A Life-Changing Dance Journey with Amy Baker…read more My girlfriend and I started our ballroom dance journey with Amy Baker at Super Shag Dance Studio in Charlestown, Mass., as a Christmas gift--a small package of five initial lessons. Honestly, we went in thinking it would be a fun, temporary activity, but we were completely wrong! We enjoyed those first few classes so much that we immediately signed up for more. Now, three years later, we are still going strong with our weekly lessons, and we couldn't be happier. Amy is the heart of our continued passion for dance. She is incredibly energetic, always bringing a genuine happiness and positive vibe into the studio that is truly infectious. More importantly, she is exceptionally kind and patient. Whether we are struggling to nail a new step or just having an off day, Amy approaches every moment with encouragement and clear, patient instruction. Our weekly lesson with Amy is now a highlight we look forward to every week. We've not only gained confidence on the dance floor but have also found a wonderful person who genuinely cares. This isn't just our opinion, either; I've personally referred several wedding couples to her, and every single one has come back raving about the exact same qualities: her energy, kindness, and patience. I can easily say that Amy is not just our phenomenal dance teacher, but she has become a dear friend. If you are considering ballroom dancing, whether as a gift or a serious new hobby, look no further than Amy Baker--she's the best!

The reason dancing at Supershag Charlestown is world-class is because Amy Baker and Chris Johnston…read morehave been world-class competitors for decades, and bring that experience to their amateur, ProAm, and social dance students. So, whether you're a wedding couple seeking a unique routine, someone interested in improving your social dancing skills, or someone eager to explore ballroom, rhythm, and salsa, Amy Baker is a talented, demanding, yet delightful instructor. If you're a woman seeking advanced instruction and interested in competing, Chris Johnston has been teaching ProAm champions for decades. I am a ProAm competitor, and I am fortunate to have Amy Baker as my instructor and partner, but I also take regular technique lessons from Chris Johnston.

When I was younger, I took ballet, pointe, modern and jazz extensively in the New Haven area, but…read moretook a hiatus during college. Feeling the desire to move beyond the monotony of the gym, I returned to ballet, starting with the adult classes at Fresh Pond Ballet 2 years ago. Nina Alonso Hathaway is a wonderful teacher. She presents clear, no pressure instruction while helping her students to improve their skills. I've had many teachers who believe the path to becoming a better ballerina involves insults and physical torment, and Nina is about as far from that camp of teaching as possible. She works with Blake Barich as well, who teaches with her, and Blake maintains a similar philosophy to teaching as Nina does. Her studio is affordable and a good choice for adults with hectic lives, as instead of a semester fee, she offers a 10-class card for $105 dollars. If you need to miss a class, you are not going to lose on your investment. Adults of all levels join her adult beginner classes, and students who have had training in the past are welcomed to dance with her advanced students (and even invited to take part in their annual ballet production at Pine Manor College).

There is something not quite right about Fresh Pond Ballet…read more Fresh Pond Ballet is past its prime. I learned the hard way and don't recommend sending a youngster to classes w Nina. I have 2 daughters and both have taken classes at FPB and other schools and the contrast is dramatically different. First of all, the place is a disaster. Having a lifelong relationship with dance - I have always taken lessons and belonged to gyms. I am an athlete, not a princess, so I don't need my workout space to look like a spa. But this "school" is a joke. There is no place to change, you have to step over strollers and parents changing diapers in some weird hallway, and I always feel like I am in the way or somehow in the wrong while trying to get my daughter ready for her class. I asked Nina if the bathroom had any more paper towels one time and she snapped at me with too much detail about her landlord not doing something or another and how it wasn't her responsibility to potty train children! I was astounded. Which brings me to Nina. My girls started classes with Nina last year. They were so excited to take dance lessons and learn how to dance like ballerinas! But Nina's critical nature and short temper soon took the wind out of my daughters' sails. Like I said, I've taken dance classes off and on for my whole life and have an understanding and appreciation for the discipline and hard work it takes to become good at dance or any of the performing arts. But Nina seemed more focused on keeping her students well behaved than well trained. My oldest daughter never asked to quit (even though 2 of her friends did) and went to every class, but I could see her mood change and as we would get closer to the class. She would set her jaw like she had to endure the class. It was stressful. My younger daughter's class was completely disorganized. Beginner classes always have a variety of levels but my daughter's skill actually got worse in Nina's class. The girls went to a different (not to be named) school this year and have blossomed. The school welcomes parents w a pleasant environment and they don't harass us with rules about where to sit and how to stand and when to pay. They have parking for cars and strollers and the teachers can focus on teaching the art of ballet. The teachers are firm but kind and my daughters have re-discovered their love of dance. Reading the previous reviewer's post about how the school really worked for her as an older returning student makes a lot of sense. I think that the teachers at FPB just don't have the energy for teaching to youngsters any more.

Student centered, high expectations and caring for each student. They give 100% to all families…read moreand do so much for the community!

They are the most amazing caring dance teachers! They are always doing community service. They…read morelove all the kids as if they were their own.They go above and beyond for all the children. At recital time they hand design costumes, headpieces and shoes for all the children. The kids love to go to dance class. My daughter has been dancing with them for 38 years, now my granddaughter dances also. I can't Thank them enough for all they do!

The studio is a great place for challenging and fun adult jazz, lyrical and hip hop. Leslie excels…read moreat working with students at different levels in the same class. I've recently been taking a lyrical class that combines balletic and contemporary movements. Each class, we spend time working on like turns, leaps and ballet steps that are the foundation of lyrical dance. She also teaches a whole routine throughout the term by building on the choreography each week.

Leslie has a great energy in her studio. She has been teaching my 6 yo daughter and she is really…read moreenjoying her classes. I see Leslie teaching great technique mixed with fun. She keeps the kids movin' and groovin' through her whole class. I have been attending her Stretch and Tone classes as well...she has a great knowledge of Pilates and dance techniques that greatly enhances this class.

I've been going to BMS for over a year now for piano lessons. As an adult student, I felt just as…read morewelcomed to the school as the younger students who seem to makeup a large part of the school. I played piano for approximately 10 years as a child and was looking to pick it up again after 12 years of not playing and taking lessons. Registration was easy when I first signed up for classes. I spoke with Greg, and he was really thorough with all available options and has always been thorough in answering my questions. I've never run into issues with the administration and think they are generally well-organized and friendly. They do the best to accommodate your schedule; I recently was able to extend my lesson time with no problem. I can't speak for all the teachers, but seems they hire teachers with exceptional credentials. I've been taking lessons from Jayoung since I started. With my hectic schedule between work and going back to school to get my Master's, I don't always have the time to practice as much as I like; however, she is extremely patient and understanding. She also is a good listener when it comes to my interests in repertoire and has guided me through some songs I always wanted to learn, but never tried due to the complexity. She has confidence in her students, and never have I heard her tell me that I wasn't capable of playing a song. The facility itself is an older house in Brookline. Some of the rooms may be a little cramped, but I think the building is perfect for what it is. There is no shortage of lesson rooms, and I've never had issues with being able to practice in another room right before my lesson (just check with administration first). Highly recommended!

The teachers are generally very competent and kind and work well with children. A special shout…read moreout to Julianne Johnston for flute, Tomoko Iwamoto and Konstantin Arakelov for violin, and Tom the dance teacher, who are all excellent. The school as a whole maintains a nice community feel.

This is "the place" for dance lessons in Boston. Liz Nania is amazing and I'd give her 6 stars if…read moreI could. My partner and I started taking lessons this winter, and with Liz's help I've gone from avoiding the dance floor to looking forward to dance in just a few sessions. She is knowledgeable and patient, and focuses on what you are doing right before moving on to ideas to make you even better. Her class is the perfect end/beginning to the work week, and it seems she also has a strange telekinetic ability to attract some of the nicest people I have ever met to her classes. :-) In addition, her rates are extremely affordable and she offers discounts for taking more than one class in a term.

Loved it. Every couple should take dance lessons so their marriage can kick off with a dancing…read morestyle. Liz is very professional and made both of us feel confident and comfortable. She has a way of finding your strengths and running with them. Thanks Liz!

We have been coming here for 6 years and love it. The staff is knowledgeable, kind, and…read moreunderstanding. They try to accommodate all families' needs in terms of scheduling. It is a large dance company that makes you feel like your child's class is their number one. The kids are great and look forward to seeing each other each week. It truly is a warm group of people and I am grateful to have been a part of Velocity and will continue to be!

Wonderful dance company! Good people, fair prices, and a lot of great options for anyone interested…read morein dance

I want to rave about this warm, inviting, dedicated school of Dance owned and operated by one of…read morethe most passionate people I know. My two daughters have been learning and performing for a number of years. My youngest daughter 9 years old has been attending this school for over 5 years learning and performing in Tap, Jazz, Ballet and Hip Hop in Janet's self directed and self produced bi annual recitals all five years.and looks forward to 9 more til she's a senior in high school. All her outfits have been tailored in house by Janet's team. We are so proud to have this amazing school for dance in Westwood.