Great teachers, reasonably priced classes and parties. A friendly atmosphere for both beginner and…read moreexperienced ballroom dancers!

I come to the Thursday night all-level West African dance class and I love it! It's a small little…read morefamily that will make you feel welcome. If you can't get the moves right away you feel no judgement. I brought my mom when she visited me and she loved it--so much that she sought out a similar class where she lives. The facility is clean and well kept. Even in the winter it gets quite warm once you start moving. I haven't tried out any other classes yet but I recommend trying this one out at least once. Your first class is half price.

Bright Star World Dance is a dance studio in downtown Portland, just off of Monument Square. I've…read moretaken classes there and used it for rehearsal/performance space and I think that it is a gem. Yes, it is small and, no, it isn't wheelchair accessible, but it is a perfect location and size for intimate performances and smaller class sizes. The space is bright and sunny, has air conditioning for the one month out of the year that we need it, has ample mirrors, and Rosa is extremely flexible and fair. if you are looking for belly dance classes or a space to rehearse for your dance group, Bright Star World Dance is an excellent venue.

I was in Portland with 15 girls this weekend on a bachelorette party. Early in the week (so totally…read morelast minute) my sister and I decided to try and book a private Zumba class for our not-so-coordinated, but dance-loving bride-to-be. Communication was quick, courteous, and thorough, pricing was unbelievably fair, and the class was SO MUCH FUN. The space was also really nice, with exposed beams, etc. Andrea -- our teacher -- had a great sense of humor, was well-prepared, and the hour flew by. She made some great recommendations for where to grab a cocktail before and after, too -- we were in town to celebrate, after all! I highly recommend booking a private class with Andrea. She's LOVELY. It was such a fun change of pace in terms of the usual bachelorette party agenda, and we'll have some new moves to bust out at the wedding in a couple of weeks!

I'm from NYC and New Jersey, so I know all about dance studios (because I've hopped around as a…read morechild to a bunch of them in the most competitive state!). Trish's studio is as professional as it gets. The technique and skills she provides her students are top notch- more than what I've seen in some studios from the NYC areas. The kids are all wonderful and every class environment is exceptionally professional and safe for the children. Also important to note that I danced professionally and studied dance in school, so I know good technique. I wouldn't trust my baby and children with anyone else!

What a workout! I tried the Zumba class this weekend offered at the Dance Studio of Maine. It was…read moremy first time and it was awesome! I am NOT typically a dancer, and the instructor made me feel so comfortable. Great music, tons of fun, not too crowded. The studio offers a variety of dance classes for all ages - tap, ballet, modern, etc. They also just opened a music school (The Music School of Maine) which I can't wait to try.

I love Avant. I started their Zumba classes years ago and go nowhere else. They have great fun and…read moreenthusiastic instructors. They also do fundraising Zumba nights and theme nights where people are encouraged to dress up. (Love those-rep to protect now) Avant and their dance groups love to help out nonprofits and be at events of all sorts. They love to give back. I was a part of the Dance Mile this year that they played a big roll in through Portland! Can't say enough. They do Salsa, Ballroom, Hip Hop, Burlesque etc. so much. Try it ;) you'll love it!

Avant Dance and Event Center is a large, well-equipped event venue. The space is beautiful. Not…read moreonly is it a dance studio, but it has a glamorous ballroom, two sprung plenty of comfortable seating, room to mingle, a café for snacking. There is always plenty of parking, and wifi available. They offer a full spectrum of dance, from beginner to advanced, social to competitive ballroom dancing and zumba. Along with all the studio classes, they host dance parties with live music, guest DJ's and theme parties to make your dance life fun and free. Contact Avant Dance and Event Center. 865 Spring Street, Westbrook, Maine. (207)899-4211 or email: kristin@avantmaine.com

Many pleasant memories remain of our Maplewood Ballroom dance Centre experiences…read more With a keen desire to participate and dance again at this wonderful venue, we often check for when it will once again be available to the Ballroom dance community. Hopefully there will be a reopening!

The venue was awesome! The owners - not so much. I'm not surprised this place closed. I felt like I…read morehad to walk on eggshells to not break rules such as not being allowed to bring my purse in with me (I guess they thought I would smuggle in contraband like WATER), not to chew gum (she said it could drop out of my mouth onto their precious floor lol), no water fountains so step right up and BUY water, etc. I was waiting for my friends to check in and I had to go to the bathroom and she said because I had not paid yet she would escort me to the bathroom and back WTF. I guess she didn't want me changing into a disguise in the bathroom and blending in to the non-existent crowd to get in free? I also had left my street shoes there when I left (you have to change into dance shoes) and a week later I realized and called and NOPE! She said she didn't have them! I also took a class there and I got dizzy and went to sit ringside at one of the tables and she chastised me not to interrupt the lesson and sitting wasn't allowed WTF. The parking lot was full of potholes as well. with a decrepit old sign out front. The owner John passed away a few years ago who also used to be the DJ. When his wife and daughter took over this place went downhill especially with the unwelcoming attitude. I would love to see this place taken over by customer-friendly owners.

I tried a beginning hip hop class (Saturday 10:30am, $16 for drop-in) with instructor Meg. Meg was…read moregreat at introducing herself to all the new students to make them feel welcome. She was really friendly. I enjoyed her class. It started off (on time!) with some warm up moves, then moved to some ab work and stretching, we learned a combo, then closed with a cool down. The music selection was great and so was the pace at which the class was taught. Meg is super encouraging. They have a deal where if you bring a friend to your second class you both get in for free. So if any of you wanna join me for a little hip hop fun for free let me know!

Just started this Fall taking adult tap and hip hop. I may not be the greatest dancer but I'm sure…read morehaving fun. Mary (tap) is a hoot and for a beginner class it's not just about standing practicing shuffles. We are actually learning choreography and get a nice little work out to boot! And Missy (hip hop)... Wow. Lots of energy and fun. The studio has a nice selection of adult classes available. Just wish they had more than one night if tap so I could get in a couple tap classes a week (my only complaint!).

I'm no stranger to fitness classes, but I wanted to try something new & challenging. After hearing…read moreall about Barre and how great this workout is from my sister, I had to try it! Not only did I get a great workout in, but I had it with THE Rooted owner, Kristin! Kristin was so welcoming and warm, and she has the loveliest smile! The studio is a perfect size for about 15 people MAX. It shares a door with Market Street Eats, as soon as you come in, keep heading up! I like that Kristin is attentive to her students and makes corrections as needed, to help you reach your full potential. The class price runs on average as the rest of Portland fitness classes. $18/drop-in, or you can do monthly or class passes.

My girlfriend dragged me to this studio a year ago when we moved to Maine. Now I am a regular…read moremember. It does share a red door with Market Street Eats, so as soon as you enter, head upstairs. I attend the "yoga beats" class with the instructor Liz (who is amazing and full of energy), she has changed my perspective on yoga and still gives me a real workout. I highly recommend stopping in for a class for any visitors to Portland and Maine residents looking for something new. K and I love exploring the Old Port after our classes too, it is always an adventure.

Maine Repertory Theater is really the comedy gem of Southern Maine. It's located behind an…read moreunassuming door in the Pepperell Mill in Biddeford, down the hall from Portland Pie. It's easy to find once you go into the mill building. Just follow the signs. When you hit the door surrounded by posters and photos you're there. The theater is beautiful. Walking in will take your breath away. It is both open and airy while still being intimate. Maine Rep, as the performers lovingly refer to it, is home to the Chamber of Comedy, the premier comedy improv troupe in New England, as well as original comedy productions year-round. The Chamber of Comedy shows run most Saturdays and are absolutely hilarious. The production quality is top-notch, complete with professional programs, a full stage, and lighting designed especially for comedy improv. The rotating ensemble is comprised of the top improvisers from many other improv troupes in and around New England. They are made up of some of the funniest people in the region with backgrounds in stand up comedy, Second City alumni, sketch writers, award-winning comedy playwrights, and actors. Watching them come up with hilarious scenes on the spot, all while dressed to the nines really sets them apart in the improv comedy scene. They are both deeply funny and professional. The combination of the high-class dress juxtaposed with the side-splitting comedy really makes you feel like you're seeing something off-Broadway in Manhattan rather than in Southern Maine. Though they are well known for the Chamber of Comedy, they also feature multiple comedy events such as their Smarty Pants Trivia nights, Script Teased sketch comedy show, Maine's Next Comic, and Maine Rep Mysteries produced by Sleuths Mystery Entertainment. They also host outside comedy troupes such as the all-women You Should Smile More and the award-winning Yes & Co. The theater features concessions, mostly snacks and popcorn, sodas, wine, and craft beer, all reasonably priced. The shows are usually priced at $20 or less with the exception being their fully catered Maine Rep Mysteries. The theater's entryway/"lobby" area is a special treat. The walls are covered with quotes that really express the mission of the theater. As one quote says, "love always wins, laughter a close second." Beneath the quotes are black and white photos of the cast doing what they love on stage. You can tell that, to them, it is more than a theater. It's a home for the performers. Of special note is Maine Repertory Theater's Legacy Project. They encourage their patrons to bring a donation of non-perishable food items. At the end of each month, they divide and deliver the donations to the Biddeford Food Pantry and The Saco Food Pantry. They also donate 2% of every ticket sold to Habitat for Humanity - York County, and another 2% to Volunteers of America - Northern New England, and their ongoing work with Cabin in the Woods. They do this as a means to give back to their community. I wish other businesses would do the same. I cannot recommend Maine Repertory Theater enough. The quality of the location, cast, show, production, concessions, everything really shows the dedication to create something special. The pricing shows that they are going out of their way to make comedy affordable. It really is the Broadway of comedy in the region. You owe it to yourself to check it out.

This is a welcome entertainment venue in downtown Biddeford. Great use of the mill space - the…read moretheater is new with plenty of space, high ceilings and good views of the stage from every seat. Seats about 65 peope. Improv shows are well done and extremely funny with a good cast of comedians. Definitely worth checking out on a weekend.