For a dance studio, they do have a good amount of positives. They offer an average price of $18 for a drop-in class (whether it's for adults or youth classes). The instructors try to be inclusive and are consistent (meaning they teach more than one class every week). They all have a wide range of dance experience and you will not be disappointed by their expertise. You will not find difficulty joining or building a community as there are a lot of regulars from the area that are nice. The building itself is spacious and rental prices seem to be good as well (minimum starting price is $20 an hour). The different spaces they have varies between 4 rooms (Warehouse and Studios A/B/C). There is a small lot and if that's full, there is a decent amount of street parking. It's close to the freeway entrance and plenty of food and other attractions around the area. However, with some positives also comes some areas to improve upon. With the limited parking and street parking, I would recommend coming at least 10-15min early to make sure you can arrive on time to class. Their system tends to be slow at times and you may miss the first 3-10 minutes of class trying to look for parking or wait due to slow check in times. The other focus is the variety of dance classes (in terms of competency levels and styles of dance). It seems that this studio focuses more on hip-hop, Salsa, and Contemporary classes being the most accessible (sprinkled with a couple of jazz, heels, and k-pop once a week). They have the same round of teachers and it would be nice to try different dance styles and genres. This studio definitely can continue to upgrade and grow more! Would try this place at least once and see if it's your vibe. read more

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Such a great dance studio with amazing instructors! Beginning to advanced- all levels are included! Their instructors really help break down the steps, moves, etc to help you know the basics of each type of dance. You can learn salsa, samba, Lindy hop, jazz, contemporary, to even Bollywood! The pricing is reasonable and parking is available on their lot and on the street. Can't wait to keep learning from some of my favorite instructors!! read more

I started my daughter here during Covid (mid-2020) because it was the only studio I could find they offered classes. They didn't have a kids class at the time so she hopped into the adult beginner hip hop with Aukai as the instructor and the rest is history! 3 years later she still loves going and is still in the adults class. Aukai is THE BEST instructor and mentor. So professional, so positive and so much fun! I've recommended his classes to friends and some have joined in read more

This review is for the front desk staff and not the quality of the dance classes themselves. I attempted to buy a 5 hour dance package as a gift for a friend online. I went through the checkout flow and it turns out the credits were assigned to my email that I purchased with. I didn't see an option to send off the credit to my friend so I called the studio. The person who picked up was pleasant and told me that I couldn't buy a gift certificate online and that I could purchase one in person. She apologized, refunded the original purchase I made and I told her I'd come in. Wish I caught her name! Later that week I came in person at 6pm and there was so one at the front desk to greet me. I thought they may have gone to the bathroom so I waited a bit. I ended up waiting 10 mins and no one showed up. At 6:10 I walked over to their dance studio that was detached from the front desk and saw an instructor setting up her class. I mentioned that no one was at the front desk, that I was trying to buy a gift certificate and I was on a time crunch. This elder man who was sitting in an upstairs sectioned said "tell them class doesn't start for another 20 mins". ... wtf? The instructor told me, "I'm sorry I'd help but I'm setting up before my class starts. Someone should be arriving at the front desk in the next 5-10 mins if you could wait a little bit." I walked back over to the front desk and the staff, named Maddie, just arrived. I mentioned I had difficultly buying a gift certificate online and the staff I had spoken to a few days before on the phone mentioned I could buy one in person. Maddie told me I should've been able to buy a gift certificate online. She said she didn't know where to navigate to for a gift certificate so she proceeded to look around in their system. Once she found it she asked for a credit card, swiped and said "Okay you'll see the credit emailed to you soon." I told her she never asked me for my email. She just looked at me and said "let me try again. Well it looks like the first charge didn't go through anyways." I have notifications set up with my banking app for anytime charges occur. And yes, the charge was did go through. She swiped again and my banking app sent over another notification. She calls someone on her cell for help, puts her on speaker and they're both confused as to how to create a gift certificate. They're just talking to each other about how the system is new and just kept reiterating to each other that they don't know where things are. Maddie hadn't said a word to me since I told her she didn't ask for me email. Not a "I'm going to call someone to ask for help, one second." Not a "Sorry this is taking so long." I was with her for 30 minutes. Maddie asked the woman on the phone to void or refund my charges. Maddie then told me that I could buy credits online and they could transfer it to someone........... are you kidding me. I reiterated that the reason I came in person was because I was told gift certificates couldn't be bought online nor could they be transferred. This whole time she still didn't apologize for the confusion, the difficulty and just spoke to me with attitude. No customer service at all. And guess what -- only one of the two charges were voided. Going through my bank to dispute bc I'm not going through the trouble with the staff here again. read more

We paid for a drop in class for a young lady in our family who was missing dancing (used to be in a dance group in high school). We could tell from the video that she sent us (taken by the teacher), that she had a great time. The instruction was done well - the teacher was patient and had a great attitude. We'll definitely be paying for more classes soon! read more

They have a Beginner/Intermediate Swing dance class. If you are a beginner I'd not recommend it. It's an intermediate class and absolutely not appropriate for a beginner. I bought a package it was waste of money since they have a no refund policy. Explained to Sandy (Owner) that name of the class is misleading and I feel for that reason a refund is warranted. She simply said that I should have not purchased a package. They really should rename the class as an Intermediate class. It's misleading and caused me to waste money. read more

I visited Athletic Garage for the first time and took beginning hip hop Tues night 7:30-8:30pm with Josh Stevens. I loved the class! He made me feel very comfortable. He was super friendly and accommodating. He talked about feeling the groove, dancing isn't just learning steps but it's about feeling the music with our body. We did some exercises, feeling the groove while dancing basic hip hop steps across the room in small groups. I really enjoyed that. It helped prepare me for the choreography portion. I've taken many beginning hip hop classes, this is one of the best. Tip: bring cash, they charge extra to use credit card. Yelp check in save $2. read more

Fantastic space! Check out the many classes. Great Energy. Love Bonnie on Sunday at 9:30.

They have a great Hip Hop class for my 10 year old to do during the pandemic. I feel like it is one safe activity she can enjoy dancing in open air. Jean is an amazing instructor and my daughter loves him. So thankful for his class!!! read more

Great experience- took the beginner hip hop class. Didn't feel like a beginner class so I can only imagine what the more advanced classes must be like. Be prepared to feel bewildered, uncoordinated and outside your comfort zone. But all in all, so much fun. read more

Well well well.. my bachata instructor has been here for awhile now, after he left from Granada. Now I am back here and taking bachata lesson. Tuesday - do not miss Arden's bachata class start at 8:30 pm ... probably one of finest and funniest bachata instructor in la! Oh. You do not have to bring a partner because there are so many students. I guarantee you will love it or you can slap me in the face. read more

After a four year hiatus from dance from spring 2010 to winter 2014, I came across Athletic Garage's Instagram page, which piqued my interest with the promise of select free classes for the new year. I've taken hip hop (with Ben Carter and Aukai Cain), Dirty Funkin' Dancin (with DJ Johnson), contemporary, and salsa. If you want to learn how to lead and follow for salsa social dancing, I would recommend The Sonata Room in Arcadia or The Granada in Alhambra. Based on the one salsa class I took here, AG does not appear to teach foundations that builds week after week. Instead, AG seems to teach a routine for any given class that does not rely on knowing how to lead and follow. I haven't been to AG in awhile since I've shifted my focus on training in heels (not offered until recently, now offered 1x/month) and whatever is included in ClassPass, but will probably drop by in a few weeks to check out some of the new offerings! read more

Love how they've adapted their outside area to an open space dance floor - lots of footwork classes and the staff is very friendly. When I went they had hand sanitizer and wipes and the instructor would remind people to wear their masks and to step far aside if they needed to remove for a drink of water. Also love that you can register online - takes about two minutes to sign up and pay. read more

Yikes. I was excited to find an adult studio, but this was not a great experience. When I arrived, no one greeted me or said a word. Apparently they were cleaning. When the front desk person arrived, no greeting. I had to ask for every piece of information. I took contemporary, and it was rough. No introduction, not a word. The room was cold, and less than ten minutes into a gentle warm up she was instructing us to into splits. Recipe for injury. I am not joking when I say that I never broke a sweat. Not once. The teacher was very nice but she marked almost everything. I could barely tell what the movement was supposed to look like. I wish she went back to dancing full out, as I am sure she once did. I took hip hop next. The teacher was extremely talented and nice enough, but didn't warm up up. Not even for a minute, and he also marked most of what he taught. This place is huge and has a ton of potential, but their processes and teaching standards just don't make an enjoyable experience. As a side note, the front desk lady and the other students were very kind. If you're a beginner, you'll be fine here, but I'd look for teachers that go hard. read more

This place is great for Hip Hop classes! It's all the fun minus the pretentiousness you find in a lot of dance studios in Hollywood. Aukai is one of my favorite dance instructors:) read more

I have only been to a couple of the Dirty Funking classes here but I can not express how much I love this place. It's amazing! So the first time I came was a bit chaotic I can not lie lol. I got there & walked in where a bunch of people were hanging out. Everyone looked at me but no one said anything which is not a problem at all, but it seemed like a couple of them worked there so I was confused lol. No one was at the desk & it was like a minute past class time so I thought I was late/already missing warm up. I stood there for about a full minute or two & then finally asked if this was where I checked in. One girl said the front desk girl was gone but would be back soon. When she got there I checked in & she then said that I was the first person signed in for the class. I was so surprised because it was already past class time. She then got a phone call & when she hung up she announced the teacher was running late & asked a student to warm the class up. He didn't really want to & another instructor happened to be walking by & he agreed to warm us up in his class. We went outside to the outdoor studio & he did a 15ish minute pretty hardcore warm up with us but it was sooo fun & he was very nice. Once the teacher arrived we started class & it was one of the best classes I've taken. Not many people take this class from what I've seen so far which I love. You have your own space & you can always see the instructor who is SO nice. He's so present & aware & constantly making corrections to help you get the moves right. They keep the lights low & it's all about having fun. The second class I went to I got to warm up with him like he normally does & while the warm up wasn't as thorough or involved as the other guys class, he did have us go across the floor (one by one!!) & improv. That is like my worst nightmare lol but he made it so fun & danced with you. Everyone was so supportive & there legit was zero judgment at all. Whether you simply didn't know what to do or went full out everyone was excited & encouraging & welcoming. Both routines I've learned have been soo fun (one was sexy, one was more hip hop) & he seems to teach each routine over a 2 week period then does something new. It's one of the best parts of the week. I've been going to Playground & DanceJoa for a while & just started going to Edge as well & this is a class I will not miss now & is one of my favorite classes I've taken!! Everyone here seems to know each other but it's not intimating or cliquey. Everyone seems to really give it there all too & are so non judgmental. It's really amazing!! Can't wait to go back!! read more

After many years hiatus I got up the courage to come and take a beginner hip hop class with aukai cane, and let me tell you i was so happy that I came!! He was such a great teacher, doesn't make you feel nervous or confused at all! It's really a great place to come, let loose and learn some amazing moves. Aukai really does spend the time and has the patience to teach each move thoroughly, that by the end of the class you feel not only comfortable with the moves but also you feel a sense of pride and accomplishment! If you've never danced before I still highly encourage you to come check this class out, what's the worse thing that could happen? Lol u walk away with a little more groove than u had before, nothing wrong with that!! read more

First off let me just say I like the athletic garage. My first class there was belly dancing. I joined the beginners class but it was more like intermediate and advanced. I was fine with that so I decided to take the belly dancing classes elsewhere. The instructor referred me to a place which was cool. I decided to come back here months later because i noticed there was an African dance class. The class was unforgivably expensive. i went to that class faithfully when i was 'hood rich' but one day the class ended. the man who thought us was cool but i never heard from him again. I called athletic garage wondering when his class would reschedule but I received no res ponce. I sent email but to no avail. any who - my time there was great until it ended. I was thinking of taking their hip hop class but I found a place for less than half the price their asking. I do plan on going back again but in the meanwhile I'm taking the economical route. read more

This is one of the best studios I have ever been to. The environment is friendly and encouraging even if you have never danced before in your life. It's a place where everyone- students, teachers, and staff- encourage each individual to feel comfortable with their own individual movement. The modern and technique classes are phenomenal as are the jazz/contemporary classes and, of course, the hip-hop classes are great and the cardio classes really give you a full-body workout. There are also hip-hop classes for kids on Wednesdays and Saturdays that are wonderful. Moral of the story: if you are looking for a great workout and a place without the typical LA-style catty haughtiness, come here. It's one of the few dance studios where the purpose truly is to LEARN and ENJOY dance. read more

It took me years, but I was so happy to finally find this space to dance and to find my people - dancers of all ages! Many studios cater to children only, and that's great, definitely a need there! But as an "older" dancer in my 40s, who can still shake it, tho' in limited degrees, I've kept an eye out for a place for me, too. I wanted classes where young professional dancers could keep in step while pseudo professionals and more serious dancers from the past (like me) could also join in, be challenged and have fun. My background was in jazz, hip hop and contemporary, so Athletic Garage is perfect! With even more new styles of dance, fantastic teaching, excellent choreographers from people in the industry and plenty of night classes, any dancer can get their fix. And if you dabbled in dance at any time, this place is also fitting with Zumba and beginning hip hop classes and so much more for the newer dancer; it's never too late to start. There's even a scholarship program here for those who want more intense training. I used to drive to the very popular studios in Hollywood, but I love AG because it's more laid back, fewer crowds and better parking! AG has been serving our community (east of showbiz city) for decades. Support it so it can go for many more. read more

Now to be honest it's been a while since I've been to the Athletic Garage because I am no longer a Pasadena local, but when I did go, I really enjoyed it. It would be hard for a bypasser/visitor of Pasadena or for a recent transplant to Pasadena to find the dance studio because it's tucked away from the main streets, but if you like to dance and want to get back into the groove, take some classes from them. I thoroughly enjoyed it. They have a variety of different class for all levels: Beginning to Advanced. The ones I enjoyed were Afro Latino, Hip Hop, and Cardio Salsa. Again I haven't been recently, but it's a dance studio in hiding, and the secret's been let out. Go and visit it! Also, they used to have break-dancing classes. I don't know what happened to them, but maybe if you inquire they'll start up again. :) read more

Athletic Garage is a great place for people to take dance classes. If you are a beginner or an expert there are always classes for you. The teachers are so easy and patient, you'll want to stay there forever. I started taking dance classes there and I have met so many people as well as becoming one million times better!! I would definitely recommend this!! read more

I took my 14 year old daughter here for a class last night. She had visited the studio once before with a friend but that was at least a year ago. When we walked in we were immediately greeted by the dance instructor, I believe his name was Aukai. He was very welcoming and friendly. This is huge when you are dropping your child off for a few hours. My girl felt right at home. She ended up staying for two classes and plans on returning this weekend. We arrived five minutes before the class just to settle in and learn more about the payment plans but the person who was supposed to be at the desk was not there until right before the class started. Had she been there to get things going I would have easily given this studio the full 5 stars. read more

First off, I would like to say that my friend and I absolutely LOVE the Cardio Latin Groove class. Jonia is such an amazing teacher and we look forward to attending her class weekly. She is great and the routines are a good balance of steps that are easy to follow and challenging at the same time. Her high energy really is addicting too! I highly recommend taking her class to everyone I meet. Unfortunately, it's in the middle of a Saturday so it's a bit tough for me to make it all the time --but on the times that I do, I feel great every after class-- I'm not even exaggerating! I also like Joey and Estefano. Their Zumba classes are always fun, plus it's a great workout too. They care about their students, and it's obvious that they are so passionate about what they do ... it's contagious. What other dance-exercise class can you go to, where you smile half the time because you're having fun? It's always a good time with them :) I'm taking off one star because the cd player they have in the back room skips a lot and interrupts the lesson. Other than that, Athletic Garage is the place to be! read more

Pretty cool and laid-back place. Everyone's doing their own thing. Many knew each other but there appeared to be quite a few first-timers like myself. I wouldn't say they are overly friendly just chill. I took the hip hop class on Friday ($10 only - what a deal!) and the instructor (he was a sub) was fun, friendly, and pretty good at instructing. He went more slowly in the beginning, had us practicing the moves more repetitively but I guess as time was nearing the end, he went kind of too fast for me (I like to dance but have like no dance choreography experience). Overall though, excellent class. Will definitely return! read more

It's not may favorite place right now mostly because I had a mediocre experience. I bought the Groupon deal and decided to take the Modern Fusion class taught my Paulo Alcedo. The class was overall fun and Paulo is great and very energetic to say the least, but the class was not what I expected. Coming from a modern/contemporary background I know what is "modern" and what is not...and this class should just change its title to Jazz Fusion because basically it was a jazz class with hints of other styles. It didn't bother me that I was taking a jazz class but it wasn't what I wanted to use my Groupon voucher for. So once I realized (rather quickly actually) that I was taking a jazz class and NOT modern I had LOTS of fun. Like I said, he's energetic and plays fun, fast music that gets you pumping. The across the floor exercises could be longer and pertain more to what the end combo is but in the end the combo was fun. You have to pick up choreography fast with him because he moves pretty fast and doesn't waste time. For me that's great but for others that might be a downside. Two things that bothered me that made this a 3 star review: (1) the parking is horrible, so I don't recommend parking in the lot at all and save yourself a headache and try to find street parking and, (2) the class that was realeased before our class had a few smokers who decided they wanted to smoke outside by the garage door (which was opened) and I had to endure cigarette smoke for 80% of the class time. So if I take another class from here I hope to have a better experience....from what I hear from other Yelpers I'll have to give the hip-hop, Zumba, and cardio classes a shot....we shall see :) read more

I've been going to this dance studio randomly for about four years now. They have a wide range of classes from ballet, jazz, hip hop, salsa, and more. The classes vary in prices, but they have discounts if you take specific classes on certain days. They also have special days where they have free classes. There are two dance rooms where the entrance is and a newer and much bigger room next door. The teachers are amazing and always very welcoming. My friend and I go here whenever we have the time to. I love the atmosphere, and unlike other studios, I never feel looked down upon or judged. Great place to go for any levels of dancers! read more

Been coming here for almost 2 months now. I love this place. I'm having a good time just dancing. I come here even though I live near Releve and Millenium. I find those places intimidating. There's ample street parking. It's tucked on a quiet street. Everyone here is so nice and the instructors are so patient when you have questions about the moves. I take their hip hop classes and have taken classes from all of them. All of their instructors are awesome. They take card with a $.50 charge, but you can also pay online. read more

My experience with the management wasn't the happiest. Me and a friend was checking out the samba and salsa class for the first time, though we were late, we got permission to watch the class. The instructor ended up invited us to join her 30mins left samba class. I am not going to lie, WE HAD A BLAST! When we came out from the class and headed to the receptionist to pay for our class. Amber the angry receptionist, told us we have to pay for the full class. We were more than willing, it was a fantastic class after all. So we asked if there was any discount since it was our first time in the studio. Coldly, she said "Nope, that's why I asked you not to TAKE the class but you can have a look". We then asked for a package deal, the ONLY choice she gave us was, a whooping 20hrs lesson card. We bought the package, thought it was worth it since that was the only choice. The truth is, there are plenty of options for hourly package! 5hrs, 10hrs, 15hrs, 20hrs (the credit is non refundable and expires in few months!) ! There are also package deals if you take two classes in a row. I am only interested in taking salsa class, sadly they only have salsa classes on Mondays, which makes it even impossible for me to finish my 20hr credit within the expiration date! P/S: If Amber the receptionist was nice enough, she could have also given us the $2 off deal on yelp for a single drop in! SO, BEWARE GUYS! read more

I started dancing at Athletic Garage in March of 2009. I haven't stopped since. I buy the all you can dance package for about $195/month, and it is the best money I have ever spent. EVERY teacher at AG is amazing and over time, the studio has become my second home and the people there have become my family. I post often about AG because it's my favorite place in the world. Sure, sometimes teachers may teach a little fast, or do something totally out of the ordinary, but overall, you can't really judge somewhere just on one experience. The secret about AG is that you WILL find a favorite teacher, a favorite class, or a favorite style, but the more you try, the more you will love it! In the last three years, I have grown so much as a person and as a dancer. I've lost over 100 pounds with the help of AG as well. Without the community and the amazing dancing that goes on in this place, I don't know where I would be. read more

The salsa dance classes on Monday nights with Desi are high energy and just FUN! Great workout for me. There's a discount for taking both classes, only $20 for both for ladies, (which I am, dammit), & $10 for guys who take both. read more

Special shout out to DJ Jazzy Johnson who sure knows how to shake it! Tonight's free Dirty Funkin Dance was my first (and definitely not my last) visit to the Athletic Garage. My friend Amber and I had a memorable Wednesday evening shakin' it off. Shout out to Cheryllyne for the tip-off. Sensational Swifties & talented, energetic bodies everywhere. Impressive studio spaces. Vibrant, creative and inspiring instructors. If you want to feel young again, or if you're looking for the most fun way to workout in the world, try some jazzy, funky hip-hop sometime. This place definitely seems to live up to its mission -- to train the dancer, former dancer (that's us), and aspiring dancer in many forms of dance styles and techniques; to encourage freedom of expression; to enable performance skills, to foster a community of dancers where each will nurture and inspire the other; to strengthen the body; and to grow the dancer: mind, body, and spirit, in a non-intimidating, and non-judgemental environment. Dance on dancers! read more

The studio is very spacious. The dance floors are smooth and clean, but not slippery. Great lighting and accommodation for dance workshops. I definitely enjoyed this experience. read more

Athletic Garage Dance Center - Dance Studios Near Me - Pasadena, California

This studio is the best!! Sandy, the owner, is fabulous! Love renting this space for Hawaiian Hula every week! Highly recommend read more

Athletic Garage Dance Center - Dance Studios Near Me - Pasadena, California

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My son tried the kids hip hop class and he had a lot of fun. The teachers were great with the kids and made sure they warmed up. They then taught the kids a dance in parts. Only bad thing was parking was not great on the street, but they have parking in back of the red warehouse. read more

LOVE this spot!!!! I have made so many friends and learned so many new dance moves! It's so friendly, fun and a great way to grow as a dancer! Love their annual shows also! read more

I popped up for one of the Friday night $10 dance classes last week. It was a good class - not my style of hip hop but fun nonetheless. I liked the studio as well. Never realized I drove past this place regularly. read more

Took Contemporary Lyrical on a Monday with Shannon Janet Smith and learned so much. It was my first time in the class. But Shannon made me feel right at home and was very encouraging when I didn't perfectly hit some of the new things I learned. Took Yoga Booty Ballet and Jazz I & II on other days. But Contemporary Lyrical was my favorite in terms of the level of challenge and my preference for movement type. Love that the classes are taught by working dance professionals in LA. ' Also, watched a kids hip hop class on a Saturday when I got there a little early, and I just had the hugest smile on my face the whole time watching them try to pop and lock and hit their moves with some attitude! Plan to be going whenever I am in town! xo gwenyth read more

I take Desi's intermediate salsa class. I took beginner classes elsewhere and when I took Desi's class I was hooked. It opens up a new avenue of dance moves and styling that I feel I don't get elsewhere. I've taken a lot of classes at lounges/clubs before their social parties and found that the instructors were not teaching anything applicable for the social party. The other students are friendly, helpful, and welcoming, so I don't have to feel bad about messing up. read more

Class was ok - service was really bad. I went to try out this place on a Groupon. I assume that they offered these to get new clients and in this case they have lost a potential one for sure, i tried the Oct 15th Pilates Fusion class. Class started at 9:30 but the girl who opens the garage (MK) was not there until like 9:25am and there were many people waiting to sign up for my class and another one that was offered. The girl at the front desk was rude and irritated that people were rushing the desk (COME IN A LITTLE EARLIER - DUH!). That all said I probably would have just let that all slide except that this same woman accosted me as I was leaving the class to tell me that I owed $5 because I took an hour and a half class instead of an hour class. It was my bad for not reading the voucher better but this is what pisses me off so much: 1. She jumped me as I was leaving - made me feel like I was trying to rip her off in front of like 5 people at the desk. She didn't even ask me how my class was - nothing. Just "you owe $5." 2. The teacher for my class was actually 1/2 an hour late so my class was really only an hour anyway. 3. She should have told me about the vouchers restrictions before I took the class, Maybe if she got there earlier she would not have been so rushed I gave her the $5 and left and as I drove away I thought about writing this YELP but instead I called there and asked for the owner to relate this issue thinking that maybe they would be interested in my experience. They never called me back so I leave this here for those of you out there looking for a good feeling space to work out ... you may want to look elsewhere, Eagle Rock Pilates has a good vibe -- check them out. AND -- I even have one more class on my Groupon voucher but I think I will let it expire. Life is too short for rudeness, read more