30 something former dancer here. While it's been over a decade and a half since I've danced competitively, every once in a while, I still get the urge to get back into the studio! I love that my brain still thinks I can whip out fouettes, when in reality, I'm far from even 50% as flexible as I once was. But finding the right studio is about getting to have fun and dance. I attended a Jazz Funk class at Play Studio and it was so fun! I appreciated that the class was a challenge. This studio is suited for people with dance experience. While there are likely people here training to dance professionally, there are also people who are just here for fun. But, I like that the classes are at a level that create a challenge and keep your brain moving as you move through the choreo. I hate a boring class and this wasn't the least bit boring at all. The class moved quickly! The vibe was good and it feels like there's a nice community here. I love the variety of options they have and I'm excited to try a pom class next. The studio is located on the second floor of the building. Parking in the area is tough. Although the studio has a parking lot, there are very few spots. There are paid spots across the street, but it's tough to find a free spot, so leave yourself some time. read more

The facility was great and the owner was really kind and accommodating during my rental. The classes and staff are also great. I liked the unique lighting and Marley flooring. The parking lot was also very convenient. read more

I have taken a few classes at Play Hard Heels and recently auditioned into the beginner company heels team. So far I've loved the heels and hip hop classes I've taken because of the quality of instruction, and the welcoming culture of students. It's clear that the director, Janelle uses her industry experience with jazz/funk and commercial heels to grow strong dancers to be prepared for the professional dance world, and also have fun while we're at it! If you're looking to grow as a dancer and elevate your skills in the industry, this is the company to do it with! One tricky thing about taking classes here is that it's mostly street parking in the area where the studio is located on the busy main drag in Pacific Beach, so allow extra time to find parking. read more

They are amazing! Best Dance Studio ever. They really tailor the class to your needs, and even provide professional video recording for the choreos you learn in class. The lighting makes you look good and the teachers are really good at teaching dance. This is a very high-quality dance studio and I recommend it for any girly girls that love to dance. I've taken all the classes. They are always fun --and challenging (good). The hip-hop classes are great for everyone. The ballet class is more relaxing and perfect to refine your positioning while dancing. They also have heated stretch and sculpt specifically for dancers which not only help you sculpt so you have nice looking legs but also help you improve your strength for dance. 10/10 read more

I have nothing but great things to say about this studio. If you are looking for quality professional training, this is the place to be! I recently joined the company in the Jazz funk team and I am excited to grow and learn more from this program. Janelle is an amazing studio owner and has a great community for any dancer that is looking to take their training to the next level. read more

I recently joined the company in October 2023 from not dancing for 10+ years. The girls in this community are extremely supportive and friendly. Janelle challenges her team to be their best and ive loved coming back into dance! read more

Play Studios - Dance Studios Near Me - San Diego, California

I love dancing for Play Hard Heels! Janelle is a phenomenal leader, dance teacher, and dancer. PHH is inclusive, welcoming, and empowering. If you are looking for a supportive community and looking to advance your skills and your dance technique, PHH would be a wonderful fit for you!! So grateful for this community and team. read more

Play Studios - Oceanside Parade - Dance Studios Near Me - San Diego, California

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Play Hard Heels is more than just a dance company--it's a community where you're encouraged to push your limits and grow! Janelle, the powerhouse behind this studio, has an incredible background (NBA, NFL, Disney, just to name a few...) and she brings this rich experience to every class. You can expect to dive into various dance styles, from heels to hip-hop, jazz funk, and contemporary. What really made a difference for me was the warm welcome I received and the genuine support from everyone. Joining this team was the best decision I made after moving to San Diego. Highly recommend for anyone looking to challenge themselves and find a supportive dance community. read more

Play Hard Heels is a life changing community! I've never received such great coaching and training in dance at the same time as meeting the most wonderful community of dancers. Seriously jump in take a class you won't regret it! read more

I love Play Hard Heels!! The training is incredible, the community of dancers are so supportive and encouraging (have become some of my closest friends), and we regularly get to partake in amazing performance opportunities, parades, and gigs!! Come take a class with Play Hard, you will walk out of that room a better dancer! Love my Play Hard Community. read more

Play Hard Heels has made a huge impact on my life as a dancer! I'm so grateful for Janelle's incredible training and seeing how much I've grown as a dancer in such a short amount of time. She's amazing at teaching a wide variety of styles and pushing her students outside of their comfort zone in a safe & supportive environment. I highly recommend giving her classes a try!! read more

So many classes and opportunities with this group! Janelle is so creative and can really help you with your technique. Great way to ask ace in your dance training. read more

Classes at Play Hard Heels are so fun and challenging in all the right ways!!! I'm so stoked to have found a great company of girls who enjoy dancing and bettering each other. Janelle's coaching is just what I needed to train harder. read more

I have been consistently taking classes here since May 2023. I did my research prior to attending classes. If you're a dancer who wants to actively GROW and become a great dancer professionally or for hobby, then this is the PLACE TO GO. 10/10 highly recommend!!! read more

Absolutely love this company iv known Janelle for a view years now and her classes have made me a better dancer , highly recommend !

Everyone in the community at this studio is so welcoming and uplifting! I have taken heels and hip-hop classes and leave feeling challenged and inspired. It has been such an amazing experience to grow as a dancer and increase my self confidence at this studio! read more

I found a new home to fall in love with dance again. As an adult it is amazing finding a space that gives you a place to learn, train, and dance- but also to build your own style and play with your movement. Janelle always encourages us to add more "meat to the skeleton," or to layer our own artistry over the foundation. Her company is so professional and I love being here! read more

Really grateful to have Play Hard Heels in my life! Janelle's classes are both challenging and fun, and the community here is just incredible. Janelle also likes switching up genres throughout the year so be prepared for contemporary, jazz, industry, and many more styles :) Highly recommend! read more

SUCH an amazing dance studio. Uplifting and positive with the spiceyness of an advanced and talented choreography, Janelle really does define what it takes to be an inspiring dance instructor, and mentor and kind person in general. love all the girls too, everyone is super friendly. try this place out!! read more

Dancing with Janelle and the Play Hard Heels dance company has helped me to grow as a dancer is so many ways! Janelle puts so much effort into her technique training so that she can continue to push her dancers out of the comfort zone and to new levels of achievement. read more

Play hard heels is the best company in San Diego if you are looking to step up your training. The classes are challenging, but with consistency I've experienced a huge improvement! You'll also join an amazing community of people who are so supportive and share the same love for dance read more

I love the Play Hard community! Such a fun and inspiring group of dancers. I've been out of classes for a while and they have really brought my spark back. Highly recommend taking classes here to grow in both skill and confidence. read more

I'm so appreciative of Play Hard for creating this dance environment for adults of various ages and backgrounds. Training here has been nothing short of exciting, challenging, and fun! With the support of Janelle and fellow dancers, it's the best place to finish my day at. :) read more

The Play Hard Heels studio space that Janelle has created is amazing and welcomes all levels! I recently started with Play Hard and I'm already loving the dancers and community I'm surrounded by. Classes and workshops are a push in the best way! I encourage anyone to try something new, come take a class, or put yourself out there and audition for the fun performance team! read more

Play Hard Heels is the place to be! There's classes for every level of dancer and the community will instantly make you feel welcomed. There is even a performance team which offers shows to dance in, gigs, photo shoots, and more! I've loved every class I've gone to. Not only can you train in heels, but there is also hip hop, contemporary, and other styles. read more