Well Earned 5 Star Review. My second visit here @ Pineapple Dance Studio and I'm still amazed. Last Night I treated myself to a Valentine's Relaxation Day. I guess since this was Valentine's I was the only one who attended the class. Which was nice because this was my first time taking a Aerial Yoga Class. It gave me a chance to have an one on one time with the instructor. Amy the instructor was very calm and patient. She made sure that I was comfortable and relax. The Love Oil had an nice aroma scent in which she put a tab of it on the inside of my wrist. It really helped me to relax and stay focus. She dim the lights and we did some warm up aerial conditioning in the silk blue hammocks. It helped me to improve my balance and strength. No, lie I was a bit nervous but her calmness helped me to relax and gain confidence. The music was so soft and inviting to the atmosphere. Pineapple Dance Studio is a place where you feel calm and soothing. Professional instructor who is patient and take time to make you feel comfortable. read more

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Belly Dancing? Me? When a friend suggested that I take up Belly Dancing, I could barely talk I was laughing so hard. After all, what the heck would I do with my hips? Well let me tell you- hips and tummy rule in this class and once you learn to isolate your core and move only the right parts, you actually feel like you can do anything. As for me? I didn't even know my hips could move like that. Somewhere inside all of us is a hip swiveling, gyrating dancer just waiting to get out! And once that music starts- you are hard pressed to do anything but move! I rarely tie anything around my hips (after all- they really don't need any more attention!) but here in this class- tie on a sparkly hip scarf and you are transformed! Classes are offered throughout the week with a beginner class on Wednesday and Saturday. And don't fear if you have never done this before- the instructor makes everyone feel welcome and trust me- there are others in the class who are worse belly dancers than you! Shocked the heck out of me! This has to be one of the most fun ways to get exercise that I can remember. My arms looked like twining snakes, circling my body and while my shimmy needs a little work (might be the age of my chassis- Ha!) by the end of the class I was one with the music! I can't wait to move up to finger cymbals! If Belly dancing is not your thing- Pineapple also offers Zumba, West African Dancing and Piloxing which is sort of a hybrid between Pilates and boxing. Dance classes run $18 each with the exercise classes costing $10 or you can buy a series at a savings. Also know that you need to pre register for the dance classes but you can drop in for Zumba and Piloxing. Belly dancing is the oldest recorded dance form. As Shakira sang in that song from a few years ago "The hips don't lie!. But trust me- in this class - they are certainly telling quite a story! read more

Anyone who can teach a physically dyslexic goof like me how to shimmy, rock the snake arms, work a veil and even finger cymbals is a belly dancing goddess, that's Erika! Erika makes everyone feel welcome, no matter your size, age or background, and makes everything seem possible. It's the one workout that is always fun and I never miss a class if I can help it. If you've ever wanted a reason to wear those cute jingly hip scarfs and break out the sassy hip swiveling dancer deep inside (deep deep inside in my case), I highly recommend Pineapple Dance. The prices are very reasonable and the studio is easily accessible from the Blue Line. You can also check out hip-hop, salsa, yoga, Nia, and West-African dancing at this studio. Check the website for free classes during open-house weekends. (I believe the next one is in January.) read more

Pineapple Dance Studio - Dance Studios Near Me - Forest Park, Illinois

I started doing Aerial Yoga to help stretch my inflexible self. This studio is cozy. My teacher Roxanne is a really good teacher and helps anyone having trouble in class. She's funny too. Erica also helps during class so I feel very taken care of. I would highly recommend this studio. Word of caution there is no dedicated parking lot, but there is a nearby one if you can't find street parking. I purchased a six week plan which saved some money. If you find yoga boring you might want to give this a try since it's so involved. read more

I've been making my way through aerial yoga classes in my hometown of St. Cloud. Now that I'm traveling to the Chicagoland area on an almost weekly basis, I've been searching for a place to continue lessons. I think I've found a great place in Pineapple Dance Studio. My email inquiries were answered very quickly. I was able to reserve and pay for my class electronically in advance. The studio is great- you can tell the owner puts her passion in what she does. Class was 1 hour long and I was made to feel comfortable with the moves. They offered help when I needed it with no judgements. read more

I became hooked on Zumba classes here this summer and go frequently. Erika, the owner and main teacher, is really nice and encouraging. The music is fantastic and really makes you move, and Erika creates dance/aerobics routines that are fun, challenging, and innovative; she's a talented choreographer. I feel like I'm learning new dance moves in the class! Zumba is really fun; I do Zumba when I wouldn't otherwise want to exercise. The other women who attend the classes are also really nice and supportive. You'll recognize familiar and friendly faces there after going for a while. The studio is also a beautiful space with great atmosphere--red walls and lovely decorations. Located conveniently on the Madison St. strip in Forest Park. There are many morning and night classes at different times for all your Zumba needs! Also check out Piloxing (combo of kickboxing and Pilates) with Evita on Sunday mornings at 11. It's challenging at first to get the moves that require balance, but it gets a little easier each time. Evita is really friendly and encouraging, and the other women in the class are nice and supportive. read more

The space at Pineapple Dance studio is gorgeous -- red and orange walls, mirrors, glittery lights and shiny stars. You want to dance the minute you enter the room. I have been taking a Nia class there -- the owner is renting the space to my teacher -- and I really appreciate the effort that was put in to make it beautiful. However, it also needs to be functional. The music system hasn't worked for weeks, and each time I've been there I see dust bunnies rolling like tumbleweeds across the floor. read more

I went for my first Zumba class a few weeks ago and I am now hooked! Ive tried other dance classes in which I end up making a fool of myself. The little girl who did tap, ballet and gymnastics is so long gone. ZUma is something I can actually follow and have a great time doing it. Ericka is fantastic! Even though her soft voice is hard to hear over the music the moves ar easy to follow and she gives hand cues as to what is coming up next. As a bonus to the fun she reminds us to smile. The studio is very welcoming and has mirrors on more than one wall to make it easier. Theer is also an online scheduler that is a super time saver! I dont have to wait for business hours to schedule my class. read more

This is my favorite Zumba place on the planet. It's professional, good quality, amazing price, and exercise that's fun! Erika is a warm, encouraging instructor. The classes embrace all levels and all body types. It's low key so you can take care of your own body needs - amping it up or playing it down. It's always a good workout too! read more

Taking classes at Pineapple Dance Studio is a wonderful experience! I've been studying with Erika Ochoa for a little over a year now and feel that I'm improving my style and method of dance. Classes are run in this very comfortable atmosphere and with a lot of fun thrown in! Consider taking belly dance (Egyptian or tribal), hip hop, Nia, African dance, or Zumba! Regardless of the class you take it's a wonderful experience! read more

So, this is my first non-food review. LOL.... you see where my priorities lie. Anyway, I've been meaning to right this review for over 6 months to say, yep, I'm a fan. I'm bummed that I missed the groupon deal, but I'm glad that I found this place anyway. What I love about Pineapple dance is the inclusiveness. Any given night you can find 16 yr old teenyboppers shaking a leg beside a 60 yr old grandma. Love it!! There is absolutely no judgment here (unlike some other studios in the area) as everyone shimmies and shakes to the groove of the music. By the end of the 45 minutes we are all sweating, yet smiling as we have let go some of the stress of the day! Drop in for a $10 class or be on the look out for the next groupon! The Wed night class is where it's at! read more

I love bellydance classes with Erika! She's amazing and really nice. She really knows how to encourage her students and make everyone feel comfortable. If you love to perform this is a great place to start because Erika has many opportunities for you to showcase your talents. I barely started taking classes with her this summer (for one 6-week session) and within that time frame my class appeared on a tv special about things to do in the Chicago-land area. It was awesome!! read more

Erika Ochoa has always been an awesome friend! Her true love for belly dancing shows each time she performs! She is an inspiration and a wonderful dancer! read more

I love Erika's belly dance classes. She is SOOOO PATIENT! God bless her, she can do things I cannot do. She truly loves the dance and learns from many of the most famous belly dancers in the world, including Randa Kamel and recently, Anna Borisova. She uses the knowledge in the class, which is the right thing to do rather than just make up stuff. I appreciate her passing on the history of the dance from Egyptians. Her class is fun, entertaining and the studio is very clean. read more

I have been going to pineapple dance studio for years and I still have fun when I go. For Zumba the teacher Erika always adds new songs, and keeps it interesting. The other classes I have had are also excellent. read more

I had always been interested in taking a Zumba class and when this studio offered a Groupon deal last summer, I bought in. I just got around to cashing in this Groupon and I am having a blast! The studio is bright and open and the class is a lot of fun. I'm not one who generally participates in any kind of exercise class, but I always look forward to going back. Erika is a great instructor and keeps the class moving, but the pace is slow enough so everyone can keep up. If you've ever been curious about taking a Zumba class, I encourage you to try one here! You won't be disappointed! read more

The Zumba classes here are awesome--a great workout, nice people, and fun music. The hour flies by and I leave feeling happy and refreshed. Cheaper than therapy! read more

I started bellydance lessons here in March of this year. The teacher, Erika is extremely knowledgeable and has a great ability to interpret the music and choreograph dances that fit to the music. I live over an hour away, but the drive is sooo worth it! Ive been to other studios, and wish i had started here first. Im very happy at this studio. read more

Erika is an awesome instructor! I wanted to try Zumba after my sister-in-law was able to lose a significant amount of weight with a three day regime of Zumba. After trying many different instructors I fell like I finally found the right one. She keeps her classes fresh and upbeat. There is ample space to move and get a great work out. read more

I took classes with Erika for almost 4 years and I believe she is a terrific teacher and performer, beautiful studio environment, and and I enjoy every class. My only complaint is that lack of consistency, jumping from one thing to another, veil then stop then start on finger zymbals and I never learned completely. Because of her going into routines for her student shows that took time from the class to keep teaching. When going back to veils (for example) this have to go to a starting point again, is understood that some takes classes for fun, other for exercise and others to really learn, so this should be look into. read more

I absolutely love my classes. Erika is an amazing teacher. She teaches us the dance and history of the music which is very cool. The women in my classes are all different ages and abilites, but we all have fun together learning the new steps and movements. It is a fantastic workout with a great atmosphere. Definite recommend for anyone looking to improve their health and skills. read more

I started going here for yoga with Mari. She is excellent. She will work with you at all levels. Always stay afyer to help you understand a position more in depth. Very sweet. Then I started going to zumba with Erika. She has so much energy. How do her hips move like that? Everyone treats you like family and are very supportive to help you on your journey to healthy! read more

First off, the prices in this studio are ridiculous and in this economy fitness should not be considered a "luxury". That is why I go to Angela Ponzio in Elmwood Park IL, just 5 minutes away from Oak Park, Forest Park, Melrose Park, and more. This professional dancer turned advanced personal trainer is certified in Zumba, STRIDE (Shaun T's newest group fitness format which is Hip/hop meets his Insanity workout). And you don't have to take my word for it, you can ask the 60-100 people in her weekly classes (M/W/Sat). She only charges $8 (drop-ins) OR offers $5.70 for special registration in advance per class. She is fun, knowledgeable and her professional dance background is obvious. But her professional trainer and fitness expertise is unprecedented in such a combination. Her schedule is online at www.dozumba.com. I don't want to sound like a hater, cuz i am not. I attended class at Pineapple, was not too impressed with the caliber of Zumba instructor and did not warrant my $ investment. I think that it is important to offer a deal and supreme quality to people. Angela does both. Plus she is such a nice, energetic, funny, and welcoming individual. Magnetic. read more

I started taking belly dance classes here five years ago, as a total beginner, and I still love coming every week. The instructors are always great and the studio is lovely, with maple floors and high ceiling and colorful walls. And an excellent sound system! Besides learning dance and practicing dance technique, you can also participate in optional performances at the Forest Park studio and elsewhere in the Chicago area. I plan to take their Zumba classes this year in addition to the belly dance. read more

Pineapple Dance Studio offers a fun environment for students, whether your focus is dance or fitness! I have been coming to the studio for almost three years and have loved every class. Everyone is welcome at Pineapple Dance Studio, so come join the fun!! read more