I love Renee and love the studio just hate that they've doubled up on classes during a time slot!!!…read moreI can barely hear my instructor because of the loud music/talking coming from the floor area class! The studio gets so hot when it's two classes going on at once I kept slipping off the pole! It seems like a safe issue, I can't hear instructions and i'm also distracted by the loud heel clacks... Renee is amazing but I wish she taught during a solo time slot so I can actually enjoy the class :/

My 700th review + my first review for 2025!…read more I'd taken a class from Dolli before once many years ago (when she was teaching at Twirly Girls/Twirly Studio) + was thrilled to find out she opened her own new studio in the Oakland/Alameda area! :] I've taken a couple classes + a workshop here so far and it's an absolutely gorgeous space with super high ceilings + a dedicated floor work space with a mirrored ceiling. The poles are spin or static and have their own dedicated spotlights so depending on the class you're taking/if you're doing open pole or freestyle, you can choose the type of lighting you want for the vibe you're feeling. I've taken a more-than-a-decade-long break from pole due to being on the opposite coast and then covid, but hoping to get back into it again + this studio is great motivation for that! Lots of different class options at varying difficulty levels -- I've only taken Dolli's classes so far but will branch out at some point. There's an upstairs kitchen area with seating and cubby holes to keep your belongings (+ a bathroom and even a shower!), so this would be a fun place to host a pole party. :]

Had a great first intro class, learned a lot, and met so many nice people who are also beginners…read more Can't wait to go back :) The studio is a good size, nice natural lighting during the daytime, everything felt clean as well. They also have a room next door and offer a variety of classes.

This is honestly one of the best pole studios I've ever been to. I've been to quite a few…read morethroughout LA and the Bay Area, and some things I love about the studio itself is: the high ceilings, all the poles can switch between static and spin, yoga mats are provided, several crash pads, you can rent heels, and it's so clean! I appreciate how professional this business is + how kind everyone here is! And how pole + dance offers discounts to extend itself to the community in an effort to be more accessible to folks :) It is a bit pricier than other studios but the quality is amazing. My only "complaint" is that at one of the classes I signed up for, there were more students than there were poles so some of us had to share. I'm not sure if this is typical for auditioning instructor community centric classes, but I found it a little odd as I've never experienced that at any studio class before, and I've specifically taken several of the $10 classes. I'm not sure if it's an over-booking issue, or the intent really is to have people share but I prefer to have my own pole. Perhaps a helpful feature that could be implemented in the app is showing the class capacity that you're signing up for, I.e. "8/10 spots"-- a studio I used to go to had this feature and it greatly helped me decide on classes to sign up for. Overall a beautiful space and I look forward to more classes here!

I was super interested in stepping outside my hula-trained dancer comfort zone, & try a heels dance…read moreclass. I had heard good things of Kionna's "heal in heels" series. There was a similar but different 1-day workshop she offered, so a friend & I registered. Unfortunately it was a triggering and low key traumatizing experience for me. For the record, I am not illogical & I can see multiple perspectives, even if I don't agree. I even acknowledge there's 3 sides to a story. It's frustrating to have to write something negative about being in WOC spaces, as I solely believe in the uplifting and empowerment of WOC in today's society. But businesses are businesses, and humans are humans. Here are my reflections from my experience at this studio with this particular instructor & business owner: 1) Registration and confirmation systems were too complicated. Instagram is not a registration system. I get small businesses try to find free systemic ways to invoice & track, but coupled with crude customer service, it just should have been a hard pass on my Saturday time. I should've given into my intuitive hits at the registration part. 2) While the ambiance invited some welcoming energy (other dancers), and sympathetically I get that it's difficult managing groups throughout the day- being yelled at to form in line & talked to as if we are elementary kids gets tiring. And annoying. Also, I've never been lectured through a mirror before. Can she invest in a microphone though? It was hard to hear her through all the music & levels of class chatter. 3) I never signed a consent form to be recorded! To add--there was ZERO disclaimer or prerequisite of a previous heels or recent heels dance class experience required named... ANYWHERE. 4) I personally am not trying out for any music videos or music tours. As stated, I was seeking a space for fun, sensual, & embodied movement. Coupled with the weird registration process, random yelling, no consent or disclaimer for prior or recent class experience suggested- I was not feeling safe or comfortable under her teachings. Well, she caught it towards the tail end of the class, & managed to turn around this time, & called me & my non-embodied self out in front of everybody. Then proceeded with a lecture. I should've walked out, but I knew I needed to finish the workshop. Periodt. Obviously I left extremely disappointed & disheartened. But at the end of the day, it's all good. You live & you learn, especially about spaces you are/aren't meant to be in. Teachers have different styles, and students will gravitate to who they resonate with. Until I find another space that calls me to try again, I'll be grinding & twerking in the shower or mirror for now!

Dance studio and they have good program to learn dancing /workshops…read moreService is good There is food here

I love this place and the adult introductory classes. I've taken Robert Greer's introductory ballet…read moreclasses for 10+ years and it's been the best experience. Robert makes the classes fun, and do-able, regardless whether you have danced ballet before. I've also learned so much from Robert about anatomy and how the human body is designed to function. This was very important for me because I started coming off of a disability where my body no longer felt like my own. Moving to music is so relaxing, and the other dancers and atmosphere of the class is so nice.

I took Intro to Ballet 1 with Alexis -- what a FANTASTIC experience for my first ballet class! As…read moresomeone who has never done ballet before, I was nervous that I'd feel out of place. Alexis did a terrific job of making sure everyone could follow along, and helped me with some of the basics that all of the other students already knew. The class was a blast and I also got a great workout in. I look forward to taking more classes with Alexis, and highly recommend!!!

The dance company presented a fabulous program on Sunday November 8. I was invited by my friend…read morewho saw a posting in the 504 Coffee Shop. I had no idea what to expect except that the company is made up of able bodied as well as disabled (but then that is not the operative word here, because everyone is so skilled) dancers in wheelchairs. The choreography, the unique music and performances were wonderful. I urge you to see this group as soon as you can. Target sponsored the program on Sunday. It was held at the Malonga Casquelord Center on Alice Street in Oakland, an easy walk from Lake Merritt. The building is interesting too. You will love this group, I know it. Check out Axis Dance.

I work for a youth non-profit that refers kids to Axis for their youth classes. The families we…read morehave sent there have had RAVE reviews about their experience. AXIS is extremely welcoming, inclusive, and community-minded. We love AXIS and are so thankful for the opportunities they have given to our families!!!!

Zoe Balfour runs this dance school/program/event and to say she has a key that unlocks a fun and…read morefestive world of queer dance (to those of us that feel like we have two left feet) is an understatement. She's been doing this for a while and I was fortunate to find a supportive, talented and loving teacher that is very well versed in working with groups of people that can be dance challenged. I've been to MANY of her classes and dance events. Often, when I receive compliments about how well I dance, (during queer dance events), I walk people right over to Zoe and explain how I once had two left feet and was a beginner, sitting on the sidelines watching and not understanding how people could dance dance-after-dance, all night. Finally, I add, when I introduce them to Zoe; this is the woman that holds a key that will demystify and help you navigate through the intimidating world of dance. We're lucky to have her in our community and you should take advantage of what she has to offer...I've taken private lessons and classes with her in Night Club Two Step, Salsa, Country Western and Country Waltz. Check out her web site for more info... http://www.tripthelightfantastic.org/

My partner and I worked with Zoe in preparation for our first dance at our wedding. I had a little…read moreexperience partner dancing, but my partner had none. Zoe is an exceptional teacher who made us both feel comfortable right away. Even though my partner didn't have experience, Zoe was able to recognize my partner's skills and experience as a soccer player and relate that to dance. She taught us foundational skills for lead-follow communication and presence in dancing that we will now have for our lifetime. Zoe is truly a gem that we have in the dancing world in the Bay Area.

I have tried a variety of dance lessons many times in many settings, and I've never had an…read moreexperience like I have at In Lak'ech. I am not a natural when it comes to dance. I'm also neurodivergent and struggle with spatial awareness, sensory processing, and mind body connection. Most dance classes feel overstimulating, overwhelming, and uncomfortable. In Lak'ech did too, but what was different was that I was welcome. Angelica and Jahaira reminded me, reminded all of us, that no matter where we were on our dance journey, we belonged. I needed to hear that... a lot, and they said it... a lot. In Lak'ech made space for me, and they'll make space for you too. Personally, the beginner series really did it for me. I do well with a set schedule for a set period of time and the progression a series offers. All the drop in options are great too. Something for everyone! I love the space Angelica and Jahaira hold. Their kindness and inclusivity sets the tone, and in my experience, the people who come to classes and social events are onboard with that vibe. The concentration of lovely people in one place is like no other. In Lak'ech is truly something special.

We would highly recommend Brandee for her ballroom dance lessons! Had our wedding celebration in…read moreWestminster, and was satisfied with how our dance came out. Brandee was quick to respond to inquiries, and was able to adapt our routine to accommodate us (blind couple). She was detail oriented and was able to provide a solution to any issues that came up during our live practice sessions. Here is a link to our highlights video that includes footage of the manifestation of our lessons: https://youtu.be/HAUuKjOywmw

We had the absolute best experience with Brandee Selck as our dance instructor for our first dance!…read moreFrom start to finish, she made the entire process so much fun and stress-free. Brandee was incredibly easy to work with, always responsive, and communicated every step of the way. She really took the time to understand the vibe we were going for and made sure the choreography was something we both felt comfortable with. What impressed us the most was how she made learning to dance so enjoyable. My now husband isn't much of a dancer, but Brandee's patience, encouragement, and easy-to-follow guidance helped him relax and have fun with it. By the end of our lessons, he was actually excited about dancing! He even mentioned that he'd be open to taking more dance classes with me in the future--something I never thought I'd hear him say! Our first dance turned out beautifully, and we couldn't have asked for a better instructor to guide us through it. Thank you, Brandee, for making this such a memorable part of our wedding journey. We're so grateful for your expertise, kindness, and the fun experience you created for us!