here there are classes for all ages even seniors! and Dances of all types. read more

Reasonable prices. Great Staff. I would recommend this place in a heart beat. they offer all classes and the Director is very knowledgeable in all aspects of dance and health. Inner City Youth Company is a performance everyone should see!!! take the ballroom class! read more

I was in from Texas visiting relatives and went to the Kennedy Dancers Dance Center in Jersey City to take a few dance classes. I was greeted by the friendliest cat (Sylvester) and told that he was a licensed therapy cat. What a great idea! Sylvester was clean and friendly (as was the entire dance studio). I was pleasantly surprised. at the range of classes ( I took Zumba which was not only fun but also a great workout.). I wish they had a Dance Center like the Kennedy Dancers back in Texas, especially one that has a pro company as an example for young students. Eileen C. read more

I went to this place because I was referred, and not because I thought it was the best place to go to. The location is okay, but parking is very scarce. My expectations in a small business are the following: - a tour of the studio - introduction to the staff, instructors and owner - a medical release form - a contract - a brochure - a handbook of rules, guidelines and procedures I NEVER RECEIVED ANY OF THE FOLLOWING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The workers are clueless and rude, and even though another parent mentioned it, I did not really experience it until I went the second time. I took my daughter there 2 times, and will never step foot back in this place. The other parents in the sitting area all thought that the people are rude, which confused me as to why they continue to give this place their money. I thought maybe Kennedy Dancers are the only dance school, and after doing a search, found that there are several others! After expressing my dissatifaction, I requested a refund on my money because I was not going to bring my daughter back. I was told I was not entitled to a refund (I never received a handbook or brochure documenting this), but because I was so disgusted in this place, I didn't sweat it! If you are looking into a dance school, I would look into every other school in Jersey City besides this one! read more

This review is based on my limited, yet significant experience with Kennedy Dancers, their staff, and particularly the owner/manager Diane. Our 9 year-old daughter loves ballet, and we signed her up for the Saturday morning class for kids a couple of months ago. Today I wanted to give my wife a break from the routine (she's the one who usually takes our daughter to the classes, and picks her up), so I volunteered for it. My wife warned me the payment for the month was due. When I got to Kennedy Dancers, the first thing that struck me was the disgusting smell of that place. It reeks of a mix of cat urine and feet. There were quite a lot of people waiting at the reception, so I took my daughter to the small waiting room so she could get ready for the class. Again, the waiting room was dirty at best, with several types of hair on the worn down carpet and furniture (again, cats?). I thought to myself, not the place you want your kids to be going around - literally a germ nest! Once my daughter had entered the class (which by the way as a parent you are not allowed to see), I went to the reception in order to pay the fee. The young lady at the reception (I didn't get her name) told me all payments were due by the 8th, and thus I would be assessed a $10 late payment fee. I indicated to her that the 8th was last Tuesday, and that I wasn't there last week to make the payment in advance, hoping she would understand and waive the late fee as an exception. She just responded it was policy, and that my daughter had been here for 3 months now, so we should know the policy by now. To be honest, I was a little upset by that stiffness, and I told her that even big companies such as AT&T did give a little leeway on this sort of things - and that I would have expected a little more understanding from a local business (or non-profit). Now, I totally understand our payment was late, but it was so only by 4 days, and I had no idea one could call to make the payment on time (and honestly, I wouldn't even have - I would have just paid the week before, as we always do, only this time we were out that week). At that point, I was ready to give up and just pay the late fee - and that's when the manager, Diane, came in play. I have to say the way Diane treated me was one of the most AGGRAVATING and INSULTING experiences I have ever been confronted to. She basically accused me of being a dominating male who was trying to bully her employee into waiving the fee, and told me (pointing fingers and all) she would not allow such behavior in her place. As I - tried - to explain myself, she went on and on about the fact that they are a non-profit, with policies, with a mortgage to pay, and so on. I just ended the conversation saying I took personal offense in her accusations, and that I felt sorry if anyone had felt bullied by my intent at reasoning with them. In other words, at Kennedy Dancers, if you have the misfortune of contesting a fee you deem unfair and stiff, you are a dominating macho, a disgusting bully, and a bad person altogether. Maybe Diane has had problems with men in the past and I was unfortunately paying the price for it. Maybe it was just a bad day, and maybe I just should have accepted their policy and paid the fee without protesting. I believe anyone, in the same situation, would have at least contested, said "hey, it's only 4 days, can you give me a break?", but that is not the point. The point is I would have treated a man exactly the same. The point is I was not trying to bully anyone, nor did I elevate my tone in any moment. The point is this is NO WAY to treat your customers, and I strongly recommend anyone to look somewhere else for their dance classes. Update: if you look at Diane's response below, you will see she claims everyone has the right to an opinion. However, when it comes to opinions criticizing her filthy dance studio and her inexcusable attitude towards a paying customer, then she cries slander. Please note she did not address at any point her attitude and her insults. But as she says, feel free to form your own opinion, based on your own experiences. There's also other (mostly mediocre) reviews of the studio that you can refer to. However, keep in mind Diane is apparently too arrogant and proud to admit she mistreated a paying customer. Had she made an attempt to apologize, I would have maybe removed or updated this review in a more positive way. read more

My daughter has been attending Kennedy Dancers and is going on her 3rd year. Staff are very patient with the children, helpful and teach them a lot. We love it. Unless your child is cut out and a prodigy, their teaching style is right on par with the age level. The teachers are some former students as well as top notch teachers. All teachers have their resumes posted in the studio. Please send you kids here, they will love it and love to dance. Many other types of classes are offered, such as piano and voice. I never had a problem with management or staff. Very pleasant setting. It is nice to know that my daughter is in good hands. read more