I have been taking classes with The Cassandra School for about 8 years now and I am so happy to…read morehave discovered such an amazing Middle Eastern dance school that is so highly regarded. I started dancing in my adult life as an absolute beginner. Women anywhere from the ages of early 20's through 70's have been in my classes over the years. All of the instructors are professionals and have studied Middle Eastern Dance for many years, however the star of the Cassandra School is the founder herself, Cassandra Shore. Not only is Cassandra a marvelous dancer and choreographer, but she is also an amazing teacher, taking the time to break down movements and explain things so that you can work on developing the best technique. Instructors follow a curriculum so that dance steps and topics progress throughout the different class levels (levels 1-5). All the instructors are excellent and have their unique dancing and teaching styles. If you are looking for a workout, belly dance is a great way to stay fit as well. The first portion of class is stretching and toning exercises, much like Pilates. Beginner classes focus on base techniques and some musicality. Advanced classes are longer (2 hours) and can be a very good cardio workout. Classes are extremely reasonable considering the classes are 1.5 to 2 hours and cost only as much as most 50 minute to 1 hour yoga/pilates/social dance classes. The studio is a lot of fun to be around, it is a very friendly environment well suited to all levels. If you like Middle Eastern music, like to dance or have an artistic or creative streak, I highly recommend signing up for a class or a session to see for yourself how fun and inspiring taking classes at The Cassandra School can be.

My favorite thing about this place is the inclusiveness of all ages, body types, and level of dance…read moreexperience. From my experience as a beginner to more advanced levels, there has always been a range of bodies and ages from twenties to seventies. There have even been some belly men! Another big positive for me is that instruction is really grounded in a knowledge of and respect for the cultures behind belly dance. Especially as you become more advanced, you'll learn about different regional or folkloric styles of movement and music. Cassandra Shore is an internationally regarded dancer and you're truly learning a new art form. An example of art over fitness is that we practice moving with finger cymbals in every class. It's not always the most athletic thing, but it's awesome. In short, this isn't just about wearing sparkly tops, feeling sexy and getting fit (you could still do all those things, but that' s not the focus). That's not to say the instructors are uptight--they're extremely friendly and helpful and classes are always a lot of fun! You learn a lot of movements that are completely different from other forms of dance and you'll notice muscles you never thought existed. I have to disagree with something Kristen H. mentioned, though, about not wanting to jiggle your stomach to look like a fatass. I've actually learned to appreciate my jiggling from belly dance! Every woman's got something extra that moves, and while my instinct was always to hide that, from really focusing on wanting to get better at belly dance that changed. When you're doing something well, your body can make really neat jiggles and ripples that are rhythmic, that rise up from different parts of your body like waves. By the way, my name is Cassandra but this is not my school. I just take classes here.

I've only been here once but my goal is to go again, I'd like to even get private 1 on 1... Essence…read moreof Prodigy is a Hip HOP dance studio in Minneapolis, run by the man the myth the legend PaZzAz - Yup that's his name! I know what you're thinkin', 99% of the world does NOT have tattoos and piercings allover their body, and have the foggiest idea what they're doing when the beat starts playing, PaZzaz is one of those types... but I assure you.. i felt completely welcomed and felt part of an elite club. Now for the dancin'... if you're alot overweight I'd maybe go some place else. This place will rock you to your core. You'll leave wondering if your heart has ever beat that hard before. It's face paced. Extremely ALIVE. ANd INTENSE! A month pass is dirt cheap so you can go a few times a week and should be pretty bad a$$ by the end of month on the dance floor. The moves you learn are very aggressive. Hip hop hippy to the hip hop you don't stop move your feet to the rythemy rop. :-)~ S to the D Chacha is me. HA

Essence of Prodigy Dance studio is amazing. I've been going there for years and it never gets old…read more I love the down to earth atmosphere, and the choreographer PAzAZz is a true genius at work. The moves he comes up with is impressive and I always leave the studio with a sweat. Also, the music he plays is GREAT! Sometimes, I just go there to hear all the hot new hip hop and dance tunes. Check it out if you have not done so already. You won't be disappointed!

It was pleasantly surprised while visiting Minneapolis. I went to the Lindy Hop social dance. Only…read morecomplaint would be lack of airflow so it was really hot but wonderful community. I'll be back when I can.

Rebecca is great.! She has so much energy and excitement. I went to her swing and ballroom dancing…read moreclasses and learned alot! I'm terrible with coordination and rhythym, but through her help somehow made it through and learned some things. Completely recommend the studio and Rebecca as the instructor.!!!!!!

This community/studio grows primarily through word-of-mouth. It's a gem and I love their growing…read moreroster of instructors and core of familiar faces. They have a referral-for-refresher model, such that when you invite a new student to an Uptown Swing class, you are allowed to retake a class that you have already taken. Mondays, Thursdays, and now Tuesdays too. I really appreciate their 4-leveled curriculum model for actually progressing in skill; as others in the lindy world, it can be rather opaque to navigate how to become a more serious/skilled hopper, short of traveling to allll the conferences/swingouts around the world... The swing world comes to the Twin Cities each year thanks to Uptown! Hope to see you at Uptown Swingout this August...

Wow.. this place gives great lessons, or Peter does. I've taken years' of lessons in Chicago at…read moreGalaxie whose Nicole I LOVE, and also at Big City Swing, whose teachers some here at Uptown Swing know, it seems. Small community I'm sure. The low-down: while I was in intermediate classes in Chicago, I was decidedly in Beginner A classes at this studio. I might be able to advance to Beginner B at this point though my husband might need a repeat or at least for us to review Beginner A moves a few more times. The teacher Peter is quite fun, and Really Really Good. Not sure if this guy was a musician or what, prior to his 2-year-path to World Champion, but he knows his stuff. 4-stars so far only because I think he sometimes misses some simpler ways he could actually -teach- the moves, but, he definitely gives some good pointers. My favorite so far is "imagine you are bouncing a ball with your butt". Hilarious. :) The studio space is a little echoey, so it's sometimes hard to discern what anyone is saying. If dancers crowded IN closer to Peter a bit more, it might be easier to hear as well as to ask questions as we go through moves, as has happened in other classes I have taken [in Chicago]. I'm really looking forward to taking more lessons here. Looking forward to finding some local swing spots out in the wild in this new town, which seems un-easy so far.

Went for my first class today and I had so much fun! The songs chosen are great. The dance is a mix…read moreof many different styles and I definitely got a workout. The group was all women but not sure why men wouldn't like it too. There's great energy and positive vibes all around. Going to go again for sure. Such a positive experience.

I'm one of those people who is quite cautious about any kind of group exercise class, particularly…read moredance related. I was concerned I wouldn't be able to keep up with the moves or wouldn't have the stamina. But good news about Nia! The moves are pretty simple and fun. And it is an entertaining, uplifting workout. Definitely gets the chi moving without being over the top too much. Beth is a fantastic Nia instructor! She explains things well and is easy to follow. Beth teaches Nia at a few different places. Highly recommended way to get your dance on.