4.20
Rated by 5 users
- Overview 60%
- Service 60%
- Pricing 60%
Reviews
Tried to schedule a private lesson online but the only option was the male owner. When I e-mailed asking how to get a private lesson set up with a female instructor (I'm a male lead), I was informed that as a safety measure, males who wish to receive private dance instruction from a female dance instructor must first come to a group class and set it up with them in person.
In all my years of dancing, I have NEVER seen a studio do this. I wrote a response back saying that I think it's sad that the studio has had to resort to doing this as I assumed something had happened in the past. In their response, I was informed that nothing bad has actually ever happened, they think it's just a safety measure they feel is "worthwhile".
So basically, gentlemen, when you come to this studio the assumption is that you'll have to get "vetted" in some way in a group class before you can have the privilege to pay a female dance instructor to teach you how to dance. I can honestly say that I was shocked to receive this response nor can I think of a better way to assure that they'll never receive business from me despite nothing ever happening to warrant such a practice.
I'm not sure if this sort of thing is illegal, but it's definitely offensive. I can't attest to the level of skill they have as teachers nor the festivity of a group lesson, but I certainly won't be able to see as it's not responsibility to prove that I'm "safe" before getting my first lesson.
Edit in response to owner:
I've been dancing ballroom for years. I've been to studios all the way to New York, Virginia, milangas in Florida, the mid west in places like Kansas, Missouri (where I discovered WCS), and all the way to LA and above. I have NEVER seen or experienced that practice before. When I told some of my dance buddies about it, they were in complete shock. The guy I learned Salsa (the basics) from didn't believe me until I showed him the email.
And you still don't get it. That logic is dangerous. Best not drive in case you get hit by a truck or walk outside in case a tree or an asteroid falls on you. To assume I wouldn't let any "man" be alone in a room with my mom or sister merely because they're men is OFFENSIVE to all men.
Why would I leave them alone in a room with you when you seem to think that men are dangerous? You're a man. Are YOU dangerous? Do women, who can freely schedule a lesson with you online, have anything to fear? Shouldn't they be required to come in so they can ascertain if YOU'RE dangerous?
It only has to happen once, right?
No. This review will not be removed. Men need to know what kind of studio they're walking into when they just wanna learn how to dance.
Suenos de Salsa is my favorite studio for Latin dance in Seattle. Excellent teachers, and the vibe is easy going and not at all "clique-ish". ..and yet very serious.
I am a "pay by the month-er". ($109 for most everything). And when I look at my budget, I never even think about dropping this. I think I would eat dog food first. I get far too much out my dance classes. I love this place!!
I am the old guy (68) in the classes, and I tell you, this is good stuff! Most students are far younger than myself, but I am welcomed right in!
Suenos is a bit hidden-in-plain-sight on Lake City Way, roughly across the street from T Mobile and their Pink Sign.
Michael was great with our group of four; attentive, light, focused, clear...and sexy (how you gonna have Bachata without sexy?) He took great care of us two ‘date night’ couples and launched us on a very fun night with bold new skills! Can’t wait to return for more and expand our routine.
Amazing place with an even more amazing instructor! Michael is a great guy and he knows what he’s doing. Definitely one of my favorite places.
I took a beginner salsa class through Groupon and it was amazing! I have done other beginner classes at another salsa studio and this is hands down the best. Michael and Adriana are gifted teachers. You learn the musicality of salsa before dancing- you understand the rhythm before learning steps. The classes are taught in a step-wise approach and you will not feel overwhelmed. They give you homework so you can come to class prepared and ready to dance. The classes here are taught "on 2" versus "on 1" and is taught in New York style which I tend to like better than some of the other styles. I've already signed up for more classes.
