The Pretenders Studio

(17 reviews)

3.7 mi

Love this studio! Been going for about a year ish now. I used to go to studios on Melrose & Ventura…read moreexclusively but wanted something closer to the west side and this has been the perfect spot! Truly one of the most welcoming studios I've ever been to as well - it's the fastest I've made new dance friends at a studio before and the staff is so nice. They film the end of every class which is great, and sometimes they'll even bring in professional videographers for certain classes or pop ups. I typically go to Jingle's jazz funk and heels classes but have branched out recently to Kpop and other instructors and have always had a good experience.

My first time at this dance studio and it was a good experience! I came for a 6pm Kpop class taught…read moreby Ria on a Monday. I signed up online via a link from their Instagram and the website was pretty user friendly and I was able to get registered for the class I wanted. No sweat. Looking for parking can be tough as it's street parking only, so I came a bit early to ensure I was able to get a spot. Walking in, the interior was pretty cozy and it was smaller compared to other studios I've been to in LA, but not a bad thing at all! The person working the front greeted me and I told her it was my first time so she gave me a rundown of how the studio works. I appreciate the great customer service! They have a full front mirror, cubbies to store your belongings, a clean bathroom, and an ipad up front to sign in. The class was comfortable since there were people of different dance levels so it's not intimidating. I also liked that it wasn't crowded. The classes usually last for 1 hour and 30 min. I would definitely take a class here again in the future.

Final day of #Shinee #Lucifer at #FlowMotion with Tim, Janet, and Dana! @BryantCabrera

K-pop class with Ruby

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Kpop With Ruby

Dance Alive

4.6

(10 reviews)

0.8 mi

I feel that Marianne, the instructor and owner of Dance Alive has a very abrasive personality…read more When I was going through a hard time emotionally and needed to be quiet in the class she had been very insensitive and harsh. I really feel she's missing a sensitivity chip within herself. She can talk about combining the strong part with the sensitive part of one self, but the fact is she hasn't mastered that within herself and can be quite rough. I actually feel traumatized by taking her classes.

Dance Alive is AMAZING! If you're looking for a place to heal through movement, this is the one! I…read morecame for a class 6 months ago and have been going to every class since! The classes are fun and deeply nourishing. You get to move in different ways, different rhythms, alone and with others. Mariane, who created Dance Aive and leads the practice, is absolutely incredible! I always feel like I'm coming home to myself when I'm in class. Feels so good!!!

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Westside School of Ballet

3.6

(70 reviews)

1.6 mi

Locally owned & operated

Established in 1967

I understand that they have a constant flow of new students, so they're not fighting for new…read morebusiness, but they do such a disservice to prospective students and parents by placing them in incorrect levels after trial classes. I've heard from several other parents that their daughters were placed in "teen ballet" despite them having years of previous ballet training elsewhere and being much younger than 13. What a joke.

The teachers were amazing, the studio is beautiful and the times were convenient. They ey seem to…read moreknow what they are doing.

Westside School of ballet advanced dancers + Trainees with Los Angeles Ballet & WSB performed George Balanchine's Concerto Barocco May 2024.

The Nutcracker 2023 & 2024: with Special Guest Stars Tiler Peck & Roman Mejia.

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Body'n Soul by Rosalind

(9 reviews)

0.3 mi

I was visiting my daughter in Santa Monica and I also have a good friend who lives in the area and…read morethought I'd get the two together on a recent trip to LA. The local friend mentioned how she attended a dance/exercise class very near where my daughter lived in SM, so why don't we meet her there on a Saturday morning? She assured me that there were all ages of women, and even though it was a vigorous workout that "I could do it". Well I'm a bit "rubenesque" but I had been attending a gym 4 times a week and had dropped 10 lbs. And in my mind felt thinner and stronger....okay.... So with that my daughter and I showed up for Rosalind's Saturday morning 9am class. My daughter was in excellent shape and worked out almost every day. Well.... Let me tell you I certainly "did" get a workout and it was challenging but in a very satisfying way and yes, I was sweating bullets when I left after a hour and a half. Even my 22 year old daughter was impressed with the workout and my perseverance, and was proud that I made it all the way through (even with my arm flailing in all the wrong directions). I do feel sorry for all the women behind me, since my daughter and my friend insisted on being in front so they could see better. I was trying desperately to keep up and probably was one to two steps behind, so hopefully anyone trying to follow me gave up and used someone else as a guide who knew the class routine. It's a full body workout and my legs got probably the most from this hour and a half. I learned two days later I had muscles I never knew I owned! But even with being a pretty sore, as soon as I got back to the Bay Area I already missed this heavy duty workout regime. Because I knew if I had the opportunity to stick with Rosalind I could have really seen some improvement in area's I probably miss at my regular workout at the gym. I also liked the feel of the large vibrant group of woman all working out together in the big dance studio (really super nice place), I really miss that aspect of private class vs. just running on a treadmill and a few weights at the gym. For me personally I also favored having a mature teacher for a change, she was very knowledgeable, and spent time walking around with helpful corrections making movements easier. She also has a very gentle demeanor and a positive vibe about her that really flowed through the class. Oh well, it's too far away for me but if I lived in the area I'd definitely be back to challenge myself!

I've been taking Rosalinds class since I was 18. Now, I'm 38…read morewith a 4 year old and a 7 month old and if it wasn't for this class I don't know what I would do. Rosalind Understands a womens body. She focuses on giving us curves where we want them and keeping everything else long and lean. I can proudly say I can still rock a bikini comfortably and proudly thanks to this class. Aside from keeping me in shape, the music during class is awesome and my husband loves my body. Take this class, you' ll get quick results and feel great!!!!!

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LA DanceFit Studio

4.6

(311 reviews)

3.5 mi

Karma is an A-type personality who makes sure you get a lot out of the class, but she's also…read moreincredibly emotionally in tune, which is a rare and amazing mix. She makes sure you get the moves while also keeping the environment supportive, comfortable, and celebratory. I love when she gets so excited that she literally starts screaming because someone in class is going off. She celebrates people constantly, by name or even just noticing something they're rocking like, "Yes, GREEN JUMPSUIT!" Being the only guy in the class, I've never once felt isolated, judged, or uncomfortable about assumptions people might make about me. I've only ever felt celebrated. It was refreshing not having to navigate that in a public place. She encourages fluidity in whatever way feels right for you, whether it's super masc, super feminine, or somewhere in between. Her focus is helping you connect to your artistic dance spirit, and that's when you know you're doing it right. She also celebrates neurodiversity and really focuses on what the strengths are within that, while also helping people navigate certain challenges. Karma's class is more than just learning choreography. Watching her dance is witnessing powerful, raw, and inspiring artistry. When she demos, it honestly feels like a mini performance during class. Then when she dances with us right after, you feel like this epic backup dancer, and it inspires new moves and articulations within you. There's also a strong sense of community in Karma's class. She's built a culture where you not only bring self-love to the class, but appreciation and love for the people dancing alongside you. Someone might be doing a twerk, an offbeat wild move on their chair, or some epic crawl across the floor, and the whole class erupts with roaring encouragement. Karma encourages asking questions about the dance moves and routines. She absolutely loves them. But remember, she's an A-type personality, so be sure to raise your hand. ; ] She's also a motivational instructor because she's real. She doesn't say generic things. Sometimes she shares philosophies or lessons that helped her in life, and I've caught myself thinking, "How is this level of Impacting dialogue happening in a chair dance class?" It's a one-of-a-kind experience that involves a chair, saucy moves, and surprising moments of human-centered community, full of loving people hosted by the radiant Karma!

I took a Hip Hop 1-2 class with LaShawn and loved it! She had great energy and challenged us to…read morepush ourselves. I also appreciated her focus on hip hop fundamentals like popping and waving as part of our warmup. While I enjoyed the class, I think it would have been intimidating if it was my first time setting foot in a dance studio. I would encourage the front desk employees to greet first time visitors and give them a brief rundown of the space, where to place your belongings, what to expect from class, etc. A lot of the people in the class seemed to know each other already which just shows you how popular these classes are. I hope to return soon!

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Santa Monica Hip Hop Dance

(77 reviews)

2.0 mi

Working with Lisa for our wedding dance was truly one of the most special parts of our wedding…read morejourney! She has such a brilliant spirit--so thoughtful, kind, and genuinely invested in making the experience meaningful. What could have felt intimidating as complete beginners with zero dance experience quickly became one of the most joyful parts of preparing for our big day. We chose Brown Eyed Girl for our first dance, which isn't the most typical choice, and Lisa completely embraced it. She choreographed something that felt perfectly us--fun, natural, and achievable for beginners while still looking beautiful. She has an incredible gift for tailoring choreography to your abilities while helping you feel confident every step of the way. What truly sets Lisa apart is the care she puts into her work. She spent time outside of our lessons thoughtfully crafting and refining our dance, something we've honestly never seen another instructor do. Her attention to detail and genuine investment made us feel so supported. Lisa didn't just teach us a dance--she helped create one of the most memorable moments of our wedding. We'll be recommending her to every friend and family member with an upcoming wedding. She is truly one of a kind.

We cannot thank Lisa enough for the incredible experience she gave us while preparing for our first…read morewedding dance. From the very first lesson, we knew we had made the right choice! She has an amazing, fun, and outgoing personality that made every lesson so enjoyable. She made us feel at ease from the start, and it never felt like a chore--more like a fun and exciting activity we looked forward to every week. One of the things that stood out most was her flexibility. We had a lot of moving parts with wedding planning, but Lisa was always accommodating with our schedules. As a teacher, she is so patient as we worked through new moves. She really took the time to get to know us as a couple and choreographed something that matched our beginner skill level, while still being show-stopping for our guests. On the big day, our first dance was a hit! We've received so many compliments from our family and friends who were blown away by how smooth and elegant it looked. We couldn't have done it without Lisa. The dance lessons ended up being one of our absolute favorite parts of the wedding planning process, and we're so grateful for her guidance and encouragement. If you're looking for an instructor who will make your first dance both fun and memorable, we can't recommend Lisa enough. Thank you again for making our special day even more amazing! We love you Lisa! -Adam & Ariela

Santa Monica Hip Hop Dance Dance Parties for Kids - Teens - Adults

Santa Monica Hip Hop Dance

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Biginner Hip Hop Dance classes are great for learning the basics of Hip Hop Dance with Lisa Kellogg

West LA Academy of Dance

1.9 mi

REVIEW FOR ADULT CLASSES: I danced for the first half of my life, and then took a long hiatus. I…read morealways wanted to pick up dance again as an adult, but I was having a hard time finding a class I could keep up with as someone who hadn't been dancing for a long time. A little over a year ago, I saw that WLAD offers adult tap classes (a rare find!), I thought I'd give it a go, and I'm so grateful for the community I've found here! While WLAD is traditionally a studio for kids, I love that they offer tap, jazz, hip-hop, and ballet exclusively for adults, and in a completely non-judgmental environment (Heavy on the non-judgmental - EVERYONE is welcome, even if you're a total novice!). If you're even considering trying it out, I highly encourage you to come tap with us. I've been coming to Kistina's weekly class for over a year now, and I'm so happy to have dance back in my life!

I'm so glad we found this studio! My daughter absolutely loves her class with Ms. Kistina. She is…read morewonderful and patient with the kids and knows just how much to push them to make progress without it being too much! The winter recital is coming up and our daughter is so excited to be part of she show as an Angel in the nutcracker! It is so lovely that the little ones get to be part of the show and feel that they are part of a family of dancers. The studios owner, Ms. Mariah, really cultivates this feeling of belonging. I love the adult tap with Ms. Kistina! I started last year as a complete novice and look forward to my time there every week! Can't wait to try out some more classes, once the craziness of the holidays is past us.

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Arthur Murray Dance Studio - Santa Monica

4.8

(34 reviews)

0.1 mi

The best dance studio in town with top notch classes!…read more The owners are friendly, professional, great dancers, and just give that really fun neighborhood business feel you can trust! And, they have parking which is a major plus! You can't leave this place without feeling good. 5 stars all the way! *****

This place has turned into one of our favorite activities as a couple! We went in a few months ago…read moreto take some classes for our first dance. And honestly even after the wedding I don't see our love for this place slowing down. Everyone there is the sweetest including David who is the manager of the place. Our instructor Mya is the best there is and we love her! She's so kind and gentle with instruction, will never make you feel any kind of way when guiding you and honestly it's the reason we love Arthur Murray as much as we do! Thank you Mya!! If you're looking for guidance on your first dance or just want to learn more styles of dance couple or otherwise this place is the one for you!

Winners Most Loved Santa Monica Runner Up 2014

Venue

Entrance

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DOM Dancing Space

1.0 mi

Writing this review right after the class, so my brain is full of endorphins An Island full of…read moreinspiration, support, friendly faces, fitness, dancing and stretching very welcoming. Pole dance is an intense full body workout, that makes you stronger and more confident. And Dom is one of the best studios in LA. They focused more on the dancing and choreography, but there are plenty tricks classes as well. They also have the best trainers in town. And variety of classes like heels, tricks, stretching, floorwork and chair dance. Place to transform your body and your life. This place just makes me so happy

My dear friend, Melissa invited me to my very first pool dancing fitness class and it was an…read moreamazing experience instructor was absolutely so in point and corrected my form to make sure I was doing everything correctly. I highly recommend this dance studio.

Grand opening with the bestie

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Los Angeles Salsa & Bachata Dance Academy

(3 reviews)

0.2 mi

Alexis is such an amazing teacher for both new and experienced dancers!…read more Coming from a dance background, I appreciate her taking the team to actually teach you the technique, instead of just choreography (although we have plenty of that too!) Also, everyone in class is super welcoming and friendly. It's been awesome growing and learning with everyone the past year. Came for the dance, and got community too! Erik is the assistant teacher, and he gives great advice for leading. Followers will also learn what proper leading should feel like.

This isn't just a salsa and dance academy, it's a community. After a trial class, I signed up for…read morethe Salsa 1 series, bought some dancing shoes, and now smile when the group text lights up with where and when folks are meeting to dance around LA. I didn't know what to expect, but what I have found so far is exuberance, joy, and passion. Alexis is a masterful teacher and she breaks down the technical components into manageable parts for a beginner, while keeping the classes fresh with various "shines" to incorporate. The studio is warm and welcoming, as are all the other students. And there is street parking!

Rent our beautiful 23'x27' space for your next party, workshop, or event!

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Annenberg Community Beach House

4.4

(234 reviews)

1.4 mi

Annenberg Community Beach House has a great location and concept, but our experience was mixed. I…read morecame here with my daughter hoping for a relaxing afternoon of sun and pool time, and while it has potential, there were several limitations that made it less enjoyable than expected. Timing really matters here. It is best to come during off hours if you want any chance of getting a lounge chair to set your belongings down or take a break. When it is busy, seating is very limited and can get crowded quickly. The pool itself is not ideal for young children or anyone expecting a gradual entry. There is no graded or zero-depth entrance. Instead, you enter via a ladder directly into about four feet of water, with a rope separating this area from the deeper section. This setup may be fine for confident swimmers, but it felt less family-friendly than anticipated. Conversely, if you are looking to swim laps, this is not a lap pool. It is purely recreational. The changing and bathroom area is very open, and the showers offer no privacy. The shower water was also quite cold, which was not especially comfortable, particularly for kids. If you are expecting enclosed changing rooms or warm showers, this may be disappointing. Parking is public street parking only, paid at meters, which adds another layer of planning and cost. Overall, while the beach house is in a beautiful spot and can be enjoyable under the right circumstances, the lack of amenities, limited seating, and less-than-ideal pool and changing facilities make it hard to fully relax or recommend, especially for families with young children.

Cardboard Yacht Regatta at Annenberg Beach house pool What a…read moredelight. You make a cardboard boat and enter contest race at the pool annually

Pool deck/access to locker rooms

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Santa Monica Swim Center

3.9

(93 reviews)

1.0 mi

Awesome place to swim! Reasonable rates especially for Santa Monica residents. Have also taken…read moreadult classes and they are pretty descent. Above all, super clean and well organized

The staff are friendly, the facilities are clean and well maintained, the rates are very reasonable…read moreand the water aerobics classes are fun. I've met some very smart and kind people here, and it's family friendly.

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The Electric Voyage - Marina Del Rey

What a perfect afternoon out on the Marina. This experience was literally turnkey. Our boat arrived…read moreon the dot at our scheduled departure time. We were given a quick overview of the boat mechanics and safety equipment and boating etiquette. The boat was fully stocked with soft drinks and a phenomenal charcuterie that we were able to arrange as an "add on" and decorated for our friends birthday. This was a seamless and top notch experience. Adriana and her team clearly know what they are doing and are completely dialed in to make your day putting around the Marina as effortless as possible. You will not be sorry and should not hesitate to book your trip with The Electric Voyage.

Electric Voyage accomodated us on short notice with smiles and a beautiful boat. I can't give them…read morecredit for the perfect weather, but they absolutely gave us the perfect environment to enjoy it in. We've never cruised Marina Del Rey before, it's Great!

Dad birthday event

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Sundream Rentals

(38 reviews)

31.7 mi

The nicest staff, great deals, and a fantastic, budget-friendly way to enjoy a beautiful day!…read more Definitely a hidden gemand must do!

Loved this place. It was fun, easy to navigate and the whole process was smooth. None of us fell in…read morethe water. The harbor is safe and the boats were slow and alert so it was safe when we brought our kids. We got two hours and I purchased the sunset time so the water was absolutely beautiful. It was calm. It did not lead out into the ocean so there was no nonsense lol. I'll be back

You can get a boat or kayak

Gorgeous view

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Santa Monica Music Camp

If you are serious about your child's music education and are contemplating this camp, please read…read moreon. We had been excitedly about the Santa Monica Music Camp for my almost 6 year-old son, but the reality turned out to be far different from what was advertised. Before the camp, we as parents were asked to complete a form to indicate the child's instrument. I selected keyboard/piano because that's what my son had been playing since he was younger, and I thought this week at the camp would be a great opportunity for him to hone his existing piano skills. However, I found out later in the week that my son had actually been playing guitar, completely different from what I had signed him up. The problem lies in non-disclosure about the switch of music instrument from their advertisement materials or pre-camp forms. In *none* of the forms does it state that your child might play a completely different instrument than the one that the parent had indicated. I wrote to the director but received no response. One staff told me "whatever instrument the child wants to play, they can play that." One staff member pointed to the language on the website that the child can experience all sorts of instrument as the reason that they don't need to inform parents if the child switches the instrument than the one for which the parent had signed the child up. The staff do not ensure that each child plays 3 hours of music, as advertised: What drew us to this place is that on the advertisement, it states "your child will enjoy playing music 3 hours". This sounded incredible since many of us parents needed to cajole our kid to practice their instruments at home. But, what one staff member informed me was that, "if you child does not feel like playing the instrument, we don't make them play the instrument." Okay, I understand that it can be difficult to encourage a reluctant child to play an instrument, but there seems to be general lack of effort to encourage reluctant children to engage, to actual play music. I was told that if the child walks away during rehearsal, the staff will just let the child walk away and do other things. When I asked, "then it is possible that they could learn nothing because they are not practicing?" The staff responded, "Ma'am, this is a camp. If you want your child to learn something, you should sign up for our individual lessons." I was dismayed at the attitude of the staff member who kept emphasizing that this is a *camp*, effectively asking me to not have much expectation of what my child would learn from the music camp. It seems that they do not pay much attention to the learning objectives of the campers, unless we sign up for individual lessons. Recital: The music camp touts itself for the end-of-the-week recital. However, you need to be aware that your child might not be in the recital. First of all, no audience is allowed at the recital. Second, after the recital, along with the videos of the recital that the staff sends out, the staff email states that "If your child is not featured in the instrument recital, it is because THEY made the personal decision to opt out. We did not want to force any kids to participate if they did not want to." This needs to be made transparent and known to the parents *before* the recital and in the advertisement materials. Other things that I wished I had known before signing up for Santa Monica music camp: --Early care and late care/ AM-PM care (before 9 and after 3pm) It currently costs $10/hour. Sounds great and affordable. However, early and late care is literally TV-care! They have a large television area where the TV is on with a bunch of seats around it. And I see the early care kids all sitting around the television, with little engagement from the staff. Late care? Same thing. It should be renamed "TV-care." --General level of disorganization: The school makes a binder for every child. My child's binder was missing the first day, and no one knows what happened to it. I was promised that his re-made binder would have music sheets in it. However, the whole week went by without any music sheets. Overall, the reality is a far cry from the advertisement. Unfortunately, my son did not learn much from this experience. Even though it was one week, it was one week of precious time lost. If you have a child on the younger side (5,6,7), I do not recommend this camp for the reasons above. They seems to be understaffed to teach the instruments, and some (not all) staff do not seem to have the motivation to help re-direct the younger children. There were some staff member who tried to address my concerns, such as David, which I appreciate. However, there were other staff members who unfortunately do not have any expectations or goals for our children.

My son has been going to Santa Monica Music Camp for the last 3 years and loves it. He doesn't…read morewant to do any other camps. They have so much fun playing their music and learning theory in a fun and relaxed environment. They really get to enjoy learning music and playing their instruments without the stress and pressure of school. He is already looking forward to going again this summer. I love the added bonus of him getting so much extra Cello practice in. I barely have to bug him to practice over the summer! I highly recommend this camp if you have a child interested in music.

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Tongva Park

4.3

(153 reviews)

0.6 mi

Amazing park with Summer Concerts. This is a really nice…read morevenue and if you're in the area, such as going to Chez Jay Restaurant or the Santa Monica pier you should definitely check it out. Excellent . If you're in the area, I definitely would check this out. It's very close to the Santa Monica pier

We visited this park as part of an event with Active SGV. I loved how the environment was so…read moreserene, clean, and well manicured. We were there in the early mid-morning and listened to a talk about the watershed preservation. I was impressed with how clean everything was and most especially the restroom. They were super clean, well maintained, and well lit. Me and my daughter felt safe. I was surprised to note that when we returned later in the day that there is an attendant available to answer questions or provide support. This place is a winner in my book.

Welcome to Tongva Park.

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8 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Lael L.

14 years ago

It saddens me to post a critical review of The Pretenders Studio, but I feel obliged to do so in the hope that it might spare others the same experience. In January my daughter enrolled in a beginner/intermediate modern dance class -- the only such class offered for her 8-10 age group. I was thrilled when she told me how much she enjoyed the class. After just a few lessons, I could already see the surge in her self-esteem. Building self-esteem, of course, is a goal clearly identified in The Pretenders' mission statement. Ironically, what soon transpired did just the opposite. When Pretenders founder Lisa G. called and left a voice message on my answering machine, she implied that my daughter had trouble keeping up with the class -- a class, by the way, that had been meeting for months before we joined. Her proposed alternative was a newly minted Modern/Ballet class (a curious catch-all) that was to meet on a different day. (It was as if my daughter had been offered a ticket to the Island of Misfit Toys.) Unfortunately, my daughter's schedule did not permit her joining the other class. The other alternative, Lisa added, was private lessons -- at our own expense. I have no objection to the need to assess students based on their respective skill sets. However, to allow a student to join a class midway through the year -- without requiring an audition -- and then, belatedly, to suggest a transfer to a more rudimentary class comes across as frankly disorganized, if not punitive. Once my daughter got wind of the studio's intention to relocate her -- it was perhaps not the best choice to leave a potentially troubling message on a home answering machine -- she began, understandably, to wonder about her abilities. Questions swirled in my head too: Why couldn't she stay in the class she enjoyed? If she was lagging behind (which was apparently news to her), why couldn't the teacher have given her a little encouragement? Why couldn't we videotape a lesson and practice at home? And more importantly, why couldn't this have been prevented in the first place? Instead of trying to arrive at a mutually beneficial solution or reassuring us of our value as clients, the studio management seemed happy to see us go. If at any time The Pretenders management had dropped its defensive rhetoric and intractable posture, we might have been able to come to a resolution. In retrospect, I might have been able to anticipate this treatment during one of the two showcases I attended the preceding year. The first of these was marred by disorganization; the second, by a bizarrely self-serving prologue that gave little consideration to pacing or the needs of the audience: The winter recital was preceded by a sweat-inducing 30-minute wait in the cramped, stuffy, oxygen-deprived lobby of the Santa Monica YWCA. By contrast, the entrance procedure for the spring recital (at a school auditorium) was an improvement, but the already bloated program was ill-served by Lisa G.'s lengthy monologue and an interminable slideshow that was in desperate need of an editor. Once upon a time, before its expansion a few years ago, The Pretenders offered an intimate, supportive environment for students to blossom and thrive. That possibility may still exist (the studio's well-publicized work with the Claire Foundation is a testament to its capacity to do good). But it will surely need to reevaluate the way it treats its clientele if it is to prevent further such rifts and misunderstandings. Incidentally, it would not surprise me if The Pretenders soon tried to prompt its clients to post positive reviews in response to this one. Yelp readers, be alerted. read more

Pilar M.

16 years ago

This studio is hands down the best dance studio in Santa Monica! I have been dancing since i was in Preschool and not one of my past dance studios can compare to The Pretenders Studio. Every wednesday and Friday afternoon i look foward to entering the studio doors, and being welcomed in to the studio as if it were my home and the staff were my family. The staff is amazing. They are people- friendly, professional and you can tell, they love what they do. Their passion for teaching dance has helped me become the dancer i am today. The teaching styles all vary but are all great. The teachers make sure that every student does the best of thier ability and encourage them to take everything to the next step. They also make sure that no one is left with questions. I think that its the teachers attitude and love to teach dance, that makes taking dance at this studio a blast! As for the environment, the studio has created an airy, open, relaxed, friendly yet professional environment. If you are looking for a great dance studio, The Pretenders Dance Studio is the place to go! I promise you wont be disappointed. read more

Jaclyn H.

14 years ago

I truly cannot give this studio enough praise. I am a mom of two and have tried every dance studio, karate studio, art class in town. Finding The Pretenders Studio has changed our lives! My girls have never been happier. Since starting classes at TPS, I have watched them blossom, not only as little dancers, but as confident, radiant people. The staff is professional, kind, caring, treats each student as an individual and are all very well trained and experienced. The owner, Lisa (who we call the "child whisperer!") makes sure the students understand the importance of community service, as each performance is connected to a hands on giving project. My kids are learning so much more than dance. They are learning to be better, happier, more aware individuals. As a family, we look forward to seeing our girls beam onstage at the end of the year. This studio has a place for everyone (all ages, levels, shapes and sizes.) I urge you to read the filtered reviews on here. It is a shame that they are hidden, because they echo my sentiments. read more

Jamie L.

13 years ago

Really like this studio. Beautiful facilities, friendly staff, and a family owned business. As an adult, I love Amanda's yoga classes - I've gotten a lot of great tips and pointers that have helped in my practice! I also really love how involved this studio is in the community. Almost every show they do has some sort of charity component, and the kids and staff are really involved in giving back. I think they've raised something like $50,000 over the past few years for various causes! Talk about instilling good values and lessons to last a life time (and the exact opposite of "Dance Moms.") I'd recommend this place to any adult seeking a fun change up to their exercise routines (the personal trainer there, Brittany, will kick your butt into shape in just 30 minute sessions!) or parents wanting to take their kids to a place where they learn to be good dancers and people. read more

ross f.

14 years ago

This place is great. Family owned, family run, the Gumenicks are all very positive influences on both of my young girls. We have been going here for about 6 years. Roots. The Pretenders Studio is why my daughters love to dance. They dance all the time. Sometimes, they dance when there is no music. They won't stop. It makes me laugh out loud. Lisa has also taught them the importance of giving back to the community. They do charity fund raisers all the time. Charity work is now ingrained in my kids values... This studio has a "dance is for everyone/positive body image" vibe that is just great. It's not competitive, and you won't be seeing it on "Dance Moms" or whatever that ridiculous show is called. Just a lot of smiles, hugs and high fives going around. read more

Kara C.

16 years ago

I have been taking class at Pretenders for about 2 years now and absolutely love it! I found Pretenders online after moving to LA from the East Coast and was nervous to try a new studio. The staff are extremely friendly and welcoming and I felt at home instantly. The new location on 16th street is an amazing space and the class schedule has a great variety. I have taken Adult Dance Stretch with Jamie for the past two years and recommend any of her classes. I have also taken Adult Jazz with Ginger and Adult Modern with Alyssa on occasion and loved these classes as well. The teachers are great, parking is easy, and the studio is adorable! You will love this place! read more

Amanda M.

16 years ago

The Pretenders Dance Studio is an AMAZING place! The teachers are friendly, the space is gorgeous and there is a wonderful sense of community. My three year old daughter just started ballet with Miss Lisa and we both absolutely adore her; The other day she called Miss Lisa her best friend! I am so grateful I found this place! It's so rare to find a studio like this where there are equally exciting classes for children and adults. I LOVE the fact that there are adult fitness classes that run at the same time as the children's dance classes for the mom's to exercise at the same time! read more

Julie M.

187

16 years ago

I've been taking Amanda Meehen's Saturday 11:30 Am YOGA class for a while now and she is wonderful. She is really able to cater the class to what each student needs. Her energy is warm and gentle and I leave every class feeling refreshed and energized:) read more

The Pretenders Studio - theater - Updated August 2026

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