Dance West is a great place to learn ballet as an adult Most ballet studios are not adult friendly. Most ballet studios only reward tweens and early teens who have small bones, long legs, flexibility, nicely arched feet, small heads, tapering fingers, and parents that can pay for them to come 1-2 times a day, 6 days a week. Not so at Dance West. Mike & Monique, the owners, are serious about ballet and yet they temper it with the understanding that only 1% of their tweens and teens wants to be a professional dancer and that all of their adult dancers dance because they love it. They make ballet fun and hire teachers for tap, jazz, and hip hop that keep that attitude of fun. This is the least snooty dance studio I've been to, and I've been to A LOT of dance studios. Back when it was in Seal Beach, the class schedule & studio brochure used to note that eating disorders were not tolerated. Only by eating a healthy diet and healthy meals would dancers become strong enough to meet the demands of dance, it said. The connected company, Metropolitan Ballet Company, has won choreographic and performance awards in Europe on several occasions. read more

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I really love Dance West. The classes are great for all ages and it is a great place to learn to dance. There are many options from taking a single class, dance team, even classes for adults. The owners take a lot of pride in their studio and are involved with the local community. Their prices are affordable and some of the best around for quality instruction. I would definitely recommend this studio. read more

Staff is always great as always and ever since the lobby has been updated it's been much better. Now the lobby is more warm and inviting, making it easier for parents to hang out and wait for the kiddies. They must've taken heed to my previous comment, and recently added some chairs outside when there is an overflow. Although there are still times when it gets cramped overall it's been a great place for my little one to thrive. She's absolutely loves her teacher and gets so excited about practice, ever time. Their annual production of the nutcracker is also a must see, and it's really rewarding to see all the hard work the dancers put it for the performance. Overall, great studio, staff, and now lobby ! read more

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I've never taken a dance class before attending here, but once I did, I fell in love! Monique's adult classes are great for beginners, and she always adjusts the class to the skill level of that day's class. She warms up your body (and your feet), has your practice at the bar, and then do floor sequences. She guides you without overwhelming you at first, always striving for artistry amongst her dancers. The Saturday class is for 18+, and she always lets you try your first class free. If you're looking to get good fast, go to one of her summer ballet camps! It's fun, you use props like ribbons and scarves and you feel alive with music. It's the best way to spike your growth as a dancer. These classes still make me smile, thinking about them. :D read more

Dance West the most amazing dance studio I've ever come across. I've spent a lot of time trying to find a ballet studio that is not only welcoming with a good curriculum but also offers classes for adults over the age of 18. Which in my searches has seemed too few in between. What I love most about the studio is how they make you feel good about learning how to dance. I've not encountered such encouragement at any of the other studios I've previously attended. I started just taking 1 class a week and a little over a year later it has become my home away from home. To the owners Monique & Mike, the art of dance is something that shows through when they teach. I've been taking classes from Monique for over a year now and her ability to teach the foundations of proper technique are impeccable! When I first started I didn't even remember what the foot positions are and now I have recently started training en pointe! Without such an attentive and caring teacher I feel that would not be a reality today. I highly recommend this studio for those of all ages who are looking to become a serious student or just wanting to have fun learning how to dance! read more

Does this place still have the same owners from the 90's? I remember going as a teenager and ridiculed for my weight by the guy who owned the studio with his wife. I was not remotely overweight, ran track, played soccer and surfed. That place traumatized me. I remember the guy's comment we only take students who are in shape. I'd see him at the Rossmoor Athletic Club and he'd give me snide looks. Ugh. Save your child the trauma. read more

I have actually been attending Tahitian and Hula Classes here for about a year now but this is the first chance I've had to review the dance studio. I've practiced at quite a few studios ranging from dark and dingy to big and bright. This studio is great! Studio: I rated it 4 starts because I do not take all the classes they offer and I feel their waiting/reception area is very small. It makes it difficult for parents to observe if they wanted to and becomes quite hectic and crowded between classes. But the two studios we utilize have a full mirror, ballet bar and ample room. It is well lit and in a very nice neighborhood. There is ample parking and a 7/11 if you need hydration and forgot your water bottle as well as a few food places (this is good for waiting parents, friends or chaperons who cannot sit in the small waiting area). Instructors: I've come early and stayed late to watch other classes, instructors and styles of dance. This studio has very passionate, patient and good instructors (including my own). The instructors I have met are congenial, professional and it shows they love what they do. I frequently watch the ballet dancers and modern dance because those are the classes prior my Tahitian/Hula classes. Not only are they talented, I enjoy how the instructors teach and interact with their students. The ballet is so beautiful and it's lovely to watch the dancers who practice hard and perform with passion. I also feel good knowing the other dancers from other classes are not caddy, are always warm, respectful, friendly and welcoming. P.S. I drive all the way from Hermosa Beach twice, every week, to take classes here. read more

I absolutely love Dance West! My 5 year old daughter takes Ballet/Tap classes with Nikki. She's great with the children. She's patient, kind and takes her time with all of the dancers. When she recognizes a student that needs to take it to the next level, she incorporates it into their session without making the other children feel less than. My daughter has danced at other studios and this school is hands down amazing so far. We hope to see our ballerina and tapper flourish! I'll keep you posted :) read more

Be careful of the classes you take here. I took a class that was Beg. Jazz for 18+, and few weeks down the line, it was a class full of ELEMENTARY girls, who were all experienced in ballet. Basically, the class felt like a side practice class for the girls, while some of the girls (18+) who actually came to LEARN was kind of pushed to the side and forced to follow along. I was so upset with the class, especially cause they forced me to pay a whopping $60 for some measly classes. $60!!! It was my mistake for not complaining, so that's why I'm putting a review here to warn you all about this unfair practice this studio does. By the way, the dance instructor was named Nicki - Yea, don't take classes from her. I will never come back to this studio until it gets it's standards straight. So far, I've been telling all my friends not to come here because they basically ripped me off. I don't get the other reviews saying it's adult friendly....the class under Nicki I took was far from that. Such a shame that this place deserves such a horrible review. read more

If you're looking for a great workout or to improve your technique TAKE Nikki Smith!!! Her style and warm up always sends me home with sore muscles I didn't even know existed! I've dropped in on her classes every now and then, but every time I've left with a new understanding of my body, my technique, & my dancing. Makes me wish I could go on a regular basis but my work schedule just doesn't allow it. The studio space is lovely as well. It's clean, great natural lighting, and great floors, I always feel safe and welcome even when I don't know anyone in the class. I've also noticed some master classes hosted by dance west sign-ups are easy and convenient. Nice see a place working to expands the diversity of it's studio. All in all there's nothing bad I can say about my experiences at Dance West. I've always felt like it was a safe judgment free environment for me to learn and just dance! read more

My daughter has been coming here for about a year now and she loves it. She looks forward to going to class every week. Nikki is wonderful with kids. We are very happy with this place. read more

Most affordable studio around with a great family atmosphere. The students, instructors and parents are all kind and welcoming, all students and families are welcome. The class sizes are not too big and the instruction is very high quality- a fantastic value for the money when it comes to dance. They offer classes for beginners though more advanced and competition and summer classes. The Nutcracker around the holidays is a great experience for the kids and a fun holiday tradition for the whole family. read more

My daughter has been dancing here for 2 years now and I love this place. Miss Nikki is the so patient with the girls and is a wonderful teacher. I always wait outside because the lobby is a little crammed but definitely worth it to see my daughter learn from such a wonderful teacher. read more

For "older" adults who love to dance... this is the very best place I could find. If you are looking for an intimate, personal and welcoming studio where you can still get top quality instruction and great performance opportunities, then this is the place for you. The classes are never over-loaded and the instructors provide useful feedback in a caring manner. If you desire to push yourself, you can reach beyond your comfort level with all the oversight you need to do so wisely and effectively. The students are all supportive and always wish sincerely for you to find the best dancer within yourself that is possible. As an older dancer, I can feel out of place, but even the youngest and best of the dancers there are kind and supportive to me. There are many classes and levels to suit your capability including lots of choices for the adult dancer.This is definitely for those whose interests are skewed towards ballet, as mine are, but there are other styles and methods to choose from within their class portfolio. read more