This was a spur-of-the-moment activity, but a friend of mine wanted to try a ballet class to see if…read moreshe might get back into dance as a hobby. Another friend had taken classes at this academy before and highly recommended it, so the three of us booked an Introduction to Ballet class on Sunday at 12:00. Check-in was quick and easy. The class was $25 for an hour and a half, which I think is very reasonable considering it's from an actual ballet school. There's no strict dress code, which worked out well since none of us owned ballet attire -- we just wore regular workout clothes and socks, and it was perfectly fine. The instructor was wonderful. She started by asking who had never taken ballet before, then positioned the newer students between people with experience so it would be easier to follow along. I really appreciated that, as I have no dance background and definitely found myself lost more than once. Having people around me to follow made it much less intimidating. The class itself was energetic and fun. The instructor was patient, encouraging, and made sure to keep things approachable for beginners. I'm sure my form was atrocious and I messed up plenty of times, but nobody cared -- the atmosphere was supportive and welcoming, and everyone was just there to enjoy themselves and keep trying. The class had people of all different skill levels and abilities, and it felt very inclusive. Overall, this was a great introduction class, especially for someone nervous about trying something new. I never once felt self-conscious, and I genuinely had fun. I'd highly recommend this academy to anyone looking to take dance classes, whether you have experience or not. If I were interested in pursuing ballet, I would definitely come back.

The two stars are for the few good teachers in the adult division. I wouldn't recommend the school…read moreat all. The instruction tends to be very very bad. You'd be better off trying another school altogether.

This review is for all the folks who haven't tap danced in 20+ years... you know who you are…read more Yup... you sure do. Perhaps we told ourselves after that back injury that there was simply no use, there was no way we'd be able to hop around anymore, much less create an actual sound that didn't sound like hooves (at a slaughterhouse). We threw out the leotards and tights years ago. They wouldn't have fit our larger, aged bodies anyway. Besides, we hated them, they never quite fit anyway. But for some reason we couldn't throw out the tap shoes. We loved our tap shoes. And so, they sat, in the back of the closet. Why? Because, in the back of our minds we thought maybe... and then we talked ourselves out of it... but still we wondered... but nah... there's simply no way. NO WAY. NO WAY IN HELL. Until one day... we decide to challenge ourselves. Because deep inside, we needed to see if all was lost. I mean, our body literally twitches when we watch others tapping on tv, the muscle fibers still trying to do what we KNOW we used to do. We have a an actual iTunes Playlist dedicated to "great songs to tap to". We secretly lie in bed trying to remember old combinations. We stalk and save OTHER PEOPLE'S tap dancing videos from Facebook.... we need to challenge ourselves... because of all of this. And because we LOVE those tap shoes. We decide to commit to the challenge, to see if we can handle 5 minutes of it (or 10 minutes... or...?!?) ... and so we make our way to Max McGuier's Adult Beginner class at The Bridge for Dance. Just getting up those 3 STEEP flights is like the ultimate test... the Mt Everest of 20 years of repressed non-tap-dancing. The Machu Picchu of Tap Dance Dreams. We're gonna make it-- HUZZAH!! Our left knee clicks with every step. Screw it... we're gonna DO THIS, you OLD BAG!! Max's sunny disposition can easily light up a room, and he has tough competition because The Bridge is SOOO sunlit and inviting... it is actually a BEAUTIFUL space. None of those repressive, dungeon-y, dingy-windowed, flourescent lit, musty, sweaty, smelly, loud, snotty basement studios that we were used to. YOU KNOW THE ONES. THIS is different, and inviting, and NORMAL, the way a neighborhood dance studio should be, and the other folks in the class... just as warm and friendly, humble and open. It is obvious, we ALL feel comfortable INSTANTLY. There's an instant camaraderie and everyone is supportive. I literally couldn't ask for a better circumstance all around! The acoustics are wonderful... my taps sound like bells, and it is NOT because of me. The wooden floor is PERFECT for tapping. The AC is pumping (another concern that I had... no fears-- it works!!!). There are actual plants growing... greenery... and there's space for them AND us. There is space to MOVE!! (Now if only I could find a space to belt a high C in NYC.... but that's a quest for another day)... Max is doting, personable, gives everyone individual time, he's relaxed and humorous... he drills us on all the basics and then pulls it all together for a combo at the end. He inspires, and is a literal JOY to be around... he makes you want to DANCE, and when you screw up, he asks how he can help you. And he really means it. (Note to self: my mental-computer processing was circa Apple Mac 1996, but my pullbacks were flawless!!!) I am sooo grateful for Max's understanding, smile and energy, as well as The Bridge's warm and inviting atmosphere and crowd... It felt sooo good to think I aced my challenge. After 20+ years, those tap shoes were dug out of the closet and used!! I tolerated the entire hour and I WALKED HOME (I didn't hobble!) afterward.... ... and I will MOST DEFINITELY be back!

This studio is a hidden gem on the Upperwest side of Manhattan!…read more The Bridge for Dance has wonderful dance classes for children and adults in a variety of disciplines, the most professional and wonderful teachers in a more personal neighborhood establishment. With over ten year in the neighborhood, the Bridge for Dance has established themselves as a unique Upper west side studio, housing professionals in the field for rehearsals, performances, music video shoots, and more! www.bridgefordance.com

I really wanted to like this studio more than I do, unfortunately. Similar to what some other…read morereviewers have stated, it's not the most organized operation. A few of the classes/instructors are really great (Mimi and LG, for example), but I generally found it really distracting how MUCH all the instructors talk so much during the classes. It's really hard to focus/concentrate; that might be fine for some people but I had never encountered a yoga studio like that before. Finally, the studio space is not always that clean.

Spring Cooper is an excellent teacher and we had such a dynamic class. Not only did I learn a lot,…read morebut I was challenged, received helpful feedback, and had the type of environment you like to have out of a group class. Plus, the studio is newly renovated and is a gorgeous space to practice in! Very clean as well; would highly recommend.

I've been using El Taller on a weekly basis since January 7th, 2018 and we have found the staff and…read morethe space to be perfect for our weekly use. We use the space for a weekly church gathering (Meta Church), which means we have set up, live music, kids spaces, and tear down every week and El Taller has been nothing short of accommodating and helpful! Bernardo (El Taller's founder and director) has been very welcoming to us, and on multiple occasions has shared how much he appreciates us bringing awareness to the gallery and what they do. Alejandra (the office manager) has been extremely flexible and provided whatever assistance we've needed. As I mentioned, we use this space every week for church, but beyond our church gatherings it's incredible to see the various artists and exhibits they invite into the space. It's been incredible to see the community aspect of El Taller and the value that it's provides to the neighborhood. It empowers local artists while serving the community at-large in a multitude of ways.

El Taller provides a supportive environment where you will be surprised to find yourself speaking…read moreSpanish on the first day even if you have no previous experience. You will learn how to speak in spite of your fears and hangups about sounding foolish because the instructors will love you into speaking Spanish. If you want to study Spanish with artists, musicians, and thoughtful human beings who care about their neighbors and the world, you will feel at home here.

I called the studio to inquire about booking my daughters 2nd birthday party and the women quoted…read moreme $700. I then called back after seeing rates on hourspace for $35/hr. I asked her about the ad and she replied "so". I asked her what did she mean by that and she told me I read the ad wrong and I called to buy her space not to discuss her attitude. What a rude bitch and please excuse my language as I usually do not post reviews on businesses. And then she said she will hang up the phone on me. I am so glad that I did not pursue this venue for my child's party. Very unprofessional and very money hungry! Would not recommend anyone to consult this place for anything !

Black River dance Studios, Located at 345 Lenox Ave NY, New York 10027. This Business is Horrible…read more The owner Jessica Had stolen my money for my Children's fashion show event schedule for March 14 2015. I gave her a deposit of $750 dollars. I was schedule to have two rehearsal dated for Saturday March 7th and Sunday March 8th both 3 hours a piece 3pm to 6pm and my event for Saturday March 14th. On that Saturday the 7th Jessica had double booked us with another party who also had a contract for both floors at the same time and the same floors as my rehearsal. Because of this over booking the party upstairs became very rude to my guest and physically bumping my child models and their parents and they also took the initiative to verbal abuse my clients as soon as 6pm reach in order to speed up the process of them leaving. I tried to reach Jessica about the matter who wouldn't answer her phone or call me back. On the following day that Sunday I was supposed to have both floors to rehearsal Jessica's son (whom I ask not to be present around my Clients even before signing my receipt and doing business with this company because of his rude manner and Jessica reassured me he wouldn't) past me his phone with Jessica on the line who had cursed at me numerous times and threaten to cancel my event if I didn't give her more money than the remaining balance we had agreed and signed on, just because she didn't like the fact that I was demanding both floors as was promised to me. Also she had wanted the remaining price that day (a week before our original agreement) or else I would not be having my event and I would not be getting whatever remaining balance back. After hanging up the phone on me and not giving me a chance to speak, I had tried calling Jessica numerous times. It wasn't until I called for a business partners phone had I gotten in contact with her and once again she threaten not to give me my money back and also charged me high rates for my rehearsal time when she is listed online with prices that are clearly way lesser onhourspaces.com(where I found her and all the studios I rent from). Please I need help with this Situation I was forced to cancel my event yesterday because of short time to find another venue and I lost a lot of money and clients because of it. I had to reimburse for tickets sales and vendor space which cause me to lose money also I lost money on a deposit for my Disk Jockey, celebrity host and staff. I was told that Jessica doesn't even own the property, that she is the care taker. If I could get in contact with the true owners and inform them of what their employee is doing that would be much appreciated before I take this court and sue. I have also read about her reviews on popular websites such as yelp. Com, there is a long list of complaints about this women. I wish I would have done this before. Please someone help. Help Thank You. PS Here is the Link to this studios rental price on hourspaces and the yelp page of complaints and this studio goes by many names The dance Center Of Harlem and Black River Dance Academy. Yet they are not list on better business Bureau. Please BEWARE. http://hourspaces.com/details.php?ID=60/ http://www.blackriverdanceacademy.com/about.html http://www.yelp.com/biz/black-river-performing-arts-studio-new-york

This review is actually about the Company's debut of "The Cookout" City Center last night was full…read moreof dance enthusiasts and some very important members of the dance community; i.e., Sylvia Waters. It opened with The Cookout. Let's just say....It was a cookout that I would have left early....before the ribs were done and the potato salad came out. The dance came off tentative and not strongly executed. The movements seemed effortless and not very challenging. With songs like Bra and Movin by Brass Construction....I expected some powerhouse stand-out performances and felt disappointed. At first I thought it was just me but when the dance ended, my best friend said...."that looked more like a rehearsal". The costumes did not do it for me and I think this should have involved more dancers in vinettes telling different stories you would see at at cookout...."The drunk Uncle" The dancing Auntie that turns up......young folk crazy dances all interpreted through modern jazz and ballet. Even the sexy male lead dancers ...(and did I say SEXY) could not save this lackluster dance. This was clearly not DTH's lane. Like when Ailey did "Home" paying Homage to the Paradise Garage days paired with the aids crisis....I felt that all through my body...it connected and certainly resonated with everyone. The other three DTH pieces were brilliantly executed and beautiful to watch. This was truly their lane. All of the Principle dances were absolutely amazing!!!! Kouadio Davis' presences is captivating as well as Derek Brockington. Elias Re has the most beautiful long arms making his extensions memorable. Wanted to see more of this dancer. Carly Greene was FABULOUS!!!!!!!

Good news! The Dance theater of Harlem dance company returns!…read morehttp://www.dancespirit.com/2012/10/the-return-of-dance-theatre-of-harlem/ There is no other dance company like them in the world! When I was a dancer I had friends in the company and used to watch them in person all the time at New York City Center! They can't be compared to any other company especially no other African American company. They are in a league of their own! They outclass any other NY company with a diverse repertoire. That is not my opinion that is undisputed in the dance world! Virginia Johnson an original dancer and my favorite of DTH is now the artistic director! So with her as the director you can expect the same level of excellence! Here is their touring schedule. http://dancetheatreofharlem.org/touring Touring and dancing are really tough on the body so most touring companies do their best work in their home town! They are doing their New York City debut at the Joyce theater. http://www.amsterdamnews.com/arts_and_entertainment/dance-theatre-of-harlem-the-saga-continues/article_66bab5da-52af-11e1-90a1-0019bb2963f4.html

Melissa the director is very unprofessional and rude. I do…read morenot recommend bringing your child to this astablishment.

As NYC began to get its first "real" snow of the season; I braved the storm and attended the Winter…read moreMusic Festival in conjunction with the Afro-Latin Jazz Alliance at the HSA. With a colorful backdrop of student artwork on the walls; the performance Friday night with Arturo O'Farrill and the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra featuring John Santos was stimulating, cheerful and inspiring. The concert was an excellent combo of big band, heritage, and technique. The standout piece for me was "Caravan", the band's tribute to Jazz Royalty (Duke Ellington). Arturo's energy ignited rhythmic hand clapping and shouts of approval from the audience. The abundance of talented soloists within the band certainly explains why the collective is so powerful. Let's support this art form; it deserves a special place in Jazz history!

I just went to see them last night and was blown away by the storytelling, the creativity, the…read moretechniques, the dance. It was all amazing. I loved that the cast was so diverse, I truly feel that was one of the best parts. They only reason I gave it a 4 is because of some personal things I disagree with, Particularly the over sexualized performance. As someone who loves her Spanish Hertiage, I feel people always think that being hispanic is about being sexual and the beauty of our musical and cultural heritage is far greater then the sexuality. I would love to be able to bring some school kids but its definitely not appropriate at all. BEWARE: NOT A KID FRIENDLY PERFORMANCE!

I have been coming here for a few years now for my daughter and I'm a bit surprised at some of the…read moreother reviews that were posted. The schools provide workshops for parents to learn how to do their child's hair and they have strict uniforms for all their classes. I wouldn't second guess an educator especially in something I know nothing about. This is a great school that teaches the discipline, the art, and the love of dancing for the whole family.