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!!

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

"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.

Incredible dance center for kids and adults! Great teachers and staff that make you feel at home…read more Best place to dance in Maine!

From the owner: Voted Lake Region's #1 dance studio for over 10 years, we offer all styles of dance for ages 18…read moremonths through all levels of adults. At Maine Dance Center, we are committed to providing high-quality dance education in a positive, inclusive, and inspiring environment. Our expert instructors focus on strong technical training while fostering creativity, confidence, and a love for dance. Whether you're looking for recreational classes, elite competition training, or professional performance opportunities, we have something for everyone. Our diverse programs include ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, hip hop, acro, and more. Little ones can start with Creative Movement, while adults can join beginner through advanced classes tailored to their needs. Beyond the studio, we offer performance opportunities, workshops, and community events that help dancers grow both on and off the stage. Join our dance family and experience the difference at Maine Dance Center!

The DU team puts their heart and sole into their work. They care about every child and strive to…read moremake the experience memorable for all. Two of my kids went through DU and they always were made to feel valued. Thanks for all you do!

this is the worst studio ever do NOT go here i was there for 8+ years and the end was so bad i…read morecried ever time i thought of going to dance there. i was told the most hurtful things like to go on a diet 11 years old and the fact that mrs marie told my class that our "mommy's and daddy's and grandparents " were not going to love us anymore i was 12 when that happened and mrs bri is the worst she picks favorites and is just a rude teacher and is a terrible mother and teacher. i hope you take me seriously because this place was HELL

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!

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.

I am celebrating my 18th year working with Back Cove. I started at 50 years old thinking I might…read morenever be able to get back into shape. Now at 68, after years of personal training with Jeff and amazing classes with Jessica, I am strong. I just had two knees replaced, and my fast and full recovery has surprised everyone. Had I not been connected with Back Cove all these years, I do not believe this would be the case. I enthusiastically recommend Back Cove to anyone of any age. They saved me!

I was introduced to Back Cove Personal Fitness through attending Yelp Helps in 2016, and I enjoyed…read moreit so much I've been attending Jessica's fitness classes every Monday and Wednesday since 1/2/17. Jessica has Cardio Tabata class Mondays at 6pm which I would describe as cardio/strength interval training where people rotate between different exercise stations. It is a great workout and keeps your blood pumping and heart rate up throughout the class. On Wednesdays at 6pm, she does a strength bootcamp class which is similar to Mondays class. We use free weights, interval training, "yoga bands" I'm not sure what they're called haha. Classes are a lot of fun and it's a great atmosphere, everyone is really welcoming to newcomers and very friendly. I've only been going for about a month and I can feel myself getting stronger, and I've lost about 10 lbs (I've been eating healthier, too). Jessica is a great instructor, and she also meets with people one-on-one for personal fitness training. At Back Cove they offer other services as well, you can receive individual personal fitness instruction, fitness rehabilitation, senior fitness, metabolic recovery, ski fitness, stroller fitness, and posture alignment (check out their website/facebook page for class schedules). The facility is very clean and well maintained. I definitely recommend the classes. It's a fun time and great workout for all stages of fitness.