DanceLova Dance Academy

Our daughter always dances around the house, so my husband and I decided to look for a dance class to get her in to see if dance was something she would want to do. Being 3 almost 4, we didn’t something that expecting too much out of their students, but something that would be fun and at the same time introduce dance to our young one.
A lot of studios that we saw were too expensive, dirty, extremely strict (looked like it wasn’t fun), or simply hard to get in contact with. We saw on Unilocal that Dance Lova was open so we stopped by. We were met by Miss Keisha. She was extremely helpful and nice. She told us about the free try out class and after getting a tour of the studio along with the studios general information, we signed our daughter up for the free class.
The free class ended with a HUGE smile on our daughters face. She asked, «when can we come back?» So we signed her up for the pre dance class. It was once a week for a hour with other kids her age. It introduces them to movements that will be used in all dances later on. Our daughter absolutely loved it and started to see her teacher (Miss Stephanie) as someone she wanted to be like when she’s older.
It has been a couple years since we started here. Going from pre dance (once a week), to pre ballet (once a week), to ballet 1 (twice a week), and now she got asked to be on the competition team (four times a week). Summer to December in all the classes are focused on technique. Come spring is when classes start to put routines together and recitals are around June.
The staff here are all really friendly. Taylor and Keisha do a great job remembering all the kids names making it feel like the kids are important to the studio. With all the traffic of people coming and going, the studio is usually really clean. Of course there are kids constantly around so as a parent I know that kids don’t always pick up after themselves.
The location of the studio is right behind 99 Ranch Market. Yes it’s in the back alley. There’s parking, but at times is overwhelming. I personally love that the studio is kind of hidden. It takes effort to find the place which makes it hard for those random looky loos to just stop by. You only get the ones who are truly interested in joining the studio or who have heard about the studio.
The owners, Miss Ivy and Mr. Mario, are two of the most kind hearted people. They truly care about their dancers. They hire some of the most talented teachers. We love to watch the other classes dance and during water breaks for the kids or in between classes, the teachers would sometimes free style. That’s when you can REALLY see how amazing these teachers are. The studio is always looking to grow, they have added a couple of newer dances since we started, tumbling for tiny tots and adult classes. The teachers range from super gentle and sweet to one’s that really push you to do all that you can do. If you miss one of your classes you are able to try out another class (even if it’s a different type of dance) as a make up. There is no extra fee for this make up class, but you do have to use it in a certain amount of time.
Stop by, see what this studio has to offer. Try a class out. Some days are busier than others, so call to see when the best time for a new student should come to check out the classes. Go on to their website and check out more. =)

Dance Lova is an amazing dance studio. I’ve been attending the adult hip hop classes and Angel, our instructor, is so kind, funny, and can really dance! Love those classes!

They blame «the computer» for not letting my daughter make up a ballet lesson today. She HAS to wait until next week, after she misses her class, not before. Not exception to the RULE. Zero customer service. The staff is AWAYS parked in the handicapped space without a placard. We brought another child to the studio that signed up for autopay, and the studio did not say or write the words thank you to us.

The Dance Lova adult ballet class is exactly what I was looking for! If you’re looking to start dance class as a beginner or improve your technique as an adult, I recommend visiting this studio. They even offer pre-​pointe adult ballet classes!
The class is one hour long and it included barre, center, and across-​the-​floor. I took 3 years of ballet and jazz classes sporadically in college, so I have a basic knowledge of terminology and technique. There were students varying from total beginner to pre-​pointe/​intermediate, and I didn’t feel out of place after not taking a ballet class in a long time.
The Dance Lova adult students that are «regulars» at the studio are diligent, humble, and supportive of each other and the new students (myself and one other student). I appreciated that Miss Ivy, the instructor, took the time to adjust everyone’s form and was encouraging, spirited, and sometimes even humorous during class. It made ballet class — what is usually very, very serious — a little more light-​hearted, but still disciplined and solemn.
The front office and studios are clean and well-​lit. The only critique I have is that the studio I was in was oddly shaped, and I picked a bad spot on the barre and I couldn’t really see myself in the mirror. I guess on the other hand, not being able to see myself in the mirror made me really concentrate on my technique. ;)
The first class you attend is complimentary! In order to reserve your spot in class, you need to check the class schedule on their website and call the studio in advance. Make sure to bring the appropriate dance shoes, wear form-​fitting clothes (leggings and a workout tank are ok if you don’t have a leotard and tights), and if you have longer hair, tie it up so it is off your shoulders.
Dance Lova is located behind the Ranch 99 market in the Orange Tree Square shopping center on Walnut and Jeffrey. Parking can be a little difficult, so come early!
Thank you, Dance Lova, for an awesome class! Hopefully I can work out my schedule to take dance classes there instead of getting a gym membership…

My roommates and I went for the comp adult hiphop class and loved it. The studios are very clean, professional, and the girl at the front desk was very friendly and helpful. She gave us a mini tour and wasn’t pushy about making us come back — which I definitely will! The teacher was great, the dancers were cool — and the class catered to all levels of dancers. We loved it!

We took our two daughters, ages 3 and 5, to the free class offer. The gal who answered the phone for my initial call was very friendly and helpful. I had to reschedule and they again were very nice and understanding. The day of the class, we were again, very happy! The teacher was really patient and great with the kids. Hubby and i watched the class from a TV monitor in the lobby. There were lots of chairs and seating that all looked comfy. The class was one hour long, and out girls are still talking about how much fun they had! I would highly recommend.

Yea I really didn’t appreciate the owner’s response, implying that I am somehow prejudiced against special needs children? I really take offense to that as my nephew is autistic. The kids that I mentioned in my previous post who were misbehaving were NOT special needs children. They just straight up did not want to participate or listen to the teacher, who lacked the proper training, experience, or even just interest in properly teaching the class.
Also, when you choose to open your dance studio next to and place the front door near the trash bins of restaurants and supermarkets, the disgusting smells do become your problem. I am not in the habit of taking the back door to 99 Ranch or any restaurants so I don’t see how complaining to them becomes my responsibility.
Rude and totally unprofessional.

Dancelova is the best dance studio you will ever find!
I’ve had three ballet teachers in the past but I can say with confidence that Miss Ivy is the best!
Some ballet studios don’t really pay much attention or don’t care about adult class. But that is not true at DanceLova! Miss Ivy is very passionate, professional, and patient. She truly cares about her students.
Also, people in adult class are very friendly and super nice! They cheer each other up and I really enjoy her adult class.
I am really happy that I found this amazing studio and started enjoying ballet again. I am excited to take her classes every single time.

We love DanceLova! It’s an amazing studio with terrific teachers. Our daughter started there a year and a half ago and has flourished due to the excellent help at the studio.
One of the great strengths of the studios the emphasis they place on technique. Students do spend some time learning routines, but the lion’s share of the time is used to learn technique. We love that!
Ivy and Mario, the owners, are such great people! It makes for a terrific environment.

My daughter had fun at her first class today. Miss Stephanie was great in the pre-​dance class — she was very sweet and encouraging. My only request would be that she give a bit more 1:1 with newer students. The facilities are nice and clean. Wish there was AC or at least a fan in the lobby where parents are forced to wait. Finally, there needs to be more classes for 3 – 5 age group AFTER 5 pm and SUNDAYS for those of us who work 8 – 5. Can’t wait for our next class!

We found this studio through Amazon Local and had planned for our daughter to simply do the six weeks provided by the coupon. After her first couple weeks we were hooked and our daughter has now been part of the academy for a year. The teachers are excellent – they require discipline and hard work while also being kind and supportive. They particularize the needs of each student and teach technique, not simply routines. Our daughter has been transformed into a graceful, passionate, and skilled dancer at Dance Lova while also having a place where she feels known and valued. You won’t find a better studio in Orange County!!!

They are now offering unlimited adult dance classes for $ 330 annual membership fee. Incredible low price! That’s $ 27.50/ mo like a gym membership. I am able to dance 4 – 5 days a week without spending $ 200/​mo in tuition fees like other studios.
Thanks Miss Ivy for offering this affordable program for adults! :-)

Ivy is a great instructor !

After chatting with a friend, she suggested that I should have my 6 and 8 year old try DanceLova for ballet classes. It was near the end of the school year and when I stopped by and found out that they have summer camps coming up, I decided to have my girls try the one week dance camp to see how they like it.
By the way, Stephanie, a dance instructor who also helps at the front desk, is great with customers face to face, and also quick in following up when she needed to get back to me on a question that she had to check with Ivy, the owner and lead dance instructor. I was already impressed with the level of professionalism even before my girls started camp.
Though the day camp was long, 9 – 4 and my girls got really great workout and exposure to all different kinds of dances, they enjoyed it so much that they ask to take classes there!
They are now enrolled in Ballet and taking lessons twice a week and they simply LOVE going to Miss Ivy’s class! What is more impressive is the fact that they will often do stretches and practices at home without a reminder. That truly shows that the teaching in class is effective for kids in helping them develop the necessary skills and passion for the art of dancing.
I am the kind of parents that believe in exposing kids to different activities so that they will have a greater breath of experiences and appreciations in life. I am glad that DanceLova has become an important contributor to my girls development.

After lots of searching for a dance studio, this is a fantastic choice! Whether you are an experience dancer who wants to stick with it, or have never danced at all-​this place rocks. Ivy is a fantastic instructor and knows how to help each dancer’s individual needs.
I would recommend going to one class (free trial), you will fall in love! They have several different purchase plans. You can purchase 5, 10, 15 classes or a year round membership where you go to as many classes as you want!
I would highly recommend this dance studio.

Dancelova is new and quite a clean studio in Irvine. My daughter loves the classes here! Even though she clings onto me every time she comes in and wants me to accompany her but Miss Ivy always has a way to lure her back into the studio to join the class.
Saturday mornings are a little crowded as expected, parents crowd outside the reception area watching their kids through 2 tv monitors connected to the studios inside. I wish there are more chairs or couches to go around but space is limited here in Irvine. Other than that the dance teachers here are professional and very talented. Plus, handling kids at the 3 to 5 year old range is no mean feat! No major complaints so far!

Only had 2 classes here but love it. (This is going to be a long review)
Background: When I was 5 and until I was 13, I was in ballet and Korean traditional dance classes everyday. Now I’m 28, but throughout my life, I was involved in dancing, mostly hiphop, and took modern dance classes in college. I’ve also done yoga for the past 10+ years. So I’m not a total beginner when it comes to ballet terminology or flexibility but my body is still stiffer than what I remember due to small and large injuries in the past.
I found this studio on Unilocal,while searching for a dance studio so that I could get back into ballet. Initially, I thought I wanted to try a Bar Method studio, after trying their DVD workouts, but 1) there’s none in Irvine, 2) I know that if I have to drive more than 10 minutes get somewhere to workout, I’ll always find an excuse not to go.
So I started looking for a ballet studio that also have adult classes. And I was interested in 1) flexibility in fee schedule for adults since we all have those random social functions to go to 2) CLOSE TO HOME since I work in downtown LA, often in suits, and commute by train, I don’t WANT to go somewhere 20~30 minutes away from home just to relax and work out, and lastly 3) NOT AN INTIMIDATING ENVIRONMENT.
If you’ve ever tried ballet as a young kid, we all had that teacher who liked to yell, and physically torture you, yanking your arms and legs into the «right» position but not telling you what you’re doing wrong. I endured 7 years of that (and I did gymnastics before that, so I was already pretty flexible!!!) so I didn’t want to get yelled at by a teacher at the age of 28. Don’t need that. (By the way, this was when I realized, omg, I’m an adult, i can pay for my own education and that means I can CHOOSE my own teachers! I don’t have to cry or whine about classes!)
I emailed the studio that day, and Miss Ivy called me within an hour. The studio doesn’t have that many classes for adults but I could take one on Tuesday evenings. Their website says there’s a Fitness Ballet and Classical Ballet, but for now, it seems like Miss Ivy is teaching both classes in one class. Fitness Ballet is a «misnomer» in my opinion. This is a beginning classical ballet class, mostly focuses on barre work and ends with grand jete across the floor. No bar method type of class.
There’s nothing intimidating about this studio or the staff. They’re so friendly, and unlike my old ballet teacher, Miss Ivy corrects problems and explains in detail. The class is made up of both very beginner and more advanced students, so no one has to feel competitive. I mean c’mon, at our age, it’s pretty clear no one is aiming for American Ballet Theater. But the instructions are good, detailed, easy to understand, and this is the first time in my life that I had real fun, even a laugh, in a ballet class.
And it’s like 5 min from my house. LOVE!

i’ll have to say, this place is probably the best dancing studio in Irvine.
the class rooms are not just new and big but also clean and bright.
Ms Ivy is def a great instructor. very professional but fun. she is very good with kids, that’s what i like about her the most.
also, it’s easy to find parking in front of the studio, i can do some grocery shopping while waiting =)
i’m glad that i found this studio in Irvine!

My 5 year old daughter absolutely loves her ballet classes here with Miss Ivy. After moving to the area, we searched for a while for a dance studio that would continue to nurture her love of dance as well as improve her technical skills. We tried a number of classes at different studios in the area and none of them has quite the right balance — we found that many of them had teachers who were just there to teach the class and didn’t make an effort to get to know their students or provide individual attention or corrections. This is not the case with Miss Ivy who truly loves her students and goes out of her way to work with each student individually so that they improve and are proud of their accomplishments. After only a few months here my daughter has learned to focus, be disciplined in class, pay attention to details, and has become more flexible and strong. She loves going to class and if she had her way we would be going to class daily and taking all the different types of dance classes they offer here from Chinese Dance to Hip Hop.