I'll start my review by saying how I was just your regular Jane who always wanted to learn how to do ballroom but thought it was absolutely impossible. That being said, when I finally found the courage to actually find a studio and give it a try, I didn't know where to begin. So many city studios to choose from. But one thing I did know is that I can't learn in a sterile, impersonal environment. I wanted to find a place where I can feel comfortable and at ease as a total beginner.
When I first walked into DWM SoHo first thing I noticed was the decor. Really stunning. Right after that was the front desk. The receptionists were/are just amazing. They greet you which such a warmth and kindness you truly feel welcome and they definitely broke my initial nervousness on my first day there. The teaching staff is extremely friendly. And you can feel the camaraderie among them by just watching their interactions on the floor. Camaraderie that transcends to students of the studio as well. My intro lesson flew by so fast. We really started from the abc's like walking back and forth. Trying out the different styles was really so fun, the instructor put me at ease and I didn't feel like a spaz which was a huge success for me :) All of the above mentioned made me stay and take more lessons. Slowly I became a regular and I don't regret it. All the instructors are skilled and trained by the best professionals in the field and they practice daily to better their dancing as well as teaching skills. They LOVE what they do and you can feel it. They know how intimidating the ballroom can seem to a non-dancer so they try always to make it a fun learning experience. Manager of the studio, a former competitor himself, is an extremely pleasant person. He's not hiding in an office, behind the closed doors. You can find him sitting right next to the front desk, eyes always on the floor or walking around the room and observing the lessons, giving advices etc. The atmosphere in the studio is one of a family where everyone talks to everyone, everyone helps everyone out. Family bonded by the love of dance.
So, if you are a total beginner but dying to learn how to dance or a couple who wants to have their first dance choreographed or you have some dance experience and want to revamp, polish your skills, and want to do it in a very friendly, homey environment, then this is a place for you.
And since DWM is the home of DWTS pros Maks and Val Chmerovskiy and Tony Dovolani and troupe members Ted Volynets and Dasha Chesnokova, maybe you get a chance to see them as well in the studio every now and then :) but that's just a bonus.
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