La Femme Fitness and Dance

I didn’t go to the location in NJ but went to the one in Midtown. Carmen was the instructor and she was terrible. She was on her phone for about 75% of the class. There were only four of us in the class and it would have been easy to help all of us but instead we were trying to help each other since she was too busy texting. I spent $ 50 for a few classes on groupon and after one visit I decided it wasn’t worth my time to go back. Worst $ 50 I’ve ever spent. Don’t bother unless you want to see how a pole dancer/​instructor can text.

This is a review for the 47 W 55^th St location.
The studio is small but pretty nice. Ceiling is kind of low. The one staff there is nice and the instructor is well-​intentioned but she has NO TECHNIQUE.
I don’t know how she became an instructor but it seems like she never got proper training. She would tell us to jump into a spin, which everyone knows is completely wrong. She didn’t use dip turn or extension to get momentum. She also taught us to jump into a climb? Who does that? Lol, and there was a «fireman spin» that was definitely not a fireman spin.
I was invited back by the studio owner for a class with another instructor. She is definitely a skilled pole dancer but her instructional techniques could really improve. Probably due to a language barrier, she couldn’t explain to us in advance what we were going to do/​practice and just go straight into them. Of the four students in the class, I’d taken pole for months. There was a girl who was very new and two first-​timers. YET we moved very fast and tackled difficult moves, like a pole split and headstand… I don’t think this was particular a safe approach and could be intimidating to the beginners.

I have been interested in learning pole dancing for quite some time, and have tried out groupon/​living social or intro packages at 3 different studios before testing out this one with a 10 class groupon. La Femme Fitness & Dance is the first one where I’ve actually decided to sign up after completing my intro package, and I am really looking forward to finally progressing with it. It’s a great workout and so much fun!
For me, there are 3 main aspects that set this studio apart from the others I’ve tried.
First, it’s more convenient since it’s about 1.5 miles from my house, and also offers classes on Sundays and late enough on weeknights that I can actually make it after work.
Second, the value is far better than some studios which I tried out in NYC, which were really cost-​prohibitive for me. The intro packages were good enough to get me interested, but then I couldn’t justify the high cost of a monthly to make it worthwhile, and the single classes here & there end up costing like $ 35/​$ 45 a piece. The owner at La Femme, Carmen, told me she’s more interested in actually keeping the students who try out her studio, not just having initial sign-​ups who leave after 3 months, so she offers great monthly package prices and a variety of classes to keep everyone interested and coming back for more.
Lastly, and this is the reason I can see myself actually sticking with it this time, I enjoy the personalized individual instruction and also the flexibility that is offered here. It’s a relatively small studio, so the classes don’t get so big as to be unmanageable, and Carmen will take time to walk around to each person or group of girls and give you pointers and assistance. She lets everyone go at their own pace, whether it’s your very first time or like me, somewhere around advanced beginner. I’m no expert at pole dancing (yet!) but having taken classes before, and being a very athletic person used to moving my body, I would be bored if I had to spend the entire class just learning to walk around the pole in heels, or work on the most basic spin. From the first class I took, Carmen could see that I’d had some lessons before and came over to give me something a little more challenging to try. I’m really excited about moving forward with pole dancing and I think this studio will be the place for me to do it!
Oh, and I should mention, I’ve tried out several of the other classes offered here, Urban Bounce (trampoline cardio), Booty Camp, and Fuego Latino (like zumba) and they were all fun and a good workout. I’m here primarily for the pole dancing (I already train in kickboxing & kung fu several times a week for cardio/​strength) but it’s nice to be able to stay after or before a pole class and get some fun cardio in.

Loved this place and the owner is just so cool and down to earth will deff be going back and letting all the girls know

Its a popular studio near my area I wanted to go to and it looked like a great studio too. Too bad I decided not to go when the instructor got rude when I didn’t cancel on her I haven’t been able to go but have had a heckic schedule still that’s not reason to be rude if you don’t even have a link on your website to cancel your appointments that works or a call back number in which someone will answer. I went to Foxy Pole & Fitness which didnt have such rude people and better prices for classes. This transgendered lady from Le Femme who called me was even complaining about how appointments to the pole studio were very important and not that many people get to book space. First of all its a pole studio not a clinic, and if you are a professional pole instructor I suggest you behave like one not like some teenage brat over the phone. You have to remember if a person cant make an appointment don’t take it personally.

Seriously, I do not believe any of the reviews that I have been reading about this place. I hosted my best friend’s bachelorette party at this establishment in June 2013, and everything went smoothly. The owner provided complimentary champagne and was very patient with my group. We had a great time and we cannot wait to come back. The bride to be who is normally a very conservative woman really enjoyed her time there and loved the entire experience. I have attended pole dancing in my lifetime, but this was by far the best experience! So, if you are reading this, ignore the negative comments. They are BS! My party was large and the owner was able to handle all of us. We had a blast!

I really did not enjoy my experience here. I purchased a LivingSocial deal for three pole dancing classes with a friend of mine (We did this April 2012). We booked, got there, everything was fine. The first day (as well as the second and third session) we waited around for 10 – 20 minutes for the class to start, which was kind of irritating because who starts a class 20 minutes late? They started us off with about 10 minutes of stretching, which I understand since I’m obviously a beginner and doing this for the fun of the experience.
So from what I saw, there was no real ‘beginner’ class, but rather everyone was at different skill levels and all were dancing at the same time. That’s fine by me, but we felt obviously not taught the way Carmen’s more ‘regular’ customers were. She would walk by every about 10 – 15 minutes or so, watch the move and then go on. We learned probably two-​three moves in the first class and two in the second an third.
The second class was average, and the third class (the one I disliked the most) I did by myself because my friend couldn’t come last minute.
Carmen showed me the second move of the night and I started doing it. After a while (and by ‘while’ I’m estimating at least 20 minutes), my feet started hurting (it involved hugging the pole with the top of your feet, so after a while, the top of my feet got banged up) and I asked if she could show me a different one. She asked me to demonstrate the move I was working on, and I obviously didn’t do it flawlessly. So she gave me a semi-​disgusted look, got on a pole, did some crazy move and was like «So you want to learn how to do this? No.» And walked away. I was like wtf? I’m not here to start my career as a pole dancer. I’m here to have fun. That really threw me off and I would have walked right out but I wasn’t going to be picked up till the end of the hour so I stayed. And I advised my friend to just forget the last class, which she did happily.
This was last April, so maybe she’s gotten better with customers who have deals/​coupons, but at the time I was clearly not anywhere near the top of her attention list. I don’t expect her to give me a one-​on-​one session; I don’t even expect her to chit-​chat or joke around with me (the way she was doing with her regulars, although hey– isn’t that how you get long-​term customers? By being NICE?) I just wanted to have a good time. Instead, I felt snubbed and not important enough to garner more than about 5 – 7 minutes from the total three hours I bought the deal for.
Also, I’m reading a lot about the filtered reviews so I took a look-​Ohio? Washington? UK? France? Maryland? Hawaii? California? Thats just from the first two pages. Maybe there’s a reason they’re filtered.

Last year I went through a huge Living Social\Groupon junkie phase where I found myself purchasing things that I didn’t know existed or I would never have been inspired to do. Classes at La Femme was one of these purchases and after a string of bad Living Social \ Groupon experiences this was my last purchase of the «email deals» sort. But that is a totally different review…
I read the reviews on Unilocal AFTER I purchased the Living Social for La Femme and was a bit turned off. My friend, Christina L (who also purchased the deal) and I scheduled our classes for February dates, Saturday, February 23, 2013 being the first one scheduled. We scheduled these classes online in January 2013. Let me repeat, we went online in January and scheduled the classes for February.
Last Wednesday, Feb 20, 2013, after reading once more the Unilocal reviews and reading the comments made by students who showed up to attend scheduled classes and found a closed studio… I decided to call the studio because my friend and I never received an email confirmation and I didn’t want to make the drive if there wasn’t a class scheduled.
When I called the studio, Carmen answered the phone and told me to take her verbal confirmation that the class was taking place on Saturday at 3pm as scheduled. Requested that leggings, sports bra and the highest heels possible be brought on the day of the class. When I pointed out the email confirmation was not sent out she reassured me that the class was on schedule and that the studio’s calls transfer to her cellphone, if I have any additional questions, I may call her back anytime.
On Saturday, February 23 it was pouring (rain). Although I live 30 minutes from the studio, I left my place at 1:45 PM just in case of traffic. I am glad I did because the studio is located in a congested area with lots of traffic and once at the studio, metered street parking and parking spaces were rare.
By the time we found parking it was 2:45 PM. The studio was closed. We stood outside for another 10 minutes thinking someone will come and open up to no avail. I call the studio, it forwards to Carmen’s cell, she answers confused about the scheduling, tells me she doesn’t have a class. I remind her we spoke a few days back and she verbally confirmed. Carmen apologies, is very friendly and promises to be at the studio in 5 minutes.
At 3:02 PM, Carmen sends a text asking for another 15 minutes.
At 3:15 PM Carmen’s sends another text asking for two more minutes…
When Carmen arrived she apologized and said that there was a scheduling issue, that the schedule was changed and that we were not emailed the change… Anyways… We were there, we were trying to make the best of it, but not 100% sure we wanted to be there. at that point We changed and started the class.
The class was fun, we started at about 3:30 or 3:40 PM, a few minutes into the class she had two other people show up and she got distracted between instructing us on our class and instructing the other two who arrived on how to Pole Dance; in addition to this Carmen was also responding to texts.
Carmen’s instructions and techniques were great, she has amazing moves and a energetic personality. Unfortunately, the experience was not what we had hoped for. Waiting in the rain, starting the class late, interruptions during class and missing another event ( Unilocal Return of the Mac) with my other friends who I left waiting was disappointing.
I am really torn on what number of stars to give this studio. Carmen did follow up on Sunday morning to confirm the Sunday class and I wasn’t feeling well, but mainly we left with no desire to return and canceled the rest of the classes.

Carmen you are one talented teacher!
It was my first class and Carmen is an amazing teacher, super sweet, extermely talented (she can do amazing things on that pole!) and a pleasure to be around. Can’t wait to get to another class next week…
Parking in the area is a little tough so come a little early and park a block or 2 away if needed, a little extra walking to the studio never hurt anyone. don’t forget to feed those meters… they will ticket you!
Why does it seem that some reviews get «filtered» on here… not right. Unilocal should show all reviews for a business… Unilocal users shouldn’t have to hit the «filter» button to see all reviews for a business… There are many more great reviews for Carmen’s studio that shouldn’t be filtered…

Carmen is great at her craft. Went to the studio for a GIRLS NIGHT OUT for my bf’s bachelorette party. I know the area so I gave myself time to find parking especially since it was the weekend after SANDY. Carmen was accommodating to my group of 6 even though 2 ladies came in late. Great work out considering my upper body strength SUCKS (I’m feeling sore today). She explains every step thoroughly so a novice can get the basics and seduce their boo once they get home: wink wink: will I go back? Def. I wish this studio was closer to my home though. Wahhhhh.

Let me give you my honest review. There are always people who cannot simply stop complaining about anything. Do not fall for those reviews below. Not reliable.
Me and my friends took the pole dancing class last week (we got the groupon deal) and it was hard but worth trying. I still have two more sessions to go and I can’t wait to try different classes.
First off, the location is not bad at all. There is a police station right near the dance studio. No wonder you see a lot of cops and it is good for your safety (Some people just don’t know what they are talking about. Please write as accurate as possible this is about someone’s business!!) Yes, there is no parking but street parking is not bad at all. Again, West new york and Gutenberg are well known for the parking issue. However, you still can find parking. Just don’t forget to bring enough quarters.
Secondly, the instructor was friendly and nice. No complaint from me and my friends. I wouldn’t say she was bubbly, fun and cheerful but she was very decent mannered and pleasant.
The only thing I would ask to improve is to modify some of dance routine for the beginners. The pole spinning move made me dizzy.
Don’t get discouraged by those reviews.

First of all I will just say that this place is hard to find, not in the greatest area. Saw more cop cars than in NYC. People were getting arrested on the streets. The place has no parking so good luck finding a spot on the street or 5 blocks away. When we walked in no one greeted us for about 10 mins. So I purchased a groupon for a class with wine and cake, well its really the smallest glass of wine I’ve ever seen and the cake well we didn’t eat it because there were no knifes or forks. The instructor was by far the unfriendliest one I’ve ever had. One of our friends was running late so I said we don’t have to wait. The instruction responded Um yea it’s 37 minutes past nine. Class was at 9 we got there at 9:10 she didn’t even speak to us until 9:30. There was no time even to eat cake. So we started. The class was fun. But let me tell you the place was hot. I guess they didn’t have AC or turn it on. We were all sweating and planned on going out after. Then the front door was open people on the street were watching and our purses were right by the door. She didn’t care. I kept an eye on our stuff while trying to dance. Now I love it how she called me the day before to remind me about tipping but nothing about parking. And all over the studio there are signs * living social and groupon customers remember to tip your instructors* so really you don’t get a discount by the time you tip. I find that very rude as well. I’ve never tipped a dance instructor for 1 class. Nor did it say on the groupon tip/​gratuity not included. The class usually costs $ 75 as stated on the website. So after tipping the discount was not 61% there was practically no discount at all.

I called to book a bachelorette party. I was given a verbal commitment and the next day sent the information out to all invitees. I called Carmen back the next day to give her some more details that she requested (# of people, ceiling height). Then she told me she wasn’t sure if she could do it. She needed directions (not just the address), so I had to e-​mail her mapquest directions. I also had to send her ways of getting there by multiple means of transportation. Then I also needed to send her train schedules and cab numbers (all of which she should have found on her own via the internet).
She is almost impossible to get on the phone. She doesn’t answer her phone and rarely calls back. Almost all communication has to occur via text message. (Even if it takes an hour of back and forth text messages. She can do that, but not call for 10 minutes).
The day of the bachelorette party (I had to worry if she was even going to show up b/​c all the weeks prior she was so difficult to get a hold of) and then she texts me things like, «This has really turned into a real project» and «this is outta the way» when she is supposed to be arriving! She had all the informaiton on the location of the party (in several e-​mails and texts that I sent). She also texted me, «I didn’t know it was a 40 minute ride» (on the train). However, train schedules tell you how long each ride is. She showed up LATE and her party was not entertaining, most girls ended up leaving the room! The booking process was so difficult, but I only stayed with her b/​c she was cheaper than other places. Now I know why. I would never book another party with her again.

So my review is not based on the studio nor the program. It’s simply a warning to all those who use reviews in the manner that I do. I use reviews to find businesses and then determine if I will use my time, energy, and money with that business. Reviews should be objective and not subjective. With that said,
I do not recommend this establishment for anyone who does not live close, or expects reasonable responsive contact. Please note that if there are not 3 students in a class there will be no class. However to find out if there are 3 students is an interesting process. Also please do not expect an immediate or reasonable timed response from the teacher. The responses about these classes that I have viewed and stayed up to date on are very disheartening. It has led me to believe that this is not a studio I want to associate with. So while the classes may be worthwhile getting to the class or information about said classes are not. I truly hope that the instructor is able to actually read the reviews that are being left and make the appropriate changes. However my friend and I will be moving on to another studio that is reputable for providing consistent customer service.
Now after looking at the other reviews the owner will leave a comment on my review. However Unilocal is here to provide people with real information about a business and wh they should use it or not. If something is being said consistently then it’s time for adjustments to be made. You are the first person that someone will interact with before your product is used. Take it to heart and make the change. My review opinion stands and despite and comments left, I have already stated that I have unfortunately not attended a class, but I’m also sure I no longer want to.

I bought a living social deal and was excited to have a bachelorette party here for a friend (as a surprise). Unfortunately I had to cancel and the woman who I was booking with made such a big deal to tell me that I should have went anyway even if two of the four ladies were sick at the last minute. She sent emails back and forth with me all day telling me how irresponsible I was to cancel at the last minute and that I should have come anyway — me and the bride! what a great bachelorette party. lady — I didn’t cancel on just you that day. and you are the only person who reacted the way you did. I don’t know what was up that day for you but I didn’t want to cancel, and I didn’t cancel on just you. Well I sold back the voucher to living social.
you really know a place/​person when you encounter a problem. Its not the problems that make us who we are, but how we deal with them. And if you cant deal with problems with class and integrity, you shouldn’t be running a business.

I made an appointment for a pole dancing class for my aunts birthday. After being stuck in traffic for 2 hours I called the instructor when I was 5 min away to inform her I was there but… She was not. She forgot about my party and was at a pole dancing competition. She did not once apologize instead she tried to justify her being at the competition and wasting our time by saying this is important for networking? She did offer me another appointment but why would I bother with someone who has no respect for me and my time? She was unprofessional insensitive and selfish. I hope no one else has this experience. People usually say nice things about her but I saw a very nasty side of her.