Three years ago I searched for a dance school that would bring the star out of my daughter who has a twinkle in her eye and wanted to be a dancer. I also needed a school that would meet my needs as a working mom. Jorday Rivera Dance Studio has done both of those things. This school offers a variety of dance classes from the traditional ballet and tap to non traditional classes like salsa and belly dancing. There are classes 7 days a week so I was able to fit them into my schedule which includes my son's activities. You are encouraged to make up a class if you miss one so that you won't fall behind and with the many options or, in some cases, sister classes this was easy to do. The instructors are excellent. They are professional, educated, friendly, and love to dance. They not only teach you the dance steps but they provide you with a dance education. My daughter has learned technical names for most of her moves in ballet, tap, and salsa. I am often surprised when she says things like "watch me do an Arabesque or an Attitude". It is also important to say that their creative choices keeps the dances current and engages the interests from the kids. And separate from a dance education, the instructors genuinely care for the kids. They are interested in the stories that they tell, support them in their educational endeavors, and provide life lessons, when needed. From a parent's perspective, I am so happy that my daughter has found a place where she can be herself, enjoys every moment that she is there, and works hard to be the best she can be. The owner, Jorday Rivera, is the rock of this business. Her passion and drive are only second to her talent as a dancer herself. She brings experience in the business to her business. It shows in her professionalism, the results in her year end recitals, and most recently the school winning a National Dance Competition in Atlantic City. Jorday Rivera Dance Studio has been like a second home to us and I am so happy to have found...
Read moreI've been a part of the Jorday team since 2005 and here I am today still part of the family. They offer several different styles of dance you can learn at any age such as ballet, contemporary, salsa, jazz, hip-hop, bellydance, and much more. They even offer private lessons for those who prefer it. To prove the hard work, talent and passion the students have at the studio, they added a competition team which they've been killing! Winning these awards proves how hard and determined both the teachers and students are. The main goal of the studio is for you to grow as a dancer and person with as much fun as possible. Every June, Jorday has a recital displaying the vigorous work the students danced to throughout the year. Prior to going to Jorday's, they never had a recital until my mother suggested it and ever since then, it became the studio's tradition. What really sticks out the most of this studio is that everyone here is like family; the part of the family you love to visit! The family that loves you, cares for you, laughs with you and is there for you. They want to grow with you. This is why I always stuck with this studio because I can never imagine leaving my family. I recommend this studio every time someone asks me where I dance because to me it's home. Not trying to sound bias or anything like that, but to have a studio that intentionally wants the best for you is what makes it so appealing. I was a shy young girl who wasn't into dancing at first, but with years of learning and practicing, I'm proud of the dancer I've become. I love dance and it's always going to be a part of my life because of...
Read moreMy fiance and I decided to take salsa lessons because we wanted to learn how to dance. We knew nothing.. except that salsa looked really complicated! After 3 months of classes, we actually feel really confident and actually prepared something for our wedding!
Pros: The staff is amazing and really welcoming. They are all amazing dancers but they are down to earth. They know that the words coming out of their mouths (basic into suzie q with a double flair!) makes no sense but they break it down into ways you do understand and go as slow or as fast as you need them to. It is also a really great workout (my fiance lost a lost of weight! unintentionally!). Furthermore, don't be afraid to go to class alone because there are TONS of single men and women who are looking to learn to dance and need a partner. They also do individual classes if you want, with the instructor of your choice.
Cons: I really have no cons. I would recommend doing the unlimited package and going a couple times a week to get your money's worth. We made it a point to go every Sunday and at least one weekday... and before we knew it we were going 3/4 times a week because it was so much fun and we wanted to not be behind the others! I guess another con is that they usually have the beginners and the intermediate in the same room and you might be in between the levels, but honestly it pushes you to try and dance like the more advance people and if you are in the beginners group but a little more advanced, it helps you work on your technique.
Go buy a pair of dance shoes and get your...
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