I remember searching last summer for pole dancing classes and not being able to find any. This year…read moremy search led me to hustle and flow -- tucked in the west end near Reiche elementary, this is a little gem on the third floor where you can try being J. Lo for an hour, and stick around if you really like it. Heather is the primary teacher and Victoria is her teacher aid in training. Both have their own styles and both are mesmerizing to watch. Their pole classes work a bit differently than their others -- you're required to take a few intro pole classes to see if you like it and get to feel your body and how everything works, and then they can recommend you to the level 1 class. I've been wanting to try it out since a friend of mine told me how sexy it made her feel. The intro classes are easy in a sense where you're not huffing and puffing, but hard in the sense where you're using and twisting your body in ways you're probably not used to. They start you off with some warm ups -- a combination of regular stretching with yoga and warming up the joint muscles, then rotate through several pole moves to try out. I don't look good at all, but it's quite fun! The classes are small but you do share a pole with one other person, which gives you time to take a break. Some people like bringing their 10inch heels and trying it out that way, but I like sticking to the bare toes. In the summer it's slightly warm so the feet stick more (making turns have more friction). Definitely try it out, the teachers are great and never make you feel bad about messing up!

I chose Hustle and Flow to host my bachelorette party pole dance class and let me just say IT WAS…read morePERFECT!! I had no idea what to expect when walking in, as I had never done a class like this before, but the pole instructor Victoria (Poletoria_Portland on IG) made us all feel so comfortable and welcome! The class was a perfect beginner course that also let us try out some pole tricks and even a sexy dance routine! If you are looking to take some pole classes for fun, or hosting a bachelorette do not think twice about Hustle and Flow! I would highly recommend this studio!!

"Sexy" makes me giggle. When I saw 50 Shades of Gray, I did so on a Sunday afternoon when I knew…read morethere would be a ton of Octogenarians tittering along with me at both the innuendo and blatant hot, hot, hot things happening on screen. As you can imagine, the idea of Red Hot & Ladylike - a studio where you can classes on cabaret jazz, burlesque, go-go, and hip hop dancing - makes me very nervous especially since their motto is "bringing sexy back one lady at a time." The idea of touching myself, letting my hair down, and being seductive makes me wanna cringe... until I met MissE, the perfect person to run this kind of place. She's outgoing, she's empowered and empowering, she's encouraging, she's all accepting, and I couldn't think of a better person to help women find their inner diva, goddess, and all around badass self. I've taken several classes here now and it's always the same: 1. Sign up for the class. 2. Immediately regret it - I can't dance. I don't do sexy. What the hell was I thinking? 3. Show up and feel the warm sunshine that is MissE's personality. 4. Dance (awkwardly), have a ridiculous amount of fun, and get excited to try it again someday. Doesn't matter if you can or can't dance, doesn't matter if you're a woman or a man, doesn't matter if you're already leading with your vagina or not (this makes more sense when you take class with her)... this is fun, fun, fun even when it's uncomfortably (for me) hot, hot, hot. Good for one off experiences, good for getting a unique and different work-out in, good for meeting new open-minded and friendly people, good for bachelorette parties, and good for spicing up your romantic life (she does a "Bring Your Human Prop to Class" that I'd definitely do again!).

Ended up here for a bachelorette party and it was SO much fun!!! I highly recommend to kick-off a…read morebachelorette or birthday party - it totally broke the ice and kicked off our weekend perfectly. Added bonus, this class actually really helped my lackluster dance moves. Miss E is hilarious and totally knew how to handle rowdy bachelorette girls and made sure to offered to take videos and pics of us as well. Sidenote: as a feminist who's taken the occasional Women's Studies class, I was impressed at Miss E's emphasis on empowerment and being inclusive. Very safe, accepting space.

If you are looking to add a little more joy in your life, Marita's class might just be right for…read moreyou. She mindfully shares her love and appreciation of Guinean dance, music, and culture in her weekly classes. On Fridays, she offers a slower introduction to the dances, and on Tuesdays you get the extra delight of dancing to live drumming!

I attended the beginners class on Friday morning. It was a great experience and Marita and…read moreclassmates were most welcoming. I am someone who is not naturally coordinated and also can't keep a rhythm. Despite my challenges, I had a wonderful time and felt I could learn and have fun! I will be returning!

I was searching for someone in the area to choreograph a first dance for my wedding and Betsy was…read morerecommended. She is enthusiastic engaging and has a great sense of humor. She responds quick to call and emails. She even had a questoinare to learn more about us, our style and experience. She has made this experiece fun. I have two left feet and she has managed to make them begin to dance. My fiance is a already looking like a pro at the waltz. She helped us recongize where we messed up and back tracked to help correct it. She would count or say which direction to be going. This was so helpeful. We got lots of tips and song ideas to practice. We will be able to wow everyone on our big day.

My daughter has been in some kind if activity since she was 3, cheering, tumbling, gymnastics and…read moreeven dance. She did not like ballet or tap but never quite believed me that there were other kinds of dance. Having spent time at another local dance company that has a stringent plan of what classes they think kids should take and not actually taking the child's abilities in mind when recommending what classes the child should take next. Children have different abilities and learning styles and should NEVER be placed in a plan that everyone does it this way. My daughter is a current local pageant title holder and wants to participate in the talent competition at this year's State pageant. We asked for recommendations for a dance teacher and met Miss Betsy who has not only choreographed a dance for us but who's teaching style has helped my daughter learn that dance isn't just one way. Miss Betsy took the time to learn use my daughters current strengths, has given her drive to learn new tricks and is teaching her the need for proper technique. AND SHE WANTS TO DANCE WHEN SHE NEVER WANTED TO BEFORE!!!! Thank you Miss Betsy

How I found Michelle at Astaire is another story, but I am forever glad that I did. For years and…read moreyears I have wanted to find out if I have two left feet or if it was just something my ex-W insisted was the case. Turns out they are not a perfectly matching set (L+R) but with Michelle's sweet and patient help they are functional. When my daughter gets married, or when there is music playing in a piazza in Milan, I'll be ready thanks to Michelle. (In the interim I enjoy every lesson with my GF both because of Michelle's patience and guidance and because Corinn and I are often laughing at our "skillsets" so far.). Have to say that I am really shocked at how easy it has been to progress from shy cannot-dance-no-matter-what to almost fluid albeit a bit studied movement. It has helped immensely that Michelle is non-judgmental, patient, and quite a good communicator.

From the owner: Take the first step on your dance journey today, and discover a new world of joy, confidence,…read morehealth, energy and fun! Wedding Dance choreography from a simple First Dance to YouTube-worthy routines for the entire wedding party, we can help you make your Wedding Day even more special!

I started lessons 8 months ago thinking I would do this for 6 weeks as a new hobby. The learning…read moreand dancing with Sergei is addictive and opens up a whole new world I didn't know existed. It was especially valuable and easy to join the dance community because I did not need a partner. Sergei's dances on Saturday are a good place to practice what you have learned and to socialize with his loyal students.

Sergei is an exceptional dance teacher. I've taken about a dozen hours of lessons in southern Maine…read more/ northern New Hampshire, and his clear guidance, steady patience, and fun vibe make every class enjoyable and easy to follow. The Saturday night dances in Portland are a standout, with a one-hour lesson that sets you up for two hours of mixed Ballroom, Latin, and Swing. Sergei's got my full endorsement--definitely give his class a shot!

Dance Maineia is a great studio for all ages! I've been going here for over 20 years now. Melanie…read moreand all the other teachers are great! There are classes for people of all ages and lots of different skill levels! There are ballet, jazz, hip-hop, contemporary, conditioning, and creative movement classes. The website always has up to date information on all the offerings. Dance Maineia also puts on two shows a year to showcase the achievements of the students and the choreography of the talented teachers. Although if you are a beginner dancer, especially an adult, don't worry, performing is optional. The recital in May includes pieces from the whole year, while the summer showcase in August is a shorter program that includes only dances from dance camps and shorter summer sessions.

Wonderful Dance Studio! We have been very happy at East…read moreCoast Dance Complex. The teachers are professional, experienced, creative, progressive and fun. We've had a great experience! My daughter has been dancing for over a year now and has loved the ballet, jazz and musical theater classes. I would highly recommend this studio! It's been a great experience! They have classes for beginners through experts and classes for all ages!

Love everything about this place! my girls look forwards to coming to class every single week!…read moreEveryone is so friendly here and they were so helpful with helping me choose what the best class my girls would fit in well experience wise. They also made the sign up processes so easy

I'm from NYC and New Jersey, so I know all about dance studios (because I've hopped around as a…read morechild to a bunch of them in the most competitive state!). Trish's studio is as professional as it gets. The technique and skills she provides her students are top notch- more than what I've seen in some studios from the NYC areas. The kids are all wonderful and every class environment is exceptionally professional and safe for the children. Also important to note that I danced professionally and studied dance in school, so I know good technique. I wouldn't trust my baby and children with anyone else!

What a workout! I tried the Zumba class this weekend offered at the Dance Studio of Maine. It was…read moremy first time and it was awesome! I am NOT typically a dancer, and the instructor made me feel so comfortable. Great music, tons of fun, not too crowded. The studio offers a variety of dance classes for all ages - tap, ballet, modern, etc. They also just opened a music school (The Music School of Maine) which I can't wait to try.