My daughter is only 4 years old, and she has been attending this dance school for almost a year. She truly enjoys every class and always leaves with a big smile. The teachers are patient, caring, and great with young children. We are very happy to be part of this school. read more

DanceLova Dance Academy - Dance Studios Near Me - Irvine, California

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My daughter loves the Acro Dance class at Dance Lova. She was terrified to go into class on the first day and Heather the teacher made her feel welcomed and comfortable. Thank you Heather and Dance Lova! read more

Terrible place. Rude employees that are confused and gaslight you when asking prices. Instructor was late to class which is a red flag. Daughter said the instructor bent her foot and injured her (I witnessed this as well and was furious) first day and last day. Do not take your children here!! read more

I enrolled my 6 yo daughter in a beginner ballet class and have regretted it from day one. Apparently, I paid for my daughter to do little more than spend an hour standing around every week surrounding by other bored children. Little to no attention is given to the students, and the instructors seem disinterested at best. There is a group of older students constantly running around the studio being obnoxious, disruptive, and rude, which the staff does nothing about. I spent my entire childhood, teen years, and a fair amount of my adulthood in dance. I have never experienced a studio so poorly run and unprofessional. As a single, working mom of two, I refuse to waste mine and my daughter's time here a moment longer. Please comment with suggestions if you know of a better place for children's dance in Irvine. read more

Small, too crowded. Teachers seems nice but not all of them Payment system and schedule not so good. You loose money for prepaying for classes, especially during holidays. Can't make up those classes Those comments that mention tuition issues are all true, if don't believe my comment see other's with same issue read more

Very clean and organized studio. You rarely find any adult hip hop classes in the community but DanceLova gives adult a chance to fufill their dance dream. I took a free hip hop class from here and the teacher was awesome and let you express yourself and be creative. I'll come back when I have a chance. read more

DanceLova gives adults the chance to be reunited with their love for dance. I'm so grateful that I tried their adult ballet class, been hooked ever since. The teachers are incredibly talented, passionate and kind. The classes are fun and challenging and very welcoming! I love how Miss Stephanie walks us through the steps with useful imagery (as it takes a while for me understand the ballet terms) and how Miss Ivy reinforces your best dancer self ("don't second guess yourself" is what she would to tell you). All in all, whether you're looking for fitness or perhaps a venue to grow creatively with dance, Dancelova is the place to be. Quality dance classes with morning and evening schedules, excellent teachers dedicated to their craft, and reasonable price choices catered to your needs. Take that leap of faith. Dance! read more

The parking is horrendous. The waiting lobby area is really cramped. This is not the dance academy's fault but I feel I should mention that almost all of the students we saw this morning (Saturday) were Asians (I'm Asian btw). We saw ONE student/family that wasn't asian. It was just a little too much for me to handle. My daughter did the hip hop class-- she enjoyed it but mentioned that it felt more like exercising and not dancing. Will be looking for a more diverse studio. read more

They are now offering unlimited adult dance classes for $330 annual membership fee. Incredible low price! That's $27.50/ mo like a gym membership. I am able to dance 4-5 days a week without spending $200/ mo in tuition fees like other studios. Thanks Miss Ivy for offering this affordable program for adults! :-) read more

Only had 2 classes here but love it. (This is going to be a long review) Background: When I was 5 and until I was 13, I was in ballet and Korean traditional dance classes everyday. Now I'm 28, but throughout my life, I was involved in dancing, mostly hiphop, and took modern dance classes in college. I've also done yoga for the past 10+ years. So I'm not a total beginner when it comes to ballet terminology or flexibility but my body is still stiffer than what I remember due to small and large injuries in the past. I found this studio on yelp, while searching for a dance studio so that I could get back into ballet. Initially, I thought I wanted to try a Bar Method studio, after trying their DVD workouts, but 1) there's none in Irvine, 2) I know that if I have to drive more than 10 minutes get somewhere to workout, I'll always find an excuse not to go. So I started looking for a ballet studio that also have adult classes. And I was interested in 1) flexibility in fee schedule for adults since we all have those random social functions to go to 2) CLOSE TO HOME since I work in downtown LA, often in suits, and commute by train, I don't WANT to go somewhere 20~30 minutes away from home just to relax and work out, and lastly 3) NOT AN INTIMIDATING ENVIRONMENT. If you've ever tried ballet as a young kid, we all had that teacher who liked to yell, and physically torture you, yanking your arms and legs into the "right" position but not telling you what you're doing wrong. I endured 7 years of that (and I did gymnastics before that, so I was already pretty flexible!!!) so I didn't want to get yelled at by a teacher at the age of 28. Don't need that. (By the way, this was when I realized, omg, I'm an adult, i can pay for my own education and that means I can CHOOSE my own teachers! I don't have to cry or whine about classes!) I emailed the studio that day, and Miss Ivy called me within an hour. The studio doesn't have that many classes for adults but I could take one on Tuesday evenings. Their website says there's a Fitness Ballet and Classical Ballet, but for now, it seems like Miss Ivy is teaching both classes in one class. Fitness Ballet is a "misnomer" in my opinion. This is a beginning classical ballet class, mostly focuses on barre work and ends with grand jete across the floor. No bar method type of class. There's nothing intimidating about this studio or the staff. They're so friendly, and unlike my old ballet teacher, Miss Ivy corrects problems and explains in detail. The class is made up of both very beginner and more advanced students, so no one has to feel competitive. I mean c'mon, at our age, it's pretty clear no one is aiming for American Ballet Theater. But the instructions are good, detailed, easy to understand, and this is the first time in my life that I had real fun, even a laugh, in a ballet class. And it's like 5 min from my house. LOVE! read more

Yea I really didn't appreciate the owner's response, implying that I am somehow prejudiced against special needs children? I really take offense to that as my nephew is autistic. The kids that I mentioned in my previous post who were misbehaving were NOT special needs children. They just straight up did not want to participate or listen to the teacher, who lacked the proper training, experience, or even just interest in properly teaching the class. Also, when you choose to open your dance studio next to and place the front door near the trash bins of restaurants and supermarkets, the disgusting smells do become your problem. I am not in the habit of taking the back door to 99 Ranch or any restaurants so I don't see how complaining to them becomes my responsibility. Rude and totally unprofessional. read more

Our daughter always dances around the house, so my husband and I decided to look for a dance class to get her in to see if dance was something she would want to do. Being 3 almost 4, we didn't something that expecting too much out of their students, but something that would be fun and at the same time introduce dance to our young one. A lot of studios that we saw were too expensive, dirty, extremely strict (looked like it wasn't fun), or simply hard to get in contact with. We saw on Yelp that Dance Lova was open so we stopped by. We were met by Miss Keisha. She was extremely helpful and nice. She told us about the free try out class and after getting a tour of the studio along with the studios general information, we signed our daughter up for the free class. The free class ended with a HUGE smile on our daughters face. She asked, "when can we come back?" So we signed her up for the pre dance class. It was once a week for a hour with other kids her age. It introduces them to movements that will be used in all dances later on. Our daughter absolutely loved it and started to see her teacher (Miss Stephanie) as someone she wanted to be like when she's older. It has been a couple years since we started here. Going from pre dance (once a week), to pre ballet (once a week), to ballet 1 (twice a week), and now she got asked to be on the competition team (four times a week). Summer to December in all the classes are focused on technique. Come spring is when classes start to put routines together and recitals are around June. The staff here are all really friendly. Taylor and Keisha do a great job remembering all the kids names making it feel like the kids are important to the studio. With all the traffic of people coming and going, the studio is usually really clean. Of course there are kids constantly around so as a parent I know that kids don't always pick up after themselves. The location of the studio is right behind 99 Ranch Market. Yes it's in the back alley. There's parking, but at times is overwhelming. I personally love that the studio is kind of hidden. It takes effort to find the place which makes it hard for those random looky loos to just stop by. You only get the ones who are truly interested in joining the studio or who have heard about the studio. The owners, Miss Ivy and Mr. Mario, are two of the most kind hearted people. They truly care about their dancers. They hire some of the most talented teachers. We love to watch the other classes dance and during water breaks for the kids or in between classes, the teachers would sometimes free style. That's when you can REALLY see how amazing these teachers are. The studio is always looking to grow, they have added a couple of newer dances since we started, tumbling for tiny tots and adult classes. The teachers range from super gentle and sweet to one's that really push you to do all that you can do. If you miss one of your classes you are able to try out another class (even if it's a different type of dance) as a make up. There is no extra fee for this make up class, but you do have to use it in a certain amount of time. Stop by, see what this studio has to offer. Try a class out. Some days are busier than others, so call to see when the best time for a new student should come to check out the classes. Go on to their website and check out more. =) read more

Dancelova is the best dance studio you will ever find! I've had three ballet teachers in the past but I can say with confidence that Miss Ivy is the best! Some ballet studios don't really pay much attention or don't care about adult class. But that is not true at DanceLova!! Miss Ivy is very passionate, professional, and patient. She truly cares about her students. Also, people in adult class are very friendly and super nice! They cheer each other up and I really enjoy her adult class. I am really happy that I found this amazing studio and started enjoying ballet again. I am excited to take her classes every single time. read more

i'll have to say, this place is probably the best dancing studio in Irvine. the class rooms are not just new and big but also clean and bright. Ms Ivy is def a great instructor. very professional but fun. she is very good with kids, that's what i like about her the most. also, it's easy to find parking in front of the studio, i can do some grocery shopping while waiting =) i'm glad that i found this studio in Irvine! read more

First off let me start off by saying that the front desk staff is great. Very friendly, welcoming and professional. There was also an instructor who stepped out of her class for a second and struck up a conversation with me who was very sweet. My review is strictly for the Pre Dance(3-5yo) class we tried at 3:30 last week. I took my 3yo here for a trial class and I was not in love with the way the class was taught. She was in dance prior to us moving to Orange County and it was a great mix of instruction, fun and creativity which is what I am personally looking for. She takes a minute to warm up and feel comfortable so she didn't stay in the room the entire time, but I still stayed and observed what was going on through the window. I feel like the instructor is too much of a drill sergeant and needs a little more training on how to work with kids in this age group. One example is the kids were given blocks to practice balancing on and she warned them not to touch them until she gave the ok or else they would not get a turn. Then she instructed them to stand on their left or right foot but if a child wasn't standing on the correct one would not go over and help them, instead just stood there and called them out on it until they got it right. Some children at this age are still grasping the concept of left and right and could use a little help instead of embarrassment. Another thing I observed was this period of class when each child had to hold a back bend for 10 seconds while the other kids counted. First of all, some of them looked very uncomfortable in the position and it made me uncomfortable to watch. If not all of the kids were counting to 10 she would praise the ones who were and call out the others as "not paying attention" and threaten them with not getting a turn. I just feel like having to sit through 8 or so kids holding a back bend for 10 seconds each, 2 rounds of this and 45 minutes into class they're rightfully so starting to loose interest. Lets not forget they are 3-5 years old... It didn't look like any of the little dancers were truly enjoying the class and if they did start to have a bit of fun it was shut down immediately. I know each parent is different, but I just feel that with this age group there needs to be a bit of fun and positive reinforcement when they are learning something creative like dance or else you're more likely to have them hate it than love it. read more

We love DanceLova! It's an amazing studio with terrific teachers. Our daughter started there a year and a half ago and has flourished due to the excellent help at the studio. One of the great strengths of the studios the emphasis they place on technique. Students do spend some time learning routines, but the lion's share of the time is used to learn technique. We love that! Ivy and Mario, the owners, are such great people! It makes for a terrific environment. read more

My almost 5 years old daughter loves to dance with Teacher Ivy. We have been trying different studios since she is 3 year old. None of those really focus on the kids. After 2 years, we finally found here which is absolutely a blast! Her class is not only fun, but improves my daughter's techniques. I saw a lot of students not only take one class, but more. My daughter is taking twice a week. She would love to stay there all day if she could ^_^ I asked my daughter which studio she likes the most after these 2 years dance experience, she said of course Teacher Ivy, because she learned a lot here with fun. I see my daughter is doing all kinds of movements at home by herself which never really happened before. Try it out, you will never regret! read more

My daughter start with dance lova on 2016. Too many kids in one class, teacher control children behavior with yelling, so I switched to a new class with Miss Emily, she is a good instructor, she encourages kids with positive action. My daughter enjoyed her class. They get star from her!! First recital, costumes were too small. They changed schedule of the show one week before show. Backstage didn't have staff to take care your child. They asked parents to volunteer. No activity for kids to do while waiting backstage. Showtime for young kids very late. I volunteered because I didn't want to leave my kid with them. Second time, same problems, they change schedule of the show one week before show and parent pay ticket already. They say we will refund your money back and you can buy ticket for new day but all good seats were gone already. My husband called them to let them know we finish dance class after recital is over, May gonna be last month we pay for class, and could our daughter still attend recital on June 3rd, she said, "OK." He ask about do he have to send written request too stop going there or not and she said, "No." She stated she would enter in computer system for us, supposedly dropping us in May. Two weeks later someone called me to say, "Your daughter can't do recital, if she wants to attend, you have to pay for June." then I say no she not go for recital, we were moving in a few days, we done with you. And we didn't show for recital. Now they charged my credit card for June. I don't know what happen there. I gonna call them tomorrow. Will update! read more

The parking is disastrous. When we have long time hours, we eat on the floor squatting with no table and nowhere to do my homework. The air is not ventilated and I sometimes get sick from it. I loved dancing before, but I lost interest in learning in the academy. The lobby is very noisy and bunched. And the dances I learn are very hideous whether when we are clean or not. The teachers are very tough and almost threaten you. I was very exhausted in the class and was always trying to avoid going to dance class. When my mom let me quit I was beyond happy, I was delighted with it. But you know there's no happy ending. We were just starting 3 months tuition and my mom wanted the money back, but they rejected. That's very unreasonable. I hope you use this information useful because I think who goes there next will be very disappointed. read more

The Dance Lova adult ballet class is exactly what I was looking for! If you're looking to start dance class as a beginner or improve your technique as an adult, I recommend visiting this studio. They even offer pre-pointe adult ballet classes! The class is one hour long and it included barre, center, and across-the-floor. I took 3 years of ballet and jazz classes sporadically in college, so I have a basic knowledge of terminology and technique. There were students varying from total beginner to pre-pointe/intermediate, and I didn't feel out of place after not taking a ballet class in a long time. The Dance Lova adult students that are "regulars" at the studio are diligent, humble, and supportive of each other and the new students (myself and one other student). I appreciated that Miss Ivy, the instructor, took the time to adjust everyone's form and was encouraging, spirited, and sometimes even humorous during class. It made ballet class - what is usually very, very serious - a little more light-hearted, but still disciplined and solemn. The front office and studios are clean and well-lit. The only critique I have is that the studio I was in was oddly shaped, and I picked a bad spot on the barre and I couldn't really see myself in the mirror. I guess on the other hand, not being able to see myself in the mirror made me really concentrate on my technique. ;) The first class you attend is complimentary! In order to reserve your spot in class, you need to check the class schedule on their website and call the studio in advance. Make sure to bring the appropriate dance shoes, wear form-fitting clothes (leggings and a workout tank are ok if you don't have a leotard and tights), and if you have longer hair, tie it up so it is off your shoulders. Dance Lova is located behind the Ranch 99 market in the Orange Tree Square shopping center on Walnut and Jeffrey. Parking can be a little difficult, so come early! Thank you, Dance Lova, for an awesome class! Hopefully I can work out my schedule to take dance classes there instead of getting a gym membership... read more

My daughter tried ballet when she was 8 the teacher was super nice to her until she asked everyone to do middle splits up against the wall and she came over and push my daughter all the way down (she was not flexible ) and I am aware they are supposed to a little but she was screaming and the teacher didn't stop then made her get up and give everyone who was doing it a high five NEVER GOING AGIAN read more

We have been taking our three year daughter here for a few months now. The receptionist on Saturdays are extremely helpful and very patient. The dance instructor takes her time with the children and is very good at dealing with the 3-5 year olds. The only think I don't love is the lobby. It is very small and needs a better set up. Other than that we are very happy with DanceLova. read more

First of all, if you paid your tuition with your credit card one time, you will be on credit card auto pay no matter what. You like it or not, they will keep charging that card the first day of each month or each quarter. So if you are not ok with auto pay, never ever give them your credit card info. We were on quarterly payment, but switched to monthly payment because we will be out of town for 3 weeks in June. I have confirm with their staff over phone and face to face that I don't need to pay June tuition if my daughter skip all June classes. But they still charged my credit card on 6/1. We disputed the charge with credit card company. And their staff call me, telling me I have to pay for June because my daughter went to dance recital on 6/2, and the recital form says if we go to recital, we have to pay tuition for the remaining of June. They have to push the charge through, and they can offer credit to me when we are back in July. I said i paid for recital separately, and I have confirmed with you multiple times we don't need to pay June, and when you called me asking if my daughter would still go to recital while she's skipping all June classes, you never mentioned or warned me i need to pay entire June tuition if she goes, she said they have too many students so they won't remember, BUT I will need to remember what I signed on the recital form a while ago without copy of that form. So even though I told them I'm not ok to take back the dispute and take credit in July, she said because I signed the recital form, they will sent it to credit card company to fight our chargeback. I said then I will cancel the card, she said go ahead we will still push it through, and even threaten me to go through legal. I said what if we don't come back in July and not able to take the credit, She said that's another story. Then I said I'm telling you we will not come back in July, and she said then I still need to pay for June tuition because I signed the recital form. They treated me like crap. We have been with them for over two years and never delay payment. Now we are not their customer anymore. read more

Great ballet based dance academy. They are a young studio but growing fast. Great adult and kid's programs. The teachers are true professionals and have impressive personal resumes. They really care about their students and providing a quality dance education. Adult classes are mostly mixed skilled but everyone is friendly and encouraging. Recital is optional for both children and adults. Performance is typically at IVC which is nice and close. First class is free so great way to try it out! read more

After chatting with a friend, she suggested that I should have my 6 and 8 year old try DanceLova for ballet classes. It was near the end of the school year and when I stopped by and found out that they have summer camps coming up, I decided to have my girls try the one week dance camp to see how they like it. By the way, Stephanie, a dance instructor who also helps at the front desk, is great with customers face to face, and also quick in following up when she needed to get back to me on a question that she had to check with Ivy, the owner and lead dance instructor. I was already impressed with the level of professionalism even before my girls started camp. Though the day camp was long, 9-4 and my girls got really great workout and exposure to all different kinds of dances, they enjoyed it so much that they ask to take classes there! They are now enrolled in Ballet and taking lessons twice a week and they simply LOVE going to Miss Ivy's class! What is more impressive is the fact that they will often do stretches and practices at home without a reminder. That truly shows that the teaching in class is effective for kids in helping them develop the necessary skills and passion for the art of dancing. I am the kind of parents that believe in exposing kids to different activities so that they will have a greater breath of experiences and appreciations in life. I am glad that DanceLova has become an important contributor to my girls development. read more

We found this studio through Amazon Local and had planned for our daughter to simply do the six weeks provided by the coupon. After her first couple weeks we were hooked and our daughter has now been part of the academy for a year. The teachers are excellent--they require discipline and hard work while also being kind and supportive. They particularize the needs of each student and teach technique, not simply routines. Our daughter has been transformed into a graceful, passionate, and skilled dancer at Dance Lova while also having a place where she feels known and valued. You won't find a better studio in Orange County!!! read more

We took our two daughters, ages 3 and 5, to the free class offer. The gal who answered the phone for my initial call was very friendly and helpful. I had to reschedule and they again were very nice and understanding. The day of the class, we were again, very happy! The teacher was really patient and great with the kids. Hubby and i watched the class from a TV monitor in the lobby. There were lots of chairs and seating that all looked comfy. The class was one hour long, and out girls are still talking about how much fun they had! I would highly recommend. read more

My roommates and I went for the comp adult hiphop class and loved it. The studios are very clean, professional, and the girl at the front desk was very friendly and helpful. She gave us a mini tour and wasn't pushy about making us come back - which I definitely will! The teacher was great, the dancers were cool - and the class catered to all levels of dancers. We loved it! read more

I just signed my daughter up last night for ballet classes once a week. She absolutely loved it! and the teacher they had ( Thursdays @ 6pm ) was great! Very welcoming and fabulous with kids. I loved that she really payed attention to the girls posture and would correct them throughout the class. This is what ballet is all about and regardless of their ages. she made sure they did it right! The last place we went was more of just playing around and didn't show any structure. DanceLova shows structure and constructive criticism even at a young age to make sure they can be on track for advancement. I look forward to seeing my daughter participate in their classes! They also have a waiting room with flat screens so you can watch your children! major plus! Only disadvantage is the blonde girl at the front doesn't acknowledge your existence at all when you walk in. It's a bit awkward. read more

My daughter has been dancing here since she was 3, so we're going on 4 years. This past year she tried out for one of the competition teams and won a spot. That a local dance school has such a large amount of competition teams in all age groups and dance disciplines is unique. We love Miss Ivy who owns and is the director of the studio. She bring great tech and experience. We've also participated in the recital every year and tge dancers who have grown with the studio have improved greatly over the years. My daughter loves dance because of the great experience she's had here over the last 3 1/2 years. This past year she's taking 5 classes a week and has improved dramatically. I don't know many 7 year olds who are so committed to an art so young, but she loves it here, it's home and she's developed many friends from dancing through this down of years. read more

My daughter started attending DanceLova in May just as she turned 3 years old. She absolutely loves it!! She asks every day if it's ballet day. Miss Ivy and Miss Emily are sweethearts! My daughter had just started when the recital was coming up just a month after and I was not sure if I should sign her up. I am so glad I did! It was adorable!! read more

My kindergartener started here just so we can have something fun for her to do since she loves dancing at home- She has developed into a beautiful dancer already- in less than 1 year. We are so pleased with dance lova and with IVY, the owner- she is brilliant. read more

After lots of searching for a dance studio, this is a fantastic choice! Whether you are an experience dancer who wants to stick with it, or have never danced at all-this place rocks. Ivy is a fantastic instructor and knows how to help each dancer's individual needs. I would recommend going to one class (free trial), you will fall in love! They have several different purchase plans. You can purchase 5, 10, 15 classes or a year round membership where you go to as many classes as you want! I would highly recommend this dance studio. read more

Love it. Women there are so nice and the ballet teachers are excellent! The payment process is easy and the dance room is clean. The front desk was organized and friendly. Clean restroom and filtered water right outside the dance room. read more

We just started lessons a few weeks ago and I am so beyond happy we found DanceLova! We had done a mommy and me at another studio and my daughter was ready to try a class on her own. Ms. Ivy and the staff are so helpful and made the registration process super easy! My daughter loves her class and looks forward to it every week. read more

Dancelova is new and quite a clean studio in Irvine. My daughter loves the classes here! Even though she clings onto me every time she comes in and wants me to accompany her but Miss Ivy always has a way to lure her back into the studio to join the class. Saturday mornings are a little crowded as expected, parents crowd outside the reception area watching their kids through 2 tv monitors connected to the studios inside. I wish there are more chairs or couches to go around but space is limited here in Irvine. Other than that the dance teachers here are professional and very talented. Plus, handling kids at the 3 to 5 year old range is no mean feat! No major complaints so far! read more

Dance Lova is an amazing dance studio. I've been attending the adult hip hop classes and Angel, our instructor, is so kind, funny, and can really dance! Love those classes! read more

I love DanceLova. I have not danced ballet in over 30 years and was hesitant to take an adult class. I took my first class with Stephanie and was impressed with her patience and ability to make the class fun yet challenging. read more

My daughter really likes her teacher. Their fees are fair, and we like it when they have extended schedule that allow weekend and evening classes. In general, they are more flexible compared to the other dance schools in the area. read more

My 3.5 yo daughter has been taking Pre-Dance class for 6 months now and she loves her teacher Ms Stephanie! Great nearby location, reasonable cost, and best of all, it's a humble, down to earth environment for her to learn and meet incredible friends! I was so nervous for my daughter for her recital but it went really well and we all had a wonderful time! It was their first recital and was quite a show!! read more