It's difficult to find adult dance instruction in Austin geared towards the older dancer, but…read moreSynergy's Silver Swan ballet program does just that. Theoretically, one should be at least 55+ to enroll, but exceptions can be made! The instructor, Maureen Slabaugh, is certified by the Royal Academy of Dance to teach under their Silver Swans model and does an outstanding job of making the class work for both absolute beginners as well as dancers with some level of experience. Currently classes are offered two days a week. I enrolled two years ago and really wonder why I didn't find out about Silver Swans years ago!! I hadn't taken a ballet class in at least 25 years and I simply love it! Highly recommend.

I've been taking adult ballet (Silver Swans class) for 2 years and it has been a fantastic…read moreexperience all around. Maureen is a phenomenal teacher - encouraging and nonjudgmental when you need it, excellent with technical details and technique when you need it. It's not just a good workout, it's also REALLY good for our brains! Every class has something a little extra challenging to work our memory and keep us on our toes. The classes are structured like the ballet classes of my childhood - first the barre, then the center. Maureen is great at giving options for newcomers and experienced students, and making sure everyone is both comfortable and challenged. She is also really good at helping people modify if they are injured or need to take additional care. Synergy itself is staffed with cheerful friendly people and it's always a pleasure to be there.

I can't believe I forgot to write a review of this guy's class. Guess I was trying to forget the…read moreawful treatment and lack of professionalism I received from the instructor. Tony was incredibly rude toward me when I attended my first dance session with him. The other students were more helpful and polite than the instructor himself. I'm not the most coordinated person. I'll admit that and appreciate any person's patience when teaching me a sport or activity that requires a decent amount of coordination. I believe I was learning Polka or foxtrot at his class, but I was struggling with getting the coordination down since I was a first-timer. Tony was going about making sure that the students were on the right track. He looked frustrated that I wasn't getting it, and finally started to berate me. He asked me: "Why don't you understand how to do it correctly? Can you not understand English?" I was stunned and furious to say the least. He wrote me off as a foreigner unable to understand English based on looks instead of being patient like a teacher should be. I'm a native English speaker and was born in the US, unlike him, but saying something hurtful so casually like that wouldn't be acceptable even if the person wasn't a native English speaker. I've heard that South America had horrendous racial tensions, so I could see that Tony brought its racism with him when he came to the United States. If you're not an Anglo or Hispanic person, and don't have any experience with dancing, then expect Tony to say something rude when you don't understand his dance lessons on your first try. I excused myself and went to cry in the bathroom for a few minutes for the poor treatment. Then discreetly left the building. Lo and behold, the man had the gall to follow me to my car! He even positioned himself so that I couldn't slam my door without hitting him. He started advertising his other classes, and gave half-hearted encouragement since I was a beginner. As far as I'm concerned, the "encouragement" was too little to late when he burned a bridge by criticizing my English listening skills. I won't try learning how to dance again thanks to this man even if it's for my own wedding.

Tony has been a great dance teacher. I have been taking group lessons and private lessons for…read moresalsa for one month now and I have learned a lot of new steps and the technique of how to do the steps properly. He is very detailed in explaining how to do the moves in the most efficient way, starting from the very basics. The Sunday class where he teaches salsa, swing and country two step and Argentine tango is so much fun! I also like the Wednesday Batchata and Kizomba class. One of the best parts is when we go out dancing after class as a group to practice. I feel much more confident when I go out dancing then when I did before I started. I appreciate that Tony is patient and kind with all the students, no matter their dance level. Sometimes the more difficult or advanced moves take a lot of repetition, but he never makes us feel rushed. I have learned a lot in class -- even more than just dancing! And I recommend Tony's classes to anyone with an interest in learning partner dance.

Best studio to learn how to dance salsa and bachata in Austin!!…read more I really like how they have a belt system for their class progression, it motivates you to keep learning! Each class has a curriculum of skills to master. Their most popular day is Tuesday, when they offer both salsa and bachata classes for all levels. They also their dance social at 10pm that day. Shoutout to the instructors, especially Hannah, Michael, Morgan, Joseph, Kaitlyn, Marcus, and Favian - they are all fabulous! I would also highly recommend taking private lessons with them to accelerate your learning and get personalized feedback.

I really wanted to have a good experience here, but unfortunately my first visit left me feeling…read moreincredibly unwelcome. When I arrived, I went to the front desk, made a purchase, and signed up for the next two classes. I specifically explained that I was brand new. At no point was I told that one of the classes I had just signed up for was an advanced class that a beginner would clearly not be prepared for. That alone would have been frustrating, but mistakes happen. What bothered me much more was the complete lack of effort from the coach. As a brand-new face walking into an advanced class, I would have expected the coach to at least introduce himself, ask about my experience level, or give me some idea of what was going on. None of that happened. Not before class, not during class, and not afterward. Instead, I spent the better part of an hour stumbling around trying to figure things out on my own before eventually sitting down. And I didn't sit down because I simply gave up. There was a woman trying to record what I assume was content for social media, and I didn't want my confusion in the background ruining her video. The whole experience left me feeling like I simply wasn't supposed to be there. Ironically, the one person who actually made me feel welcome was Sarah, who I'm not even sure works there. She approached me on her own, introduced herself, told me about the place, and helped me figure out where I needed to be. If it hadn't been for her kindness, I probably would have left without staying for the second class. Unfortunately, the same coach taught that class as well. Once again, there was no introduction or attempt to speak to me before, during, or after class. I don't expect special treatment because I'm new. I do expect basic customer service, especially after I've explicitly told the staff that it's my first time. A simple "Hey, I'm ___, have you done this before?" would have changed the entire experience. I came in interested enough to make a purchase with the intention of becoming a regular and signed up for two classes. I left feeling invisible. Based on that first experience, I don't expect I'll be returning.

Dance Xplosion has been very supportive! For some backstory, I danced before Covid, but took a long…read morebreak afterwards due to a busy schedule. Coming back to ballet as a teen was tough, and I was struggling to find classes that would accommodate my beginner status and more advanced age (compared to the younger kids that would be in the same level) elsewhere. I was very pleasantly surprised when I called the lovely front desk there and learned that there was a perfect class for me! My instructors have been incredible and always kind and supportive, and I can't wait to continue dancing with them! I've grown so much as a dancer with this establishment, and it has brought so much joy to me! I would like to add that I once experienced a panic attack during class due to external stress with school, and the staff handled it perfectly and helped me out so much! They are also always willing to help with scheduling and leveling issues. I love this place and will continue to dance with them until I graduate in two short years!

I've been going to this dance company for a few years, and I LOVE IT. Everyone (employees, owners,…read morefellow dancers) are sooo sweet and helpful. I would definitely recommend.

We are going into our 4th year at Shirley McPhail School of Dance and our experience has been…read moreexceptional. Watching my girls dance at this studio has created memories that I'll cherish for the rest of my life. There's nothing like watching your daughter dance on a big stage in front of an audience in a beautiful costume! The instructors have been amazing to us. They have always made my daughters feel safe and well cared for. Everyone that we've met, from the owner, director, manager, instructors, and sales associates in The Dancers Den have been nothing but kind, welcoming, and helpful. My daughters are always excited to go to their dance classes. We also love the other dancers and families that we've met through SMSD! The directors of the studio put in so much work to make dance a wonderful experience for the dancers and their families. The recitals are phenomenal and they split them into 4 shows that are 1 hour and 15 minutes each, so you don't have to stay 3-4 hours to watch your child at a recital. To the wonderful staff at SMSD: we see how hard you work, and we appreciate everything you do for us! Thank you for fostering a love of dance in our children!

We have had the most wonderful experience at SMSD. Not only does our child talk about dance class…read moreevery week, we've really felt like we are a part of a family at SMSD. We've enjoyed every teacher and can't say enough about the management. I'd recommend SMSD without a doubt!

A welcoming environment for adult dancers of all levels. My journey began ambitiously with a Level…read more2 Beginner Ballet class, which proved to be quite challenging for someone who hasn't seriously done ballet since high school. Recognizing the need to build a solid foundation, I transitioned to Basic Level and Beginner 1 classes. After about six months of dedicated practice, I experienced significant improvement, making each session more enjoyable and rewarding. While I still aspire to join the Beginner Level 2 class, I plan to continue refining my skills, possibly through private lessons, before taking that step. I tried hip-hop for the first time with friends, in a month-long series culminating in a showcase. but I've also done drop in beginner, hip-hop and cardio hip-hop classes. I made some friends here, it is often the same faces that are loyal to certain types of classes and teachers. I love the Austin Dance scene. During International Dance Week, they offered $10 classes in various styles, including West African dance accompanied by live drumming--a vibrant and immersive experience. Additionally, their annual Memorial Day sale provides excellent opportunities for discounted classes and workshops. I think if it is your first time coming, you can do a class for five dollars or get two classes for $28. they have a small parking lot, but they also do offer to our parking in the Google building next-door for three dollars. It's more convenient if you have cash.

Unless you live downtown, getting there and parking for a class is a bit annoying. There are…read moreworkarounds, though. I don't care. The Pilates (reformer and mat) options here are worth any kind of trouble. I've studied reformer Pilates with three other instructors over the years and Vlada Sheber, master instructor and Pilates Program Director for Ballet Austin, made aching parts of me feel invigorated and ready to move. She gets what happens when you have a tinge of arthritis here, there or osteoporosis. I'm addicted already. I didn't need help in these ways, but she is also trained in teaching people after surgery, breast cancer patients, and more. Private or group classes? Check. Pilates for physical therapy? Check. There are several instructors with different areas of specialties, and they are beginning a new-to- reformer group class this week.

I have been taking dance classes at Balance for years and absolutely love it. Krista's classes are…read moretruly the balm to my soul -- I always walk out smiling and feeling better than when I came in. Also, a huge shoutout to Maria, who works so hard to keep the studio clean and welcoming and always greets students with a smile. The positive energy at this studio is something really special.

I came in for the 11am Aerial Silks Beginner class and had a bit of a rough first impression. When…read moreI walked up to the front desk in the main studio, the receptionist was looking down at her computer and didn't greet me. I stood there for a moment trying not to interrupt, but when she finally looked up she seemed visibly annoyed, almost like a "what do you want?" expression. I let her know I was there for the Silks class and she told me to go to the building across the parking lot. The interaction felt pretty short and awkward. Aerial Silks is already intimidating if you have no experience, so having this type of first impression really made me question if I even wanted to patron the establishment. That said, the class itself completely turned the experience around. Ashley, our instructor, was fantastic. She was super patient, encouraging, and kind. Aerial silks can be intimidating if you're new, but she made the class fun and approachable. I ended up having a great time and almost forgot about the front desk interaction by the end of it. If the front desk experience had matched the quality of the class, this would easily be a 5-star review. I would definitely come back for Ashley's class, especially now that I know I can go straight to the other building.

A wonderful variety of dance classes - not just ballet. Good step by step (all pun intended)…read moreinstructions. Spacious rooms.

I wish there were a separate listing for the Pilates at Ballet Austin. I have been going for a year…read moreand a half. I've had several instructors and they are all awesome. I just wish they stayed teaching here longer. Equipment is good. Reception staff friendly and efficient. I