Well, I signed up for a month (not being told by the girl it was a 3 month commitment) and then ended up in the hospital and on bedrest. As soon as I found out things were so serious I called Bittersweet and told them what was going on and the girl told me they wouldn't help me recover any of the classes I missed but that when I get better I could come back (mind you this whole conversation her and I are talking about 1 month, she says she's looking at my acct so at the point I'm saying to her I'll come back when I'm better to sign up for another month, you think she'd be like "oh well you still have two months" because that would just make logical sense as an employee of a business where you should know your own packages). I then get my phone blown up, while I'm still very sick mind you, by a lawyer saying bittersweets is serving me in frickin court for two months unpaid (how I could possibly have missed the payment for September is beyond me considering it hasn't happened yet but okay). Their lawyer was a real piece of work btw. I had to tell him several times to lower his voice and not disrespect me, considering I immediately agreed to pay what I owed, it was confusing he treated me that way. He was even yelling at me on the phone saying things like "oh I know you've got the money" and "I bet you have that kind of money right now, don't you?" (Hard o remember his exact creepy phrasing) with creepy inflection, insulating that I stripped is all I can gather from that. For one he is representing a pole fitness studio so to imply I must strip for money, so paying him shouldn't matter, because I went to that studio is gross and makes me think bittersweets owners may be as shady as their lawyer. Besides their slimy and oddly hostile lawyer, naturally I'm confused as all get out because I had already spoken to bittersweet, had no missed calls or voicemails, and thought I was okay, bummed out they refused to let me make up any classes I missed but I at least thought things were handled. I pay the lawyer because well, I can't prove the girl at bittersweets didn't tell me it was a 3 month commitment and that's just life sometimes. I call once I'm better to make sure I can at least finish out the two months I paid for (as THEIR lawyer told me I could) and get told by the guy working (whom is super nice btw, he should replace every girl there that ever helps with customer service because he made sure he addressed the situation unlike the last person I spoke with) that I have to meet with the owner and basically plead with her to see if I can finish two months I already paid for which I would have to literally take off work to do and I'm already out money. I would also like to mention, I did find an email in my spam folder from bittersweets letting me know they were trying to collect payment but that was literally TWO DAYS before they had they sent it to their lawyer. Even if I wasn't so sick, really? Two days? Before ALL of this even happened I called and offered doctors notes from my specialist and was told there's no use and now after the fact I'm being told all I can do is come fight my case. Well, if the place wasn't so small, hot, crowded and in a crappy shopping center that I don't feel safe in at night maybe I'd fight for it but even though you have talented instructors, you only get mayyyybe 2 minutes out of a class with one and I honestly learn more from YouTube. Overall, I'm incredibly bummed out at the treatment I've received since day one and I'm not about to try to hunt down the owner and beg them to let me go to a studio unwilling to even work with someone who was hospitalized. read more

The reason for this review is to inform every women/men that this studio has the most rude and self center students. I have been wanting to join a gym in the past 6 month because I need to lose weight for my cousins wedding, I am a pretty heavy girl, 5'4 198 lbs, I have read the reviews about this studio and seen picture..very impressed. The reason I gave it a one was because this weekend I attend the bridal show in Sawgrass with my cousin (the bridal) and three of her brides maid. When I saw that Bittersweet Studio has a booth a immediately dragged the girls over there to show them what I wanted to do and also to get more information about doing a bridal shower party at their studio, well it did not turn out that way. As soon as I approached I saw there was 3 girls and one man at the booth, no one was on the pole, so I asked the gentleman if he could show me a spin and if possible for me to try it and he turned to this girl (christen) and asked her if I could try it and she said "no" only members, she was rude and she walked to the pole and started spinning. I decided to stick around and ask one of the other girls, so I approached a girl named Mandy, very sweet and polite, she handed me some information about the studio, I told her what I was looking for and she told me to call Summer ( the owner) so I could book my party. I asked her if she was a student and she said yes, and introduced the other student as Christen and Paul and Christine was an aerial instructor. I then asked to speak to the owner but Mandy told me the owner was getting ready to do the performance for the show. As I started to walk away, I over heard this girl christen talking to Paul, saying that fat people couldn't use the pole there cause it weight would tip over or bend the pole, which then they both started to laugh and make funny noises. I could not believe what I heard, not only me but 2 of the brides maid heard it too and where in shock. Making fun of over weight people is not nice. Now, I'm guessing I wasn't the only one that had issues with them, because through out the time I was there many other people where talking about this girls attitude and rudeness towards potential clients. I wanted to speak to the owner, but my cousin told me to forget about it, that there had to be other pole studios in the area. read more

Beautiful venue, but not very friendly instructors. I am giving two stars because I had only tried the pole area of this studio, and perhaps the silks instructors are better. Kristin started out polite, but it all went down hill. I told her that I had been pole dancing for about eight months and that's when she started basically ignoring me. She would talk up all her regulars, and being the only new one to this class, she basically didn't even acknowledge me. She tried to correct everything I did, but sort of told me and didn't actually come over to help me. Going to a new pole studio, instructors teach things differently and I wasn't used to the way she taught. I realized that even though the class said pole .5/ pole 1, it was basically a yoga class with poles. The first 30ish minutes and the last 10 minutes were basically yoga/conditioning, which is fine, but when I pay $20 (which by the way, they should have an introductory first class rate of $10 or $15) I want my class to be mainly a pole class with some stretching. At the end of the class, I asked her if i could practice some old tricks that I learned at my first pole studio. She said, sounding irritated, "I guess, but you still need to clean and then leave", like it was such a burden. At that point, I finished up what I was doing, grabbed my stuff and left. She never said "Good job!", "Come back again!", or even "Goodbye". It was definitely the worst customer experience I have ever received. I hate giving bad yelp reviews (and have never done it) but I felt this needed to be said, and maybe it will save some skeptical people $20. I believe the class would be much better if Kristin was a lot more friendly and uplifting, the classes had more pole and less yoga, and the instructor at least acted like they wanted you to come back. I was ready to purchase a membership if I enjoyed the class, but unfortunately that's not going to happen. I came here after moving across the country to hopefully find something similar to my old pole studio, but Jacksonville has very little to offer in that area. If you have never been to a pole studio or are looking for a place to transfer to, go ahead and try this place out, hopefully you will have a better experience than me. read more

I am jealous of all the people who have never stepped foot inside this place. It really is a shame that the owner insists on interacting with the clients that come to this studio. The employees here would do better to handle all customer interaction themselves or they will be out of jobs once the owner chases everyone away with her poor attitude and (I hate to drag Hillary Clinton into this, but what the heck) DEPLORABLE customer service skills. My first negative experience started when I received a new credit card shortly before my monthly payment was automatically deducted from my old one. Anyone who has had to get a new credit card, for whatever reason, knows what a hassle this can be. I forgot to update my card online, and instead of politely informing me that my payment did not go through, the owner called me up, yelled at me and berated me because my card did not go through. I work in customer service myself, and would never treat a customer like, and if I ever did, you can bet your bottom dollar that I would find myself out of a job. I once saw someone get fired from Walmart (shout out to Arnold!) for berating a customer after their card was declined. I never thought I would see such similar behavior coming from a business owner. When I decided that I no longer wanted to continue taking classes here due to the meth smell, I had to come into the studio to sign a cancellation form. I was again confronted by the owner. I politely told her that I was giving my 30 days notice and that I would not be back. To which she replied, "Something about you being classy insert the real quote here." Well ma'am, I have never heard anyone use the term "classy" as an insult so I'm not sure where you were going with that, but I am sure that I will never come back to your foul smelling establishment ever again. I urge everyone to stay far away from this place. There are plenty of small businesses here in Saint Augustine that are run by hardworking people who are dedicated to providing amazing service and being kind while doing so. Give them your hard-earned money. This is not one of them. read more

I cannot even find words to express how grateful I am for this studio. Before I decided to look for an activity in town to keep my mind busy, I was suffering a lot from major changes in my life. Bittersweet studios took me in like family and made me feel welcomed from day one. I was in a period of my life that living was a struggle and every single instructor there made me feel comfortable again in my own skin. They probably don't even know this, but I really feel like they saved me and I cannot thank them enough for this. This is one place that women/men/children will never have to feel afraid of judgment, and will always find someone to support and cheer for them. I love how serious this business is with safety. The studio provides a checklist to all levels, making sure you are safe to move to the next level. Safety is key for this type activity and I really appreciate they make this a priority. Also the instructors are very prepared and will teach you technique step by step which is awesome!! The studio is really clean, and provides all the equipment you need to have a good time. I couldn't have found a better place to spend my time! I have seen really mean things on yelp about the owner and I have to say this is really unfair and untrue. I know her and see how hard she works to make this place work. She is the most selfless and caring person I know and she has become my pole mama and coach through this 2 years of aerial arts. I cant think of anyone that could do a better job than she does with her athletes and students, and I know how much love and dedication she puts into this studio. You should definitely come and check this studio out!! read more

By far the biggest & nicest studio in Jax for pole classes, & currently the only one offering aerial classes. Also the only studio offering co-ed classes. All of the instructors here are friendly, encouraging & supportive. They have a great deal of experience performing as well as teaching. I personally love the fact that they frequently attend state wide pole conventions, competitions, etc. to not only showcase their talent, but also to learn from other industry leaders so they can bring new challenges back to us at the studio. The studio is absolutely beautiful! It's spacious, clean & even has couches if you just want to come & check out a class before jumping in. There are monthly workshops from top competitors in the industry in everything from pole, to aerials & even acrobatics & flexibility. They offer kids classes, as well. The studio also has its own performance group, Releve Aerial Dance. They perform locally at various clubs & events, as well as traveling for industry shows & conventions. They hold open auditions bi-annually so students who want to can try out to perform with them. If you have ever wanted to try out pole or aerial classes, or are just bored with the regular gym routine, I would highly recommend checking out Bittersweet. You will have a blast & get an amazing workout while you're at it! read more

YOU HAVE TO TAKE A PEEK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! MY HOME AWAY FROM HOME!!!!!!!!!!!!! Personally, I have only taken a few classes, however, my 16 year old daughter is a very very regular aerial silks student (11 classes a week). For over a year now (many many days and hours at the studio), I have personally watched the owner, Summer, take each of the kids under her wing, push them to succeed, inspire, mentor and give them the liberties to grow stronger during each class. Each and every teacher has a great relationship with their students whether young or young-a-like. As a mom of a teenage girl (sigh), I am honored to have my daughter train with such an amazing team and work side by side with other determined students in their quest for health and fitness. The confidence and motivation my daughter now has is truly a direct reflection of the hard work and relationship she has developed at Bittersweet Studios. My gratitude to Summer, Jane, Katie, Christa, KT, Kristin, Heather, Sara and to each and every lady and gentlemen that has lifted her spirits and offered praise, but most of all the encouragement that each other give so they can be the best they can be. read more

Bittersweet Studios in Jacksonville is quite easily the most master-class fitness studio I have ever attended. I have been a member for 6 months now taking pole classes, and I drive through rush hour traffic from St. Augustine just to be a part of this studio. Besides the outstanding instructors and the wide variety of different classes available, the atmosphere is what keeps me coming back. This co-ed studio praises, encourages, and welcomes all body types and not once have I ever felt like I did not belong in a class. The instructors break down everything step-by-step if need be and always teach with a smile. Beyond the classes themselves, the studio is always clean and well-maintained. But what I appreciate most about Bittersweet is how professional they are. The policies are clearly stated and are kept in place to ensure each client's safety no matter what, and professionalism is what I look for first and foremost in a fitness studio of this caliber. The owner is incredibly kind and funny and consistently sticks to the business's policies, which I believe is why this studio will be one of the best for many years to come. read more

I absolutely LOVE coming to Bittersweet! I initially joined a little over a year ago to help get into shape for my wedding last June. I am a retired gymnast and was looking for a motivating way to get my workouts in with my busy work schedule. I am so I glad I found exactly that and more at Bittersweet! It didn't take me long to get hooked! I love the variety of classes offered and all of the instructors are top-notch and well-trained! Each instructor has their own style that they incorporate into each class, so there is always something new to learn and be challenged by. Everyone is so friendly and welcoming and this is evidenced by the variety of students of all ages and walks of life who come together here and support and encourage one another. This has become my happy place to let loose and unwind after a long day at work- it's a great workout and I have made friends with some amazing people I would not have otherwise met. Not to mention the studio is clean, beautifully decorated, and well- maintained. Highly recommend!! read more

Friendship, support & myself are 3 of the things I have found during my time at Bittersweet. Maybe you're wondering 'what do I have to lose'? Well personally I've lost almost 20 pounds since starting my Bittersweet journey & I've also lost stress. .lots &lots of stress because nothing is more relaxing than spending a night laughing & hanging out with your friends. As a mother & wife it's easy to lose ourselves in the mix of everyday life. But being at the studio has a way of making the everyday extraordinary & provides a much needed escape. I could of course have chosen to focus on the impeccably clean studio, the beautiful gift shop, or the world class instructors. But to be honest it's the family we've created that keeps me coming back..and what I think whoever takes the time to read this will enjoy the most. Because adventure isn't just about the journey but rather who you share those experiences with. read more

Honestly the BEST experience I have EVER had! The studio is absolutely beautiful and clean. The instructors were excellent and attentive (for this novice pole dancer) :) I can't wait to go back and take the silks class. Looks like a blast! The owner was very helpful and accommodating. It's so great to see a locally owned business with a personal touch opening and doing so well! I love to support local commerce. I will definitely be back with my girlfriends! This would be the perfect place for a birthday or bachelorette party! WOO HOO! read more

Bittersweet Studios is the nicest, cleanest studio we have even been to. They offer Aerial Classes in Silks, Lyra and Trapeze, plus Pole Fitness and Dance, Hand Balancing, Acro, Stretch and Flex. The classes are great, and the opportunities the students have to perform at the Showcases are wonderful. We have been coming for over 3 years and have been very satisfied with the instructors and training. The constantly offer workshops and opportunities to work with leaders in Aerial and Pole Fitness community. read more

This studio is truly of one a kind. There is no other place that can compare to Bittersweet Studios. The staff is knowledgable, kind, and truly takes the time to care about each and every customers needs. The facility is clean and furnished with the best of equipment. In addition they offer many different choices of excercise. Bittersweet studios is top notch. They go above and beyond for their customers.Once you visit, you will want to keep coming back. It's truly the best in Jacksonville. read more

This is an amazing co-ed pole fitness and aerial arts studio. The place is so nice and warm on the inside. The classes are fun and challenging with very talented instructors. I did not know a place like this existed in Jacksonville for both women and men. So glad I found it. This place seems to have so much to offer and I cannot wait to see what it has in store for me. If you haven't tried this place your missing out. read more

Love this studio! Such friendly and welcoming staff. I feel like I get a better workout then just going to a regular gym and getting so much more for a better price. The instructors really care about your progress and support you every step of the way. The facility is so clean and always smells amazing! I wish I could be taking classes every single day! Big fan of Bittersweet Studios. read more

About Bittersweet Studios, both my daughter and I love it. The moment you walk in you are greeted with smiles and a sense of true concern for your health and safety from the staff. Classes start on time with great warm-up routines, before getting to the most fun methods of workout I have ever experienced. You would be doing yourself a great service by taking classes here. read more

Great performance yesterday! The pole was by far the coolest booth. The girls and guy at your guys' booth taught me a spin they called candy cane. You guys make it look so easy. Wish I wasn't just in town for the weekend, but you guys have definitely inspired me to find pole dancing classes back home in Portland! read more

This brand new space is gorgeous! There are twelve nearly 14 feet tall poles, aerial silks, aerial hoop and a cardio/dance room. I love pole fitness and Bittersweet has some amazing instructors and fun classes. Definitely check out their website and Facebook to keep up with the latest news. read more

What a beautiful space! I had the honour of taking part in a special series of workshops at Bittersweet offered just for studio owners. Summer and all her staff were gracious and welcoming hosts. I will definitely visit again anytime I'm in Northern Florida. read more