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Ariel Dance Productions
Rating Details »
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
27 reviews for Ariel Dance Productions
For my milestone reviews, I like to save em for something special, so for my 600th my new found dance home is it. Dancing here is a fun activity that happens to be exercise along with stress-reliever and happiness inducer. My most wonderful recent life addition since becoming a yelper.
Cost to worth it rating: 4 ($18/class drop it but if you pre-pay or take multiples it's $13 or less)
Return worthiness: YES!!!
Highlights:
- People: the biggest strength of this place, as everyone is so incredibly welcoming and friendly and epitomizes a true family. There are people who have been regulars for years but they aren't cliquey but open to all newcomers. Attitude is collaborative and there for fun rather than competitive. Every single person I've met has been fantastic. I could go in forever about each, but here are some I have to mention.
-- Oanh: owner who teaches as well as runs the studio. She cares about each student and the very first time I came she seemed genuinely happy and thanked me for joining her studio. So sweet.
-- Brandie: awesome hip hopstress extraordinaire. Amazing dancer and choreographer who works her class hard in the best way: you get the best workout, learn so much, and are inspired by her.
-- Kristy: jazz funkstress who plays fun music and was my first Ariel teacher to encourage me to keep coming back
-- Kim: fantastic theatrical jazzer who creates such fun routines and teaches in such a specific way so that she makes sure everyone looks perfectly together
-- Eric: I almost didn't include him cause his ego is so large being in almost every class, but his hamminess can't help but make you smile and his big heart and effort to make every person who joins feel like they belong is invaluable
-- Monica: via a yelp thread she recommended this place and I decided to try it out. She gave me detailed info about classes and has become a dear friend.
- Amount of adult classes: unmatched in any studio in the greater area with 6/night with styles from jazz to hip hop to tap and more. Many studios cater to kids with a few teen/adult classes for high school kids, but this studio is for the real adult looking to continue their dance education
- Shows: professional quality and a fun performing outlet
Midlights:
- Varying levels of difficulty in classes depending on instructors and participants. For some intermediate can be more beginner and others you need to have significant experience for.
Lowlights:
- No water fountain or waiting area: need to bring your own water bottle and wait in the sides of the rooms. Forced me to get me Ellen "laugh, dance, hydrate" water bottle that I love, however and you get to observe other classes while waiting for yours.
- No air conditioning: makes it a little bikram yoga-ish during those heat wave days but there are big fans
Since the studio I'd been going to for 12 years has made some changes, I've been thrilled to find Ariel and am happy to continue dancing there for years to come.
People thought this was:
- Useful (10)
- Funny (8)
- Cool (10)
I am so grateful for finding such a wonderful dance studio here in Campbell. I found Ariel in the fall of 2007 after doing a google search for dance studios. Having not danced in years, I was a little hesitant about "starting all over again". I was pleased to find encouraging instructors and a non-threatening environment at Ariel. Everyone was super friendly and very accepting to people of all dance abilities. I have made life-long friends in less than two years... and that's saying a lot! Everyone bonds throughout rehearsals and in preparation for the annual summer performances. Who doesn't like dressing up and performing for a crowd?
Ariel offers so many classes in a variety of dance styles, so there are lots of opportunities to expand your dance repertoire. I have been able to try Afro-Brazilian, Jazz, Lyrical, Ballet, and Hip Hop classes. They also offer Tap and Contemporary, and Voice lessons, too! My daughter loves the Saturday morning Parent and Me class, even if we only go once in a while. Their children's program is outstanding for beginning dancers. I hear the class fees are less than other studios in the area, so it's definitely an affordable way to stay in shape while having fun!
People thought this was:
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Since my last review, I've been with Ariel Dance Productions for 2 years and have loved every minute of it! Sometimes when you're trying out a new dance studio, it seems great at first and then the "glow of new-ness" fades but that IS NOT the case with Ariel Dance Productions!
Year after year, class after class, the choreographers get more creative and innovative! They also launch new classes constantly from break dancing and hip-hop to contemporary, singing, tap dance and ballet. They challenge the seasoned dancers while welcoming and embracing beginners - it's not just the teachers who have this "Everyone Can Dance" attitude, the other students carry this same mentality too!
So if you are a beginner or you used to dance but haven't danced in years, COME HOME to Ariel Dance Productions. Don't be afraid to drop in because unlike other studios out there all are welcomed into this family we call DANCE. It doesn't matter if you never took a dance class in your entire life or if you've been dancing for years, this place has something for everyone.
People thought this was:
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1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/17/2007
After a a not so great experience at Studio 10, I was very hesitant to go back into a dance studio.… Read more »
I joined Ariel Dance Productions spring 2008 and have experienced nothing but encouragement and support from all the instructors and people. The studio has become my second home and I grown as a person and performer because of everyone I have met in the last year.
All of the instructors that I have worked with cater to your level (from basic to way advanced) and I don't feel conscious or pressured as I have with other studios with the "stuck-up" atmosphere. Its amazing to see all the creative choreography come together and who doesn't love the thrill of the stage? I encourage everyone and anyone to stop by and experience first hand what an awesome studio this place is.
I've danced on and off throughout my life - depending on time, finances, and health.
I danced at a local studio for about three years. Let's call it Trailer Trash Studio ("TTS"), because that's what it was. It was awful. No mirrors. No barre. Cash-under-the-table tuition. Hideous. No wonder I never got better! And there was no YELP to tell me that there was another, better, cooler choice... ARIEL DANCE PRODUCTIONS!
A friend from "TTS" referred me to ADP a few years later. I perused the website and was surprised to see so many evening classes. The studio really caters to the working - or otherwise preoccupied - adult! (But kids, from toddlers to teens, have a variety of classes from which to choose as well!)
So I called and spoke to Oanh (the director) and she took me on just eight weeks before the annual show! I performed in two numbers and had a great time. I've continued taking many classes there and my technique is improving dramatically.
There is also a wonderful breadth of classes, from hiphop to jazz (many varieties!) to afro to tap.... and so on. There's really something for everyone.
And any level of dancer is welcome... and you WILL be welcomed, because Oanh makes it a policy that everyone introduce themselves to new class members, and make them feel at home and part of the team.
The school really emphasizes performance; there are several opportunities to perform each season, from ADP concerts to community events to musicals to revues. Each member's special skills might be called on for any given production.
If you aren't into performing, however, don't worry - you might get some friendly ribbing, but you will never be forced to perform, nor will you feel excluded during class whatsoever.
In any case, I've taken classes at many studios in my life, but ADP is definitely the best I've seen. I highly recommend it. Please come join us! You won't regret it!
People thought this was:
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I actually just looked Ariel Dance up in November 2007, when I was looking for a place to take hip-hop class in the South Bay. I'm from SF and I'm used to really stuck-up dance studios where everyone takes themselves way too seriously. Ariel is nothing like that. I love the fact that there is this very strong family atmosphere at Ariel. The staff, who take some of the same classes i do, make an effort to get to know you. Soon, everyone knows you and you're part of the family. I love it because it's given me a place to call home away from home.
As for the classes, there is a great age mix at Ariel, especially in the urban dance classes (e.g hip-hop, popping, and breakdance). Also, Ariel is one of the few studios that offers breakdancing, which is my passion! Also, Ariel offers all kinds of other stuff, like ballet, jazz, and bellydancing. I'm more of an urban guy, myself :P
Finally, if you stick around Ariel, you'll probably get a chance to be in one of their shows, which are seriously hella (yea, I said HELLA) fun! In my case, I get to invite my friends to come out and watch me breakdance like I'm Ronnie from Super Crew.
Go to Ariel. You'll meet some awesome people, take some great classes, and you'll never want to leave. This studio is amazing!
I was referred to Ariel Dance Productions by Jenny G, and after taking the studio's workshop in January, I knew that I'd found the right place for me. Coming to Ariel Dance Productions feels like coming home--you are instantly welcomed by the owner, Oanh, the faculty and the other students. I started at the beginning of February and was able to perform in the Broadway Dance Revue show in April. I can't wait for our next show!
People thought this was:
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I have been dancing with Ariel on and off for over 5 years now, and this place has been nothing but welcoming and wonderful! The teachers are fun and kick back, and don't have a pretentious attitude. An EXCELLENT place for a total beginner, and challenging enough for the intermediate/advanced dancer. They will totally modify across the floor moves for you and your level, and help you learn technique in a fun way.
The people that go there are fantastic as well! I have definitely been in dance studios where I feel like I am being compared to everyone else, or secretly being scoffed at, a general pretentious vibe. That is SO not the case here. People are warm, friendly, and rather hysterical actually. It's good to come to Ariel with an open mind for learning and a sense of humor for joking around with your classmates. Before you know it, you'll be learning so much about dance, getting fit, making friends, and practically living at Ariel, and that's totally cool.
All the classes are wonderful, all the instructors have unique and different styles and different things to teach you. Brandie and Kento are fantastic for hip-hop, Brandie very fun, sassy, and funky, sorta Pussycat Dolls. Kento also sassy and funky, and will use a lot of hard hitting moves and isolations. BOTH break down moves and choreography very well to make sure your on the same page. Rory as well! Oanh is the awesome director of Ariel, and she teaches as well, usually Jazz, Contemporary and Afro and Funk jazz styles. Jenny is the tap teacher and so upbeat and positive, you'll learn with constructive criticism, and have a blast while doing so. Kristy also does jazz, and will challenge you to get out of your comfort zone, and to practice techniques in across the floor and choreography.
I could talk about all the teachers all day, but I suggest finding a class you are interested in, or check out the schedule and taking a drop in some time. They also often do free workshops available to the public, so totally bring your friends and family to those events, too!
Professional, fun, welcoming, located just a couple blocks from downtown Campbell, and right across from Winchester Light Rail station, Ariel would love to have you laugh, learn and dance with us!
People thought this was:
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I've been taking dance classes at Ariel for about month, and I really love it here.
I've been taking jazz, lyrical, tap, and ballet at Ariel and am now attending rehearsals for an upcoming Broadway Dance Revue.
Ariel has children's classes, but what I am really impressed with is all of the adult classes that I have been taking.
The teachers for jazz, lyrical, tap, and ballet are all wonderful. They are all very friendly, helpful, and competent. They cater to different skill levels, but have also pushed me to improve as a dancer.
The environment is also very welcoming, encouraging, and noncompetitive. I am so glad that I found a studio with adult dancers who are serious about dance and love to dance as much as I do! You won't find any dance snobs here and you won't find anyone with two left feet either.
The best thing about Ariel is that they offer a ton of classes, six days a week! So you are bound to find something that will fit into your busy schedule. Some of the adult classes are a little late in the evening, in order to cater to people who work until 6pm.
Also, dance classes are never cheap, but Ariel has very affordable package deals.
After a month, my turns are already getting better again, and I can't wait until we have a performance!!
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Great teachers and fun classes. There are two studios with nice wood floors and wall mirrors. There is a nice variety of dance classes. Most classes are for adults and teens; however, there are also some classes specifically for children as well as some parent/child classes. There are also singing classes.
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i am probably the LAST person i thought that would start taking dance classes. my friends gave me the deer in head lights look with the whole... WHAAAAAT?!?! expression as well.
Needlessly to say, I have enjoyed every moment of taking classes her so far. All the instructors are top notch, and they are there to make sure you succeed as much as you can. There are people from all levels, from beginners to professionals that are taking this class, and all shapes and sizes and ages, so you're not ever feeling left out.
The students are pretty awesome too, everyone is very nice and people are pretty welcoming. I take the hip hop classes, but it seems like all classes have the same vibe, all around friendly people.
Stop by, say hi, and get ready for some clean wholesome fun...well sometimes ok its not so wholesome, but most of the time you're safe... :)
People thought this was:
- Funny (1)
Ariel is awesome!
And, the owner, Oanh, is wonderful!
What I got: Beginner Hip Hop Dance class
5 stars since this is the only dance class I have ever known (since my preschool ballet lessons)! But I must still give credit where it's due. Erin Cuevas was the instructor. I dropped in on the 2nd class in then series of 5 and had a good time. She started off with warm up and strength stretches to the music. I really liked this part. The routine was tough - after this class I realized I really DON'T know how to dance!! But it was fun. Erin's good at adjusting the pace so everyone can follow and making sure everyone was clear on each step of the routine. I would go back if I wasn't out of town for the next two weekends...
One-time drop in is $18. Series of 5 is $65.
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I've been going to Ariel for the last (almost) two years and it's like a second home to me! The people there take you in without pretenses or trying to one-up each other. In fact, you'll find people applauding you for your efforts in every class. The teachers are amazing; they take the time to show you how to do something properly right down to walking through the step so you can see them by example. Oahn, the manager at the studio is a kind, outgoing, and understanding person and makes everyone feel welcome. I love going and unwinding after a full day of work. I never thought I'd be someone who would fervently go to classes (let alone dance classes) but I am there at least 3 nights a week!
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Friendly faces, great selection, affordable entry... kind of like your fave local bar... but SO MUCH BETTER! I love Ariel and all of the people. Oanh, the owner, is a wonderful, happy person whose personality sets the mood for this studio. Brandie's Beg/Int. Hip Hop is a great way to learn rhythm and club moves, and get a nice work out to good music. There are tons of other classes to check out at convenient times.
Drop in is $18, but you'll find that you want to keep coming back, and package deals make your per session cost much lower.
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I have been dancing here since September 2004 and love it! They are my second family! The prices are reasonable for the amount and quality of classes you get! Not one single person there has a bad attitude and there is absolutely no competition between dancers. Everyone is there because they simply love to dance!
I started out with Brandie's Monday night hip hop class (which I HIGHLY recommend) and have been moving around with different teachers to learn different dance styles. Each teacher brings something new to the studio and I have had such positive experiences with each one. You will love it here! I can't find myself ever leaving this studio!
And I recommend them also for Kids classes too!
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Hmmm, what can I do with $18? I could get two tickets to the movies...nah, not much worth seeing. I could buy 3 new Loreal lip glosses....nah, way too many in my purse already. Let's see, 6 gallons of gas...nah, think I'll ride my Schwinn.
Wait, I know!!! I could take a dance class at Ariel. So many choices...Afro-Brazilian, Hip-Hop, Jazz...$18 well spent in my book.
So, last Monday was my first time at Ariel. Afro Brazilian (thanks for the invite Lisa). What a great hour! Moved like I haven't moved in years, left energized, felt totally encouraged by the instructor, not a bit of intimidation. Classes are drop in so I didn't feel any pressure to commit, but definitely felt encouraged to return. So guess what? I'm going back tonight. Wouldn't miss it!
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Boom! Kah! Ba boom boom Kah! Yeah, I have no coordination skills whatsoever, but Ariel Dance made my first dance class lots of fun.
Dropped in on a Beginning Hip Hop class taught by Rory. The class was so small that it was like a private lesson. It was fabulous. Rory was super mellow and low-key. It was not stressful at all. Sure, I looked like an idiot, but at least I had lots of encouragement! Plus I did work up a sweat.
Oanh (another choreographer at the studio) was super nice and patient while she explained how to sign up for classes and what the policies were.
I would definitely come back for more classes. I am obviously in need of lessons!
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Ariel Dance is the only studio in the bay area I found that catered to adults. Most students in the class are adults in various professions. Although there are some teens, the classes are not focused towards teeny boppers. The choreographers are also mostly professional adults.
This is my 5th years at Ariel. I initially started taking only hip hop and had no intentions on learning other styles of dance or performing. So far I've performed in five shows and learned new styles of dance such as musical theater and jazz.
Love the various styles of hip hop taught here. Every choreographer brings their own unique style and understands how to teach anyone willing to learn.
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I've been taking hip hop dances from Krisuan, and they've been really fun! He's a great teacher, with a really interesting variety of routines. It's definitely not a beginner beginner class, which is great! You get to do some really amazing things! Highly recommended dance studio!
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Awesome place!!! prices reasonable... the director Oanh is very professional, reliable, reasonable and friendly... this place is definitely a great atmosphere to learn dance and meet new people... it's built around a great community of awesome/friendly people... and the teachers are awesome!!! they have a lot of experience.... are fun, focused and helpful!!!
this studio has an extensive offering of adult classes as well as children classes... Ariel offer many types of dance classes... that can suit many diff. preferences.. from break dancing to ballet, afro-brazilian, belly dancing... etc...
revising... my mistake... first class for first timers isn't free... but every so often.. they have free introductory workshops.. on Saturdays... for new students...
thanks!
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I took the 'Zumba' class for the first time yesterday, and it was really fun! Oanh, the owner and co-teacher was soooo nice. Farima, the other co-teacher, was hard to follow because she wasn't really going with the beat and seemed to be doing her own thing. A couple of other girls and I felt the same way about her, also it was hard to see how her feet were moving because of the clothes she wore (long pants which covered her ankles). Oanh said they used to have a burlesque class, I wish they would bring it back! I'm hoping to try the beginning ballet class next week, and I heard the Brazillian class was very fun, but that one doesn't work with my schedule.
Mondays are tough. It's the first day of the week and i'm still savoring my weekend fun. What can i do to get some excitement into my system? Where can i possibly go? I found a place that offers dance classes i haven't quite heard of or haven't quite found. It's a small studio called Ariel Dance Production in a plaza down in Campbell. To share a little experience, I checked out their afro-brazilian class and met a Brazilian instructor. Although it can be tough to get pass her accent, she can definitely communicate with impressive footwork and movement. It's more intense than i thought it would be. It's a work out and yet it's not. Your hips move to the beat of Samba while you show off some very happy feet! It's an amusing pattern you don't see too often in a city. It doesn't stop or start there. Like many tribal dances, you refrain yourself from counting and getting stuck on technique and start to focus on the meaning of these body expressions. With the guidance of a good dance teacher, you'll be inspired to move with joy. If you get it right, you'll move beautifully and tell the stories of these ancient rituals, festivities, and traditions. Afro-brazilian dance can truly bring some life to a meaningless day. And Mondays will never be quite the same again. I hope we see each other in the next musically adventurous class!
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I dropped in for a class to see how I would like this studio and the teacher. I went in for a beg/int hip hop class and loved it. I am in need of lots of help but the fellow students and teachers are quite encouraging. Can't wait to go back next week and the weeks after!
Ariel has become like a second home to me. The instructors and dancers are the nicest most encouraging people I've ever met. Not only are the instructors extremely caring but they're well qualified (not to mention the occasional drop in by a Broadway dancer to teach classes) and patient as well. I hadn't danced in over a year and was really nervous about getting back into it; but, to my surprise, no one made me feel stupid or like I didn't belong. So many dance studios tend to foster a caddy and competitive environment that makes outsiders feel like they just don't belong. This is not the case with Ariel. When I first began classes everyone took the time to introduce themselves and get to know me. Furthermore, Ariel studios tends to cater to adults who enjoy dance and are serious about it but at the same time want to have fun. You won't find yourself surrounded by pre-teens or children. Overall, Ariel does not fit your stereotypical competitive studio, instead it's a studio focused on fostering the arts in the adult community while at the same time creating a supportive and fun environment. Attending classes at Ariel was the best decision I've made since I moved here!!
i'm now learning ballet from jee and hip hop with krisuan and both instructors are excellent. very positive atmosphere and good energy from this studio. i'm very very shy and can be rather self conscious about dance but they are all very positive and encouraging. i definitely feel very comfortable here.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/10/2008
after having searched all over town, i just started taking private lessons here and i'm already… Read more »
I love dancing at Ariel. I have been dancing for 2 years here and joining was one of the best decisions I ever made. Everyone is so friendly and they don't make you feel self conscious. I have made so many great friends at the studio and couldn't ask for better exercise! I love Brandie's hip hop class! It is the best work out and so much fun. I highly recommend any of the classes.
