Just booked my second class, which should tell you something. c:…read more I love this place's aesthetic and brand theming. Like, the owners are having fun with it; the colors, the "villain era" ad copy, the merch. The pricing seems quite reasonable to me, at $79 for a 4-week class session, that's just under $20 for an hour of instruction. They have other pricing structures available too, including a monthly subscription type deal. (I work seasonally, so I can only really join in during my off-season, unfortunately, otherwise I might be tempted to go for their "Very Important Villains" option.) They host drop-in style classes too that you can attend individually for $25/ea. (I did one using a 10% off coupon they sent me after completing my first class. They want you hooked!) The thing that impresses me most is the sheer variety of stuff you can learn here, and at many difficulty levels you can advance through with practice. I chose Lyra as my first beginner course and have had a blast. The next one I signed up for is Chair dance. Tbh, I'm also interested in Pole dance and Aerial Silks. I just kinda wanna try it all! They also have classes for dancing in high heels, burlesque, and trapeze! Wow! See what I mean? You're just gonna wanna try it all! The studio space is a bit compact, but workable. On entry there's a room off to the left where you can change if you need to, as well as a gender-neutral restroom. In the lobby is a coat rack and place to take off your shoes. The studios are off to the right and you'll check in with the friendly employee behind the desk. Near the desk are lockers if you feel a need; I've felt secure leaving my little baggie beside the couch. We're all here to learn and have fun, no one's gonna nick your stuff, haha. They also have snacks and drinks for a $1 donation (aka, they aren't trying to profit, just make sure you're properly fed and hydrated for physical activity!), and some fun merch like stickers and t-shirts depending on how big a fan you are, hehe. Additional changing rooms are also there in the lobby. The staff, instructors, and other students have all been friendly toward me. I'm a trans guy, and I've already met a couple other students who use they/them pronouns. In fact on their website they specifically call out that they are an LGBTQIA+ affirming space for everyone. I will say that this was a large factor into my decision to enroll and try their studio. Introductions always include your name AND pronouns. I've been very pleased by the inclusivity. They're also big on offering adaptations on class instruction to accommodate all body types and abilities. The instructor I've had for Lyra comes off very confident and knowledgeable. She has also been encouraging and will keep an eye on you if it looks like you might be off-balance. Each class begins with some warm-up stretching and ends with some cool-down stretching. (I tend to stretch before I drive over though because I need a bit more than five minutes worth to get my tendons ready, haha.) I hear they do student showcases and photoshoots sometime and I hope to participate one day! The parking situation is really the only negative, and what can you do if you're located in downtown? It's street parking only, and Cedar Ave. can get pretty packed in places. This is made more challenging during winter time, as the snow banks obstruct parking.

My friend and I decided to take the drop-in pole dancing classes, which were so fun! Just stepping…read moreinto the studio, I felt very welcomed and comfortable. I could tell all the staff were very genuine and unapologetically themselves, which is so refreshing to see. They even had a store pet, Hammy the hamster! The space is decorated with so many cool photos, and there are so many different types of classes you can take. There was a chair dancing lesson going on right before our class. The website has SO many options to choose from. For beginners, drop-in styles are the best for learning the basics. Our instructor, Hassan, was so skilled and kind! He made the class super fun and he especially made it look so easy. We learned 10 different skills within the hour and it was so fun! I want to take different types of classes in the future!

I can't wait to get back to teaching this year!…read more The Developmental Designs program was fantastic. Not only did it teach me new and better ways to teach my students, but it also just got me even more excited to go back to school. Anyone that teaches middle level students and above should definitely take this course. It is a little pricey, but well worth your time. If you have time, check out the Origins website for great books. You can even go right to the store to pick them up if you would like. I know this doesn't say a lot, but I love this place. So, I had to promote it if even just a little.

The teachers are amazing and my daughter loves it. They plan so many fun events and go out of their…read moreway to make sure each child has a good experience. I've been very pleased with my interactions with the teachers.

First the positives- the director and administrator are wonderful, talented individuals. When I…read moreexpressed my concerns to the director, she took action immediately and followed up with me. We had a terrible experience with my son's Huckleberry class and pulled out after 7 weeks. You know those parents with a lot of kids at the mall that have that look of stress yet are gritting through with a forced friendly smile? That was my son's teacher. She seemed totally overwhelmed and unresponsive to my concerns. When I asked for a written report the first week, she shortly replied that they didn't have time because there were too many diapers to change. Really? Did you not plan on changing a lot of diapers in a 2 year old class? Also know that state regulations require daily written reports (also know as of 9/2013 the school is NOT accredited). She also said they provide them occasionally (after speaking to the director we got them every day thereafter). I could go on and on with other red flags, but I'll be short: class size too big (14 for 2 year olds which is ridiculous when you're paying a premium), unresponsive e-mails to the teacher, unwillingness to work through my son's adjustment., walking pneumonia in the second week (in fairness that could happen anywhere). My son was miserable and it was so frustrating as I didn't know why; his teacher had such poor communication and lacked warmness that you would expect from a preschool teacher. My biggest regret is that I didn't withdraw my son earlier as he still remembers his experience 6 months later and says "I don't like my old school." I'm happy to say we're at a different preschool now and my son loves it. His teacher is warm, caring, and patient. It's been a completely different experience. Also know that I know of another parent who withdrew her child due to concerns about his teacher. I also want to add that I have friends who have kids at Berry Patch with different teachers and love it. Their teachers have been wonderful and loving. Thus, it seems that it really depends on which teacher your child gets. Based on their reputation, it seems like the majority of teachers are wonderful. Just beware they have a few bad ones...

This is hands down one of the best Y's in MN if possibly not the country :)…read more It is always exceptionally clean, never overly crowded no matter what time of the day or day of the week that you go here with plenty of staff available to assist you. What makes this Y so great is the staff, from the front desk to the instructors, everyone is extremely friendly, personable and knowledgeable!

Facility was clean and staff was courteous, however there is inadequate staffing in Custodial…read moredepartment. Needs 1 or more level one/two custodians on staff during daytime and evening shifts to allow Custodial Supervisor to focus on specific department tasks related to overall function of the facility.

This is the best place in the area(twin cities). Our kids loved it and the teachers are amazing. I…read morehighly recommend.

Incident where my son had a "bite" open wound on chest and teachers in the room didn't tell me what…read morehappen (had to find out myself) and they couldn't tell me how it happen or who did it. No accident slip was made (till after a few days later but no point of it since no one when wht happen). Director DENISE was very rude and didnt acknowledge the situation at first but wanted to talk about payment on account. When i told her i was disappointed on lack of communication from her she told me to turn in my keys because she didnt think it was a good fit. No apologies from her or her staff (besides the assistant director only person that tried to help) and no sympathy over the fact that my son got hurt and no one knew what happen!!! Very upset and will be handling situation since head director Denise doesnt care. Daycare was nice just wish the director cared about the parents and kids more

Great facilities and amenities. Instructors vary, as they do anywhere. I suggest checking them out…read moreon a site like ratemyprofessor or something similar, I've found the reviews there very helpful. Normandale is not intimidating for an older student who has been out of school for a long time, and there are a fair number of older students attending class along with the typical college age kids. It's a good alternative to getting part of your education at a much better price than going straight to a University. You can complete the MN transfer curriculum at Normandale, and that guarantees you admission as a junior to many schools in MN (those in MNSCU, I know U of M and the MNState U's are included. Normandale has also partnered with some 4 year schools (Mankato and Metro State for sure, and a few others) and you can actually get your BA or BS degree in certain areas all at Normandale.

For those entering the nursing program, I would look elsewhere. I am glad that the program is now…read morefour semesters instead of three, but the things you cover in leadership class have nothing to do with leadership. One of the things that you have to cover in the leadership class is talking about the union. This should not be something that is talked about until you are in the bachelor's program. And don't even get me started on the bonus points that they offer. These are nothing. These only help you if you are already passing the class. I had a friend have to retake a whole semester due to one point! I refused to have these points applied to my final grade. This is how the school makes the student's grades look better, thus making the school look better. As I have said in the beginning, look elsewhere.

I spent a week volunteering in the Recwell Center for the Special Olympics USA basketball teams…read more The facility is spacious and accommodating. The washroom was clean and well stocked. Walking on campus daily was enjoyable. I had to be careful at crosswalks and to obey the traffic "walk" signals.

I have never taken a course at the University of Minnesota (UMN). I used to hang out in this area…read moremainly because I like Dinkytown, which is the heart of UMN student life. I like the stores and good eats in this neighbourhood. I've always felt comfortable visiting universities and checking out campuses. It's no different here. I had a friend who got his master and doctorate degrees from this university, so I got to hear about his experiences when we both lived in Minnesota. I am a hockey fan. The UMN has a decent hockey program, both men's and women's. You often see local talent make it to the Minnesota Wild and Minnesota Frost rosters, respectively. Alex Goligoski, who recently retired from the NHL, played for the Minnesota Golden Gophers at UMN before he was drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins. He won the Stanley Cup with this team, but spent his last three years with the Wild as a defenseman. During his 1,000th NHL game, he scored the game-winning goal, which was quite the storybook ending. As of late, Brock Faber is a solid defenseman on the Wild. He is starting his second full season with the team and was captain of the Minnesota Golden Gophers. He is young, but exceptionally skilled and mature beyond his years. Taylor Heise, who is a forward for the PWHL's Minnesota Frost, played for the Minnesota women's hockey team. The Frost won the Walter Cup and she won the Ilana Kloss Playoff MVP award. If I were looking into academics, UMN has both computer science and mathematics departments that would have appealed to me. It is similar to York University in that you can choose to do either a Bachelor of Arts or Science in either field. Only a Master of Science is available in both. You can also study towards a PhD in either domain. UMN has a Bachelor of Science in Technical Writing and Communication. Many universities start off offering Technical Writing degrees as an Arts degree. I like the shift with universities going with a Bachelor of Science. Technical writers are needed more than ever to explain technical, complex details as clearly and concisely in engineering, medical, and more. It's makes more sense that it's a Science degree. This university does not offer graduate degrees in Technical Writing. It's one reason why I didn't do my Master's here. I don't have any inclination to get a doctorate. If UMN offered one in my chosen field, I'd consider it if the price is affordable and I could do it remotely. It was nice being back in the area. (394)

I need to find stress relieving crafts. I've done pottery, glass fusing, blowing and stained glass…read more Now I'm about to try spinning and weaving. The Guild is amazing. So many cool colors and materials. I am making my first weaving and hope to move up. Wide range of classes and they come with all of the materials. Some classes are via zoom so really convenient. This is a craft you can take with you. Looking forward to the experience.

Lovely space and we got a tour of their new studio. Classes and a small store as well! A…read morefiber-lovers dream