I have not yet visited the studio, so this review is about their website: Fire whoever set it up. It's confusing and tedious. Half of the classes are sold out, but you don't know that until you click on the class, hoping to sign up-- nope, it's another wait-listed class, sorry. The website IS kind enough to tell you where you are on the waitlist. However, I have spent the better part of an hour trying to find classes that are NOT already full. Shouldn't there be a filter option so I don't waste my time trying to find a class that I can take, rather than going for the brute-force method of checking every. single. one...?! Also, I would love the option to view classes based on who is teaching them. I have heard of a few recommendations from anonymous friends, but I have to use the "Ctrl+F" method on the page to find out what classes they are teaching that week. There is a scroll-able menu at the top of the site. This is a good idea. However, a better one would be to have the top-menu smaller, either with a wraparound applied to the individual links, or to have 2 rows of the menu. This would save users both time and the effort of clicking 56x to get from one side of the menu to the other! (yes, I counted) The staff is pretty friendly on the phone... I purchased the "6-month of Unlimited classes + 1 Private Lesson" Groupon, and when I told the gentleman on the phone, he said "That's the best one! Congratulations!" He then offered for me to come as a guest to 3 of the dance parties next week, even though my Groupon doesn't start until July 29 (20 days from the time of writing). I look forward to trying out many of the various classes they offer, and will undoubtly update this review when I do. However, PLEASE fix your website!!! read more

Oh, enter by the East door. The West door doesn't take you to the 4th floor area where the dance studios are. A dance studio that has free intro classes periodically, and a mix of instructors for various types and levels of dancing, from the amateur to the professional or lifelong dancers, you'll find the gamut of students here. Periodic performances, and a few smaller studios allow for multiple classes to go along. Pay by the class ($15+) or buy a monthly unlimited for $50+, depending on the type of dance and frequency that you want to go. And a small bar to the side, too. Tried the Argentine Tango. Fun, and the instructor (2008 US champion) was funny, too. read more

My fiance and I bought a groupon for 3 private lessons here, and the two stars has almost nothing to do with those lessons. I would give those 4ish stars. They were fun and professional and the space is nice. Here is why they get 2 stars. After the lessons were over they were trying to sell us on signing up for a package of classes, which we were interested in doing. They told us that the normal price is $1980 for 20 private classes, but they were having a starter package sale for $1880 which they pushed on us as being 30% off! This is about 5% off. When I pointed this out to them, they said the 30% off represented the amount off versus buying 20 individuals classes. That would be 26% off which I also pointed out, and woman chuckled and said they "rounded up." If it was just that, then I would have let it go, but the sales woman was very pushy (continually pointing out the inaccurate discounts as a major selling point) and trying to upsell us on things that we did not need. Every time she opened her mouth she was trying to sell us something new. We are now looking for a different studio because we were so put off by their sales approach. If you can stomach that, the lessons were actually quite good, but it just put too awful of a taste in my mouth. read more

I'm a 28 year old single male. After I got tired of spending my Friday night's watching stupid videos on YouTube, I decided to learn tango. I'm not interested in being a competitive dancer. I just want something fun to do at the end of the week (I still tried my best to learn the steps. I don't want to be a buffoon who steps on my partner's feet). The studio is located on 34th Street near the Empire State Building. As you enter the narrow hallway, you're greeted by a smell that's a mixture of pizza and bleach (next door is a Shit-barros). However, once you get off the elevator on the 4th floor, the studio looks large and luxurious. It even has a bar. The cost of a single class is $12, which is kinda expensive but not that bad compared to other Manhattan dance studios. I'm not going to lie- I was hoping the place would be swarming with women. Unfortunately, there weren't that many people taking tango. The advanced class averages 8-10 people and the beginner class averages 2-4 people. And while there were slightly more women than guys, most of the women looked like they were members of the AARP. Tango is an intimate dance. However, it's just a dance. It's not speed dating. Tonight, I learned that lesson the hard way. A very attractive instructor teaches the beginner class (her initials are KL). She showed me how to dance and I was turned on. Much to my chagrin, a guy who was likely her boyfriend showed up after class and danced with her. Despite the fact that I got my feelings hurt, I'm going to continue to learn tango at this studio. Speaking objectively, I felt that I learned a lot from KL. I also observed the advanced class. The students there seemed like they were learning and having a good time. Hopefully some women under 35 will start taking classes at the studio. Even if that doesn't happen, it's still better than being home on a Friday night. read more

I've been to Dancesport since November of 2007 and I'm relatively happy with the place. The studio itself (while hard to find the first time - it's on the 4th floor of a side building near the Empire State Building) is quite large inside, and has five or six smaller dance rooms to hold different classes in. It also has a small bar area where you can buy refreshments or finger foods in between classes. The staff and teachers are all friendly and quite good (they will typically perform during "guest night" on the third friday of each month's class cycle). The first few times you're there however, they will try to sell you packages of private lessons and classes and you should think carefully about you want to commit to as they are month-long commitments with no refunds. The classes themselves are quite fun and range from swing to salsa to the waltz and hip hop. Classes are organized into difficulty levels, from I to V (1 to 5) and each level may have subclasses (A, B, C etc) that teach different moves. Each class is one month long (prepaid) and you have to finish all the subclasses at your level before you can move up. Exceptions are made for people who can demonstrate that they can handle higher level classes. Typically, there are 5-20 people in each class, relative even mix of male to female (depends on the specific class). My only complaint is that as a 22 y/old, I'm usually the youngest one in any of the classes - where are my peers! Every day of the week is a different 'practice party' where they open up the studio to all of their students and play music for a social dance. I've only been to a few on Friday, so I can't attest to how good they are, but they're not a bad start whatever you had planned for later on in the evening. Overall, with the sheer variety of dance options and the professionalism of the place and staff, I would definately recommend it to people looking to explore a particular dance and try something new. read more

I've never taken classes here but I've been going to their biweekly salsa social on Saturdays for about 8 months. It's a good social with a mix of dancers (but mostly pretty advanced on-2 dancers) and I love that it's early enough that I can still go out afterward or get home and to bed at a reasonable hour. :) It's really nice they have a cafe there as well, as most socials don't offer food but I get hungry during the 5-9:30pm social so I am glad that I can grab a snack. Bonus that they have a vegetarian/vegan option at the cafe! read more

I've been taking group and private lessons in Argentine Tango at DanceSport for six years. They have excellent teaching staff who are passionate about teaching and have many years teaching experience. Many of the teachers have additional certifications in teaching. I particularly appreciate the effort they've invested in developing a strong Argentine Tango curriculum. Argentine Tango can be challenging and they have worked closely with two world-class Tango pedagogues (Gustavo Naveira & Giselle Anne) to develop their tango program in a logical progression to help people get out on the dance floor with confidence sooner. They teach many different social dances including Argentine Tango, Bachata, Hustle, Salsa, Swing, etc. so you aren't tied down to any single dance type. They have regular practice parties and socials and the teachers are there and dance with the students, especially with beginners, so you always feel welcome. They have regular student showcases where students can perform with their teacher or another student. They also work with students that are interested in competing at dance competitions and have a number of students that compete. There are monthly guest night parties with professional shows as well as workshops and special events with guest artists. The location is very convenient - right near Times Square with good subway connections as well as easy walking distance to Penn Station, Port Authority and Grand Central. read more

I initially came to DanceSport because of a Groupon for unlimited dance classes for a month. And I totally maximized the number of classes I took too! I was here almost every day of the week, taking up to 3 classes in day and then going to some of the social parties afterwards. Needless to say, my feet felt a little abused after the month was over! The monthly pricing feels a bit expensive, especially if you're only taking one class. if you're taking multiple classes and going to the socials, then it's a much better value. I found the instructors to be quite good and learned a lot from them! The socials are also a lot of fun and have a good amount of skilled dancers. read more

I have been wanting to drop in and try a class for such a long time. So many of my friends attend regularly, and absolutely love it. I took an extended lunch break last week, and participated in the lunch-time salsa. All I can say is that I enjoyed every minute of it. The instructor was fabulous. Thankfully she catered to all levels, because I am as beginner as they come.. Atmosphere is very friendly and fun. Lots of energy. Great music! And it is really affordable ($15 for one class, or $60 per month). It's just such a fantastic way to spend your lunch break, and the perfect escape from the office! I will definitely be back!! read more

Only Dance Studio in NYC that will make you feel like you're at home. Trust me, I searched. Thank you Paul for your awesome school! I though I hung up my dance shoes for good, until I came to your facility. Now I'm an addict! read more

All the instructors are great at what they do. They take the time to explain everything and are very patient. Both the instructors and the other students are very supportive and make you feel welcomed. read more

DanceSport is a great place to learn to dance. Dancing really changed my life for the better. I met a lot of good genuine people and had a lot of fun. I hope everyone gets to have the opportunity to experience the joy of dance. read more

Don't take the Bachata class. Waste of money. Spent 4 weeks learning the same 5 basic steps. And then was expected to come back and repeat the course with another instructor to learn one new step along with the basics in Beginners again. The only good part was the modern Bachata music by Aventura and Prince Royce. Hustle ... pretty good if you get Veronica instead of Rainer [he's like a drill sergeant!] Tango ... felt really awkward taking this class with so many people. I think I crashed into people on a regular basis. read more

I go to this school for 2 years already and I can say I'm pretty addicted :) I take international latin classes, and the teachers are great - they are competitive dancers, champions and they know what they are teaching. There are many other classes at the school, like hustle, tango, salsa, different levels and different time. For a person who wants to expose oneself to different dances and have fun it's definetely a good place. Cons: private lessons are pricey and if someone is looking for improving the quality and technique of dancing, performing in showcases or competing it can be too expensive. read more

Staff: 5 stars / they are so so so friendly and helpful! Management: 5 stars Instructors: 4/5 stars Class schedules: 5 stars ( so many choices!) Price: 4 stars Should have write this earlier - it was an amazing experience that I would be thankful the rest of my life... Got a Groupon deal by a girl friend's recommendation, I've always been a sporty girl and never thought dancing was my thing until falling in love with this place after a few classes during the first week try ... professional & friendly staff, excellent instructors, fun people and atmosphere that make you can't and don't want to stop - lol ... --- Wish I could have attended more classes but got busy lately - So now got a new thing on my bucket list: manage some time and get back to MY dance studio soon! ;) read more

I haven't been there on a Saturday night which is the only reason I'm withholding a star. However if Friday and Sunday nights are any indication, I'm sure it's amazing. I always intend to come for a few hours but then it's 2or 3AM -- that's a testament to DJ Alejandro (Sunday) and the DJs for Candela Fridays. There is always a performance around 10:30/11 and it's a good chance to catch your breath. This spot pulls in a diverse mix of mostly on2 and a surprising number of on1 dancers but people are adaptable and just want to dance. Fridays: mostly classic salsa with some top 40 / bachata / that ONE merengue song / Cuban salsa. Sundays: 5-9 mostly bachata then 9 - closing, mostly salsa. They also have a zouk/kizomba room which is not as ventilated as the main floor, so the air can get a bit thick. Either way, people are just here to have a good time and you have the space the diversity to do it. I drag all my friends here because you are guaranteed to learn moves and maybe meet a new favorite dance partner. read more

DanceSport is THE BEST PLACE in town to learn dancing. Great location. The studio is very clean. The staff and instructors are very friendly, patience, helpful and talented. Dancing and DanceSport have given me something to look forward to every week. It is great for both my physical and mental health. Since my husband joined me in dance lessons, it has helped us to reconnect our marriage. Dancesport has created a such a nice environment for us to learn and to social with other students and teachers. It is a fun, feel good place to go to. DanceSport rocks! read more

Great studio!! Bought a pack of private lessons - although somewhat pricey are the cheapest in the area. My instructor was always ready and waiting for me which gave me a couple of extra minutes every lesson. Very patient and professional. Always had a great time and learned a ton about each type of dance. Cute cafe to buy drinks or snacks. Very very pleased with my experience. read more

My favorite dance center in the city. Have taken salsa, swing, and rumba here over the past five years. Ron and Robert are amazing instructors, and the dance parties are a lot of fun and feel like a night out on the town. The space is also huge so you don't have to be "elbow to elbow" like so many other studios or dance clubs. read more

I called in advance to check out their music line up. They told that they have a great balance of salsa Bachata. Salsa classes ect... I've been here since 6pm is now 9:40pm only two water down salsa song thus far. - I've never hated Bachata so much in my life until tonight! If you are a real salsero, this studio is not for you. But if you like that bullshit Bachata, you my friend are in the right place! The DJ sucks balls! read more

The dance studios are the best that I've seen in the city - super modern and nice. They even have a bar here. On the other hand, as an on-2 salsa dancer not all classes are to my taste. They have got pretty much all styles here: the ones I particularly enjoyed were the swing dance classes and the every night dance practice parties. What a HIGH energy level! People here are true lovers of modern social dance. read more

There's this one instructor there... the short latina with long wavy hair... Incredible live performer! Choose her for hustle as there might not be better in the WORLD! Was invited for a free class which my friend and I came late to, and just attended the practice party instead. Older lady approached me to show me the basics. Eventually got them down-packed then fled! Came back for the free salsa class/dance/performance. This being my maybe 4th salsa lesson in life, I didn't COMPLETELY suck, and ended up tuttoring some at the dance--which, due to copious amounts of sweat on some heavier-set dance partners, could not have come sooner! And um, there is an 8-year in the class?? How the hell can he spin someone my height??? So then came the dance. Played meringue & bachata alnogside salsa--all dances I know! And the performances were amazing! Things I DIDN'T like: the car-sales-y approach to the event -- HUGE turn-off the bald guy is always very in-your-face they want ALL your info to partake in every event, INCLUDING YOUR ADDRESS. read more

I'm been taking classes at Dancesport for 7 years now and there is not a better studio in New York, particularly if you are interested in International Latin. But even the social dance classes that I've taken are world class. In fact, there is so much going on, I would take dance classes 6 days a week. Every night there is a social, so that dancers can get to know each other and perfect their skills. On Wednesdays, they even have a live band for Swing night. I've also had the joy of getting to perform in the Student Showcases, most recently in June as part of the International Performance Group. Yes, the classes can be pricey, but there is no other studio in New York that offers as many classes, as well as a full bar, and a cafe! I have taken classes at several studios in New York but I always come back to Dancesport. The teachers are incredible. The only reason that they don't get five stars is because they don't have enough Silver level American Rhythm classes. read more

Love this place! Warm and friendly with nice dance floor. Intimate bar that serves drinks/snacks and small meals. You don't get the "School" atmosphere here, but instead you do feel like you're on the night out. All teachers are great. Gustavo - very patient and happy teacher. I've achieved my main goal: with what I have learned at Salsa Level 1- I'm already confident on the dance floor. read more

There are lots of good things going for the studio: location, bar, strong tango program, interesting ideas on how to make money out of dance. Now some minuses: -- the owner is cheap and misogynistic. Several of the most popular instructors left. The owner teaches tango, and makes sure the pace of class is very slow (i.e. student have to take more classes, or else!). -- unprofessionalism. Class gets cancelled when instructor is na, but there is no notice to the students, though studio has access to emails. A popular instructor is announced to teach a class, even though it is known in advance that he / she is not going to be available. -- lack of good advanced classes (which is a "good" business strategy, as eventually students have to take private lessons to advance properly) -- one does get an idea that money is above all important to the owner, not the dance, this somehow cheapens all the pluses listed above. Really, there are friendlier studios in convenient city locations, which are not so in-your-face cheap. Try them first. read more

Whether you're a talentless wretch with no dance abilities or a professional, this place will make a better dancer out of you yet. You cannot be still in this place, because the energy in the rooms draws you in immediately. Even the least confident person is inspired to dance here, and the teachers will help you to perfect any routine. Highly recommended. read more

Excellent teachers, crappy desk staff. Concept of customer service is completely lost on them.

Joel is the best salsa teacher ever!!!! We have so much fun with individual styling and partner combinations on Saturdays. It will have you walking around all weekend with a smile! read more

Initially I had a good impression of this place: its clean, the instructors were good even though not all were friendly, and I enjoyed some of the classes I took. But then they tried to sell you all this BS, from the $20 tour to all their special packages. Oh and then there's the part where certain customers get discounts on single classes (paying $12 instead of $25 as stated on their price chart)...another dishonest business trying to rip off customers. read more

This is my first ever online review and I joined Yelp just so that I could review DanceSport. I would have liked to give DanceSport 4 1/2 stars but Yelp doesn't allow halves :(. The half i'm subtracting is actually for their sales technique. Anyhow, more on that later. Let me first outline the positives. The studio is in a GREAT location. Just a few steps away from Penn Station and right beside the Empire State building. The studio is huge, clean, great lighting and there are maybe 8 studios in total. There is also a cozy little Cafe where you can sit and watch classes in progress in the studio that is close to the cafe, or you can look through the windows and check out the people hustling by on the streets below. Of course you can also enjoy a nice cold one while chit chatting with your classmates. The Cafe has a variety of sandwiches, wraps, drinks etc, prices and tastes are ok. Most (if not all) of the instructors at Dancesport are very good at what they do. When I first started here I knew next to nothing about Latin dances; after two months of Salsa, Hustle, Bachata and Zumba, I am well on my way to twirling (if non too gracefully) across the dance floor and enjoying every minute of it. I can't list all the instructors but I have to say that if you are a Zumba enthusiast you should definitely take classes with Nina and Wilson. I love them both to pieces. They are both filled with energy and have awesome routines that give you a good, fun workout. I have also realized that many of the steps that I do in Zumba help me with my dance classes. Wilson has a HUGE personality and will make you keep wanting to come back for more. Even if you are not a Zumba enthusiast, just try one of the classes...... I saw another review where someone complained about Rainer. You have to understand Rainer; he is not your typical social butterfly who is overly friendly, constantly grinning like a clown, and acting like he wants to be your best friend. That being said, Rainer is one of the best instructors that I have taken classes with. When I first started with Rainer I wasn't too keen on him either but I eventually realized that he is good and will work with us until we get things right. If I were an instructor trying to get my students to float/glide across the room and they kept trampling from one side of the room to the next like a herd of elephants, I would likely be outa there so kudos to Rainer and all the other instructors at DanceSport. There are also nightly practice parties at the studio. There is a different type of music each night, sometimes more than one type of party. Schedules are posted in advance and there is a live band most nights!!! I've seen people complaining about the prices for this studio: You get what you pay for. Did you see me mention the location, and that the instructors are spectacular? I've visited three other studios around the city and none of them compare to DanceSport. Again the location. Manhattan rents are anything but cheap, neither is insurance or any of the numerous other bills that the studio has to cover. I am sure that this place is not run on pretty smiles and air kisses. So back to my initial gripe. The salesman's pitch is an uncomfortable routine but it has to be done. I do wish to point out to the staff at DanceSport that the key to excellent customer service is LISTENING to what your customer wants. I have had more than one manager try to persuade me to buy private lesson packages but neither of them have asked me what I want to get out of my experience at the studio. Do you know whether there is a particular technique which I wish to work on? Whether I am in this for social dancing or I want to do showcases or compete? Here I will point out that I have taken private lessons with them, just not a package. And not because the staff tried to sell me on the lessons. I recognized my own shortcomings and the need for lessons, and I acted on it. I suggest that the staff at DanceSport ask the students questions about their dancing ambitions, then offer/suggest options based on that. Otherwise it just seems insincere and quite obvious that all you want to do is separate me from my money, and that is very off-putting. Oh, kudos on the kiddie dance programs. read more

Have you ever underestimated a class to the point of remaining stunned? Well I did, I have not dance in over a year and a half and I walked in this place way to confident and they gave me a run for my money . They do with one hour what other classes have never accomplished for me . I loved it . It was a bit overwhelming since I felt like I could do better than I did but over all it was amazing . The instructor is great and gives very good feed back in regards to moving in a more efficient way. The real party starts at 9pm and although I couldn't quite keep up with all the professionals it was great to dance with all types of skill set . I had a blast and would definitely come back and with a better attitude at that :) read more

I should start by qualifying my experience: 1) I have never taken any kind of dance lessons ever. 2) I bought the super-reduced $50 special for one month of unlimited classes. The studio teaches more traditional dances, i.e. no club/hip hop dancing. It's more recreational, like a cool hobby, than it is a rigorous work-out that will keep you slim and in shape. And it doesn't seem to be geared towards making you the next star. Although you can take private lessons and participate in competitions, it's more for average people who want to go out dancing and look like they know. (And it's on 34th near Macys, which is annoying for non-tourists trying to crawl through hoards of tourists.) But I like the dance lessons. The clientele is diverse. The studio is nice. The staff are very friendly. And they have practice parties M-Th nights to help you with your new skills (including a bar). Overall, It's a great atmosphere, yes a bit commercialized, but I liked it. I appreciate people who like their jobs and can teach you in a non-condescending way. But yes, if, like me, you have no experience, you will have to make a certain time and financial commitment if you really want to learn, but you will learn. read more

I came for a free tango lesson and took the $20 private lesson special. I had a great time. The teachers are talented and have a variety of teaching styles so if one doesn't suit you then you can switch to another style or change to another teacher. The staff is very friendly and customer service oriented. They made a great first impression and it hasn't changed since I started taking group classes. read more

I've been a student here for about 3 years. I have *shopped around* two other studios in Manhattan but have come back to DS. Pros: -Super convenient location, very accessible. -Though the lobby is a bit shady, the studio is quite nice! It has a full bar, great bartenders, delicious cafe (try the chocolate chip cookie, YUM) well lit, and nicely decorated for events and evening practice parties. -Many events, including a weekly live 13 piece band for the swing parties. -Great teaching staff, personable and always available to answer questions and explain. I appreciate that they attend the nightly parties. I love that they are available for private lessons later in the evening so that it works for my busy work schedule. Cons: -Website is a bit confusing- I prefer to schedule either in person or over the phone. -Have had moment when Customer Service wasn't great, but generally it's good. -Cost of private lesson packages are a bit pricey. read more

Great place to dance. Very helpful staff. Great teachers. Love learning Tango here!!!!

Took an amazing intermediate level Latin class with Anton and had a great time. It was challenging, fun, and a great work out. He's an awesome teacher and made me want to get back into dancing. The salsa nights at the studio are also a blast! read more

I've been taking lindy/swing classes here and Milo as an instructor is great. Every monday night there is a live swing band at practice parties. This studio is huge and it is always packed with people. They are a business first and they really try to push those packages on you. I hated having to sit with the manager in her office to go over membership plans. It's bad enough at the gym, now I have to do it at my dance studio too? You are not allowed to take higher level classes unless you do an evaluation to prove that you know the material (The teachers must stick to a strict syllabus). I guess this is supposed to weed out people who don't know the material from the higher level classes. Overall, many classes are enjoyable. read more

This is the premier ballroom dance studio in NYC. I started back in 2005 and I still attend their parties. The instructors are top notch. The founder, Paul Pellicoro, was a pioneer who started the studio back in 1985. This is NYC's best kept secret. This studio had such an impact in my life that after dropping out of college, I went back and finished. It was like there was something missing in my life that Dancesport cured. read more

Nice & spacious, very friendly instructors, great location, and a variety of dance to choose from - salsa, mambo, tango, ballroom, swing, etc. Classes held everyday evenings, and dance parties for late night. I'll be returning here again sometime soon. read more

One the best places that i have been! its really fun and i will back for sure! i wasn't so positive in the begining but till the end of the night they prove me i'm wrong. Also the staff is very nice and always so polite! I'm happy my friends show me this fantastic place! read more