Smoke and Mirrors Fitness — Local services in Santa Ana

To the business owner,

I really don't want to waste too much time on this, but looks like my previous review was not appreciated by you so let me emphasis again: I booked the class through class pass, and there is NO WHERE in the class pass business page saying anything about so called grace period. I apologise but I have never visited your website. Also not responsible to do so. No matter how many classes I took, if the instructor never mentioned the grace period, and the rule is not clearly stated somewhere else, how would I know?? I signed the waiver almost 3 months ago, how can you expect that I remember each little detail in the waiver, especially in the case that you never emphasis that during the class?? I have also been late for previous few classes, some times over 15 mins, and I have always been let into the class. No one said anything, including the instructor. But last time I have been locked out, again without any explanation from the instructor. I'm so confused. If you are saying that you are following the safety protocols strictly, then what about the previous few classes????

Besides the above 4 points, I have to mentioned that there are a lot of studios having rules like not allowing to take classes with xx mins late for xx purpose. The difference between those studios and this studio is: those studios stated the rule very clearly that I'm well aware of in advance, so that I can plan well ahead. when I'm late for xx mins for the class and arrived the studio, they have clear explanation to me about what's happening, and helped me cancel/reschedule classes very effectively, rather than locking me out and sending an innocent student telling me the instructor doesn't want to open the door. Very rude and unprofessional.

Based on all above points, I think a one star review is well deserved.

If you think posting two reviews or giving two one start reviews would hurt the business, feel free to combine both reviews. But I strongly suggest the owner spending some time improve your service rather than just spending a lot of time defending your business on reviews. Not gonna help in the long run.

Wishing you best of luck with...

Very bad quality of classes

A quick follow up regarding owner's reply: thanks for your prompt response. I was never informed about the so called grace period until today. The instructor simply locked the door without any explanation and notice. After I consistently knock the door hardly, a student (not the instructor) came out and said the instructor doesn't want to open the door because the grace period is gone. I completely understand a lot of studios have their rules and I very much respect them. But I don't think this is a proper way a studio instructor interacts with their students. First of all, no one told me anything about grace period. Secondly, when the grace period is past and I have been knocking the door, the instructor should come out and explain it to me in a respectful way. If not, then I doubt her ability of organizing the class as well as effectively communicating with her students. I work long hours everyday and It takes me at least half an hour from where I work to the studio during traffic time. Stretching is not my career, and I don't plan to be a world champion on stretching. I believe most of students, including me, come to class consistently because our passion. But I still try my best to make each class. To emphasis again, I very much respect the rule, but I really don't understand why I have been treated in such cruel way. If you don't have compassion about a student being passionate about stretching, why do you expect your student having compassion with a woman own a small business? I think my comment is clear and fair now , and if you think I deserve being locked out without in-advance and afterwards proper communication, then I also think you deserve a one star...

Smoke and Mirror Fitness holds such a special place in my heart. I currently take Aerial Silks (& Lyra Hoop), Pole, Yoga, and Stretch / Flex. In the past, I have taken various workshops.

Each instructor has their own style with well-developed lessons, which creates an experience that feels both consistant throughout the month and fresh with each day of the week. It's incredibly evident that the instructors are well-informed and passionate about the subject matters they teach.

The studio is a community. One that is incredibly inclusive, with opportunities for all levels.

At Smoke & Mirror, I feel safe, supported, and empowered.

If I had to choose a favorite workshop (which is hard), I would go with Master your Flow. I HIGHLY recommend taking the class to anyone interested in building both skills and confidence in free dance. The workshop does an amazing job of teaching you how to "get out of your head." I went from freezing while standing next to the pole to confidently transitioning between moves.

I could write for hours about how much I love this studio, the people, the opportunities, and the memories, but I have some silks to climb!

I think I'm going to go do...