This studio is literally as good as it gets! This studio focuses on the development of a child--…read moreboth as a dancer and as a person! Ms. Evie is incredibly creative, enthusiastic and fun. She has theme weeks (like pirates, mermaids and super heroes!) My daughter is very shy and reserved typically-- dance at Encore has helped her to really come out of her shell. You will absolutely love it here!

I've attended many of this dance studio's competitions and recitals. The themed recitals and…read morecompetition dances are inspiring to watch. The owner is very passionate about dance and enjoys sharing her love and knowledge of dance with her students. She genuinely wants to see them achieve success in life and dance. I would highly recommend taking your children here as each child is treated with love, respect, patience, and encouraged to have fun dancing and achieve their goals. Encore is more than a dance studio, it's an extended family where kids have fun with their current friends, make new ones, and get to learn about the wonderful world of dance in a safe, fun, and supportive environment. This year there were many great dances in the recital and competitions but I was really impressed with the dance "Hallelujah", it was very moving!

Awesome dance studio with great family atmosphere. The instructors are all very caring and…read morecompassionate about dance and teaching. Developmentally appropriate curriculum and costuming make this the best choice for young children.

My experience with Cirque Wonderland was not a positive one, and it has been frustrating to process…read moreover time. What was presented as a welcoming and inclusive space did not always align with my personal experience there. When I spoke up about my concerns, I felt they were dismissed or minimized, which made it difficult for me to feel heard or supported in the space. This came after I shared that I experienced what I perceived as confrontational and inappropriate verbal behavior from a neighboring business owner at the time. I was told the cameras in the building were not working at that time, which added to my discomfort with the situation. I rented a room in the space for four years, prior to its expansion. In April 2023, I was told via phone call that a change in my massage clientele to better fit the space would be something to consider to fit the gym more, or that it might be best for me to leave. Later , I received an email stating it would be best for me to leave, along with a move-out timeline. I asked to have a conversation in person or by phone to try to come to a more mutual agreement, especially since I was there regularly, but that request was declined. I then received formal communication via email, which felt abrupt and uncomfortable, and reinforced my concerns based on my experience about how situations like this were handled compared to what I had understood when I first joined the space. In private conversations, I've heard perspectives that echoed some of my concerns around a disconnect between stated values and lived experiences. I understand that others may have different experiences, and I can only speak to my own. One example of that disconnect, from my point of view, was messaging like "any body can do aerial" not always feeling fully reflected in practice, particularly when some policies felt like they created barriers for people with different needs in my experience. For me, what started as a business misalignment became more personal over time. I'm sharing this to bring awareness and to encourage better alignment between values and action. I also always wondered why they seemed they were the only aerial arts place in des moines when they werent I do want to acknowledge that there were coaches I appreciated working with, including Bonnie, who I felt did embody the values that were expressed. This is being shared in the hope that it encourages reflection. My experience was disappointing, both as a business owner and as a person navigating the situation. TO CIRQUE AND FELICIA IN RESPONSE TO THEIR COMMENT AND RESPONSE Thank you for your response. I understand that your perspective may differ. What I've shared reflects my personal experience , my records and how I was approached and was impacted by those interactions at the time. I'm not interested in continuing this conversation privately, as I've already attempted to have direct discussions in the past without resolution.

I signed my girls up for the intro classes so that they could get a feel for what they're…read moreinterested in and to learn the basics. Right away I was impressed by the background of the owner--one of the first people to bring circus and aerial arts classes to Iowa. Clearly this person has a passion for sharing the art form. After day one my kids were hooked and couldn't stop talking about how much fun they had. I love that class sizes are kept very small, and that the structure of membership and future classes leave a lot of room for scheduling flexibility. I am super excited that my kids found something that they want to keep doing--something that leaves so much room for personal growth and experimentation!

My husband and I are learning west coast swing dance for our wedding. So far they are just…read morephenomenal with our dance learning experience! I'm honor to be the first reviewer here to let others know how great this place is!

Love this place! Full of genuinely caring people! I couldn't be happier here, and I highly…read moreencourage you check it out - open gym, recreationally, competitively, or birthday parties - whatever you try is going to be great for your kiddos!

We love this gym. They are helpful, friendly and they made my daughter feel comfortable for her…read morefirst gymnastics experience. I can't recommend them enough. From the first trial class to our second session this summer, they have been prompt in their email responses and thorough in their guidance and information. 10/10 highly recommend.

My grandson has gone there for a year...I took him for the 2nd time ever to have one of the…read moreinstructors come out yelling at both him and then me that he has to wear shoes to get inside, I did not know the policies bx I had only been there once so for her to start yelling at me about shoes...how do they stay open treating clients like that...then in the end he wore my sandals in and she told him he would need to wash his feet inside either way...just very rude and unprofessional...I do not recommend having children around these people!!

Very welcoming to my daughter when we were in town for the week. She enjoyed meeting new friends…read moreand coaches. Comp class was a good challenge for her and she liked the way the classes were taught.

I had the worst experience while trying to schedule a trial for my kids, the lady at the phone…read moreacted disrespectful and unprofessional, I felt discriminate. so disappointing.

We've had great experiences at Aqua-Tots. Our six year-old has been in lessons for a few months…read more His coach has been very good with kids and good at talking with the parents after each lesson. They allow makeup classes if you have to miss and let them know. We can see regular progress with each skill. They also sell swim items in their shop as well as snacks if you need them while you wait or as s reward after class. The changing rooms seem clean as well. We've enjoyed our time here and plan to keep up with lessons.

Katie is the best Zumba instructor in town! I never feel like I'm working out, because it's so much…read morefun, but I've lost 50 pounds working out at Uplift. Very class is unique and keeps you interested. I'm always us my new muscles.