I have been taking classes with The Cassandra School for about 8 years now and I am so happy to…read morehave discovered such an amazing Middle Eastern dance school that is so highly regarded. I started dancing in my adult life as an absolute beginner. Women anywhere from the ages of early 20's through 70's have been in my classes over the years. All of the instructors are professionals and have studied Middle Eastern Dance for many years, however the star of the Cassandra School is the founder herself, Cassandra Shore. Not only is Cassandra a marvelous dancer and choreographer, but she is also an amazing teacher, taking the time to break down movements and explain things so that you can work on developing the best technique. Instructors follow a curriculum so that dance steps and topics progress throughout the different class levels (levels 1-5). All the instructors are excellent and have their unique dancing and teaching styles. If you are looking for a workout, belly dance is a great way to stay fit as well. The first portion of class is stretching and toning exercises, much like Pilates. Beginner classes focus on base techniques and some musicality. Advanced classes are longer (2 hours) and can be a very good cardio workout. Classes are extremely reasonable considering the classes are 1.5 to 2 hours and cost only as much as most 50 minute to 1 hour yoga/pilates/social dance classes. The studio is a lot of fun to be around, it is a very friendly environment well suited to all levels. If you like Middle Eastern music, like to dance or have an artistic or creative streak, I highly recommend signing up for a class or a session to see for yourself how fun and inspiring taking classes at The Cassandra School can be.

My favorite thing about this place is the inclusiveness of all ages, body types, and level of dance…read moreexperience. From my experience as a beginner to more advanced levels, there has always been a range of bodies and ages from twenties to seventies. There have even been some belly men! Another big positive for me is that instruction is really grounded in a knowledge of and respect for the cultures behind belly dance. Especially as you become more advanced, you'll learn about different regional or folkloric styles of movement and music. Cassandra Shore is an internationally regarded dancer and you're truly learning a new art form. An example of art over fitness is that we practice moving with finger cymbals in every class. It's not always the most athletic thing, but it's awesome. In short, this isn't just about wearing sparkly tops, feeling sexy and getting fit (you could still do all those things, but that' s not the focus). That's not to say the instructors are uptight--they're extremely friendly and helpful and classes are always a lot of fun! You learn a lot of movements that are completely different from other forms of dance and you'll notice muscles you never thought existed. I have to disagree with something Kristen H. mentioned, though, about not wanting to jiggle your stomach to look like a fatass. I've actually learned to appreciate my jiggling from belly dance! Every woman's got something extra that moves, and while my instinct was always to hide that, from really focusing on wanting to get better at belly dance that changed. When you're doing something well, your body can make really neat jiggles and ripples that are rhythmic, that rise up from different parts of your body like waves. By the way, my name is Cassandra but this is not my school. I just take classes here.

My family has been a part of Shana's Dance Studio since they opened. Shana and Holly and all the…read moreteachers have become an extension of our family. Shana's is an inclusive studio that encourages teamwork, positivity, sportsmanship, and creativity. My daughters have learned gratitude and grace along with their dance skills. Send your child here and join the family!

My daughter has taken dance with Shana for many years, and we have been thoroughly pleased with the…read morefriendliness of the staff. Most importantly, my daughter has gained poise and grace while building strong friendships with the other girls. I appreciate their non-competitive philosophy and their discernment when it comes to selecting appropriate costumes. They also promote a tasteful dress code for all dancers! I highly recommend this studio!

MacPhail is the best! I took piano lessons there for years and it really upped my quality. Their…read moreteachers are the best, and they get results.

I am wrapping up a 4-week music class that MacPhail school does at the Health Partner clinics…read more Becca leads the one in Woodbury HP and does a fantastic job to incorporate music and motion every week. The typical format is first doing some songs with your kid followed by an instrument (rhythm sticks, double spoon instrument, tone block, egg shaker, cymbals) and ending with storytime using sounds. There are lesson plans shared at the end of class to continue your music and motion at home. To sign up, look out for sign-ups on Health Partner blog.

Beginning adult pointe class Wednesdays after adult beginning class. Is what I should have taken as…read morea teenager

Performance review:…read more I paid for a ticket to see their spring show, which was delightful! It's too bad they don't use a local theater tho, bc the sight lines are not great. The performance was in their regular studio, with some risers, but not enough to be able to see the dancers' feet most of the time. Still, I enjoyed myself and I like to support local arts. I'm 99% sure that I was the only ticket purchased by someone who didn't know a performer. They had concessions, which were pay cash for tickets and then trade tickets for food (and maybe games?) But either someone didn't do the math well, or they were just being really weird bc they made us buy tickets in a number that we had leftovers but couldn't use them...without buying even more.

I didn't realize it until I went again last night, but I've actually been to this theater a couple…read moreof times before... it just wasn't under the auspices of Illusion Theater at the time. The Illusion Theater is housed on the 8th floor of the Hennepin Center for the Arts, which is also home to Zenon Dance Company, Minneapolis Musical Theatre, and many other performing art companies. The building itself was constructed in 1888 and originally housed a Masonic Temple; it now appears on the National Register of Historic Places and is a beautiful example of preserving architectural gems for functional use. The stage at the Illusion is an "end-on" or proscenium space with audience members facing the performance straight on. Seats are ample and comfortable; the area for those using a wheelchair is convenient and easy to access. There's plenty of parking around the theater, but if there's an event going on in the area, look for parking east of Hennepin--you'll save a bundle. On our recent visit, the surface parking lots around the theater were charging $14; just a block away we scored enclosed parking at the 50 South Sixth Street ramp for only five bucks.

I've been here twice to see Miss Richfield perform. Based on the interview with the production…read moremanager, I'm intrigued to catch other shows here, as well. Unassuming location on the 8th floor of the Hennepin Center for the Arts/Cowles Dance building. The space is perfect - small enough to feel intimate and personal, but large enough to be able to score tickets. The interior is quite understated (read: a bit outdated) but charmingly quaint. A couple of cons: Audiovisual work is quite sub-par. The projection for the show was blurry and dark. Also the drinks are over priced for the service size. All in all, it's a cute hometown theater that deserves patronage for their commitment to local talent. I'll be back.

If you want your child to be trained in classical ballet then this is the place you need to go. The…read moreowner knows his stuff very well. They have trained amazing dancers who have continued after finishing this school. They are very dedicated to teaching your child the correct way of dancing. I highly recommend this place

Great instruction and environment for an adult learner! Ballet was fun again. Loved their…read moreNutcracker performance as well.

It's Nutcracker Season again and as painful as it may be driving downtown daily for pick up, drop…read moreoff, and volunteer opportunities, it's amazing to watch my kids grow through the levels and roles into poised, confident, young adults. I agree with the previous reviewer that chaos seems to be the the chief business operating system here, however time and again just when it seems like things will fall apart, another wondrous show comes to pass. Did I mention that despite eight hard hours downtown dancing with a professional company, my daughter arrives home whistling tunes from the show and awakens anxious to get to the next practice or show early?!? Dancing seems to bring joy to my daughter in a way that I cannot understand but that is amazing to watch. As the children progress through the levels, there is a selection process that occurs, pruning out less disciplined children. The upper levels are not only artistically accomplished, but also quite academically accomplished as evidenced by the steady stream of young women who enroll in Carleton, Smith, Stanford, and even a few who go on to join professional dance companies and schools. We have been quite happy with our experience here.

For years I have been coming to see the performances of Ballet Minnesota, most notably "The…read moreNutcracker," although I have seen a number of other ballets as well. Each year I'd bring family, or many years, I'd bring students, introducing them to the higher arts for the first time. This year I am not able to attend, as my wife just gave birth to twins. So, still hungry for The Nutcracker, we are watching a version of it online--the Royal Ballet of London. I am writing to say that even though I have seen larger and more prestigious companies do the ballet--including the Bolshoi when they came to the Twin Cities about 10 years ago--I am absolutely in love with Ballet Minnesota's version and now compare all others to yours. Ballet Minnesota's Nutcracker has such heart, such grace, such humor, such beautiful joy of life that I cannot wait until my children are a little bit older and I can again return to this beautiful holiday tradition. Kudos to ALL of you who work on this show. My heart is with you and I miss you!