This is a small dance space that I've seen a lot of teachers use to host drop-ins or short series, and it works fine for that. The room itself is simple but does the job for classes or practice. What I don't love is that there isn't really a consistent front desk presence. If you don't show up exactly on time, you run the risk of being locked out, which has happened to me before. It's a useful space, but just know it's best to plan ahead and arrive early. read more

I'm a musician - professional clarinetist - and the rhythmic idea of tap has always appealed to me. I was highly active in marching band in high school and have been a marching band music judge for over 17 years including last year's national championship. I started taking tap on a whim about a year ago, and work forced me to switch studios to the weekends, and ended up on Acia's doorstep...a tall, gangly, goofy older guy seriously having trouble balancing on one foot! I studied clarinet at one of the top music schools in the world - Eastman - and was a student of one of the clarinet world legends. Attending Acia's class, I immediately felt in the presence of a legend - greatness, and here I was in a beginning tap class taught by a master: I immediately was compelled to want to address her as "Maestra" as I did when I performed under Leonard Bernstein or Seiji Ozawa. But what struck me the most was that it wasn't just dance: she approaches tap as a "musical instrument" which completely resonates with me, even though I struggle. She talks musician language: pickups, triplets, 16ths, syncopation, and more than that: everything that she demonstrates or has us do is a form of musical notation - I could automatically mentally transcribe everything of hers into sheet music and it ALL makes metric sense. Watching Acia's performance videos also resonate with me as an artist. She is very lyrical and expressive, and I am soooo grateful for the privilege of being in her classes. I hope someday my body starts to catch up with my musical mind! When I was an Eastman student, my clarinet mentor Stanley Hasty used to make us drag our sorry you-know-whats out of bed and attend his reed class on Saturday mornings at 9am. The irony isn't lost on me. Now I attend Acia's tap class on Saturday mornings at 9am, and I am ALWAYS so glad that I went, even though I am covered with sweat by the end - it is a "vigorous" class! Thank you, Acia Gray, for sharing what you do with all of us, and for teaching me a new musical instrument! read more

So I think I can dance.... When I was a young buck and studied dance in New York, and then moved to Texas, I thought, "I may never again have the quality of instructor, studio, or experience that New York afforded me." I was right for about 15 years. Learning how to tap dance under some pretty important people of the Broadway community left me with some coveted instruction and great memories. I have been starved for this sort of quality ever since. Upon entering any dance studio, your experience can go a lot of different ways. Here are some of them that Tapestry steers clear from: 1. Calling itself a dance studio, but really it's a romper room where kids learn to shuffle step and walk on tippy toes. They often get a sticker after class. 2. Posing as a dance company, but really it's a place where dancers teach classes in between paid gigs, which they'd rather be doing, thereby leaving students with uneven instruction in terms of theory or common purpose. They often make their money with their annual Nutcracker fund raiser, which is usually a snooze fest. 3. Working as a theatre and school all in one, but the dance spaces are often overbooked, and the whole operation disorganized, and possibly underfunded or under staffed. When you really want to study - from no matter what level you begin (for me, I am a making a return to the art form), it's generally pretty hard to find a dance studio, which is also a company, that teaches a consistent method across all levels, and all teachers echo this method. How is it that this jewel is among us in Austin, I must ask. In a few weeks, I have re-learned lots of old steps, learned at what level I can fully function, where I can be challenged, that I can weave in and out of different classes but remain consistent in style, and I can do it for a good price. Tapestry really affords every level of dancer - pee wee to someone like me (middle aged has-beens with delusions of youth), late bloomers to accomplished performers a very good space to get educated or re-educated. I am loving my new foray into the art form and that I can leave challenged but still thinking that "I still got it." Yes, I think I can dance. read more

I started taking Beginner Adult Tap at Tapestry Dance Company this past August 2012. The class is called Tap 101 and is for anybody who has never taken tap, took tap as a child or even for the advanced student to refine his or her skills. I have found that the teachers are all very knowledgeable, have charm, grace, and a sense of humor. The staff are extremely friendly and know their students by face and name. When I arrive they know me and log me into my class. Awesome! Since August I have learned quite a bit as well as starting to pick up rhythms. I also have taken an Adult Contemporary Ballet class. Loved it! We worked on strengthening as well as stretching our muscles. Who needs a gym or a personal trainer if you take Ballet and Tap! Same benefits and you get to DANCE!! I'm learning to bring out my inner child and she is growing, glowing, and playing! Thank you Tapestry Dance Company for showing this girl how to have FUN!! read more

As a parent, I appreciate the -let's face it- lack of snobbery of this studio. The goals here are centered around dance and the students, and truly working hard to create this art. Thank you for being such a wonderful organization. read more

I heart Tapestry. I've taken classes there, and recently signed my daughter up for ballet. Alas, she did not stick with it, but the teacher and staff were super understanding, and much more interested in preserving her interest and love of dance than retaining our money temporarily. That's integrity. What I love about Tapestry is it's all about the dance. Not body shape, age, attitude, or anything else. Just the love of dance and the love of learning. My daughter is already asking to go back, so we'll try again in the fall. In the meantime, I think I'm going to sign up for modern! read more

My wife loves this place. They seem to do really well, considering its been around longer than I have been alive! Staff: I would say the staff does well, but I don't know if I have ever really seen a staff member. There are a couple of volunteers that help with the front desk. What I dislike the most is that they lock the doors after like 8:30pm so no one can get in, just get out. When I pick up my wife at this time, its kind of annoying. Instruction: My wife always comes out whooped up on and she loves it. Between you and me, she hates working with anyone ever, except when its dance, and even then she is VERY PICKY! So, her feeling comfortable here in this space is HUGE. Its a huge help as well. Events: They have summer camps, lectures and all kinds of stuff going on here all the time. read more

I was delighted to attend Tapestry's From Soul to Sole performance at the Long Center this week. They were comfortable and knowledgeable about their craft. I would without question, or pause send my children for lessons, or send a business colleague for a show. Tapestry, you have a new fan :) read more

Great studio! Love the lyrical classes. Nice deals and online scheduling system. Good times for classes (evening).

Love Tapestry!! The teachers are fantastic and well qualified for teaching kids and adults alike. Such a fun place.

I take Renata Sanford's adult beg/int class on Friday evening, and she's a wonderful teacher. She takes the time to explain individual corrections and to adjust your body position so that you can really sense what it should feel like (not always easy on your own). She has great training, a wonderful sense of humor and is warm and welcoming. The method is Cecchetti, and I've never done that before, so it's very different. Renata emphasizes the performance art aspect of dancing, even at this level, and it really changes the way a simple exercise looks and feels. I highly recommend this class. read more

Saw a lyrical tap performance. It was absolutely stunning! The grace of the movement was unbelievable!

I've been taking dance lessons from Tapestry as an adult on and off for 24 of their last 25 years. They don't make dance teachers any more phenomenal than Acia Gray. Austin is lucky to have such a superb tap dancer, teacher and visionary. The company, the kids and the adults who dance here love what they are doing, are top-flight talents or benefit from working with those talents. read more

Amazing place for kids and adults to learn proper tap technique in a beautiful facility. The teachers here are some of the best in the world. The teachers are not only big wigs in the dance world but also professional dancers themselves while being totally down to earth and approachable. They are looking out for their student's best interests and have the ability to train all levels. I can't imagine receiving training anywhere else. P.S. I'm from the Austin area not some mountain town. LOL Not sure why my profile says that sometimes... read more

This dance studio has something for everyone! The staff is friendly and helpful, the teachers are dedicated and talented and teach "real" dance even to young children, and there are convenient waiting areas for parents to hang out. You can be a rank beginner and feel comfortable there, or you can be a very experienced dancer and still find the right level of class for yourself. The prices are reasonable, and there is always good energy in the air because people are engaged in something that makes them feel good! And their company shows are phenomenal! read more

The instructors here are amazing! True professionals - not recent college grads looking for work. They focus on skills and the love of dance, not conformity and competitions. The studio is nothing fancy, but don't be fooled. The quality of classes can't be beat. read more