Great work-out spot for running, swimming, cycling, lifting... they really have a wide selection!…read moreBefore COVID, I loved going to their Zumba classes in the evening; hopefully they bring back those classes as restrictions lessen. Now, I make use of their 2nd floor indoor track and weight-lifting machines for cardio and strength training. They have treadmills, elliptical, and free weights too if that's what you're into. Clean surroundings, friendly staff, and good locker space just add to making this YMCA one of the best I've seen. The only reason it's not 5-star is because of how full it can get during busy times.

I cancelled my membership due to increased membership fees despite constant cuts in hours and…read moreservices. It is not the members' fault that the Y went into the red (blowing all its money to subsidize childcare) and poor leadership that services to members are constantly declining. Even after the Downtown Y failed, I remained a member (and paid during the Pandemic) in hopes that promises made would actually be fulfilled. As one of hundreds of former Y members that cancelled and moved memberships elsewhere, I sincerely hope things one day change with the leadership and culture of that enterprise. Joplin deserves so much better.

Solomon's Dance Studio is what is known as a recreational dance studio. This means they do not…read moreemphasize technique, instead they focus on preparing the students for their recital in the spring. This is not a pre-professional school, and your child will not be prepared to go into dance just from taking classes here unless they are profoundly gifted and highly motivated. Often the dance moves are technically inappropriate for the students because they have not been taught the basic technique that under-grids the maneuvers. Although they do "ballet" it is really more like jazz. You should be aware that the recital is the entire focus of this studio. Starting in September or October the classes will begin learning the choreography and will spend seven to eight months learning their dances, of which each class will have two, and some will have three. Costumes are ordered in December and recital fees are paid usually in February. A video will be made by the teachers and assistants available for purchase in February or March that students can use at home to help them practice their choreography. The recitals have been performed at Racine Christian Church because they have a large stage and auditorium. They are also filmed and DVDs can be purchased at the recital, delivered usually in July. The studio is a very family-values place which will provide a fun, safe, dance experience. The students are cheerfully taught, and each class has one or two older students who help out with the younger ones. No uniforms are worn, instead children are encouraged to wear something they like, as long as its appropriate to dance in. Shoes are required and are purchased by style in the fall to match what they will need for their recital in the spring. A used /free box is maintained that parents are allowed to go shoe shopping in to save costs.

Solomon's Dance Studio is a great place to take your sons and daughters for solid, fundamental…read moredance instruction in a fun, friendly environment. In addition to teaching dance skills, Solomon's concentrates on helping grow their students by teaching them to respect and to be respectable. They focus on fun, age-specific dance instruction that's never either inappropriate or competition-driven. Bottom line: Solomon's focuses on turning out young ladies and young gentlemen who can dance, rather than 'Cheerios'-style dance squad acolytes - and they love it! From a proud Dance Dad.