West Side Dance Project

One of the best kept secrets in NYC, if you are looking for a place to learn ballet, tap or basic flexibility training, you can't get any better than this welcoming space. Unless you are fourteen and training at ABT or such, you won't find many places that train you properly for dance. You are either already well-trained and expected to keep up at a rapid (injury prone) rate or you are thrown in the adult beginner classes, which let's face it, are really pretty dismal and IMO a way to make money so that they can pay name teachers to train the aforementioned, well-trained, professional dancers. Many won't be able to see the elegant simplicity of the classes or the space at WSD and that's fine with me; more space for those that do see the special rarity of a thorough ballet class (including floor) ........and can appreciate it. more

I read the bad reviews and still decided to check it out with my fiance...the consultation was free, and we don't have a real budget for dance lessons. I have to say that I think the others reviews are unfair. In NY you get what you pay for...the lessons are $75 an hour...a fraction of what other places charge. The studio isn't fancy and yes there are two dogs (they really didn't bother us at all.) BUT the lesson was really great. John and Maria were very sweet and really put us at ease. After only one half hour with them, I started to believe that it was really possible and easy to learn how to dance with my fiance. I set up a package for four lessons and am really excited to go back. If you're a couple planning your wedding with minimal funds and want a laid-back dance experience then this is for you...if you're expecting a fancy instructor and a stuffy atmosphere...then go somewhere else. Pros: The relaxed atmosphere, the price Cons: the studio was a little too warm more

We're pretty and we smell good too! Pros: Nice people who pet us come here. Cons: People should bring more treats. more

I have been a student of WSDP and its affiliate City Music Schools for almost 8 years now, and I find the previous 2 postings unbelievable--in every sense of the word. The student population here is relatively small and doesn't turn over a lot, (you have to be enrolled--no drop ins) so you get to know everyone pretty well. Pros: Great Classes and Teachers--You feel like Part of a Community Here! more

The instructors were helpful but the enviroment was stuffy. And...not to mention that they had dogs roaming around! Overall it was quite distracting, honestly. The waiting room was cramped and the studio overall seemed to be more about packing clients in the space than providing a relaxing experience. I would not recommend the studio. Pros: good instructors Cons: VERY POOR studio...how many places have dogs freely roming the place?! more

I found this place when my Fiance and I were looking for wedding dance coaching. We were really impressed by the quality of teaching, and the level of personal attention we were given. I discovered that they also offer group classes in ballet, tap, jazz, and exercise for adults, so now I'm a danceaholic! You can't beat the prices and its so much more fun than going to the gym. more

The thought of swaying in place for all 3 minutes of our first dance while all of our wedding guests looked on, filled me with horror, but my husband to be was equally horrified at the thought of dance lessons. Then we found John & Maria at West Side Dance Project. We signed up for their ""Stressfree Wedding Dance Lessons"" and they actually got us moving around the floor in our first lesson. By the end of our 4 lesson package we were actually doing some pretty spiffy moves. They team teach their classes which is extremely helpful to non -dancers like us. They also give a free half hour mini-lesson, which really put my husband at ease. There was no pressure to sign up for some huge expensive package (or anything) which we also really appreciated. Pros: Very skillful and articulate teachers. Cons: They are very popular, so sometimes you can't get your first choice of lesson time more

They promise ""user friendly"" classes and they really deliver. John & Maria gave me tons of personal attention, and made me feel as if I could really acheive my goals! Classes are a real mix of neophites, returning dancers, and pros, but the place has such a warm and neighborhoody feel, that I never felt out of place. They also have two adorable and friendly dogs, who greet you like a long lost friend by your second class!! Pros: Really well taught dance classes for adults. Cons: Dressing rooms are very basic if you're used to the gym scene, but who cares! more