I love this place. Literally writing this because train service is wrecked today and I can't make it to class and I'm mourning.
Tiekka and Kara are amazing instructors. You will absolutely get a workout in their classes, which is reason enough to attend, but on top of that you'll be walking out taller, with better balance and core strength. And you know what else? You'll actually learn some ballet. I started attending Everyday Ballet because I had taken a series of Adult Beginner Ballet classes and was discouraged with my progress. I thought I would give them a shot since they emphasized the traditional aspect of barre the most and I'm so happy I did.
Class at Everyday Ballet is not only more approachable but easier to memorize. The follow along method seems intimidating at first, but down the line you end up working so much faster and surprising yourself, as instructors mix up the routines to keep things challenging and fun. You're also corrected and encouraged in such positive ways. Let's be real, part of surviving ballet (or any exercise class in general) and improving is learning to be comfortable with failure and embarrassment. That's not a problem here. Beginners never feel like they're holding the class back and instructors are always, always correcting in ways that will keep you motivated, never chastised. You will never be made to feel ungraceful by the people around you here. (If you're still intimidated by barre here are some facts about me: I have scoliosis, a desk job, anxiety, and I would ALWAYS rather be reading comic books or in front of a computer than anywhere else. I still love barre. Batman would totally do barre.)
What else? There's also such a good balance, I feel, to these classes. Just enough time stretching, at the barre, and on the floor. I also wish I lived closer to their Chinatown location. The space is clean, charming, and functional. I'm always skeptical of locations with too many props. You really don't need much for barre except a bar to hold onto, some sensible socks or ballet shoes, and your body. read more