Dance 101

Some of the classes here are SO great, and I’ve really started to love dance since coming here. However, they’re totally hit or miss – and there’s no real way to know.
Some of the instructors teach the same routine a few times a week or two weeks in a row. And then you get to a class where everyone already knows the routine from the past classes and it’s not really being taught. It can be VERY confusing figuring out when that’s happening and what instructors do that. The front desk often doesn’t even know. I’ve also gone into a few classes that were supposed to be beginner level and because there’s a sub instructor end up being a much more advanced level. I’ve left quite a few classes for that reason.
That said, it can take a while to get in a groove with the classes I think, but when you do, the classes can be great. I did the first month of unlimited classes for $ 100 and it’s ending soon. I would stay, but every month after the first is UNBELIEVBLY expensive ($ 560/​m for unlimited classes) AND there’s a year contract. You can also buy classes in 5÷10÷20 bunches, but those are also pretty high. I wish they had other options because a month isn’t enough to figure out which classes work for you. I’ve talked to a few others doing their first month, and very few are staying because of the prices and confusion with the classes.

I think this place offers some good dance classes for dancer, but unfortunately this is one of the only places that adult dancers can come and take classes. I am from out of town. Friend of mine was teaching a class there, So i went in for class and was told he was going to be there for 2 classes that I was in town for. Originally I was going to take his class and paid $ 25.00. But when I saw he was on the schedual for the following week, I spoke to the gentleman that was at the front desk, and he told me that he was going to teach. Urges me to buy the series of 4 I can take other classes, and I did. But when I checked on the schedule my friend was not teaching. I called and spoke to a lady who answer the phone regarding the situation. Told her my dilemma that the class was cancelled and I was not going to be able to take all the classes, due to the cancellation and that i am traveling back to LA. And not sure when i will be returning, but most likely in the fall. Asked to see if they are willing to extend my classes till I return. But not willing to help out, not willing to take consideration of the class that was cancelled, or anything. The answer was just simply NO. I fell that is bad business conduct. but I guess when you are one of the only studio that actually offer adult dance classes, and not just fitness you can do what you want. When I asked them if they can consider special circumstance. I was told if the do that then they would have 1000s special circumstances. I never asked for a refund at all. all i simply asked for was to extend my class till I returned.

No one would ever mistake me for a dancer, but I came, I saw, I sweat my a$$ off. I was the only newbie in Discover Dance 101 and I had a fantastic time. Desiree taught my packed, weeknight class and her energy was infectious. If you’re looking to spruce up your fitness routine with dance, you’ve got to give Dance 101 a try.

Dance 101 quickly became my 2^nd home after moving to Atlanta 8 years ago. I’ve been a loyal student ever since. They offer so many classes at times that are convenient for 9−5ers. And you’ll never get bored with having limited dance styles to choose from. I’ve taken everything from classical ballet to Caribbean calypso classes. Fitness? They offer classes for that too. You even get the opportunity, twice a year, to perform onstage.
The studio is spacious (up to 4 classes can take place at once) and there is space (aside from the bathroom stalls) to change into your dance attire. The instructors really make everyone, no matter the amount of dance training that you’ve had, feel welcomed.

I just moved to Atlanta. Coming from Los Angeles; and having just graduated from CalArts, a conservatory where I was taking acting, voice, movement, speech, dance, film, etc. all day long for 3 years (in a small group of 12 MFA students) I must say that I am very impressed with the QUALITY of Dance 101, the courses offered, and its accessibility to ALL people. No auditions needed, no judgment, if you like to dance, you are welcome here.
There are waaaay more Pros than there are Cons, but I will be fair and list all:
PROS:
— There are many many classes all day, 6 Days a week, in 4 different Dance Studios offering a wide variety of dance forms, and opportunities to learn, work-​out, sweat!
— The Instructors are all ages, shapes, and sizes.
— The classes are filled with students of all ages, shapes and sizes.
— Each of the 4 Dance Studios are well lit, clean, and perfectly equipped for dance classes.
— Though the classes are always full, there is always room for you on the dance floor.
— There is plenty of parking in the mall-​lot where Dance 101 is located.
— The staff is friendly and always greet you with a smile.
— The Studios, main area, dressing rooms, and bathrooms are always clean.
— There are beginner «Discover» classes for most of the major dance forms, as well as Level 1, Levels 2 and 3 for more advanced students/​dancers.
— The Instructors are well prepared for classes, they have a strong hold of the routines they are teaching, they communicate clearly, and frequently ask if students have any questions about throughout the class, so no one gets left behind.
— Students are encouraging, welcoming, and everyone is happy to be there. It feels like a real community.
— They offer a First Month Unlimited for $ 99 which is an amazing deal and allows new members to take all the classes they want and figure out what they are interested in.
CONS:
I have to say, I don’t have very many Cons. Only one:
— The décor in the dressing rooms, and bathrooms is a bit outdated. Imagine –Liberace meets a Vegas hotel, – think cheetah prints, pebbles, and pot pourri.
SOME OF MY FAVORITE INSTRUCTORS/​CLASSES:
I recommend trying ALL of the classes offered, however, I want to share some of my favorite ones:
Discover Ballet with Melody–
I find Ballet to be very difficult, but it’s like Yoga, it requires a lot of meditation, being very present, and working from the inside out. You get a crazy workout, and even break a sweat, but you do it, to beautiful piano music; so I love it, even though it’s the most challenging class for me.
Ballet Fundamentals with Tara–
I like that Tara gives you adjustments in class, and offers modifications that help you «get it»
Reggaeton with D Norris–
You will definitely sweat off all your calories while dancing to Reggaeton. So much fun you’ll forget it’s a work out.
Ballet Fit with Lauren–
I have taken Barre classes, Pop Physique, and so forth, and I find Lauren’s class to be one of the best I’ve taken. You work on strengthening and stretching, but coming from a ballet background/​base for the movements presented in the class. The music is up-​beat and fun.
Discover La Femme Jazz wit Sahrit–
Sahrit is very warm, always smiling, very confident, and encouraging. Her classes are fun, and they make you feel sexy.
Discover Cardio Jazz with Desiree/​Dance Fitness with Desiree/​and Jazzitude with– you guessed it — Desiree–
Desiree is my favorite instructor at Dance 101. She is super upbeat, great energy, she breaks everything down, her choreographies are fun and you WILL sweat, you WILL be challenged, and you will feel really accomplished after her classes. Jazzitude is currently my favorite class at the studio. At first I was scared to take it because anything – Jazz — I am intimidated by, but it’s a fantastic class, and I can’t recommend it enough. The routine is not so difficult, but she will push you to do it right, and the choreographies are very sexy, so you feel HOT doing them over and over again.
Classes I still want to take: Flamenco, Bollywood Beats, Discover Hip Hop, On Broadway, Tap.
I have taken classes at many dance studios. From IDA Hollywood, to Heartbeat House, to Your Neighborhood Studio, and more, but Dance 101, is the first dance studio I’ve been to, that carries itself (and functions) like a professional dance school, but without the pretention/​ego of these institutions. Instead, it’s welcoming, friendly and open to all people who share in their same passion: Dance.

Enjoy the wide variety of classes here.

So great! The guy who does the advanced tap class is really talented and welcoming! Will definitely be going back.

I really like this studio. It’s convenient for those who live in Buckhead, Brookhaven, and Decatur. They have also opened a location in Alpharetta. The best thing is that this studio is a hybrid for current and former dancers along with those who want to take a less traditional approach at a healthy lifestyle. I have had my share of both high level technical classes and fitness classes and I must say they do a great job with both. Instructors are very personable and excellent in their craft.
Because they are a specialty studio they charge by the class for most options. I typically try to make it here once a week or about 4 times a month. I cross train with another specialty studio and a box gym for the perfect amount of variety. This place operates like a large gym with the check in process and payments however the touches in the studio such as the seating area, changing rooms, showers etc have a much more personalized and intimate touch.
I’d say at least once a quarter there are sales on class packages and other promotions. There are also ‘Master’ Classes where a visiting instructor /​choreographer comes in for a one time treat! First come first serve for all sign ups. Variety of classes is never an issue and there is always something new on the menu. It’s an investment… like hair, cars, music etc but… You’ll never get bored.

Overrated, overrated, overrated.
The only plus: there are lots of different dance styles offered at this studio.
Beware that when you agree to do a show for Dance 101, you, nor your guests, will be allowed to tape the performance that you spent hours practicing for. They (including the pretentious studio owner) will lie and tell you that they’ll videotape it, but when you ask about it later, it’s like they never promised that. Experienced it TWICE now!

Had a great time here! I came here for their free classes week and really really enjoyed the class I took. Desiree was the most awesome teacher ever and so nice about taking the class at your own pace and not hurting yourself. I liked how there were benches at the back of the class to put your jackets, bags, etc. I always hate when you have to put your stuff in a cube area that’s hidden from the class because you never really know if your stuff is safe. Here, it was pretty much in open view for you to check on. I wish I lived closer, but I love the concept of Dance 101 and hope to come back again soon!

I have been coming here for almost 3 years and consider it my home studio. I credit this studio’s instructors with really introducing me to dance instruction as an adult and getting me to really advance my dance learning.
I had always done recreational hip hop, as I didn’t have any technical foundation. But a contemporary instructor named Beth persuaded me I would be fine in her class, and it totally changed my relationship and interest in dance. Her understanding of the physics of movement and ability to convey how to accurately physically execute certain emotions got me absolutely hooked on developing better dance technique and executing choreography faithfully.
I also like that they are always trying new styles of dance and new instructors but vigilantly watch what/​who is working and what/​who is not.
Going to start privates soon!

Looks like I had the same experience as Style D.
Great classes and several options, but I’m also a little bit sour about my cancellation experience that led me to pay for two months that I never used (that’s $ 160) plus the $ 100 cancellation fee. I planned to join again at a later date once my schedule lightened up but because they put contracts over people, unfortunately, I won’t be returning at all.
Just KNOW your recurring billing date. If you try to cancel your account even ONE DAY after that money has been taken out of your account, they will NOT considering refunding it or applying it towards your cancellation fee, even if you haven’t been to the studio in over a month. AT&T is more flexible than this place.
Life does happen.

If I could give this place a big fat 0 I would :-(. The customer service here is horrible, and the kicker is, i was talking with the owners. I called today to request an extension on my 30 day 5 class pass. It expires tomorrow, and I am not able to use the class before then. When I spoke with Paulina (apparently part owner) I did not want to discuss the reason why, because it shouldn’t matter (the real reason is because I have to travel for a funeral)– the nerve of her making me feel like I was trying to get over on them, or cost them money. The class is ALREADY paid for.
My conversation on the phone with her to say the least was impossible. She spoke over me the entire time, which in turn made me do the same to her. When I asked for her name because I thought she was rude, she very meanly said «I don’t have to tell you that» When I asked for her manager she laughed and said I was talking with her, and then actually told me she could not make the decision to extend the membership for me (then how are you the manager– ahhh that’s right, the one that cannot make any decisions?)
When I finally got someone else on the phone (the business manager aka decision maker) she told me I made Paulina so upset and that I was aggressive on the phone (just and FYI I share an office with a coworker who heard our entire conversation, and reassured me I was not rude AT ALL). She also told me that they do make exceptions to their rules for people who ask nicely– which I felt I was extremely calm and nice considering that they kept explaining to me how they would lose money if they give me an extension:
1) How much will you lose? $ 5 or $ 10?
2) NEVER tell a customer about your financial situation as a business
3) Give me 1 class now to keep a customer long term, OR don’t give me the class and lose me forever?
I was extremely offended that these business women were more interested in short term money, and squeezing me out of a couple bucks than making a new customer happy and turning me in to a repeat customer. You better believe I am going to let everyone know how they treated me and how much they do not care about their customers.
The classes there to «drop in» are $ 20 (I already paid $ 50 for the pass) so they wanted me to pay $ 30 total for 1 class. And from the 4 classes I took, there is NO WAY I would pay $ 20 for a drop in. I felt taken for paying $ 10 a class. The «dance classes» were not good, and the instructors who are supposed to be soooo amazing were not. They were hard to follow, very silent when «teaching» and more interested in watching themselves than making sure the class was going well.
Don’t waste your money.

My friend and I started coming here back in April to take the Wednesday dance fitness class. Dancing is my favorite way to work out… and Desiree’s class does not disappoint. The first week was a shock at just how intense a workout it was, but now I look forward to it every Wednesday!
I wish I could go a few times a week, but the classes aren’t exactly cheap, hence taking off one star. They sometimes run deals where you can get a bunch of classes for a reduced price, so I try to snap those up when I can. But the price won’t keep me away because I love it so much!

Pros:
–Classes are drop-​in, perfect for commitment phobes (like me) or those with irregular work schedules (like me). So many times I’ve looked to sign up for a series of classes but tend to miss half of them due to schedule. You show up, buy 1 class or a class card with multiple classes (like a debit card that deducts for each class you join), and sign in. You wait in the lobby and at class time, they announce over the loudspeaker which studios are assigned to each class, depending on # of people who sign up.
–Adults only, in all shapes, types, ages and clothes. I’m in horrible shape, do not wear great dance wear, but don’t feel self conscious at all.
–Huge variety of classes to choose from, conveniently categorized as Discover (beginner), Fitness, Instructional, or Transformational/​therapeutic. Lots of classes in the evenings and weekends, for those who work 9 – 5 type jobs.
–Plenty of free parking in a plaza… so important b/​c this place gets busy.
–Large dance space with 4 studios having classes simultaneously, and a clean large locker room area.
Cons:
–I’ve been to a couple classes where I was expecting absolute beginner level, as the description described it as such («level 1» or «Discover») but they were far from it… would probably be described as advanced beginner to intermediate classes, as they started right off with steps and choreography without explaining the basic steps and how-​tos. But I think this is indicative of drop-​in classes, where you have to pick things up pretty quickly.
–A couple other Unilocalers picked up on this… there’s an «everybody’s friends» vibe, though no one is mean or unfriendly. You know that scene in the movie Center Stage where Jody Sawyer takes a jazz class, and finds that everyone know each other and the teacher, knows all the steps, knows how to work it? Well, she picked up the steps and had fun, and so did I… it just takes getting used to, going with the flow, relaxing, and having fun with it. The people here are really nice and fun, so I understand the vibe.
–Classes are a bit pricey, though class prices get discounted a little if you get a multi class card. Pricing structure is comparable to other similar types of specialized classes though, and you can save by paying attention to special deals that are offered from time to time.
–While the studios are separated by walls, they are not insulated that well… I would expect the yoga classes are not really that relaxing with music blaring from the other studios.

My life in Atlanta would definitely not be the same without Dance 101. I found out about it through a friend and have been going off and on for the past 2 years.
The atmosphere at Dance 101 is fabulous! Everyone who works there has such a passion for life and seems genuinely excited to be there. There is a great range of classes. I have a ballet background, so have really enjoyed the Ballet Barre Fit class and some of the other ballet-​based classes.
I have honestly never left Dance 101 in a bad mood. You should check it out!

I started coming here on a friend’s recommendation. I love this place– all levels of dancers are welcome, and there’s a wide variety of classes and class times. There’s almost always a deal going on, so get on their mailing list to get great class package discounts. Prices are a little steep, especially for certain classes (the stretch classes, for example, where the instructor isn’t tasked with making up a new routine every week), but not unreasonable. And, of course, some instructors are better than others– if you don’t enjoy a class, give another a try before you write the studio off entirely.
My one qualm– and I know this is weird– is the lighting, especially in the main studio. They’re using a sort of light that tends to flicker subtly, and it sets of horrible migraines for me. When one is flickering ridiculously bad, they’ve always been very nice about fixing it, but I wish they’d just change the light setup entirely since it’s obviously an ongoing problem (even if you don’t get migraines, the flickering is annoying).

What a great workout! I LOVE DANCE 101!
I’m admittedly an awkward dancer. When my bestie asked me to join her for A-​town Funk, I reluctantly agreed. It was even worse when she insisted we be on the front row. Imagine my surprise when it was super fun, I didn’t feel awkward, and I had a great workout!
Another night brought Desir80s, which is an amazing way to spend an evening. I had a smile plastered to my face the entire time I was working up a sweat. What fun!
Looking forward to joining the weekly tap class! YAY!

Dance 101 is a pretty cool spot. I began going three or four years ago when they debuted the disco class. It was much fun, but has since been retired. They are centrally located, and have very nice facilities. The staff have always been helpful and nice. A few times I’ve had issues, but they always go above and beyond to remedy the problem.
The instructors I’ve experienced are all great. Bubba is awesome, so is Desiree. Try David’s classes too. Kevin’s A-​town Funk is good as well. There are classes of all types for all skill levels. They are always debuting new classes, so have a look at their website to see what’s hot.
They have standardized their pricing options (no more confusing expiration dates, their cards all have a 1 year shelf life now). The drop in price is a little steep at 20 dollars, so it behooves you to buy a class card. Even a 4-​class card gives you a discount of 6 bucks per class, so it’s worth it if you even think you might return within the next year.
Ofelia the owner works in the studio, so you can usually expect to find her there when the place is open. I think this adds another layer of accountability, and really keeps the quality of Dance 101 at a high level.
They don’t get too many guys, so if you’re a dude and you show up, you’ll probably get extra special treatment.

Time for a revamp of my review since I was on my third or fourth edit… anyway…
They have levels for the classes from discover all the way up to advanced. It varies from teacher to teacher. The best way to learn is try it. I never would’ve found Mel’s Ballet Fit class if I hadn’t just seen what it was all about. Now it’s one of my favorites during the week. I have 8 years of dance training so I was comfortable jumping into a higher level and was more comfortable experimenting. If you’re an absolute beginner, you may want to stick to discover level and figure out which teachers you click with.
I love it here. I’ve been taking class regularly since last fall and I think I’ve tried just about every class they offer. If I’m looking to work up a sweat, I’ll take Hip Hop Fit, Urban Rock, or Dance Fitness. If I’m looking for fun, I’ll take Jazz Town or Thrash Jazz. If I’m looking for a little more technique, I’ll take Ballet Fit, Lyrical Rock, or Poetica. If I’m really, really looking for a challenge, I’ll take a David Norwood class. I was a better dancer after an hour with him, I swear. No matter what class I take or what mood I’m in, I always come out feeling better than when I started.