Koresh Dance Company

Worst place ever! The owner was horrible. I got cheated by his staff and he still made personal attack on me and my school. He didn’t honor their previous promise and shouted at me. So terrible!

Koresh is amazing. I usually take tyger’s hip hop class and he is a phenomenal teacher with attention to detail and routines that are challenging but fun. I really like Sammy’s style and enthusiasm too. 5 stars!!!

Not sure about all of these negative reviews. To address the late policy, it is clearly stated on their website. Parking is a nightmare, but that’s to be expected in the city. I’ve taken classes with Eva, Amy N., and Sammy. Although I took ballet through high school, I felt much more comfortable in the intro to ballet course with Amy than the beginner. It would be nice to have a more clear description of prereqs online. Even though Eva was more than welcoming to me in the beginner class, had there been a description I probably would have opted for intro on my own. Sammy’s class is a great work out and I loved the choreography!

For someone who has been attending this studio for over a year I think viewers can take my feedback for what it is, the absolute truth. I finally had enough tonight in the hip hop class and walked out on sammy’s class. I will never again return to this studio. I am 27 years old, danced throughout college so my main reason for going to classes is I love hip-​hop and as a med student I love blowing steam. What I don’t love is, is being yelled at (When I say yelled at, I don’t mean personally, he yells at everyone). Sammy likes to yell at people and not at all in a nice and constructive way. He has addressed this fact and tells people not to take it personally. I hope he knows I absolutely do not take it personally but I find it disrespectful to not only myself but every one else in the studio. I have been bothered by this for a long time now but just ignored it because hey where else would I go that is convenient and close to where I live. Finally had enough of him and his rude, non-​constructive way of criticizing. As an adult I don’t see why I would waste money that I am paying for to hear someone yell all class. Yes sammy can make jokes and be funny on occasion but when he is in a mood trust me its not a fun class. Try going to class consistently and see his true colors.
In addition to sammy’s attitude, what is also not great is the business owners brother. I literally feared walking into the front office because of what a creep he is. He made it a point to ask where my boyfriend was almost every time I walked in (because he has seen him drop me off every week). He is incredibly unprofessional and just down right a creep. I am so glad I am finally being able to say this.
Enough is enough and good riddance. Classes are NOT phenomenal I am sorry Sam E. They are fine if you are a beginner but do not expect to be challenged in any of the hip hop classes if you are a seasoned dancer. Looks to me like someone is just trying to up the ratings at a studio who as earned a terrible reputation for a reason, and this is coming from someone who attended classes regularly and realized I need to have more self respect and not subject myself to it any longer.

I would take the negative reviews with a mountain of salt as the feedback is not related to the actual courses.
The classes are PHENOMENAL here mostly because the instructors are top notch dancers and teachers.
The studios will make you feel comfortable enough and you’ll have enough room for the mirror.
This is an institution for those SERIOUS about the movement of dance and won’t make silly excuses for X, Y, and Z. ;)
xoxo

Worst experience ever. I tried to come to their hip hop dance class on Monday night and after driving around for 20 minutes looking for parking. Parking 6+ blocks away at the parking lot they suggested and walking back I was not let in because I was late to the class. This was my first time coming and their website doesn’t mention the 10 minute cut off for attending the class. As a first timer, there should have been more consideration given. I will not be back and encourage others not to go unless you like terrible service.

**Koresh has just lowered their prices: $ 15 drop in, $ 70 for a 5 class card, $ 130 for 10 classes (effective 8/​1/​15)** If you are trying the studio for the first time, make sure you print the $ 5 trial offer from their website. They also offer random free classes and sometimes you can get a discount on class cards too; follow them on Facebook to see these offers.
I’ve been a dancer all my life and I was so happy to find this place after moving to Philly. It’s hard to find adult dance classes that aren’t geared towards beginners, but Koresh offers many styles and levels. Yay! The schedule is good too, with a variety of classes in the evenings and weekends for us working-​types with 9 – 5 jobs.
I’ve tried all the styles here and haven’t had a bad class yet. Sammy’s hip hop is amazing, especially the In the Mix Mondays: 1^st Monday of the month, live DJ, and they have recently added club lights and a smoke machine. So much fun! Sunday tap with Kat is a great class, but I will say it is more intermediate than beginner. Koresh has a very unique style of jazz that is challenging but fun.
Now if only the studios weren’t so hot… but I guess that’s better than cold studios.

Caveat: that the only classes I have taken here are Hip-​Hop with Sammy, and Introduction to Ballet.
1 — Front desk etiquette here is TERRIBLE…
If you’re expecting any level of customer service or courtesy, perhaps a returned «hello» or «have a good night,» FORGET IT. The person at the front desk (usually the same young lady) is always pretty unfriendly and rude — as is the gentlemen often sitting in the office (I assume he is the director). I come to class straight from work and am always 5 – 10 minutes late (they allow you to enter up to 15 minutes after class starts). I’m sorry, but I’m a paying, ADULT customer. I am not a child, or a professional dancer. I don’t need anyone barking «hurry up, you’re late, we’re closing the doors soon» at me every time in walk in the door — it’s rude and very unprofessional.
2 — Business practices here are VERY questionable…
I used a $ 5 class coupon for my first class back in June, and was almost not permitted to use it because I «looked familiar.» According to the gentleman from the office, he was pretty sure I had been there before — for the record, I had been living in Texas for 6 years prior to June.
Also, after my first class, I purchased a 20 class punch card, and was charged full price even though I provided a student ID at the time of purchase (they offer a student discount). When I pointed this out I got a dirty look and was then told by the gentleman in the office I could have it taken care of after the class. After class he was gone, and the young lady at the desk told me I would have to come back the next day to have it straightened out. Needless to say I kept getting the run around every time I asked about it, and eventually just let it go.
3 — The Introduction to Ballet class IS NOT an introductory class…
If you’re an absolute beginner and don’t have any ballet background, this is not the class for you. It’s not the most welcoming environment for absolute beginners, and you WILL feel like a DEER IN HEADLIGHTS! I found an absolute beginner class at the Ailey Extension in NYC (I spend a lot of time in the city), and there is such a WORLD of difference between the two classes.
4 — Last but certainly not least — SAMMYS HIP HOP CLASS
This class is AWESOME, and so is Sammy. He is fun and energetic, his choreography is challenging, and the class is a really good workout. HE is the only reason I’ve been coming here. However, now that my 20 class punch card has expired, I won’t be returning — I’ll definitely be sticking with Millenium Dance on South Street and the Ailey Extension in the city from here on out.

So fortunate to have such top level dance instruction in Center City at a a reasonable cost. You will learn how to dance here, as well as get a great workout. Tyger B’s hip hop class is my favorite. Tip: Call in advance to see who is teaching. Koresh’s permanent teachers are world cass dancers and sometimes travel for workshops, tours, etc. I’ve found the quality of substitutes to vary greatly, from top notch to pretty disorganized.

I’m so frustrated that I’m not even in the mood of writing anything. The lady at front desk is not friendly at all. The teachers are good tho, too bad the front desk lady is horrible.

The location may have changed, but the people attending class here haven’t gotten any better. What Jennifer Homans (Apollo’s Angels) referred to as «the democratization of dance» can be seen first hand, live and in person. If you can’t dance, but still want to be able to tell people that you take dance class, this is the place to go. Just fork over the high fee and you’re good to go. On the other hand, if you’re serious about dance, there are much better places in town to take class.

I haven’t done ballet since I was a kid, but I LOVE the Intro to Ballet Class at this place. I’ve often felt like ballet classes, even beginner ones are too advanced for me at other place, and this particular class is challenging, but not filled with professional dancers trying to brush up on their skills like at other places. All the instructors I’ve had have been very professional and pay attention to detail.
I haven’t tried any of their other classes, but my friend also loves their hip hop and jazz classes.

Great place to dance! I’m a noob to dance but I feel that I learn a lot from their beginner class and it’s cool to start as an adult and don’t feel all weird. The instructors are nice and helpful. Now with the 2014 new price it’s cheaper too! The only thing I would complain is parking nearby. It’s hard to find parking and it’s rather expensive.

Rittenhouse Square Fitness has now closed — at long last. Now — it has become, wait for it. .. the new location for Koresh Dance, an Israeli owned, awesomely fantastic dance class & performance space. For the first time in more years then I care to imagine, the space is clean & inviting, and features a great lineup of dance classes (Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop and more) with world class teachers /​active performers, and riveting dance performances. I;m so excited, I just can’t hide it ! A big improvement for the space and our Rittenhouse neighborhood.

So glad to be 30 yrs old and still have a solid ballet studio open to adults, and not feel out of place with dancers half my age and half my size.
There are many class choices, I have taken ballet, hip hop, and jazz. I love ballet the best, jazz is more like modern, I like the end of class when you do small combinations. I wish the majority of class was dancing the combinations and less stretching exercises. The hip hop was totally fun and chill. Only took it once, because for the expensive price tag per class, I’d rather spend money on ballet.
The instructors are super talented and know their stuff. Most are professional dancers already so you know it’s legit.
The new building is much nicer and more spacious than the old building. The studio rooms still need better AC or fans because it gets so hot in there. The dressing rooms are now downstairs, and a little bigger than the old building. Overall I love Koresh and the opportunity it gives adults to dance again!!!

The Dance Company
World class. They tour constantly and their shows in Philly are always packed and receive standing ovations. The company is an institution in this city.
The Teachers
Many of the teachers have accomplished dance careers — Tyger is flown to teach and judge in Europe and Asia every other day, Sammy has toured with recording artists and has a million choreographic projects, Barette, Natalia and Alexei are all legit ballet divas/​divo — or whatever the masculine equivalent of diva is. Shannon is paid to globe trot and jump around on stage. Roni (also divo) and Melissa (and diva) are the artistic directors and teach classes in the company’s trademark blend of Jazz and Modern. Teacher quality is not an issue here.
Summary
You will work. You will sweat. You will be pushed — especially in Roni or Melissa’s class. But you will become a better dancer. There is something for everyone here whether you’re a shy beginner, someone looking for fun workout, or a professional dancer interested in artistic growth.
If you have even a marginal interest in Modern Jazz, Ballet, or Hip Hop give Koresh a shot.

I really like dancing at Koresh and I’m so happy to have found them right here in center city!
I’m definitely a dancer… I’ve been dancing most of my life, throughout college, and also taught dance for many years so I’m no stranger to the studio. With that being said, it’s hard to find a studio that’s conveniently located that has classes which aren’t all «beginner ballet for adults». (Which is awesome, but not for me!)
So here’s Koresh… They offer not only the beginner level classes for the newbies but they also accommodate the more advanced and professional dancers with classes like Tap (my fave), Modern Jazz (Shannon M is awesome!) Ballet, and Hip Hop.
They’ve recently moved to 20^th & Rittenhouse and the space is really nice. It’s below street level so there’s no windows which may or may not be a sweaty, muggy, mess next summer.
Basically, if you’re a dancer over the age of 15 and you’re at any stage in your dance training, you can find a class at Koresh.

This place makes me channel my inner Julia Stiles circa Save the Last Dance, wishing I was more Center Stage than awkward white girl koreshing … and burning. Had to.
WARNING: THEY HAVE MOVED! Just checked out their new studio for a free class yesterday (located at 20^th and Rittenhouse) and LOVED IT. Hated myself for being an uncoordinated mess, but whatevs.
I don’t know that the new studio itself is that much more spacious (although the area to hang out in pre-​class is, and there is now a small locker room) Then again the huge crowd that turned out for the free class probably did not help…
HIP HOP CLASSES
I’ve been to Sammy’s beginner (intro $ 5 class-​print the coupon off their site!) and intermediate (lol I know, but it was free) hip hop and he is amazing. He is a hilarious, fierce, fast dancing, fast talking, AWESOME teacher, and he will make you wish you were as cool as him and make you want to be a hip hop dancer. His classes are basically some warm ups, then he teaches you a routine, and then halves of the room alternate doing the routine. Everyone is very supportive and claps and doesn’t give you death stares even if you suck and can’t get the steps and are always in everyone’s way because you are 5 beats behind.
CAVEATS:
1. If you are not a dancer and just want a workout class, like me, this will be challenging, but you’ll get a workout for sure.
2. The prices. They are high. $ 20 is steep if you are not a dancer.
Recommend for dancers, and to everyone who has $ 5 and could use a laugh/​sweat/​pick-​me-​up!