Dance Arts Academy

Reid’s ballet classes :) enough said. just GO and dance your heart out!!!

After a long break, I’m trying to get back into ballet again. I’m one of those adult ballet dancers who takes ballet as a secondary activity to supplement whatever happens to be my current activity obsession. Right now my primary obsession is ballroom dancing, and I figured doing some ballet would be good cross training.
One of the main reasons I go to Dance Arts Academy is that it’s located within a reasonable distance from downtown LA (it’s always a plus when I don’t have to drive on the highways to get somewhere), and they have a good variety of ballet instructors. I take the adult ballet class with Cynthia on Friday mornings. It’s a mixed level class, even though it’s listed as a beginner/​intermediate class. I think some of the people taking class are dance teachers, some have been taking for several years, and a few are fairly new to ballet. So, the level tends to vary based on who shows up for class. Cynthia’s class is good for people who want to dance but not worry too much about intricate technique. Some of the combinations (especially petite allegro) can be a bit challenging for a beginning/​intermediate class, but again, I think it depends on who’s taking class that day.
I watched a tiny bit of Marat’s Friday class (it’s after Cynthia’s and is intermediate/​advanced), and it looks like his class focuses more intensely on technique and precise movement and positions. I’m hoping that I can get up to speed and try taking his class, but at this point I’m a bit intimidated by all the «real ballerina» teenage girls in the class with perfect turnout and and crazy extensions.
The studio in front is really big, and decently temperature controlled. It can get a little warm and stuffy in the summers but I like that it’s not freezing cold. The floor is that black plastic-​like stuff which isn’t bad to dance on. Mirrors run the length of the front of the room, so you don’t get a full view of yourself in the mirrors depending on where you stand for barre. Cynthia’s class is $ 18 per class, or you can buy a card of 5 classes for $ 75. That’s really reasonable considering that we get a live pianist for class. What a treat!
Parking is mostly metered, although you can park on a side street behind the studio for 2 hours for free.

Dance Arts Academy provides an array of options for dance class. From Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Modern and much much more. I have attended classes at this studio for years. I have also participated at auditions that are held at this studio.
My observations:
1) The studios for the most part have good barres for ballet class and sturdy marley flooring as well as nice mirrors. The largest studio even has a piano.
2) The studios have decent sound systems.
3) The lobby is small and gets over crowded very easily.
4) The resident ballet school clogs up the lobby, main entry way, bathrooms, hallways and lunch room on an everyday basis.
5) Parking is pricey!
6) The staff at the main desk is ever changing (Other than the Manager)
4 Stars.

I don’t know about the rest of the schedule but Tatiana’s Afro Hip Hop Dance class rocks! It’s the perfect balance of fun, a great workout and easy to follow. How Tatiana manages to do all that is a mystery! But even though I’ve never been good at following dance classes, I was able to keep up enough to get a good sweat and have a blast! The routines are great, the musical selections are dope and Tatiana’s energy is infectious. Thank you!

I go to this studio for the Afro Hip Hop Dance class. This class is amazing. You get a great workout, have tons of fun and the atmosphere is super supportive. The dance moves are great and I have been know to sneak them out to the dance floor ;) The teacher is so upbeat and nurturing, you know you are in good hands.
Time flies when you’re having fun and I’m always surprised how fast the time goes by. Of course, by body is not surprised since you get quite the workout and I end super sweaty. If you try it you will love it! Join us!

I tried a tap class here. I never returned. The teacher seemed very talented and all, but this place had a really bad vibe. It was an unfriendly and unwelcoming atmosphere with no warm and happiness. There didn’t seem to be any comradery between the regular students, which was apparent in the waiting room and in the class room. And no one seemed happy to be there. I mean, you’re TAP DANCING, what’s not to be happy about?!? It’s a shame, because I probably could have learned from that teacher, but I got such a yucky feeling from the place, I could never bring myself to go back. Maybe the ballet students are more kind and happy?!

Jessica’s jazz dance classes are THE best!!! The Monday night classes (8 – 9:30pm) are in the big studio — perfect for this class, which I have heard can get packed because of its popularity. Jessica spends the first hour doing stretches/​warm-​ups, and the remaining half hour (to 45 minutes, if she goes over) going over a routine. She has a wonderful personality, is patient and attentive to how each person is doing, and overall is an excellent instructor. This class is a GREAT work-​out too.
By the way, don’t park in the adjacent bank parking lot before 6pm. If you park there after 6pm, make sure the security guard is not lingering around, because he is known to be dogmatic about handing out tickets to non-​bank-​customers who park there (even when the bank is closed!).