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BTI Dance Institute - CLOSED
Category: Active Life Fitness & Instruction Dance Studios Dance Studios [Edit]
1643 Connecticut Ave NW(between N Hillyer Pl & N Q St)
Washington, DC 20009
Neighborhood: Dupont Circle
(202) 588-8282
Announcement
New student unlimited drop-in classes for one week $20 (Excludes Hip-Hop and House dance classes).
- Nearest Transit:
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Dupont Circle Metro Station (Red)
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
20 reviews for BTI Dance Institute
20 reviews in English
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Review from nancy r.
Washington, DC
Updated - 9/13/2011
I've just read through the other reviews -- There is no pole in the middle of the dance floor -- that was true at the old studio, but BTI has since moved to 1643 Connecticut. (Near Dupont Circle Metro). There is Air Conditioning! :) I can say it has been working every time I have been here -- about 4 times per week with my daughter.
My four year old daughter has been dancing here for a year. I finally signed up for a few adult classes -- House Dance and Afro-Brazilian. The teachers are warm, professional and non-judgemental. The classes are appropriate for all levels of dancers. This was my first experience with dance. While I am sure I was the most uncoordinated person on the floor, it didn't seem to phase the teachers or anyone in the class.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/11/2011
My daughter has been enrolled in the Youth dance series for a year now. Creative Movement for 3-6… Read more »
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Review from Julie F.
Washington D.C., DC
4/4/2012
In response to Vanessa F's comment- I also bought a 10 class pack in December 2011 and was not alerted that they would be going out of business less than a month later.
Needless to say, I did not have time to take any classes- therefore losing close to $100.00. I followed up with the owner through email and phone with no response. If anybody has received a voucher or their money back, please let me know. Thank you! -
Review from Vanessa F.
Washington, DC
1/11/2012
Since BTI closed its doors over a month ago, has anyone been refunded for package classes that they bought? I have emailed them various times, only to be ignored. I had only used 2 out of a 10-pack class when they abruptly closed - giving their members 5 days notice. If anyone has any information on how to receive a refund, I would greatly appreciate it!
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Review from Jaclyn S.
6/20/2011
I took advantage of the new student deal ($20 - all you can dance pass to classes for one week) and went to two classes last week. As an introductory deal, this is great - even two classes makes it worth it financially and you can take advantage of the opportunity to try different teachers and styles. The single studio space is nice and large and the changing area is adequate. No A/C or fan in the studio though!
The first class I took was Modern with Danilo. This was a pretty hard workout (but then again I haven't been back in a studio for years). The stretching and alignment warmup was really good, very pilates/yoga-esque. There were a lot of jumps and turns across the floor - your legs are in for a burn if you're not used to it. On the one hand, I like variety. On the other hand I was unhappy that we did each jump and turn only once. I'm bound to screw it up a little first time and would like at least a second chance so I can adjust my alignment and teach my body how the jump is supposed to feel.
The second class I took was 'Glee' dance with Alvaro - this involves learning routines to Top 40 songs. It also involves some singing. Nobody in there was a 'singer' and we all got a great workout and had a BLAST. Definitely a rare chance to bond with your classmates. Not as hard a workout as the modern class but oh. SO. much. FUN.
About pricing:
Normally, drop in classes seem to be in the $14-$16 range, depending on what kind of discount package you have or whether you have a student id. In New York or LA I would find this annoying. In DC, you'll find it's a fairly reasonable deal (look around and see). However, if classes were a bit cheaper I'd probably find myself spending more because I'd go more often.
Ex. If you were to go twice a week, you'd be paying about $130 a month, on average - about the same as basic membership at a luxury gym like sports club LA. Now, I'll take dance over the gym any day... but it's tough on a budget. I'll probably settle for once a week. I need a little dance and song in my life. -
Review from J K.
Washington, DC
4/9/2011
RE: Stretching and alignment classes.
I was thrilled to see that there was a stretching class taught by a dancer from an Alvin Ailey company. What does that mean? It means that this guy really knows what he's talking about!
The instructor/owner Alvaro was incredibly knowledgeable, funny, and warm. He was able to guide us through a very intense stretching workout -- and also teach us which muscles were used for what actions. (The guy pulled up his own shirt to show how the body is suppose to move -- and pointed to an anatomy chart throughout the class.)
Even since I took the class - I've been more keenly aware of my everyday posture. Its amazing how many people walk around with their shoulder slightly slumped forward. (Go ahead and take a quick survey and you'll see what I mean).
When I took crossfit - I went to Josh Everett (medal-ed in Crossfit games). When I'm taking stretching and alignment - I'm taking it from Alvaro! He's the real deal! -
Review from Betty W.
Washington, DC
2/26/2011
This is probably the most passionate one star rating I've ever given. I glanced at what others had written to see if this was just me, but nope- like Jessica below, I also have such strong feelings about BTI.
First, the classes (as you all read by now) were pushed back due to their move. Fair enough. Not fair enough: not telling everyone currently enrolled in their classes. I.e. me. I didn't check to make sure classes were still on b/c uh, why would I? Luckily, my friend is taking the course with me and called me Friday at 10pm the night before classes were scheduled to start to tell me because she actually had gone an email from them.
Then, I wait patiently a few weeks. I'm jazzed to start my hip hop class. It's at 2pm. At about 1:15 that same friend calls and ask me if I've seen my email. I have not- I'm at lunch and don't obsessively check my email. ONE HOUR before class they realize that the instructor is performing elsewhere and won't be able to teach class til 3pm. Well that particular day, I happen to have a life and couldn't push me the class an hour. No class for me. Thanks for telling us. An hour before class.
And despite all that, I go to class today, still eager to get my hip hop on. It's 2pm. Now it's 2:10pm. Now it's 2:15 pm. When all of a sudden, someone that is not my hip hop instructor announces that my hip hop instructor won't be coming and that he will run the class instead only his background is jazz so this will be more of a jazz class.
Um great. First, I should say he was great and I appreciate him stepping in. But let's look at the bigger picture here, the pattern of behavior, the BIG management problem.
BTI- in my simple words- now sucks and I have zero interest in continuing with them. Luckily, I bought my class through Groupon and will be on the phone tomorrow with them to get my money back. I will never go back there again and wanted to warn all of you fellow Yelpers against wasting your time there. I've taking several classes at Joy of Motion and have had a great experience there each time so my suggestions are to use them instead.
I apologize for the long review but I figured a simple "they suck" would help no one. -
Review from Vina Y.
6/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
I've signed up for Zumba twice. Only to show up TWICE and have it canceled. The receptionist told us that they posted it on the website and emailed everyone. Obviously, I didn't get the email and I don't check the websites for things religiously.
I'll update my review if/when I can actually attend a class. -
Review from Emily S.
4/26/2011
This studio is incredibly disorganized and really has to get it together. I took some classes at their old location and also the new location (which is the old Joy of Motion space). At both locations, it seemed like they opened the studio before it should have been opened. Renovations were not complete and it just seemed like they jumped into things too quickly.
I hope that I can return with a different rating in the future, but right now I just always expect something to go wrong (or something be a little wonky) when I take a class here.
The classes I have taken have been ok, but not stellar. I definitely see some options on the schedule that I still want to try, and fingers crossed that they are more enjoyable than the ones I have taken so far. -
Review from carolyn a.
Annandale, VA
6/19/2011
I've taken stretch, ballet, hip hop, and house dance classes on weekends at BTI. I like the fact that I can go to back-to-back classes and make a trip from suburbia to Dupont Circle worthwhile. Although the schedule changes periodically to reflect what students want, there's always a nice selection of classes.
I've really enjoyed the different teachers: Rachel (gone, sadly), Kimberly, Alvaro (owner), and Esperonto. Each teacher has their own style and personality. Esperonto is really good at figuring out ways to make uncoordinated people (like me) feel like they're improving. Alvaro is sincere yet humorous. Rachel and Kimberly are upbeat and motivating.
The downsides are the location (entering a door in an alley behind Cosi is something I'm only willing to do during daylight hours); the space is really hot in the summer (I stupidly forgot my water bottle today and had to run to the water fountain a lot); the Logan Circle space was more attractive and inviting; and the management has had some organizational issues. I haven't seen any organizational problems in months, so I'm assuming they've figured them out. -
Review from Lemon C.
Washington, DC
12/6/2010
I absolutely love Melanie's Zumba class!!!! You really sweat it out dancing for the full hour to awesome Latin music! I've never had so much fun in a class before.
I happened to catch a glimse of Esperanto's hip hop class and that looked fun as well.
Unfortunately it's too expensive to go weekly, a gym membership is cheaper. All the discounts they advertise are only for new students so I won't be returning.Listed in: DC Gyms
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Review from Avani P.
Washington, DC
3/29/2011
I should preface this review by mentioning that I used to be an avid yelp reviewer (back when I used this as a procrastination tool at work) and even though I continue to consult Yelp for anything and everything, nothing has urged me to make the effort to write a review until my experience at BTI. I have also taken dance classes in the DC area at a variety of studios, and I have to say BTI is my favorite thus far.
I have only taken the Zumba class through the LivingSocial deal with both Erik and Melanie. Both were great! Upbeat, fun, literally melts your work-day stress away. I do have to say that I prefer Erik's class a lot more. Both have great music but Erik wins out on the fun moves and keeping the class going hard.
Even though I had an issue where they dropped one of the 5 classes I get through the deal, it only took one easy call to rectify that.
Overall, great experience and I am looking forward to trying more classes here! -
Review from Jessica J.
Washington, DC
2/22/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I have such strong feelings about BTI. The instructors are all phenomenal and I would easily give them 5 stars. I cannot say enough good things about them.
On the other hand, the management, billing, and customer service is an abysmal 1 star. When I first signed up for a package, classes mysteriously dropped out of my acct. I was charged for a late cancellation when I was well within the limit stated on the website. Frustrated, I was really hoping that the move to Dupont Circle would mean they would finally get their acts together. Opening weekend in the new location they scheduled tons of free classes... which they then canceled a couple of days prior. When they canceled the free classes (due to HVAC issues) I received an email about getting a complimentary drop-in class. When I tried to schedule my free class, it wasn't in my acct. When I asked about it at the studio, the director Alvaro instructed the receptionist to add it. When I went to redeem it today, it again wasn't in my account. I've tried to sign up for private lessons with my favorite instructor, but the link on the website to buy a package brings you to their online scheduler, which doesn't have privates in the drop down. Their website references a professional artist application form for discounts, but the link is missing. I've twice sent emails about many of these issues, and I received no response.
That said, you're no doubt wondering why I am still working so hard to get into a studio that doesn't seem to care if I am there or not? My hope is that a few candid reviews will help them clean up their business. Because I want nothing more than BTI and their talented pool of instructors to thrive in DC. -
Review from Reggie G.
Washington, DC
11/11/2010
This place is so wonderful. I went to my first class tonight, hip hop with Esperanto. He was a great teacher (although a little fast for true beginners.) The atmosphere is friendly and fun. The staff is super nice and efficient. The studio is spacious and great (not too fancy, which I like.) I am so happy about this place, I can't wait to go back!
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Review from Fabiana P.
Washington D.C., DC
3/8/2011
First you should know that I am not a "yelper". I don't write reviews about every single place I go to. In fact, I only opened an account so that I could write a glowing review of Mimosa, my favorite salon in Washington, DC. I wrote that about a year ago (I think) and logged back in today to write a review of BTI Dance because they too are phenomenal.
I purchased the LivingSocial deal like a few of the other reviewers did and have had zero problems with it. BTI posted all the information on their website and I showed up to class in their new fantastic location (across the street from Mimosa) and had no problems at all. I have used four out of the five classes and definitely plan to purchase more when the LivingSocial deal runs out.
So far I have been to Glee Dance class (Fridays at 6pm) three times and one time to Hip Hop class which ended up also being a jazz class because the hip hop instructor couldn't make it. I absolutely love Glee Dance class: it is my new happy hour! By the time the class ends at 7pm I am 100 times happier than if I had gone to happy hour at a bar. The instructor is fabulous and he is all about letting your inner diva shine. He encourages the students to really perform, not just go through the moves. He also doesn't make you feel stupid if you can remember the choreography. I think as long as you are smiling and trying, you're ok in his book.
That being said. Glee dance is definitely a dance CLASS. This is not a Zumba class at the gym (which I also love.) He really wants you to learn, which means he calls students out when they are talking or looking like they are not really trying. The fantastic thing about this is that you do learn, the slightly less fantastic thing is that you'll still probably want to hit the gym to get a proper work out in. Lastly, it's very hard to remember the choreography and because it's a drop in class there is no continuity and sometimes you dance to the same song (which I think is great.) I think next I am going to try the enrollment classes which I think will offer more continuity. :) -
Review from Sarah A.
11/14/2010
I really like this place. The space is beautiful and has a great view. My only gripe with space would be the pole in the middle of the room which is kind of annoying. All the classes I've gone to have been great and I did the week for $20 and went practically everyday to try different classes. I only wish they offered more classes especially for ballet and jazz, but maybe that will happen over time.
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Review from Lina B.
Washington, DC
8/30/2011
I've taken ballet and pilates at this studio -- while I have enjoyed the classes and the instruction, I also thought that the pricing is somewhat egregiously high. Definitely more of a once-in-a-while activity rather than a regular class for me as a result. Also, in my opinion, their beginner class is a bit misleading - it is not geared towards folks with no dance experience, but generally intermediate dancers (with at least a few years of experience under their belt...)
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Review from Jul C.
Falls Church, VA
11/12/2010
i just went to my first Glee drop in class tonight and it was so much fun. Alvaro is a really wonderful energetic teacher and being a beginner, I didnt not feel uncomfortable at all and picked up some sassy moves, broke a sweat, and had an amazing time. This is one of the best dance spaces I have been in too.
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Review from Kathy N.
Arlington, VA
11/11/2010
I am always one of the most overweight women in these classes but I love this place. The teachers are all really nice. Some of the classes are intense for me but the teachers understand that people of all levels take part.
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Review from Amy C.
Washington, DC
12/27/2010
This studio is a refreshing place to dance. It even smells clean! The teachers are great. Esperonto Bean teaches Hip Hop and House dance classes there. His classes are really high energy cardio so if you want a good work out and learn some technique as well this studio is the place to go!
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Review from Emily K.
Palo Alto, CA
8/9/2010
Fantastic new addition to the Logan Circle/Dupont Circle neighborhood, and to the DC dance community! Alvaro's beginning ballet class was great, and the studio is a beautiful space overlooking 14th Street.
