This is an update on my February 24, 2025 review…read more Everything I wrote last year still holds: Go Dance is the best ballroom dance school and studio in Knoxville and east Tennessee. All of the instructors are fantastic, and our experience with Shayne Collins has been unbeatable. Shayne is knowledgeable, patient, and professional. You can't go wrong with Shayne and Go Dance!

High price, pressure sale, very green instructors, is the hallmark of this studio, a poor…read morecombination for any dancer seeking to evaluate the studio prior to making the decision to join the studio . Since I had paid the first package "conditio sine qua non" to start the trial, I gave the benefit of doubt to my instructor, who disclosed to me --during lessons --that he was prepared for Smooth dances, not for my choice: the International Style. The instructor was very polite and showed a pleasant attitude during every one of my lessons, but needed to view and study the videos on his cellular phone, prior to teaching me each figures. This repeated with every figure. I was given no choice prior to the start the first lesson as to which instructor would be imparting my lessons. Indeed, my request to sit and observe a lesson, was met with an absolute refusal. I had to make the financial commitment prior to discovering who my instructor would be if I wanted to take lessons there. I was assured that my instructor was prepared for the International ballroom style. Since this was the only studio in Knoxville - at the time (other studios had closed due to COVID) stating to be prepared to offer lessons in the International Style Ballroom Dances, I decided to give it a trial, for my previous instructors were (and still are) in the Atlanta, GA area, and the traffic there is comparable to that of the 405 in Los Angeles... As it turned out, the Go Dance Studio of Knoxville, TN, favors the American Smooth style, not the International Style, the style I had requested when I first entered the Go Dance Studio. I can - in all honesty- state that I was sold a service the studio was not prepared to offer. I do not consider this a professional way to do business. The studio did not offer another instructor as I requested, because the studio did not have any instructor versed in the International Style of Ballroom Dances. Please, note that I have trained with some of the best professional dancers from 2013 to 2019, I have competed with grade A dancers, and I have been coached by world finalists, who themselves competed (at the time I was receiving instruction from them) against the world champions in International Style Standard and Latin dances, and placed second and third in every dance against the World Champions, in Orlando Florida (and other USA cities). I mention particularly only this city, because I was fortunate enough to actually attend those events. I am in no position to evaluate the Go Dance instructors's expertise in the American Smooth dances, although I have competed at the Bronze and the Silver levels in NDCA sanctioned events in American Smooth dances, but, I would have expected that a reputable studio would have informed me - at the onset - that the studio was not prepared to offer classes in the International Standard and Latin Dances, and perhaps encouraged me to train in the American Smooth and Rhythm dances.

Waldo and Jacqui are spectacular teachers! They explain everything clearly and truly help you learn…read morethe dance styles in a way that makes it natural to get the hang of the next thing. They've created a great community around them that is welcoming and very fun to be around. The bootcamps are awesome and a great way to get started! The weekend parties are a lot of fun as well!

Salsaknox is so much fun! I joined because I wanted to get some exercise and have fun at the same…read moretime. I am hooked! You'll love Jacqui and Waldo the two instructors. They are amazing at teaching, providing special lessons and social events. Best of all, we are a salsa family! We're there for each other.

My husband and I were very pleased with our lessons at Let's Dance. Our instructor Steven was so…read morekind, patient and personable. We just retired and moved to Maryville. We had only ever danced twice (as in two songs) since we met 30 years ago. So we are complete beginners, and my husband has always had a "fear" of dancing. : ) I'm happy to say Steven made our lessons painless, even fun. And he went at just the right pace, with plenty of repetition and review. Now my husband and I will be able to dance on our upcoming cruise, and hopefully at some other gatherings, as well. Thank you, Let's Dance!

We took lessons for several months and enjoyed them. We paused our classes for a vacation and then…read moresome other very private things happened in our lives and we Could no longer attend. We spoke with our instructor several months later (but we were on hold) and relayed our wishes to discontinue and receve a refund for our remaining lessons. We were told NO that to much time had passed. I messaged one of the owners Beth and she didn't even have the courtesy to acknowledge my message with a response. I know she read it because it showed as read! When they're trying to sell you a package they will say it's all totally refundable, "we don't want anyone here that doesn't want to be here" direct quote from Beth. Well evidently they do because they have refused to refund us for more than half the lessons we paid for. I'm not talking about a couple hundred dollars either. The lessons are very pricy over $2k. We were told to try and sell the lessons ourselves. Who could we possibly sell them to? Couldn't they sell them to the next couple in line for Bronze classes? That being another reason we couldn't enjoy taking weekly lessons, we were constantly being nagged to bring people in. It kinda takes the fun out of it when you have a someone who is constantly nagging you to nag your friends. Anyway long story short be very cautious when giving them your money. Make sure you're committed to months of lessons because you'll never see your money again!!!

I recently attended my first adult hip hop choreography class with Michael Galyean at Knox Dance…read moreWorx and it was such a fun experience. Preregistration for this specific class is not required. Show up, check in, pay for the class (very reasonable charge) and dance! The studio is located off Lovell Rd on Outlet Dr. I did not see a big outdoor sign but the studio name/logo KDW is located on the front door. The class took place on a Friday night so there were not a lot of other people there or classes. Let me state that I am not a dancer and never was. I'm familiar with group aerobics classes but this class was different because you learn choreography for one song. It's not specifically a fitness class but you definitely get a workout from the dancing and an ab workout from the laughing (also a brain workout from the coordination needed.) This was my first class and I felt very welcomed by Michael and the friendly class participants (new and returning.) I am excited to return for another adult hip hop class taught by Michael. He is a great dancer, choreographer and a fun teacher.

KDW is the undoubted choice for any dancer/ aspiring dancer looking for a welcoming, close-knit…read moredance family to join. Not only will they receive choreography/ instruction that is forward-focused in this evolving current era of dance, but this staff seriously invests their entire being into giving these kids everything they need to become not only quality dancers, but also great human beings. Seeing generations of kids come through this studio, one thing is apparent-- it is unique. The genuine bond that is shared amongst the students, faculty, and alumni is truly something to marvel at. These students develop time-tested friendships with their peers & teachers, and graduate to achieve incredible things in dance & beyond. If you are seeking a well-rounded studio capable of delivering a multi-genre curriculum in jazz, tap, ballet, hip hop, contemporary, musical theatre, & more-- I would highly encourage you to give these instructors a chance to show you what makes this studio incredibly special.

I have taken three classes so far. After my first class I was a little unsure if id return, as the…read moreinstructor was very aggressive and it felt kinda like learning from a football coach or something. Im pretty soft spoken and im on the spectrum so im not a fan of that kind of vibe. I also have experience and can do many tricks, but bc i was so nervous i kept messing up and couldnt even do the basics, so i didnt end up enjoying the class at all. However, I returned later, booked a different instructor, and tried again. I ended up really enjoying it and feeling much better....The second time around i found a better fit with the instructor and class level. I think overall if you dont have a good experience, id say at least try once or twice with a different instructor. ***My only real complaint after these couple of classes is the mirrors around the studio.*** There are like 300 mirrors (antique looking) which is a cool aesthetic. HOWEVER, 97% of them have thick frames, aren't aligned with the poles, and dont give you a view of yourself from the pole or the ground. So youre basically learning blind, which for me is VERY difficult. Theres only about 2-3 poles with a really good view and they're right in front next to the front door. So if the class ends up being fully booked, most people end up not having a good view or mirror. Wish they would switch to having full length mirrors down the whole wall like most other studios do.

Don't go to this studio unless you want to be traumatized…read more The instructor was late to class, had no waivers available to sign (wasn't prepared), both of which I could have easily overlooked but one of the instructors actually cursed at me, knowing this was my first ever pole class. To provide context, I was attempting a hold I have never done and was doing it incorrectly (surprise!). Both instructors kept snipping at me sternly "you're going too fast" which I was. But I didn't know how to NOT go to fast. In desperation I asked -- how do I slow down? They attempted to help me and break it down but after one of the instructors said "you're just going too fucking fast" I broke. I'm not good with certain tones, it can be very triggering for me and I instantly had to focus on holding back tears. I ended up walking out of the class. It's obvious neither instructors have the experience to cater their knowledge to each participants specific levels and skills sets in a kind and conscientious way.

Pros: Front office and dance instructors were nothing but sweet. My daughter loved her combo…read moreclass, always came out of the studio smiling, and they did a good job with direct communication with me. Cons: Ultimately, Angela Floyd School is a business, first and foremost. It seems like this is more about bling, things being over the top, and photo opportunities for said business. We just got home from our daughter's spring recital. It was over three hours long. Many of these children were quite young, some even toddlers. The whole thing has just gotten way too big. Also, mass communication about details was really sloppy. I didn't like the fact that I couldn't ask my daughter's teacher things like, "What time does she need to be there for dress rehearsal and which time does she need to be picked up?" and she didn't know. Everything I asked, I was told, "Look in the booklet." The problem is, the booklet wasn't very clear in the way it was worded. No one seemed to know any direct answers regarding timing and logistical details about the tech rehearsals/recital. Also, they tell you to pack snacks for the dancers for these rehearsals. For the dress rehearsal, those kids were there for over SIX hours, and the only sustenance they had were snacks from parents and Honeycomb cereal provided by the dance school. No dinner. Not even pizza or anything like that. Same for the recital. When I went to pick her up afterward, a long line of parents were waiting for an incredibly long time for the kids to be released. Parents were forbidden anywhere at anytime outside of the auditorium area (which creeped me out a little bit.) For the longest time, I could literally see kids sitting down on the floor through the window and no one was guiding them to their parents. Finally, I walked over to the door, saw my daughter sitting there, and began knocking. Someone opened the door and I said, "I see my daughter right there, and we need to go." Thankfully, she called her over. After I did that, they finally starting releasing everyone else's kids. Additionally, parents were told that they weren't allowed to video record or take photos during the show. Umm...what?? They're reasoning was that they were already taking complimentary photos and a video. Fine. But allowing parents to take photos from their seats isn't going to impede anyone professional photographer from doing their job. It all felt very controlling and I heard from other parents that they felt like they were treated like cattle. I felt the same. The recital felt more like a PR event for the school than what was best for the kids. Sorry, but we're not going back.

We absolutely love Angela Floyd School. We enrolled our 3 year old in the preschool program last…read moreyear and have been so impressed with how much she's learned. They teach preschool readiness, as well as, dance and music. The teachers are phenomenal. Needless to say, we highly recommend the preschool program at Angela Floyd

On a scale of cotton candy to Brussels sprouts, Dragonfly Aerial & Circus Arts Studio is a…read moretiramisu. I traveled through town, and I was hoping to train some aerial while traveling. Despite being in the middle of a move, I was able to schedule a private lesson with one of the instructors, and I was so pleased to work with Young! The new Dragonfly space is gorgeous, and I hope I get to return to see what it becomes as they live there longer. The studio is located in a warehouse so it can feel like you're arriving at the wrong place at first! (But we know that can be normal for aerial studios)

Awesome staff! Knowledgeable, friendly, skilled, and very safe. We were able to try our hand at…read morethe trapeze and the silks, but they also teach other circus skills such as juggling, stilts, unicycle, etc. Great for both kids and adults. Also a great change of pace from your "typical" activities!

My daughter loves the vibe at Backstage, loves that she gets to have a "real costume" for her…read morerecital, and ever since has been learning--with gleeful abandon--to dance. Backstage is a great place to send your child to learn a love of the arts. I love their ambition and hope for great success from them. ~~ Update ~~ The winter recital was a roller coaster of emotion. First, I was /really/ impressed that they opened with over a dozen girls on stage ON POINTE. Wow! I mean, WOW! By the end of the show I'd laughed, I'd cried, I'd gasped with joy and elation. These are quality folk.

The staff is so rude!! They don't honor their word and would not recommend to anyone. I drove all…read morethe way out there from west Knoxville and had already spoken with staff that said if though the season started, my daughter could still join the team. Went to open house today where I was agin told my daughter xould going but the decision needed to be made by early next week. I called back less than a hour later to go ahead and register my daughter and they now said it was too late in the season and weren't going to accept her and then hung up on me. Total waste of time