I took the free intro class at Vertica Fitness and really enjoyed it. The studio is larger than…read moreexpected and there were two rows of poles. My instructor was Shiako and she was amazing, funny and supportive. A great teacher! The class took you through the different classes on offer at Vertica, and each section was very approachable for a total pole newbie like me. We learned tricks on the pole, did some workout moves, and learned some choreo. It was fun and I got a good workout!

They offer a free introductory class for first timers. It…read morewas well informative and taught about the different aspects of pole dancing - fitness, tricks, and dance portions. The instructor was very nice and encouraging! Very fun for those looking to try new things

Instructors are kind, and the studio is very clean and welcoming. My problem was the difference…read morebetween the first-timer class and the beginner level classes. I had never taken pole before, so I went to the intro class. It was fun, easy, and the instructor was super nice. I was then told to take the beginner class next by staff. I showed up for the beginner level, and everyone in the class was already friends with one another, had been working on a choreographed dance for weeks (that I obviously did not know yet because it was my first class), and were wearing heals. The studio owner (I think?) told me it was an easy class that did not require heals... never in my life have I ever felt so out of place and uncomfortable. I left and started to cry on my drive home, it was honestly terrible. I received no support from the instructor, no introduction, and basically stood in the corner feeling like an awkward kid at a party I wasn't invited to. There were tricks being performed on the poles that I hadn't learned yet (because it was my first real class!!) and again I was not taught any of it. I wasn't taught the choreography either, so I just stumbled through the whole thing desperately playing catch up with the rest of the class. I felt completely out of place, unsupported, and embarrassed. I have danced for most of my life, and never have I had an experience like this. If you are doing choreo, then don't open up the class to newbies if you're not going to teach them said choreo! Every other dance studio I've been to functions in a cycle, you join the class at the start so you are not walking into a choreographed dance everyone else has already been learning for weeks. And if you don't offer classes on a seasonal cycle, then you have the instructor work 1 on 1 with the newbies to catch them up on what has been learned so far. This experience was over a year ago now, and I haven't gone back. It was so disappointing and I just don't want anyone else to have the terrible experience I did :( maybe just stick with the first-timer classes for a few weeks before you join the regular pole classes.

Had a sorority sisterhood here and it was absolutely perfect!! Instructors were kind and…read moreempowering!! Super fun environment and a great place to embrace your confidence!!

I took the 5-week Form and Function class with Misha, where I learned to throw, trim, and glaze for…read morethe first time. While I walked away with new skills and 4 pieces that I am proud of, I found Misha's style of instruction difficult to follow and unpleasant at times. Misha began the first class by telling us that she will intervene if she notices our projects going south. However, on multiple occasions she purposefully stayed quiet when a student was having trouble and then when it was too late to save the piece, she said, "I was waiting for you to ask a question." This resulted in students having to scrap their projects without time to retry. I understand that Misha aims to strike a balance between hands-on assistance and letting students figure things out on their own, but her lack of intervention felt like punishment for not following her instructions well enough. I also found it challenging that Misha structured her classes by verbally explaining all of the tasks of the day at the beginning of class. After this intro, she did not speak much for the rest of the class. During several classes, she began to work on personal projects and did not seem approachable for questions. I would have appreciated a few more demonstrations and for instructions to be repeated throughout the class. Because this was a class intended for beginners, I expected a bit more patience and active involvement from Misha. The 5-week course was structured well and allowed students to learn the entire process making ceramics, but the style of instruction made the course harder than it had to be.

I took the five week Form + Function course with Misha and it unfortunately wasn't the fun…read moreintroduction to pottery I was hoping for. I liked that the classes were structured around specific projects as it gave us direction in our learning, however I felt Misha did not always have the patience that is required when working with a class of beginners. I think she sometimes got overwhelmed working with the students (completely understandable as 5/7 students in the class had zero experience with pottery) but she allowed this to negatively affect her instruction and often became short when asked basic questions about projects/next steps. There was very little time allocated for experimentation and students were taught to only do things one particular way (Eg. Centering, opening up). While this was likely due to time constraints, alternatives do exist and when myself/other students would inquire about modifications when steps weren't clicking or something went wrong with our piece, Misha would tell us to "figure it out" or to trash our piece entirely. She also began every class ignoring students as we entered and only broke her silence once 3+ students had greeted her. I was able to create some pieces I am really proud of in the course, and I did learn a lot, but it didn't feel like an environment where I could truly enjoy myself and explore the craft. There is no doubt that Misha is talented, however I don't think she enjoys teaching, at least not beginners. I was hoping for a welcoming environment, and am discouraged to say Ho/Co often felt a bit hostile. Perhaps my timing was bad as I know Misha released a new collection on her Etsy shop during this time and maybe felt overwhelmed due to order volume? She often worked on pieces for sale during classes, so maybe she had too much on her plate and our class was simply a casualty of this. Regardless of the cause, I unfortunately would not recommend Misha's courses and will be trying out a new studio.

Words cannot describe how much my husband and I loved working with Liz. She took our two song…read morerequests and somehow made it work with our Bridgerton/Game of Throne-like aspirations for our first dance at our wedding. My husband is by no means a fan of learning choreographed dancing nor a natural dancer, but he really enjoyed our lessons with Liz. Our first dance was not only super fun to learn but was fairly easy to learn thanks to Liz. Our guests were stunned and overjoyed with our surprising first dance. The number of compliments we received has been amazing. It's all thanks to Liz! Highly recommend reaching out to her and seeing if your wildest dance dreams are possible.

I have zero experience dancing, I was always the guy on the dance floor who just clapped along. But…read moremy fiancé (now wife!) wanted us to do a little more for the wedding. Can't blame her! We were referred to Liz by my sister who learned from her as well, and I gotta say - I was skeptical that I would really be able to pick up a choreographed dance so quickly, but we did it and Liz was a pleasure to work with. She was always prepared before our three sessions, having the song mapped out, suggestions for where the twirls and dip(s) should be and made it easy to learn the rhythm and flow of the dance. Thank you Liz, it was perfect!

Are you jealous of the step dancers every St. Patrick's Day?…read moreDo you think you've got the skills to jig? Well, come and learn so you don't make a fool of yourself. Jeannie O'Connor's studio is a wonderful place to learn. She's from a family heavily steeped in Irish dance tradition and can teach you or your children the joys of step dancing. Alisa Garber is an amazing dancer and instructor and teaches in a way that constantly challenges, yet always tailors her instruction to the individual - interpreted another way, she puts up with my cursing like a sailor when I'm stuck on mastering a step and having a complete melt down. She patiently explains (and shows) me the correct way to do it as many times as it takes, and sometimes encourages, and sometimes laughs with me which is just what I need. Alisa and Jeannie clearly love what they do and their students have a blast! It'll challenge you in ways you never imagined. Musically, personally, athletically, and will get that brain of yours good and exercised with memorizing steps and learning them bilaterally. The friends I've made are priceless. Go Adult dancers! You all rock. Rince!

My daughter started dancing for Jeannie and Alisa 7 months ago, and she absolutely loves them. Clan…read moreRince offers the perfect balance between dance classes, recitals, competitions, and community service. My daughter has learned so much in the short time she has been here, has been welcomed with open arms, and doesn't feel any pressure to compete until she's ready. This studio feels like family and I'm so happy we are a part of it.

The first time I took Aria's prenatal class, I was taken by her grace, strength and knowledge. I…read morehad full confidence she would be the perfect woman by my side during my birth... In fact, she was more wonderful than I could have ever imagined. She not only prepared and guided us up to the birthing, but she was the perfect "instrument" to the "symphony" of our home birth. Even months later Aria continues to gift us with her support, light and true angelic nature. It has been an honor knowing her and I couldn't imagine a more honorable woman to help born my first son. Kristine Szabo

I took prenatal yoga with Aria for both of my pregnancies and now as my private yoga instructor…read more Can't get enough of her teaching and her light. She is not only knowledgeable about pregnancy, birth, yoga, meditation..., but she is also a very wise person who gives very thoughtful suggestions and genuinely cares about people around her. I was very lucky to have her in my life during my pregnancies and at the birth of my son as my doula. It felt like I had a very gentle guide through the process.

Just watched an excellent show called the Box Show at the Dorothea Laub Art and Music place…read more The shoe itself was outstanding and deserves 5/5 The seats were extremely uncomfortable and the theatre was very hot.

I've been coming to Dance Place to for a few years now. It's located in NTC at Liberty Station…read more There's a few small parking lots near the building, so parking usually hasn't been an issue here. They offer a variety of rooms (various sizes and floor types) which are available to lease. All rooms have at least one side of all mirrors (ceiling to floor). A lot of dance classes are taught here and some dance teams practice here as well and have long term room leases. The only con I have about Dance Place is that the rooms do not have A/C, so it can be warm in the summer time. Most (if not all rooms) have fans and windows to help circulate air flow, but depending on the dance style and time, it can get a bit stuffy. Aside from that, Dance Place is a great place to take dance classes. Conveniently located near several new restaurants and stores.

I've started working with Lexi since June and it has been such a treat. Not only has she helped me…read morevocally, but overall her coaching style has helped my overall confidence when it comes to singing. We do lessons every two weeks, and it's always something I look forward to at the end of my week. Lexi will work WITH you and pivots accordingly. She is professional and an expert at what she does.

Tenam studios has been such a God send for me and my band! We were so over the overpriced rehearsal…read moreoptions in San Diego. Tenam has such a great vibe and fosters an environment where creativity is possible.