Jeannette Neill Dance Studio

 

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27

Gina M.

Malden, MA

The classes I've tried at Jeannette's just don't quite do it for me.  Most of their studios are too small, classes get way too crowded, and with some of the teachers, too much time is spent on pushups/situps, not enough time dancing.  I see the value of a thorough warmup and floor-based exercises, but there is in my mind, a limit on the amount of time that should be spent on such things in a 90 minute class.  

I will still give the studio three stars because at least the classes are taught by serious instructors with good intent and it is one of the few places to take a jazz class in Boston.  

But the atmosphere at JN is also a turn off for me.  I've taken open classes at a lot of studios over the years.  In my eyes, the students at JN and to some extent, the teachers are trying to cultivate this faux NY feeling at the studio.  There is a noticable chilliness there, and I'm not talking about the HVAC.  That would all be fine with me if the classes held up to Steps, BDC, etc, but that is just not the case.

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Elite '08

228

506

Trish F.

Cambridge, MA

I sh*t you not.. I was at the 7-11 (or whatever convenience store was there) in my dance gear (racer back top and cotton skirt) one night guzzling a liter of water I couldn't wait to pay for (although don't get me wrong I did).. and these kids came up to me and asked me if I was one of Justin Timberlake's back up dancers. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH

I'm sorry.. still makes me laugh.. oh wait.. here I go again..
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH

Oh man.. where was I? Oh yeah. So the kids. First off.. Mr. JT was at the
Fleet Center (yeah.. wachu wanna fight about the name?) that night so
why would I be buying my own hydration at the convenience store. Second, it was late.. wouldn't he be on already? Although, I never confirmed or denied, I just threw them a smile.

For the record, that was younger, skinnier Trish and Jeanette Neill has a new hip hop teacher (just checked), but I guess the old one made me look like a dancer. A dancer that had obvious sweat glandular issues (oof I can remember the ab work) of some sort, but a dancer. I guess I was doing some of the moves from the Nas routine while waiting in line. If the hip hop classes are anything like the old ones, they do a lot of ab work, so be prepared to do some crunches.. and to move up if you be hiding in the back the whole time. A lot of the musical theater kids I went to college with also took the studio's theater dance class if that means anything.

The staff is super friendly and the location is like a minute from North Station so it's pretty convenient for most.  I will make a comeback in January.. so check for an updated review. Maybe someone will mistake me for BritBrit's backup dancer? Or I can say I gained weight because I didn't want Jamie Lynn to feel bad about herself?

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Elite '08

37

84

Kristin M.

Somerville, MA

i've been to the jazz 1 class on saturday mornings with neill, and thought it was pretty fun.  it's a little intimidating b/c most people have had some dance experience, and the only reason i wasn't too horribly afraid to go was b/c i went with a friend.  neill is tough on you, but in that good way that she doesn't let you get lazy.  the first class was definitely hard, but by the third, it was much easier to follow along.

of course, i still had a hard time following through on things.  i think this was difficult for me b/c with the drop-in classes, people are always coming and going, and i didn't feel committed to coming regularly, which you have to do if you're going to get anywhere.  i would probably do better with a 10 week class at ccae.  

my friend who used to dance in college loves it here though.

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55

Kirsten J.

Santa Monica, CA

I had a great time at every class I've taken here, from hip-hop to ballet, there's a class for everyone, and they're not too expensive (I think about $11 a class). The teachers are funny, and definitely know their stuff, so everyone has a good time.

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1

100

crystal w.

Boston, MA

I've found one class I really like here.  It's Thursday at 7:30 with Michelle Chasse.  All comparisons to the Broadway Dance Center are overstated, but this class is worth your $11.

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12

31

Emilia D.

Newtonville, MA

I recommend the hip-hop classes at Jeannette Neill, but I wouldn't go there weekly if I were you. The classes can get repetitive and a bit expensive. Teachers are quite fabulous. If you like to dance and to have fun, check it out for yourself!

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