This review is for all the folks who haven't tap danced in 20+ years... you know who you are. Yup... you sure do. Perhaps we told ourselves after that back injury that there was simply no use, there was no way we'd be able to hop around anymore, much less create an actual sound that didn't sound like hooves (at a slaughterhouse). We threw out the leotards and tights years ago. They wouldn't have fit our larger, aged bodies anyway. Besides, we hated them, they never quite fit anyway. But for some reason we couldn't throw out the tap shoes. We loved our tap shoes. And so, they sat, in the back of the closet. Why? Because, in the back of our minds we thought maybe... and then we talked ourselves out of it... but still we wondered... but nah... there's simply no way. NO WAY. NO WAY IN HELL. Until one day... we decide to challenge ourselves. Because deep inside, we needed to see if all was lost. I mean, our body literally twitches when we watch others tapping on tv, the muscle fibers still trying to do what we KNOW we used to do. We have a an actual iTunes Playlist dedicated to "great songs to tap to". We secretly lie in bed trying to remember old combinations. We stalk and save OTHER PEOPLE'S tap dancing videos from Facebook.... we need to challenge ourselves... because of all of this. And because we LOVE those tap shoes. We decide to commit to the challenge, to see if we can handle 5 minutes of it (or 10 minutes... or...?!?) ... and so we make our way to Max McGuier's Adult Beginner class at The Bridge for Dance. Just getting up those 3 STEEP flights is like the ultimate test... the Mt Everest of 20 years of repressed non-tap-dancing. The Machu Picchu of Tap Dance Dreams. We're gonna make it-- HUZZAH!! Our left knee clicks with every step. Screw it... we're gonna DO THIS, you OLD BAG!! Max's sunny disposition can easily light up a room, and he has tough competition because The Bridge is SOOO sunlit and inviting... it is actually a BEAUTIFUL space. None of those repressive, dungeon-y, dingy-windowed, flourescent lit, musty, sweaty, smelly, loud, snotty basement studios that we were used to. YOU KNOW THE ONES. THIS is different, and inviting, and NORMAL, the way a neighborhood dance studio should be, and the other folks in the class... just as warm and friendly, humble and open. It is obvious, we ALL feel comfortable INSTANTLY. There's an instant camaraderie and everyone is supportive. I literally couldn't ask for a better circumstance all around! The acoustics are wonderful... my taps sound like bells, and it is NOT because of me. The wooden floor is PERFECT for tapping. The AC is pumping (another concern that I had... no fears-- it works!!!). There are actual plants growing... greenery... and there's space for them AND us. There is space to MOVE!! (Now if only I could find a space to belt a high C in NYC.... but that's a quest for another day)... Max is doting, personable, gives everyone individual time, he's relaxed and humorous... he drills us on all the basics and then pulls it all together for a combo at the end. He inspires, and is a literal JOY to be around... he makes you want to DANCE, and when you screw up, he asks how he can help you. And he really means it. (Note to self: my mental-computer processing was circa Apple Mac 1996, but my pullbacks were flawless!!!) I am sooo grateful for Max's understanding, smile and energy, as well as The Bridge's warm and inviting atmosphere and crowd... It felt sooo good to think I aced my challenge. After 20+ years, those tap shoes were dug out of the closet and used!! I tolerated the entire hour and I WALKED HOME (I didn't hobble!) afterward.... ... and I will MOST DEFINITELY be back! read more

This studio is a hidden gem on the Upperwest side of Manhattan! The Bridge for Dance has wonderful dance classes for children and adults in a variety of disciplines, the most professional and wonderful teachers in a more personal neighborhood establishment. With over ten year in the neighborhood, the Bridge for Dance has established themselves as a unique Upper west side studio, housing professionals in the field for rehearsals, performances, music video shoots, and more! www.bridgefordance.com read more

Bridge For Dance - Performing Arts Near Me - New York, New York

I rented the space for a duet dance rehearsal and was so pleased! A beautiful vibe with windows and plants make it very welcoming. Large room with mirrors and a good floor for stretching out and dancing all over the place! read more

Bridge for Dance is a community treasure. The teachers are talented and invested in their students. They offer a full range of styles and teachers, and at very very good prices. They really want to make it possible for EVERYONE from EVERY financial background to express themselves through dance and do whatever they can to make it happen. I can't say enough about this amazing place. read more

I love this studio. Amazing teachers, community and space. I'm so thankful to have found their beginner Ballet class. All 3 teachers I have had are extremely helpful and assist each student individually. I am always welcomed at the door. The students in the class are helpful and all want to improve each others technique. read more

Bridge For Dance - Studio space - Performing Arts Near Me - New York, New York

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This is a really amazing studio. The ballet classes are small--I've actually had several private lessons because I was the only attendee. Remarkably, however, the teaching is some of the best I've ever received, and I've taken from Steps, Alvin Alley, Joffrey and Peri. Jessica Gallo, in particular, is quite incredible and has a real passion for teaching individuals using descriptions that are quite specific. She also has a great sense of how certain muscles affect form and stance--something that I feel lacks from other studios, where they simply repeat a routine with no explanation. She is very amicable and is a known specialist when it comes to correcting dance posture. I would recommend her class for beginners, pros and anyone in between. read more

I bought groupon for 10 classes at this studio and in the middle of taking Ballet class on Wednesday night. It is as good as it gets. The instructor is very warm, friendly and fun. She has extensive experience and is a lovely lady. I love this studio and the receptionist always welcome me with a friendly smile. I'd love to come back for more classes when my 10 classes run out. read more

Bridge for Dance is like a 2nd home. The staff is super sweet and they are really flexible. Love this place. Thank you for all you do

Jessica Gallo is the Ballet instructor on Wednesday evenings at Bridge For Dance. She is absolutely top notch. Her knowledge of dance, and anatomy is the best I have every come across. Jessica is calm, confident, and very supportive. She knows how to work with people, on various levels, and experiences. She is the primary reason many people take classes at this Studio. read more

I started taking my daughter here for ballet class a year ago. I liked it because it was close to where we lived, they have Saturday classes that fit into my daughter's school schedule, it's significantly cheaper than any place else I've found, and most importantly the 'culture' of the place is not pretentious or competitive, like a lot of ballet studios are. Even though I've moved away from this neighborhood I will continue to go here. read more

I love this studio. It's got this fun and playful vibe to it plus its a pretty great workout. We stretch a lot and I feel amazing after. I would definitely recommend this! read more

Was in NYC and needed a place to rehearse with a private teacher. Rented a studio for 1 hour. Staff helpful and very pleasant and willing to help. Thanks Bridge For Dance! read more

This place blows! Extremely unprofessional. I just came back from this studio and I'm pissed. I've been to tons of studios throughout New York City. Being from El Barrio, I really wanted to like this place. North of 100th street, good studios for adult classes are few and far between. The weather was pretty sweet, so I walked from the east side, across central park, to Broadway. I arrived at the front desk about 5-10mins before class was said to start. The woman at the front desk asked me to wait, I overheard her calling the instructor and ASKING if he was coming in to teach (remember: this is 5mins before the class). He said no, despite all the calendars indicating capoeira class at that time. I was planning to use a pass, from the yoga passbook. I called the studio several hours beforehand to confirm I could use the pass for this particular class. I was told to come. I've never been to a studio that didn't advise students of cancellations well in advance. And obviously they've never heard of substitutes. The front desk woman gave me some halfhearted apology, and suggested I come back on Sunday. I won't be back, not even if the class is free. read more

What a fantastic studio ! A great kids program with small classes for great one on one time but most important my daughter had a lot of fun ! read more

This place is a hidden gem on the upper west side. I have been taking my daughter here since she was two years old and three years in, we couldn't be happier. The studios are spacious and bright and the teachers (we usually have miss Faith) are superb. And the parent community is great - very friendly, down to earth people. We have lovely chats while the kids are busy dancing. Totally recommend! read more

Great find! This dance studio is what the doctor ordered! A homey atmosphere with a variety of classes for adults as well as for children. Excellent teachers at every level, from beginner to professional. It's my home away from home. read more