I'm not convinced Aquaventures is worth what they charge (4x the cost of community pools' lessons)…read more After many years of lessons at the community pools, my kid was just not getting the hang of crawl with proper breathing. Her school classmates' parents recommended Aquaventures or Atlantis, as they are much more hands-on, so we sucked up the cost and signed her up for Aquaventures. We have liked that the instructors actually touch and manipulate the kids' arms and legs to help them learn -- there's more focus on proper technique. (The community centre approach at her age is to have them jump in and struggle through it -- the instructor often isn't even in the pool with them.) The teachers for the two sets we've done have also seemed good, and my kid has improved, although not in leaps and bounds. Otherwise I don't feel we're getting our money's worth. The pool and facilities are cramped and old (though this may change with a new facility they're building). It's a small pool, and with 5 or 6 classes for all ages going on at once, it's pandemonium. There's no way for the kids to build endurance or swim for more than 5-10 m at a stretch. They also have to close the pool fairly often, on a moment's notice, for issues with filtration, etc. (This has happened twice now, in 13 weeks of classes. You get a refund but your kid loses the instruction / consistency.) The dressing rooms and seating area are all dumpy and crowded. There are not enough chairs for all the parents and grandparents that turn up. There is free parking but the parking lot is generally full. And for all the extra money, the kids don't get any more time with the instructor that at the community centres. Lessons are only 2/3 the length of those at the community centres (30 min, instead of 45) and there are still 4 kids in each class (vs 6). That works out to 7.5 minutes of instructor attention per kid at both. Honestly the only difference is that the attention at Aquaventures is more hands-on. (For babies, there is no difference whatsoever in what you get at the community centres and Aquaventures. And many of the community pools have warm toddler pools. The only difference is the cost.) Registration is not great, but it is better than the community centres. At least those currently in lessons get priority and their servers don't get slammed at 9:00:01 on registration day. Overall: Good, hands-on teaching with a focus on technique. But overpriced.

I barely have time to shower in my life but I felt compelled to take a moment to write this review…read more My son who is 4 just did his first aquaventures class series. 5 days each week for 2 weeks. I want to say that his instructor Sandra was FANTASTIC. She is just so great with kids- gently brushing their hair out of their eyes when they come up from getting their faces wet, adjusting their little goggles, and taking the time to praise them each time they completed a game. My son needs a little bit of encouragement out of his comfort zone in the water, and I feel like she was the first person to achieve that with him. Even on his off days, she somehow got him in the pool! I should also say she was incredibly patient with the kids too when they had trouble listening. My kid went from not being able to get his face wet, to jumping from a platform into the water in 2 weeks!! He is constantly talking about swimming. The registration process was a bit confusing to navigate at first but we figured it out. Facilities were a bit run down but it didn't bother us and they have a new location opening up next year! Hands down, I would recommend this program and Sandra in particular. I feel like my son has developed in leaps and bounds and we have signed up for fall classes even though they are soooo expensive. I pay what it takes because to me, learning to swim is life and death so it's worth the money to have these people teach your kid to swim. 5 stars for sure.

An Exceptional First Aid Training Course…read more I had an incredible experience with the first aid training, thanks to Ms. Amandeep's outstanding teaching. Her clear instructions and warm, professional demeanor made it easy to understand essential first aid skills, from proper glove handling to effective communication during emergencies and scene management. The provided comprehensive 18-chapter material was immensely helpful, and the practical knowledge I gained feels invaluable. Ending with a 30-minute test, I successfully passed and received a certificate. Huge thanks to Amandeep and the training center for equipping me with life-saving skills that benefit both my personal and professional life.

I had previously rated 5 stars, but changed it to 1 after learning that my advanced first aid is…read moreNOT recognized by Work BC, even though they specifically list themselves as a trusted partner of Work BC on their website, alongside the Work BC Logo. I would never have spent money on a provider that employers do not recognize; I specifically spent more money and an additional day of my time to increase my chances of getting hired, and now I have to repay a whole new certification as this is not even recognized as the most basic one; it is a worthless piece of paper in terms of employment. Only choose if you just want the knowledge for yourself and do not see it as a job certification.

Whether you are a beginner or experienced this is the place for you, the facilities are clean and…read morecomfortable and the staff is amazing. Your certification basically buys you a three year membership. The staff wants to make sure you are clear and confident as an OFA, they want you to get it, they are in the business of saving lives and counting on their students to have the knowledge and ability make a difference with this new found knowledge. Highly recommend 10/10

Had a horrible experience during my First Aid training. The instructor named, "Guess" does not know…read morehow to teach at all. She yells on top of her lungs and has absolutely no basic manners. Not to mention the fast pace blabbering like we know everything before. Even though I passed the course would not recommend.

Been a adult piano student here for 7 years. I have enjoyed every teacher and the support always…read moreoffered. I was impressed how they managed to pivot during Covid and online lessons has been wonderful. Highly recommend this school

I felt I didn't quite get the help I was asking for but I guess you can't ask for too much, I did…read moretake away a lot from being there but I just felt like it could have been a bit better still recommend didn't have a bad experience if anything they made learning fun

One of the best flying schools in Canada, friendly instructors and stuff, great planes and safety…read moreis number one all the time, a great place to get your pilot's License.

Way cooler than Clown College, Vancouver Circus School teaches people of all ages and abilities…read more(and flexibilities) the arts of juggling, trampoline, aerial silks, trapeze, acrobatics, hoops, and more. It's been many years since I have done a back bend, but when the opportunity came up to join one of the regularly scheduled Intro to Circus classes, I jumped on it. For joy. I might ache a wee bit now, but had a ball. After a good warm-up and stretch, our class included segments on juggling (including the fluid art of contact juggling - not so much from me, but the instructor was amazing - "Lots of lonely Friday nights," he joked), trampoline, and aerial silks. My favourite part was learning how to make a little cocoon out of the silk - a long piece of fabric that hangs from the ceiling - and spin it around. The owner of the school is an acrobatic/artistic coach for Cirque Du Soleil and the instructors are all working coaches and performers themselves. They've created a happy, airy facility in the River Market with lots of natural light and views over the Fraser River. It was bustling on the night I went - everywhere you looked, someone was doing something amazing: tumbling and flipping across the floor, wrapping themselves around a silk and/or a partner up close to the ceiling, elegantly writhing through the hoops. If you're curious or just want to watch, the troupe gives a free 15-minute performance every Saturday afternoon at the school. As for me, I'm definitely going back for more (hello, I have a Circus School in my 'hood!). The circus beats boring old yoga any day.

My friend texted me saying she bought a Groupon for circus school. I texted back, "WTF."After…read morechecking out the actual Groupon description, my WTF moment softened as I was immediately drawn to Aerial Silks. Which girl doesn't dream of doing something so graceful, especially in the air! The school is located in the River Market in New Westminster, a kind of a new concept culinary destination slash community arts gathering place. It's located on the 2nd floor, right on top of Donald's Market. A great grocery store to get your smoothie fix or power bar when you get hungry. Our Groupon included 3 thirty minute sessions. I started off in Acrobalance, which is floor exercises. We were taught somersaults, shoulder roll, and eventually progressed up to headstand. The instructors are great at easing students with little or no experience into having fun with learning these new skills. Next up was Aerial Silk (what I had been looking forward to!) It was actually surprisingly difficult to accomplish a task that looked relatively simple. Glancing over at the more seasoned acrobats, our group definitely felt a new-found respect for circus performers. Last up, we got to try Trampoline. What can I say? We were bouncing up and down - how could that not be fun? Other stations we didn't get to experience were the Trapeze and Aerial Hoop. All in all, Vancouver Circus School is a great place for everyone. It's an environment that fosters kids to gain confidence and learn new skills. At the same time it's for experience junkies who like to try everything once. And it's great for those who are looking for a fun, recreational way to keep fit. Because really now... would you rather do reps at the gym or bounce on a trampoline?!

Excellent adult ballet classes, with gorgeous studios. The temperature tends to be a little too…read morehot in the summer months. There is no air conditioning in the building on Main Street. There are a few tower fans. Good news is, your chance of getting cold in class is almost zero, and the heat makes me feel more flexible. The classes, Intro and Level 1, are challenging, but with continued regular attendance, classes become easier. There's a fair amount of memory involved in ballet, with the terminology and choreography. No live music for the adult classes, however, the teachers do well using their own music. Teachers are friendly and helpful to all students. Highly recommend!

My daughter developed her passion of dance from Goh Ballet Academy. All the teachers are friendly,…read morecaring, experienced, and encouraging. They offer not only the RAD exam curriculum, but also opportunities such as the annual Nutcracker performance at Queen Elizabeth Theatre, local and international competitions, year-end dance recitals, and more. Not to mention the beautiful heritage building and live piano music during class. I've also done some adults ballet and other classes myself. It was awesome fun and a great way to exercise!

So I actually had a really great experience at Hilltop. I feel like with most education .. you get…read morewhat you pay for. Attending Hilltop was like attending university instead of a quick college course. There is no way I would have been able to learn on my own what I learned with the excellent instructors in class. During my time there instructors offered to give extra help and there was absolutely no charge for that. There were some old alumni and some current students there were offering tutoring at a price.. but that sort od thing is done everywhere! And I paid for my tuition myself, with a payment plan. Nobody pressured me into taking any kind of student loan, and I know for a fact that at least 50% of the students in my graduating class also paid for their own education. I found the education to be totally worth the price and I think that a lot of people would actually agree with me as many of my friends that graduated with me are successful trainers or group fitness instructors. So clearly my experience is the complete opposite of the girl above... I had a great time there and felt that I learned a lot. And I know that a lot of the students in my class, the previous classes and the students that started after me all feel the same way because we all stay in touch! Awesome School! It's the only way to go if you want real knowledge of the training industry. After the Personal Training Diploma Program ... if you are looking for more eduction... go for a kinesiology degree!

Have you ever wondered what it is like to be excited to be going to school every day? That's what…read moreit was like for me at Hilltop Academy! I gained so much knowledge from one of the most knowledgeable and gifted teachers, Donna, I have ever encountered - very passionate and with years of experience in the fitness industry. The instructors addressed any questions that I had. The course is technology-forward so we were encouraged to do practice quizzes using different methods not only limited to handouts but also different apps, websites, games and hands-on. As a visual-kinesthetic learner I need different learning tools beside books to make things more clear. It was amazing how instructors understood my learning style and supported me whenever I needed extra help. Best part was not only did I surrounded myself with like-mind people but I also gained great knowledge in the classroom, the gym and outside - in gorgeous Westminster Pier Park when the weather was nice. We learned invaluable information about the industry from guest speakers who also happened to be hiring manager and potential employers for many of us in the class. Moreover we enjoyed many field trips relevant to the material covered like to Flaman Fitness and Save-on-Foods for nutrition talk with Registered Dietician. I would highly recommend this course to others! Go Hilltop!