Lorraine-Michaels Dance Center

As much as I don’t want to have to write this review, it seems I am left with no choice due to the lack of response as of recent with this studio. I was trying to become a paying customer again to give them another chance but this doesn’t seem possible. I too was a student here for quite some time I may add. I can’t even begin to tell you the few thousands sunk into this establishment. I started here with taking exotic/​floor/​chair and pole classes. I did meet a lot of wonderful friends here, yet it seems ever since I filed a complaint about a certain instructor. things went down hill and I was not treated well at all. when you pay ⁴⁰⁄₅₀ for a series of classes that last an hour, I’m sorry if I feel sitting on the floor not learning anything and just chatting for over 30 minutes in more than one class is a bad idea. I’m sorry if my complaining that nothing new after 1 year of classes is being taught… isn’t that the purpose of dance? Might I add I also branched out to other types of dance as well, so again. you can imagine the monies I have spent here.
A few years ago I was very excited when tango started being teached here as it is one of my favorite styles of dance. I happily purchase a 4 week class and was super excited about learning this dance. I went to class my first week. and btw. I was still doing pole as well. And salsa. well. one day in February I slipped and fell and fractured my elbow. this of course upset me because I knew I was going to be set back a while in dance. at this time also mind you… the studio was running all these specials for new students to come try a class for $ 5.00. So… when I was ready to come back to dance I asked if that being such a long time student if the studio could start Me back at week 1 with tango because it had been so long and I wanted to start fresh. not only was I told no… I was also told my other remaining 3 classes expired and the only way I could use them again was to purchase a other 4 weeks thst day! I’m sorry. but I don’t like being bullied into anything.. I was a long time student there and I’m pretty sure they knew I would be buying more classes at my convince… not theirs… The customer service at this establishment is deplorable. However, with proper feedback from the owner I may reconsider

I took a pole class here a few years back. When I called the school asking about it, I told them I was a professional exotic dancer and was looking to learn more pole acrobatics, and was told to come on down, as that was exactly what they taught in this class. They told me it was «mixed level» so although there would be beginners in there, they loved catering to the more advanced levels. Excited, I came down with my six-​inch platform heels, ready to get started; imagine my shock when the first class spent 75% of the time teaching the women how to «walk sexy» in heels. Then we progressed to «how to walk sexy around the pole while holding on to it.» While the women in the class tottered around the pole (keep in mind this was NOT a real pole, just a metal pipe), I asked the instructor when we would be moving on to inversions and the like. She turned around abruptly and announced to the class that, while she had been to some of the strip clubs in the area and saw what those «talented ladies» could do on the poles, they had to be «certified by the state for insurance reasons» in order to do those tricks, and therefore we would not be learning those in class. I was dumbfounded. That statement is so ludicrously untrue and unfounded, and it just showed me that this woman had literally no idea what she was doing. I left the class $ 50 poorer (I’d paid up front for a series of five classes) and was told at the front desk that there were no refunds, even though I’d been really misled when I’d called about the class and NEVER would have come if I’d known what was really being taught. If you’re going to teach a class on how to walk in heels, please advertise it that way. I’ve heard some of their other classes are good, but I don’t think I will ever be back, mainly because I’m terrified I’d walk into a class just to see the same instructor. If she’s clueless about pole dancing and teaching a pole class, what’s to stop her from teaching another class she knows nothing about?

I took pole dancing classes here a few years ago and was not impressed. The instructor at the time was not very good and did not teach hardly any pole tricks. She taught very basic stuff, like how to dance around the pole. The poles are terrible, like something you would find in a dingy bathroom, not an actual dance pole that is brass, chrome or stainless steel. and there are not enough poles in the classrooms, the class I took there was only one pole that the class had to take turns to use. You were lucky if you got to use the pole twice because half the class was warm ups and the other half you learned maybe two pole «moves». the staff here are nice and run the place adequately, and I’m sure the other classes are good. But from what I hear the pole classes have stayed the same. If they have I would not recommend them.

In my original review, I noted the difference between the two types of pole fitness classes. Just updating to note that Pole Fitness is now taught by Maria. It’s still awesome.

Love this place! The pole dancing class is getting crowded (so many enthusiasts: P), LMDC definitely needs to add more pole classes and more poles!

nice place to learn some dance! though the room is kind of small. But i cannot complain for 25 bucks per month class from Groupon or living social deal. Such as good deal. Teachers are pretty nice and helpful.

I was brought to the Lorraine Michaels Dance Center, as apparently many others were, by the Living Social offer for pole dancing. This has been something I have always wanted to learn and I was very excited to have located a class nearby. The instructors are very nice, friendly, and attentive towards those needing further instruction. While the pole dancing class was a very light workout, it was a ton of fun attempting the sultry moves and finally being able to swing around the pole. My biggest complaint is how shabby the place looked. The ceiling of my classroom was made with those drop tiles, one of which did end of dropping during class. Nonetheless, it is a pretty decent place. I would like to try some of the Latin or ballroom dancing classes as well.

I started Ballroom here for about a year ago. Its a weekly activity we do as a family every week. Something I strongly suggest for all couples who are looking for a great bonding experience. I had two left feet when i started. Now i find myself spontaneously breaking out in dance in lobby’s and elevators.
There are many reasons i can think people take up dance in general:
exercise (cardio cardio cardio), bonding experience with your mate, as a singles activity (perhaps to find a mate), preparation for a specific event (like a wedding), preparation for events in general, Going to clubs on weekends and want to be out on the dance floor, confidence booster, posture improvement. balance improvement.
The interesting thing is over the course of the year. i have met couples prepping for their weddings. Some people finally hitting that goal weight they had. I have seen people who started with shy and 2 left feet finally glide with ease and confidence (myself included). Iv met men and women looking for that special someone. (and many of whom did)
What ever your reasons for looking into dance. you will not be alone.
Over the Course of the year I have had the chance to take classes from different instructors either them substituting or by standing in as an extra male dancer (they make an effort to make sure the classes are balance between leaders/​followers (in the ballroom classes)
Lorraine (owner and head instructor) Hand picks the instructors for her studio for their each unique abilities and strengths. All of them very good and must live up to the name that is on the side of the building. Amazing troop of people.
The wife has even tried out the pole and exotic classes and will testify to those classes/​instructors for me.
The monthly schedule changes sometimes a little bit to mix it up a bit. So if there is something specific your looking for, give them a call for a recommendation. at times they have added classes to meet specific demands. This is another benefit from dealing with a small self owned business.
They do have Dance party/​Social usually the 3^rd sat of every month. which will give you a sampling of free basic classes (in all styles) to try out. These party’s are also great when starting off it gives you the practice environment on a level just for you.

I’ll admit that i did NOT take ballroom lessons here. I took a «chair dancing» class where I learned the seductive art of lap dancing. I also learned that I am as about as seductive as «Mary Catharine Gallagher» (SNL). It was fun and a decent ab workout. I also took a few belly dancing classes here but didn’t really love the «get in touch with your internal goddess thing», but that is just me. They also have pole dancing.
Good for a laugh and a light workout.