We were visiting NYC from out of town and signed up for an adult hip hop class while we were there. At first I was nervous because the class was twice as long as the classes we do back home, but it really seemed to fly by. Our instructor (Slice) was very accommodating and went at a pace that was comfortable for the whole class. The building was large with multiple floors and studios. Class price was very reasonable, especially for NYC. There's a small merch area and some tables and chairs for lounging. It looked like there were some other out of towners there too so I'd definitely recommend it for anyone visiting or not. read more

I would say the overall 3.6 rating that this BDC has is pretty accurate, I am just rounding up to 4 for this review. I came here recently to take a Burlesque Jazz dance class taught by Tony Guerrero. My friend brought me here with her, I probably never would think to come here if it weren't for her. My friend had been coming to this studio for years. I'll get the bad out of the way first. I am a bit of a germaphobe so having to touch the same floor that probably thousands of other feet have sweated on during the floor parts of the warm up routine, I was like NOoooOOOooOOOooOO inside anyway lol I still did it. I know it won't kill me but still I was like ew lol The pricing is pretty reasonable, it was $29 for an hour and a half long class. There's a hefty warm up routine that Tony leads you through before getting into the actual choreography. It's been two days since I took that class, and somehow I'm more sore today than yesterday LOL it had been a while since I last exercised to be fair. But this is a good thing though, you're basically getting a work out class and a dance class all in one! It's easy to why Tony does this for a living, he seems to really enjoy what he does. He was so energetic and was making funny jokes the whole time. I would definitely consider myself a beginner beginner, so I was slow to pick up the choreography but it really didn't matter, you just have to be close enough, you don't have to do everything perfectly! It was a lot of fun, I would totally go again with my friend if she invited me again. Also a tip, my friend told me that people don't usually wear sneakers to these things so she told me to either wear heeled dancing shoes or just dance in my socks, so I opted for the latter. I don't think this is really true because I saw other people in the class wear their sneakers so I wish I kept my shoes on haha but it's fine, it fun nonetheless! I would recommend a dance class here with your friends for a fun time. Also this way you have someone to take a video of you doing the choreo later instead of having to ask a stranger read more

Hello, I want to thank Broadway Dance Center for introducing me to an amazing Choreographer, MEKA OKU. KING MEKA OKU is the leading pioneer of AFROHOUSE/ KUDORO Worldwide and Founder of LLC @afrohouse_nyc. I have been taking every single class that he taught there, since I found out about him, and will continue to do so, every Sunday he will teach there. So far, I have taken 4 classes. With his professional approach I think I am getting better. He is very personable and wants his students to succeed, while having fun. Let's keep in mind that this is a workout. We are all getting in shape during his class, which is good for our health. Please, bring him every Sunday he is available! I will always return and say only good things about him and his class. Thank you. Respectfully, INGA DAGOSTINO read more

Broadway Dance Center - MEKA OKU aka KING MEKA - Dance Studios Near Me - New York, New York

Love Love Love Broadway Dance Center! TIP #1: Beginner is NOT beginner in NYC! You have to read the level descriptions and look at reviews. I also highly recommend watching videos from the instructors social media or Youtube as this can give you a good sense of the difficulty level and style. This studio has a lot of professional dancers taking class here. I would recommend if you are new to dance or haven't danced in a long time to do the "Absolute Beginner Workshops," which are intensive courses that are offered periodically throughout the year in a variety of different styles. You can also try a few "Basic" level classes to see where you fall in terms of skill level. It may seem daunting at first, but don't compare yourself to other people, and keep coming because consistent practice is essential to improving! TIP #2: Download their app to your phone for faster check-in at the front desk! Dance Classes: Many of the classes are choreography based. There will be a warm-up/stretching section then you will learn a specific routine. - Chio (Beg/Adv Beg Jazz Funk): Love her remixed versions of popular songs! The choreo is quite challenging but always fun and a good workout. Don't be intimidated by the regulars who take her class multiple times per week. - Heather Riggs (Basic/Beg Jazz): This is more of a commercial jazz style so expect hair flips, sass, and attitude in the routines! There will be dancers that have some more technical training, but this is a great class to work on technique. - Honorable Mentions: Niki Saludez, Michael McCrary, Geheny Rivera, Courtney Sauls, and Q are all great instructors and highly recommend their classes as well! Overall: Great dance studio that offers tons of classes in different styles and levels! read more

Broadway Dance Center - Dance Studios Near Me - New York, New York

I was visiting NYC and tried the adult beginner ballet class with Yuka Kawazu. She was a great instructor and her class was great! It was clear she is a very caring instructor to her students, who in turn were very supportive of each other. read more

Instructors for beginner classes tend to let their ego get in the way of teaching their students. They get upset at newbie dancers for not perfectly following their choreography instead of helping them out. The hip hop instructor today made a student sit out multiple times because she could not keep up which made the rest of the class uncomfortable. The student eventually walked out. To be fair this class is labeled as "Beginner" - the choreography was tough and I have 6 years of prior dancing experience. On their mobile website where I assume most first time reservations are made, the "3-5 years experience" for beginner courses is not clearly stated. Therefore, many students sign up for classes thinking they are getting a "beginner" class when they are not. The name should be changed to intermediate. This isn't the first time I've seen instructors humiliate newbies at BDC and because of this I won't be returning. The attitudes from the staff make me and others uncomfortable. Also, all of the staff here expects you to have the app already. An app which also isn't advertised on their site. I have had issues where my app glitches and the front desk staff gets nasty with me because they have to manually sign me in. God forbid your job consists of anything other than sitting at a desk doing nothing all day read more

Our kids have taken many classes here. The dance instructors and staff are always helpful, professional, and pleasant. If you want the dancer or dancers in your family to learn new techniques and moves then bring them to BDC. The entire building is clean and professional looking. read more

I gave it this many stars, because I have not yet taken a class. The front desk engagement was unwelcoming to say the least. Based on this experience alone I have decided that the energy exhibited, is uninviting.... The young girl sitting in the front seemed rushed, and bothered by my inquires. read more

I'm new to dancing and have never taken dance classes before. I have taken 4 classes at BDC over the past month and I can say that I have never felt more alive being there. So far I've taken a basic contemporary jazz, adv beg contemporary lyrical, beg hip-hop, and virtual beg jazz. Each instructor was so different from another as expected however this I felt led to the levels feeling not as labeled. While it wasn't difficult for me to pick up the choreography, some moves in the basic or beginner level didn't seem like it and felt more towards the intermediate/advanced level and because of that I felt my technique got a bit lost since it was a bit more than what I expected. Also, as a new dancer I never realized that you would spend 30-40 minutes learning the combo prior to running it over and over again, so that was a surprise! I tried both the livestream and in-person modalities and I loved both! The livestream was amazing since I don't live near the city to go frequently. Learning it from a mirrored video though I will say was a bit difficult and I definitely missed some technique, but maybe it's just me and my newness to learning choreography. Going in-person was so surreal and I had such a great time being surrounded by others who wanted to dance just as much as I did. I did felt that even though I was in beginner classes that some people were a bit competitive and would show off, making the environment to a complete newbie like myself a bit intimidating. Overall though I had a fun experience and I would certainly take classes there again the next time i'm visiting the city! read more

BDC is truly a home for so many dancers! From absolute beginners to professionals, there is truly something for everyone. I agree with other reviews that say you have to try out a few different teachers to see the ones that you really connect with. However, all the teachers here are very knowledgeable. I really like how they get a lot of different guest teachers to come. Many of the teachers are currently choreographing various projects so it is nice to get in front of them in a class setting. The facilities themselves are great! There are 7 studios, 2 shops, and changing rooms/bathrooms. One thing is that the floors in studios 3 and 5 are usually extremely slippery. Also, they do not have lockers for you to use for free, so make sure to bring your belongings into class with you. For the price of the class, it would be nice if there were some towels available for the showers and maybe some more hygiene products available in the rest rooms/changing rooms the way that gyms and other fitness studios do. Overall, this is a great place to take any style of dance! I love coming her and will continue to take class here for years to come! read more

Amazing instructors, horrible front desk staff. If you are at all late to their drop in studio (like chill out, some of us are grown ass adults who have lives outside of your little studio), they will give you so much crap, make sarcastic comments, threaten to not let you in. The atmosphere is also weirdly stuffy. Like the voguing instructor is *amazing* but the people who attend the voguing class don't seem particularly invested in the culture. read more

I have only been to this studio for its master classes every now and then, but I always have a great time. The talent they bring in for every style of dance is incredible! So inspiring to watch classes before the one you're taking, and I love the variety they provide for every level. Check-in for classes is on the third floor. The layout of the place is a little confusing and they have many studios spread out among al the floors. So far, I've taken master classes with Yanis Marshall, Bobby Newberry, and Marina Ortega. The level of difficulty in these classes can be quite high, but the experience is always amazing as they are truly such incredible choreographers. The classes can be quite cramped due to the popularity of the instructors, but everyone is very welcoming and encouraging of each other. It's truly such a great community here, and I look forward to taking classes more regularly, but it can be tough when you have an unpredictable work schedule. It can be a little hard to know which classes to take as well, and with who. There are just so many classes that it can be a little overwhelming, but that's definitely not a bad thing. I look forward to coming back soon! read more

Broadway Dance Center - Lobby - Dance Studios Near Me - New York, New York

I agreed with other reviewers, that there are a handful of good classes and instructors. It took me a lot of time and money to find them. Some are plainly rude and expect you to dance like them in a beginner class. Some just like to show off their dance skills rather than teach. I love the class with Jamie Jackson and Shirlene Quigley. You can feel their passion and they really want to help you progress. $22 a class is not a lot if most of them goes to the instructors. I know it's not the case. And I don't know where my money goes because the bathroom is worst than the cheapest gym in the city. There's NO bathroom hooks. I remember it probably broke less than a year after this location opened. But they never bother to replace it. The people in the reception are hit and miss. Sometimes you get the nicest people in the world and don't know what they are doing, which is fine. The manager always know how to handle every transactions at the end. After all I don't think they got paid. They probably work for class credit. You just have to be patient. The worst is when you see some people who thinks they are better than everyone and are superstar. So you get the attitude and a slow transaction. I kept coming here because I love some of the teachers. If they are going to teach somewhere else with a better facility, I will leave BDC in a blink. read more

Broadway Dance Center - Been a member of BDC for 15 years. Just saw this in the bathroom - Dance Studios Near Me - New York, New York

I grew up dancing, but stopped for over 10 years. I'm almost 40. I was looking to get back into dance, and know all the technique and form, but my body has softened. So I decided to take an Advanced Beginner Jazz Funk with Chio, thinking it would be a good mix of getting my body back into shape, but also not too easy since I already get it and have trained. There was no instruction, no guidance, but just a very fast pace into the combination. It was definitely not Beginner. I left early. Then I tried the true Beginner Jazz Fusion class with Michelle Barber, and again, same problem. I brought a colleague with me for whom it was her FIRST DANCE CLASS EVER... a moment deserving of joy usually... and the class was definitely not geared for beginners. My colleague had a tough time. It almost felt like Advanced dancers were taking the class because there wasn't room in the other classes or something. At one point, another dancer hit my colleague in the stomach... it was both of their faults... and the dancer got all drama queen and started icing her wrist and talking shit about my friend for the rest of the class. (It was my colleague's FIRST DANCE CLASS EVER. Come on. Did hitting her soft stomach warrant icing?) Clearly from other reviews, this is a problem, so I think BDC needs to train the teachers to be more clear on levels, and also encourage students to train at the level most appropriate for them. Or graduate up and out. It felt like a free for all, and VERY, very crowded. Plus, the front desk man was super rude about bringing their little disposable class card, and how they'd charge $5 if I lost it. Not an inviting place for newbies. Which is a shame, because it's beautiful facilities and seems to be good teachers. I'm going to give it one more chance. BDC, you need to earn my money at this point. read more

This was my last time at BDC...it is very obvious to me now that the instructors here dont care at all about teaching and take their life struggles out on the people stupid enough to pay to take their class. I took Jonte's class...i expected a lot of edgy sass from a male heels dancer...but i got the distinct impression that he hated teaching, so i was like...why are you here? He kept mentioning that he choreographed for beyonce, but i dont know beyonce would retain someone with such a bad attitude. What a change from shirlene quigley who was always supportive. I also took joy karleys basic ballet class, and have always liked her classes before. However she singled me out because my hair wasnt tied back...i have scalp psoriasis so no, i cant pull my hair back...so i left and signed out of the class. Sad that she has become like so many of the other ballet instructors that bdc has...singling people out for criticism based on how they look and not their technique. read more

Not the best place for kids or international students. The owners lack ownership and much rather pretend that issues don't exist.

Been here twice on two separate trips to NYC. First was November 2016 and second was March 2017. We're not dancers but we love dancing! Dance hall was fun. It was packed and it got pretty hot, almost a little suffocating. They tried changing the room but it was too late. Street stilettos I had more fun. Maybe more my style. We had a substitute and he was great and fun! Good location and definitely recommend it to do something a little different when in NYC. read more

I loved this place so much! I took the absolute beginners ballet class with Yuka and she is AMAZING! She is so patient and she brings a lot of positive energy into the room! I was always excited on Tuesdays because I knew I was going to have a great time in class! I strongly recommend this workshop specially if Yuka is teaching it! She will make your day! I am very happy with my experience and I'm smiling as I'm writing this! read more

Broadway Dance Center - Dance Studios Near Me - New York, New York

Location is meh, studios are tiny (oddly shaped with pillars in the middle), the dressing rooms and bathrooms are spacious but crowded. Classes are more on the expensive end at $18 for single drop-in. The biggest draw back for me was the small studio, and since they didn't seem to cap the class (for safety-sake, please!), it was super packed. It wasn't danceable at all... (what grand allegro?) Nevermind the out of tune piano, the adv beg ballet I took was like boot camp: you will come out of it perfecting your pirouettes, but if that's not your focus, you're left less than satisfied. We took bar in diagonals -- that was a first (and awful for anyone starting out) -- and I wasn't fully warm by center. Our class also decided to sprinkle talcum powder everywhere, I almost had a respiratory episode... True, this place offers a ton of classes (throughout the day), styles, teachers... perhaps it's fitting for the young and the restless. And it's probably better for other dance forms. It's hard for me to feel any peace at this place. I just want to enjoy myself after my 9-5 with no drama; BDC is a tad over-stimulating (people-wise) and underwhelming (ballet). I usually like to try a few different classes/teachers, but the vibe here doesn't entice me to return. Hey, it's just not my cup of tea. read more

I have taken only tap dance and swing classes in this studio as well as ABW in jazz dance. The latter was quite disappointing for me: I tried it twice (~4 years ago) with different instructors. On the other hand, tap dance with Tony Mayes is my absolute favorite. His teaching style is beyond any expectations. It doesn't matter what level you are. He will both challenge you and provide valuable feedback so you will be able to keep improving. Another recent development is swing with Spencer Weisbond (I believe, he is a guest teacher as of now). I have been utterly impressed by his ability to quickly assess the level of the group and suggest a program that would be beneficial and interesting for everyone. By the end of the class, you can wrap up a finished composition. If you come to his class more than once, he will make sure to give something challenging for you, so you keep moving forward. read more

My daughter has been coming here for many years to take dance classes....Tap Classes, Ballet Classes etc. Her favorite ones are Contemporary Classes and Hip Hop Classes with some of the best choreographers ever! I am waiting for her to arrive so that she can be registered for a Contemporary Class with the one and only Teresa Stone! She has also had the pleasure of working there as an Intern and learned so much! Broadway Dance Center has rooms of various sizes where students can dance comfortably. The classes are offered seven days a week, are diverse as well as educational and affordable. BDC also offers dance packages where you can pay for a bulk of classes or you can pay for each separate class as you go.... The staff have been professional and BDC is kept well organized and tidy. The restrooms are sometimes a little unkempt once dancers use it after a class ends, but the staff have been good and cleaning up as soon as possible. read more

I dropped into the BDC yoga class Friday afternoon not knowing what level to expect. I love that Mary Beth created a calm and meditative environment in the room. The flow into and out of the poses was slow and gentle warming the body. The class is for all levels and she shows all levels from beginner to advanced for each pose. Yay! The room was clean and the temperature was good. A great class! read more

When I first started ballet a year ago, I did my absolute beginner ballet workshop here. It is a program where you take 6 classes of ballet to get you familiar with basic ballet, so that you can go take drop in class in the future. I really enjoyed the teacher, though I do not remember her name. She was bit scattered and I thought the class moved bit slow. Maybe because the class moved so slowly, it did not give me too much confidence that I would be ok in a drop in classes after I finish this course. However, overall she was friendly. After absolute beginner ballet class was done, I tried basic ballet classes at the studio. My teacher, also don't remember his name, seemed to be experienced in the ballet field, but he talked a lot theory and not much practice. I did not even drop a single sweat some classes because spent lots of time standing and listening to him talk. I also dance hip hop and tried few classes here and the style was not my favorite. I took absolute beginner hip hop workshop as well and it was bit too basic and some beginner drop in I took I did not like very much. I understand that hip hop has lots of different style and all teachers are different. The atmosphere of the studio sometime can be bit intimidating and people are not as friendly. People generally do not talk to each other or they seem to know each other already. The studio is very big and crowded all the time. read more

I took the basic ballet class with Joy Karley. I don't have formal ballet training and took only some beginner ballet classes at Alvin Ailey few years prior, and barre classes at the gym. I was expecting a true beginner novice ballet class for newbies with no training since it was the lowest level ballet class being offered at the center. It wasn't what I expected as found the class to be geared for dancers with at least some technical training. Otherwise you will get lost. The instructor does not dumb it down for newbies. Out of a class of 30 students, only 10% were completely new. I can imagine this is the same teaching philosophy for ANY of the basic classes whether it is hip hop or tap, jazz, etc. at BDC. The center has a "complete beginner" workshop for individuals who want to learn enough to get to the basic level, but of course at an additional price separate from the classes. If you are a complete newbie, you should take the workshop before embarking on any of their basic level classes. The main difference between basic ballet at BDC and Alvin Ailey (from what I can remember) is the level of snootiness that I did not find (or remember) at Alvin Ailey; not from the students itself but from the instructor. There was a bit of unwelcoming comments at the BDC class, not from the students, that definitely had an underlying tone of if you're not a dancer, don't expect this to be just another gym class for mindless jocks. There was not a sense of all levels being welcome. Perhaps a better set of expectations should be disclosed to new members to the center who have no training because there seem to be lack of understanding in expectations for a "basic" class. read more

Don't ever take HARA's beg ballelt class , Disappointed!!!!!!!you will waste your time and money, she's from Japan, and pretty much focused on to the Japanese student during the class , doesn't paying attention for other students read more

Great instructor, great selection of dance classes. BDC is really the main reason I visit NYC! Love this place. read more

Broadway Dance Center - Dance Studios Near Me - New York, New York

I think I have been pretty lucky for all the instructors I have had here. Leslie Feliciano, Q, and Chio for Hiphop and Jazz funk. They are always full of energy and give attention to individuals. Some of their classes are a little difficult than what you might expect to be a beginner class. They help/push students to work on their techniques, facial expressions, and others and really get you to be ready if you want to be a professional. At the same time, they always remind me that no stress in classes and it's okay to make mistakes and fail because that's what dance classes are for. We all here to learn and grow!! " Dancing is great as a workout and in each class they always give me a great laugh. I think that 20$/class is definitely worth it!!! read more

Wanna get called out for movin' like a white girl? Be told that you'll get zero play if you dance like *that* at a club? You will in Bev's hip hop class if you don't pay attention. I took a 10 classer last summer and now I can pull out such classic moves like: - "through the window" - "the matrix" - "the superman" - "bootyshake" Bev and her sassy assistants cover a different choreographed routine in each 1.5 hr session. Just a heads up that the "Intro" class is "challenging" if you have no rhythm. Hide out in the back the first few classes and you'll get it. Best part is the last 15 min when you do the whole routine...you feel like a part of Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation video minus most of the rhythm. pro 1: go watch the advanced hip hop classes sometime...they will BLOW YOUR MIND although guaranteed you will feel like a clay aiken backup dancer in comparison. pro 2: you get to pretend you're a dance student in Fame walking through those halls (that's what i do anyway) Pay per class or buy a 10 pack session. GO! I'm going back when it's warmer...find me in the back. read more

Steer clear of Dariusz Hochman's ballet class if you have any injuries and intend to modify ANYTHING!!! I tried this studio for the first time to take his Basic Ballet class barre and was extremely disappointed, to say the least. Growing up I did pre-professional ballet training, but haven't been dancing regularly for the past 6 years ago due to injuries. I have had several surgeries and have been recently getting back into dance as part of my rehab. At the beginning of class, when I did a demi instead of grand plie at the barre, Hochman asked why I would come to class if I can't do what he asks. When I replied that I was recovering from surgery, that seemed to anger him. Furthermore, half of his combinations were on demi pointe which was bizarre in a basic class. After being glared at for not lifted my legs off the floor in the second combination of the class (which is also weird for the second combination to require a 45 degree lift!), I was afraid to modify things too much, which is the worst feeling you want when you are exercising/rehabing. I would understand this attitude if I were training to become a professional dancer or if I attended a higher level class, but his attitude is totally unacceptable for this level adult course. Head to BAE or Steps for a more pleasant experience! Fortunately the staff was really friendly after I expressed grievances post-class, but it still left a very bitter taste in my mouth! read more

BDC. So much potential, but such mediocre experiences. This place really feels like a factory - their classes are packed and feel oddly aggressive/competitive for a drop-in studio. I've never felt comfortable or at-ease at a class here, which is tough for someone who doesn't have the time or money to take class multiple times a day. The instructors are clearly all talented, but it's a bit of a crapshoot as far as what they're actually teaching when you look at the schedule. The reels that they provide online are generally nothing like what they're actually teaching, so I've definitely come out of classes disappointed by my own expectations. All of that aside, BDC does fill a need in NYC. They're centrally located, good for all levels, and huge. There are about five or six classes going on at any given time, so plenty of options for anyone. I'm fully willing to believe that I might have just not found the right class/instructor/groove for me yet, so I'm upping a review that borders on 2 or 2.5 stars to a full 3. But, don't come here expecting the comfort of your home studio. read more

I've never had a positive customer service experience at BDC, but this one truly took the cake. First, it had the teacher online as actually teaching and not a sub. When I arrived however it in fact was a sub. This has happened countless times at BDC. Then, after not allowing you to sign up in advance online (I thought we were in the 21st century), I called to see if there was space in a class. I was told yes but when I got there (on time) I was told that the class was not only full, but there was a wait list. How does this system possibly work for people with jobs, who have better things to do than sit all day waiting for a dance class? After denying my entry they suggested another class that was not at all as it was described. Finally I got my money back (after a 10 minute wait). Dance class should be a relief from stress and a great workout. The staff and systems at BDC not only make attending class *more* stressful, they're downright rude and seem to take pride in turning people away instead of accommodating them. I won't be returning. read more

Back in the day I used to practically live at BDC if not live to take classes at BDC :-) I took jazz, theater and ballet and have been around long enough to have experienced the old old Broadway location, the 57th St one, and now this 45th St one. That said, I don't think I will be going back. I returned last week to try a ballet class after not having come to the studio since around 2010 when the teacher I was following left to teach elsewhere. The irritation started right at the entrance where I see that you are now forced to walk through a gift shop just to enter the building. Then when you walk in, there is what looks like a 'welcome desk' but it's not that at all - when I came in there were just what looked to be several staff people and other dancers hanging all around it talking. No one looked up to help. Luckily then I saw the sign that class registration was on the third floor and to take the elevator 'behind me' which was not visible from where the sign was, but you have to walk through a door and then down a hallway to the right. I only figured it out because I had been there back when the studio first opened. I got to the third floor and since I had not been there in a while, after waiting in line to get to the cashier, he scanned my keytag and someone else's name came up. He then sent me to the "Information" cashier who then sent me to the "New Student Registration Desk." After going through the process of filling out a new card, getting a new keytag, etc I went back to the original cashier and everything seemed on track UNTIL I said I was Union - so then had to go back to the "Information" cashier who had check my union card and flag my account with a Union rate approval. THEN I went back to the original cashier and was finally able to sign in for class. Total time this took - 20 minutes. At this point I was exactly on time for the class to start, so I rushed to the cramped dressing room and got changed. The women's dressing room has an extremely bad layout, so the main area is one that you have to keep walking through to get to the bathroom or to the back area - not optimal. The bathroom is also less than well laid out and never seems entirely clean. The ballet class (Dorit Koppel) was great. However, it was way too overcrowded. It was in their Studio 1 which I thought they used to cap at 50 students, but I did a rough count and there were 65-70 in this class. The way the bars were set up , I got kicked and hit in the face several times during barre alone. Overall an extremely disappointing experience. Agree with some of the other reviewers about it just being too much of a scene and that it is annoying that they allow groups of children/teens into the classes. read more

Boy I'ma make you love me, make you want me And I'ma give you some attention, tonight Now follow my intuitions, what you're wishin See I'ma keep you all night, for a long time Just start countin the ways http://youtu.be/1cy22Woq_Ls Miss Bev Brown, you make me wanna move! Think hip hop beginner's class is going to be a piece of cake? Think again, precious. I was challenged all the way through the 1.5 hour session. From stretching* to routine breakdown, I was on my toes paying attention to every detail that could help me improve each movement. Bev will guide you step by step.. providing guidelines on positioning, counting, technique, delivery and breathing**. All of these while having a great time! Get ready to be called out. No one is perfect. Shake it off and learn from it. *first class I got picked on during stretching exercise. my head was pushed a couple times as reminder to will my body to stretch farther. **boo you need to start breathing. you are changing to different colors! Tip: $18/class - first time students arrive 15 minutes early to sign up. Warning: Prepare your olfactory senses, it gets a little funky in there with everyone sweating O_O read more

Updated review: I came back after two years to try and learn some jazz. The beginner classes here are more challenging than other studios. I've really liked Beginner Jazz Fusion with Michelle Barber so far. The main reason is that she picks very contemporary pop music (The Chainsmokers, etc), which makes it easier for me to feel and interpret. I also really like Jen O'Conner who subs for Michelle - she's very fun and energetic. I'm planning to try some other jazz and hip hop classes. ---- [2 stars - 2015] I've been talking hip hop classes at Alvin Ailey for about 2 years and thought I might try out BDC. It was disappointing. - I signed up for class via FitReserve and was confirmed as 'checked in' in their mindandbodyonline.com system. But when I got there I had to talk to multiple people to 'check in' further. It was confusing and annoying. - I didn't like my hip hop class with Bev Brown at all... I've taken a class with similar style before, so I wasn't just frustrated because I wasn't following the class. Her method of teaching include 'chanting' (mostly by the assistants), which is very creepy and distracting in my opinion. She talks a lot and doesn't give you enough time to do the moves/practice. And we never do TRANSITIONS. How can I learn a routine if I never remember what comes next. I consider this poor instructional skills. - Finally, this studio is located in one of the shittiest neighborhoods of Manhattan. read more

Good luck ... This studio is for dancers who are already trained and want to maintain. That being said, I guess it's fine if you know that. The class level on the website is a total wild card - if there are a ton of regulars a "beginner" class can easily become intermediate. The schedule is unbeatable and I return every so often but for me I need something less crowded and impersonal. read more

Amazing school with great teachers- they know what they are doing and they have great personalities. They hire the best of the best here. There are all different levels here but even basic level is going to be a challenge if you don't have any kind of dance experience. This is a school for dancers to broaden their range, not really a place for people who've never danced before to become introduced to dance. It would be overwhelming. Plus you are expected to have proper dance attire for each different dance style, and that can be expensive for a beginner. All of the studios have windows so people can watch- great if you wanna check out a class before actually attending it. Sometimes it's just inspiring to go watch a higher level class... some of the choreography and dancing is fabulous. They also have 5 video screens in the lobby of the 3rd floor (where studios 1-5 are) so you can have a look at various classes at once. Sometimes this can be good if you are trying to figure out what you can handle. Prices are reasonable- between $16-18 per 90 min class (so about $11-12/hr) for top notch teaching. Bad points are classes are easily overcrowded and I'm not even sure they have a limit to the number they allow in... but if it's too crowded, at least you apparently have 20 min to ask for a refund. They also have non-dance classes, such as flexibility, floor barre, and pilates... some of these might be better choices for someone who has never danced before- they help you get in touch with your body without the pressure of knowing things you've never studied before. I was surprised at the basic ballet level... It would be pretty complicated for someone without any previous ballet training... I wouldn't suggest going, thinking it would be okay...it's hard and the teacher expects you to know even though she is aware there are people with no previous experience what-so-ever in class. So many classes are fun to try, regardless of what dance background you come from. The only thing I saw teachers really insist on is having proper attire for classes. They didn't want to see jazz runners in a street style class, and appropriate clothing for classes, such as fitted for ballet and non fitted for hip-hop. It is hard to change clothing if you are doing classes back to back though because there are no breaks between classes... In the summer there are students from all over America and the world, which is interesting. Some of the students don't even speak English. There are also a wide range of ages. I saw as young as 10 in a popping class and as old as 60s or 70s in a flexibility class. You do need to make a class card before you can take any classes, so your first day, you should come extra early. You input all your info yourself on a computer on the 3rd floor and then they take your picture and give you a key-chain card that they scan every time you take a class. It's a walkable distance from a few metro stops. It's basically at 45th and 8th, relatively near Times Square... read more

This place used to be really good when it was located on West 57th Street. Now it seems they just hire anyone and a lot of them prove to show you don't need to really know what your teaching as long you are hanging on certain people's coat tails. I used take this particular Contemporary Jazz Class at Broadway Dance Center (BDC) from 6pm til 7:30pm every Tuesday and Thursday. I was committed cause I loved his style and despite the teacher was a bit of a douche bag. He seemed like an emulation of his boyfriend at the time off what he wore and how he spoke and he didn't really care much for many students in his class, unless they were "popular." You can tell by how he answered you, he didn't care to pay attention after you ask him, "Is there anything you feel I need to work on?" I stopped taking his classes as soon at BDC rates continued to go up. It's just not worth to take from someone that's a dickhead for that much money when I can just go on YouTube instead. There are a lot of other "teachers" like that there. I feel it also takes a real teacher to not act as a wolf in sheep's clothing and a lot of them carried that mentality and today there is barely any etiquette so it's understand when many people says that dance studio never feels like a dance home, but a dance high school. Plus the quality of teachers got pretty low. There are only a small few I recommend if you are looking for technique. I'm just not sure if they are there anymore. read more

5 stars? OF COURSE! Hip hop classes anyone? Can anyone say winter 8 week workshop?! I conclusively love this place not only because there is so much talent floating around but also because of the instructors and music. Also, the overall aura is enough to make you wanna dance. I have to say that there is a fine mix of really really amazing to really really awful instructors. Just make sure to watch a few classes so you know what you're getting into. Also, even though a class is titled as beginner, that's not always the case. Be prepared for overcrowding studios. Enjoy your time, have fun and dance your little heart out!! Ohhhh and keep in mind this is always a marvelous place to people watch as well. read more

Hmmm...interesting...I'm not sure how improving dance technique and skill with generally well-above-average instructors/choreographers fits into the classification of being into commercialism. Sure they are a bit corny with all of their gear everywhere and sure there are a handful of people in every class I've taken from them that buy into that shit, but the level of expertise you are exposed to and (my personal favorite) the absolute stunning, evocative choreo that you are taught in every class--genres across the board--is so refreshing and exciting. Yes, it is a bit expensive but as I said you are always taking from some sort of professional so I guess that's to be expected. I take the star away for the price as well as the fact that there are a few obnoxious divas in every class that are mildly annoying to warm up next to as they anticipate the next stretch since they've been in that particular class say 1000xs before, but then again we're talking dance here. Divas are the norm. Overall, I would pay the cost (I get them for $14 a class though because I buy them in 10's with the special) just to be exposed to such talented instructors and such FANTASTIC choreography. I love it and when I go broke I'll just keep doing the routines in my living room. read more

The hip hop classes are amazing. I took a beginner class with bev and it was such a workout. I struggled because I had no dance experience before but this class is a must try. Bev was so full of energy and trying to get our inner funk out. Classes are $20 each and the facilities are really nice. You can also catch a glimpse of some of the other classes going on and you will be blown away. read more