Sac Dance Lab — Local services in Sacramento

As someone who’s always wanted to dance, I’ve finally settled in my career and found the time to make this happen. I bought 4 sessions. I was so excited to attend my first dance class today and arrived on time. My GPS lead me to the front of the building where all the offices appeared to be empty and vacant so I was confused. I immediately called to get guidance however, no one picked up. I called several times consecutively and even sent an email and I got no response until 30 minutes later—I receive a call back at last. The young man on the phone informed me that their studio was located at the back of the building. After I’ve already left, I decided to return to identify it for next time. I enter the studio and find the instructor, Isela, instructing and then notices me a few minutes later and asks how she can help. I briefly explain my situation and she informs me to go next to door to get instructions. I went next door to wait an additional 30 minutes to be helped—by her again after she finished her class because no one was at the front desk to assist. Isela explains to me the dynamic of purchasing dance classes/session and how I lost this session even though I didn’t attend. I politely asked if out of courtesy they will allow me to use it for next time but with a dry response she says that I will not be able to and that there are many others who’s it’s their first time and that she can’t do anything about it. She continued to explain that I should’ve come on time and found the building because google pin points them with precision. However, Google does not. I then politely ask if I could get a refund for the other 3 sessions remaining that I bought (because at this point, I know I don't want to bring my business here just from how poorly they are causally handling this situation) but she says they are not refundable and in a demeaning manner explained to me that it is written in my receipt that I should’ve seen. Her responses and approach were unpleasant, inconsiderate, lacked understanding and was immensely disheartening. I was not only disappointed in the poor quality of service and inhospitable interaction, but also the entire first-time dance experience for me has been devastated. I will not be attending any classes that Isela instructs and if I cannot get a refund for the remaining sessions, I will use them with other instructors and never return to this facility as I do not feel that rapport is something that is of...

TLDR: Don't leave a bad review, they'll never let you take class again.

I had such high hopes for SDL. I've been a dancer for decades and wanted to take a new class. And SDL is closer to my house than where I usually go so, yay!

#1 Contemporary 3. It was 5 minutes of jumping jacks (huh???), 5 minutes of stretching, then a routine with no counts. There was no warmup, no technique, and the routine was hard to get into. I asked for the counts. I was told "it just went with the music" #2 Jazz Funk 2. I went on the recommendation of the front desk person. Apparently this guy uses counts. There was no warmup, we stretched cold muscles for 10 minutes. No technique. Then went straight into a routine that had us immediately rolling on our knees. I asked if there was a modification. There wasn't.

I left. I explained at the desk that I simply couldn't do that routine due to a knee issue and could I get a class credit. I was told no. I asked if I could finish taking another one of the classes going on at that time. I was told no. (What I was not told but found out later was that each teacher is guaranteed the money from your registration 6 hours before class so there's no way to refund, transfer, or credit under any circumstances).

When I got home, I wrote a review. The next day I called the studio to speak with someone about my experience. I was told I would get a call back. I never did.

#3 Hip Hop 2. A friend recommended this class. She goes a lot and loves it. So I figured I'd give them another chance and change my review if things went better. I registered and was driving there when I was informed that due to my prior review I was prohibited from taking class ever again.

I spoke with the owner. I said I wanted to give them another chance. She said "We're past that" and "We can refuse service to anyone". I did receive a refund for this class though, so that's something.

In my original review I said that they clearly didn't want my money and I guess it's true. I'll give it 2 stars since my friend raves about this Hip Hop class and I trust her opinion.

Good luck! And may your dance journey start with 1, end with 8, and preserve your joints for later in life (believe me,...

I wish I could give five stars, but the restrictive cancellation policy leads me to drop my rating below that. I had taken several classes with Anthony and he made the classes really fun - I liked his classes. However, I am a parent and the cancellation policy of this studio is problematic - especially for me as a parent of a young child. Recently, I signed up for a class the night before the class met, and sadly I woke up to find that my son was sick and was throwing up. I stayed with him instead of going to the class. But, when I contacted the owners (the morning of my class) they insisted that they would not allow me to apply the credit for that class to another class because I did not cancel prior to 24 hours before the class. Yet, as a parent, sometimes my child gets sick and I won’t always know a full 24 hours in advance. Things happen. I was very disappointed by this restrictive policy, which seems especially problematic for parents. But I suppose that parents and clients such as myself are not a concern for the owners. This alone makes me think twice about going back for...