Soooo fun. Very inclusive of all dance levels. Amazing event and experience. Hope to experience…read morethis again

Bright Star World Dance is a dance studio in downtown Portland, just off of Monument Square. I've…read moretaken classes there and used it for rehearsal/performance space and I think that it is a gem. Yes, it is small and, no, it isn't wheelchair accessible, but it is a perfect location and size for intimate performances and smaller class sizes. The space is bright and sunny, has air conditioning for the one month out of the year that we need it, has ample mirrors, and Rosa is extremely flexible and fair. if you are looking for belly dance classes or a space to rehearse for your dance group, Bright Star World Dance is an excellent venue.

My now husband and I recently took a 5 session dance lesson at Ballroom Dance Portland and I can't…read moresay enough good things! We wanted to take some lessons before our September 8th wedding to feel a bit more comfortable. Our instructor was Merissa Newton and she was AWESOME!! My husband is a burly lumberjack and wasn't exactly pumped about our new hobby, but she was so easy to work with. She made us feel totally comfortable, started with the basics and taught us as much as we were comfortable with in the time we had. She didn't push us to perform at a certain level and reminded us that this was about having fun! The three of us laughed as much as we danced! We sent Merissa our wedding song ahead of our first lesson. She picked out a style of dance that she thought would go well to the beat and that's what we learned for 5 weeks. Once we got the basic steps down, she had actually choreographed some additional moves for us and by the end, we couldn't wait for the wedding, specifically the big dip at the end! Although we forgot a few steps on the big day, it didn't matter. We were so comfortable and knew the general moves and how to recover seamlessly. As we performed our dance, the entire room started to sing along as we moved through our dance! (Also, we nailed the dip.) This was absolutely one of the most memorable parts of our wedding and I would highly recommend this to anyone considering it... no matter your skill or comfort level! Thank you Merissa and Polina! You seriously rock.

I've known Polina in the dance world for over twelve years. My parents started taking dance lessons…read morewith her when we first moved to Maine and as I grew older I started taking private lessons with her. She has exceptional technique and the patience of God for sticking with us two-left-feet type dancers. I was turned off after encounters with the other male instructor she previously shared a studio with and would only take lessons with Polina. Now that she has been able to move studios I am looking forward to getting back in my dancing shoes!

Absolutely the most professional formal classical ballet training for all levels and ages in the…read morestate and area. You just can't beat an academy affiliated with a active performing professional ballet company. The professional dancers attend and teach classes! The studio is open 6 days a week- morning and evening classes. Just got brand new marley floor in big studio!

Wendy is an excellent teacher and I have been learning salsa from her for many years now. Her…read moreclasses are the highlight of my week!

I'm from NYC and New Jersey, so I know all about dance studios (because I've hopped around as a…read morechild to a bunch of them in the most competitive state!). Trish's studio is as professional as it gets. The technique and skills she provides her students are top notch- more than what I've seen in some studios from the NYC areas. The kids are all wonderful and every class environment is exceptionally professional and safe for the children. Also important to note that I danced professionally and studied dance in school, so I know good technique. I wouldn't trust my baby and children with anyone else!

What a workout! I tried the Zumba class this weekend offered at the Dance Studio of Maine. It was…read moremy first time and it was awesome! I am NOT typically a dancer, and the instructor made me feel so comfortable. Great music, tons of fun, not too crowded. The studio offers a variety of dance classes for all ages - tap, ballet, modern, etc. They also just opened a music school (The Music School of Maine) which I can't wait to try.

I have 3 daughters who all dance at SFLADC. My oldest started when she was 3 and will be a senior…read morenext year. We are so happy with our choice in studios as they have helped us raise beautiful dancers and people inside and out. The studio owner always has the kids best interest at heart and offers so many opportunities for all ages...and it keeps growing all the time. The faculty is absolutely amazing in technique, creativity, & amazing role models for our kids! I would highly recommend any dancer or young one wanting to dance to join at this studio!

I have a daughter that danced 15 years at this amazing studio. At almost every discipline and…read morelevel. She was able to grow with the studio, dancers and teachers, developing at the nights level. The studio owner often opened and arranged for her to self rehearse on weekend mornings and late weekdays. To top it all off she and other graduates were honored and recognized at the recital (and all year!) We will both miss SFLADC

This is my first experience with a dance studio, and I'm very pleased with it. Warwick (the owner)…read moreand his wife are wonderful and kind to work with. Never had any problems at all. My daughter loves going to dance and shows me the new moves she's learned on a regular basis. Her teacher is wonderful with the kids and they all get a little parting gift at the end of each class (sticker, small toy, valentines, candy etc..). She become friends with other girls who attend as well. This is her 2nd year, and as long as she continues to enjoy it, we will keep coming back! P.S. The Nutcracker performance is the BEST children's performances I've ever seen! They put so much effort into it, and it shows! Thanks Academy of Dance!

My niece went here on a "bring a friend day". I was initially not too excited because we had gone…read moreto their version of the Nutcracker the year before. The show seemed to be dominated by the owner's kids. The first thing I noticed was the room was extremely small with very low ceilings. There was a ton of kids in the class and the floor has a large warp in it. The teacher was extremely enthusiastic but the owner was super pushy and not genuine at all. I couldn't imagine sitting there in a cramped waiting room with him every week. I suggest Sharon Lux in Arundal.

I was searching for someone in the area to choreograph a first dance for my wedding and Betsy was…read morerecommended. She is enthusiastic engaging and has a great sense of humor. She responds quick to call and emails. She even had a questoinare to learn more about us, our style and experience. She has made this experiece fun. I have two left feet and she has managed to make them begin to dance. My fiance is a already looking like a pro at the waltz. She helped us recongize where we messed up and back tracked to help correct it. She would count or say which direction to be going. This was so helpeful. We got lots of tips and song ideas to practice. We will be able to wow everyone on our big day.

My daughter has been in some kind if activity since she was 3, cheering, tumbling, gymnastics and…read moreeven dance. She did not like ballet or tap but never quite believed me that there were other kinds of dance. Having spent time at another local dance company that has a stringent plan of what classes they think kids should take and not actually taking the child's abilities in mind when recommending what classes the child should take next. Children have different abilities and learning styles and should NEVER be placed in a plan that everyone does it this way. My daughter is a current local pageant title holder and wants to participate in the talent competition at this year's State pageant. We asked for recommendations for a dance teacher and met Miss Betsy who has not only choreographed a dance for us but who's teaching style has helped my daughter learn that dance isn't just one way. Miss Betsy took the time to learn use my daughters current strengths, has given her drive to learn new tricks and is teaching her the need for proper technique. AND SHE WANTS TO DANCE WHEN SHE NEVER WANTED TO BEFORE!!!! Thank you Miss Betsy