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.

Our experience with Suzanne's Dance Connection has been nothing short of extraordinary. My daughter…read morehas been part of this studio for the past 14 years, and from the very beginning it has felt like so much more than just a dance studio, it truly feels like family. The teachers are supportive, caring, kind, and fun, and they genuinely invest in each child as both a dancer and a person. Beyond creating beautiful, high-quality routines, they have helped shape my daughter into a mature, hardworking young woman with strong values and a strong work ethic. Through Suzanne's, my daughter has had once-in-a-lifetime opportunities--performing at Disney and Universal Studios, training with the Rockettes, and attending a master class at the Broadway Dance Center in NYC. These experiences have built her confidence, professionalism, and love for dance in ways I could never have imagined. As she's grown older, the studio has taught her invaluable life skills, time management, leadership, teamwork, accountability, and perseverance--skills that will stay with her far beyond dance. Suzanne's Dance Connection is truly a second home, and we are forever grateful for the love, mentorship, and incredible memories they have given our family. I could not recommend this studio more highly.

My main complaint about this studio is that they don't have air conditioning, so taking class…read moreduring the summer when Boston temperatures are in the 80s and 90s can be extremely unpleasant and tower fans are just not sufficient. It can be uncomfortable just to be standing in that kind of weather, let alone doing cardio for an hour plus. Honestly, this seems irresponsible to me, and I'm confused by the fact that they don't seem to be concerned about heat stroke. There are definitely days when the only reason I don't go to class is because there's no AC. I also wish they had contemporary classes (they have one "contemporary modern" once a week, which is not the same as contemporary).

Five floors in the absolutely huge Odd Fellows building for…read morelessons in just about any kind of dance. Central Square, Cambridge. Adults and children. Love this place

Creative arts dance academy is above and beyond one of the best dance schools I've ever seen. The…read moreowners (Stephanie and Stacey) are amazing, their desire to teach the new generation of dancers is unlike anything I've ever seen. The studio is decorated beautifully with plenty of room for tons of student and a window for the mothers and fathers to watch :) parking is not a problem as there is a parking lot right across the street from the studio. Located on Main Street in Andover, it's a very easy and convenient drive. If you want an enjoyable experience for both you and your dancer, then this is the place to go. Highly highly recommended.

Kevin and I took wedding first dance lessons with Hana for our Feb 2025 wedding and we cannot…read morerecommend Hana enough! She was a phenomenal teacher for us - we were a couple with 0 dance experience, lots of anxiety, and wanted a dance that left us feeling confident we could perform it at the wedding while also having fun. And we did! She met us where we were experience wise and helped put together a STUNNING dance to our chosen song that, if I don't say so myself, we absolutely CRUSHED on our wedding day. Our guests were so impressed, we felt like we were on cloud 9, and it was just a perfect first dance. Hana provided us with a zero judgement, safe learning space. So if you're nervous like we were, don't let that stop you from seeing Hana! She would record our lessons/moves and upload video content to a shared google drive so we could rewatch when practicing at home which was super helpful too. Just truly so thankful to her for teaching us how to have fun and look great for our first dance. 15/10 recommend!!

We met Hana through her time at Ballroom in Boston back in 2022. My fiancee (now wife) and i were…read morelooking for lessons in preparation for our wedding's 1st dance. We took an intro course where Hana instructed us. She was great with noobies like us. She easily helped to break down all of the steps. We ended up signing up for private lessons with her in preparation for our wedding. Hana has a great encouraging spirit. She also is willing to provide as much or as little recommendations as you need. We needed a lot of help, so she guided us with thoughts on narrowing down a 1st dance song, a balance of a few moves to incorporate in the dance so it didn't seem too structured or routined. Both of us started off with both left feet, and we lacked confidence. Hana gave us the tips and tools to refine our dance and our aura. On the day of the wedding, we killed the dance in front of our friends and our family. Thank you Hana for giving us the confidence to dance in front of everyone and for making us look good!

A hidden gem in Winchester for ballet enthusiasts! I can only speak to the adult ballet classes,…read morewhich are SO difficult to find outside Cambridge/Boston. Coming to class every week has been such a nice treat. Cosmin and Melinda are wonderful instructors; they have such great passion for the art of ballet, and their jobs as ballet professionals and instructors. They teach at both of the Norwell and Winchester studios, which offers convenient class schedules for working professionals. The studio is in the lower level of the St Mary's School by the beautiful historic downtown Winchester, with plenty of free parking in the back. Adult ballet classes are on Tuesday evenings and Saturday mornings; lots of classes for kids throughout the week.

We have been coming here for 2 years, driving up once a week from Boston. This is a fully inclusive…read moreenvironment for all abilities, which is why we continue to be extremely loyal. The owner Karen, cares deeply for her staff and patrons and wants only the best for children. It's well run, extremely clean and my children are better humans because of this gym. Along with gymnastics techniques, instructors instill confidence, embrace inclusion and provide the necessary attention for children who may need something extra whatever that may be. I think if someone has a negative experience, especially at a small business, it's more productive to share their concerns and criticisms directly with the people running the business.

Staff is incredibly attentive and responsive. Classes run on time and on schedule. Environment is…read moreinclusive and the kids learn a lot while having fun. Highly recommend.

Sheila's studio is the only choice for dance training of any area…read more Sheila not only cares deeply for her dancers but brings out confidence and talent that no other professional studio delivers. I have known Sheila since I was 14 and her commitment to her students is unprecedented. Having been a former dancer I refer you to Sheilas with full confidence. Sheila will foster your child using her for professional training. I watched an amazing recital a week ago...if you want someone to trust and train your child professionally and personally then Please consider this dance studio. I would not trust my daughter with any other instructor. My Best, Jennie and Hannah