The administrator and vibes aren’t it. No one is friendly, communication is poor at best, and trying to pay the woman was a journey at first and now it’s been a journey to get her to stop charging me after I told her my kids weren’t going back. Went to a baseball game and my 3&5 yr olds were a part of the field performance- it took sooo long for our kids to get to the stands other parents and I were looking to see if we had any communication on where to get them. After my children showed up being led by other children- one of mine was missing her game ticket. I went to find the teacher to ask her about it and she asked ME which child my kids were walking with…. When enrollment for the 2024-25 year came up I was charged before I turned in registration forms. After disputing the charge and obviously stating my kids won’t be back, Kate still charged me for the following month’s tuition. Now she won’t return my texts or emails where I’ve asked for a refund. I’m now disputing these charges with my bank and letting you all know to be wary of this business.
Amy Reda
Feb 2022
Annaliesa is the BEST teacher ever! My 2 year old loves coming to her class. She is so patient, motivating and fun!
Joelle S.
Feb 2022
I've been using this wonderful studio for rehearsals, Anisa is great, and makes the place feel like home. The studios are so grand and look amazing! Love being part of this fantastic studio :)
Petra V.
Sep 2019
Simply the best. I've been going there for about 25 years. I have known Anissa for that long. Just returned to Doug Rivera and my jazz dance routine. I recommend it completely.
Lynne J.
Jun 2019
As a choreographer, I have rented Anisa's School of Dance on many occasions and consider it my "choreography home." When I was looking for a space to rent in the Sherman Oaks area for a dance comprised of 11 adult contemporary dancers, I knew I needed a space that offered plenty of room, a sprung wood or Marley floor, a good sound system, availability and some flexibility with scheduling. After contacting nearly many studios between Encino and North Hollywood, I remembered that I had once worked with a friend who had brought me into the studio years ago. I called the number online and the owner picked up. Anisa offered to meet me right away since I was close by. She gave me a tour and I was incredibly impressed. She has two spacious studios, one with a sprung wood floor and another with a Marley floor, I opted for the larger studio with the sprung wood floor. It reminded me of the studios I've seen in New York. Equipped with a professional sprung floor, high ceilings, about 2000 sq. ft. of space, a viewing room, a prop/costume room within the studio itself, an entire wall of mirrors, and a great sound system, I was certain the rental rate would be out of my budget. After we talked for a bit about the time and dates I'd need to rent out the studio to complete my dance, she quoted me a rate that was not only competitive with nearly every other studio I had looked into renting, she also let me know about the easy payment options she offered. I have choreographed five more dances since that time and whenever I need a rehearsal studio, I contact Anisa. She is kind and considerate and all around a lovely person. I enjoy working with her and can't wait to start work on my next dance! If you are a choreographer looking for a space where you can create your next dance, I recommend Anisa's School of Dance without the slightest hesitation. And, when I have a chance, I'm definitely going to give her Belly Dance classes a try as I've heard her students rave about them. Thank you Anisa! You gave me the space and time I needed to create some great dances without added stress and the kind of professional customer service that is becoming harder and harder to find these days. I can't wait to get back into your studio!
Bethany N.
Oct 2018
This review is long over due. I started taking Belly dance classes over 10 years ago. I loved every moment of my experience here. Anisa is NOT a "bitch." As one reviewer claimed. She knows her stuff and is not a silly woman. I've taken her class and let me tell you, she will shape you up! I still miss taking class there. I had moved away for a while, and so I stopped coming in. But no joke, not a single day has gone by where I haven't thought about going back!!!
Lisa W.
Dec 2015
Really quaint little dance studio right on Ventura, across the street from Guitar Center. Anisa's is tucked away behind a gate and on the second floor of a non-descript building. It was initially a challenge to find, but once inside, you'll find a cute studio, with several rooms of different sizes. The accommodations are clean and I like the laid back feel. It's a great place to rent a space for a dance rehearsal, or to teach a dance class. Of course, bellydance is the focus of this studio, but I take Zumba with Shawnee on Wednesday nights ($11). HIGHLY recommend. I've been going to Zumba classes for the past 6 years at various studios and Shawnee is hands down, the best. There is plenty of metered street parking on Ventura, and the meters are free after 8PM!
Jacqueline M.
Aug 2015
Anisa is an awesome belly dance instructor. I took a class a while ago and am looking forward to taking more classes with her as soon as my schedule opens up. She really knows what she is talking about. She will correct you and won't let you get by doing it wrong which is what I love. She's specific on technique. I also took a veil class with her and it was super fun. I learned a lot. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone who really wants to learn belly dance!
Gina M.
Oct 2014
Thank you Anisa for saving the day!! I needed a studio space VERY last minute & Anisa welcomed me with open arms! The space is great, music system is fabulous! I so appreciate your hospitality
David M.
Sep 2013
I have been studying with Anisa for over two years. I wanted to share what a blessing it is to find such a wonderful teacher! Anisa sees the potential of every student that comes into her studio . . . and she will drill her students in the fundamentals of the art of belly dance. She can be tough on her students, but again, this is done because she sincerely wants to bring forth the beauty of the art in each person. I have seen women that start her classes totally transform. The most beautiful example was a young girl who came in for her first class with her shoulders slumped forward, head hung low, and a shy and tentative gaze. I slowly watched her transform into someone who had found her own strength and beauty~Anisa has a way of seeing the strength and beauty in her students and helping them to realize this through dance. She has a very caring heart and such a passion and knowledge of the dance. It is a wonderful class for those starting out as well as those who wish to drill and perfect the steps used in belly dance. The studio also offers classes with the legendary Helena Vlahos. These two amazing dancers truly are a gift to anyone who has a desire to learn this beautiful dance. They will push you to your limit and beyond! I have learned so much about belly dance and about life. (PS~this is not from David~this is his non computer savy girlfriend who can't figure out how to put the post in her own name:)
Deysy Hogan
The administrator and vibes aren’t it. No one is friendly, communication is poor at best, and trying to pay the woman was a journey at first and now it’s been a journey to get her to stop charging me after I told her my kids weren’t going back. Went to a baseball game and my 3&5 yr olds were a part of the field performance- it took sooo long for our kids to get to the stands other parents and I were looking to see if we had any communication on where to get them. After my children showed up being led by other children- one of mine was missing her game ticket. I went to find the teacher to ask her about it and she asked ME which child my kids were walking with…. When enrollment for the 2024-25 year came up I was charged before I turned in registration forms. After disputing the charge and obviously stating my kids won’t be back, Kate still charged me for the following month’s tuition. Now she won’t return my texts or emails where I’ve asked for a refund. I’m now disputing these charges with my bank and letting you all know to be wary of this business.
Amy Reda
Annaliesa is the BEST teacher ever! My 2 year old loves coming to her class. She is so patient, motivating and fun!
Joelle S.
I've been using this wonderful studio for rehearsals, Anisa is great, and makes the place feel like home. The studios are so grand and look amazing! Love being part of this fantastic studio :)
Petra V.
Simply the best. I've been going there for about 25 years. I have known Anissa for that long. Just returned to Doug Rivera and my jazz dance routine. I recommend it completely.
Lynne J.
As a choreographer, I have rented Anisa's School of Dance on many occasions and consider it my "choreography home." When I was looking for a space to rent in the Sherman Oaks area for a dance comprised of 11 adult contemporary dancers, I knew I needed a space that offered plenty of room, a sprung wood or Marley floor, a good sound system, availability and some flexibility with scheduling. After contacting nearly many studios between Encino and North Hollywood, I remembered that I had once worked with a friend who had brought me into the studio years ago. I called the number online and the owner picked up. Anisa offered to meet me right away since I was close by. She gave me a tour and I was incredibly impressed. She has two spacious studios, one with a sprung wood floor and another with a Marley floor, I opted for the larger studio with the sprung wood floor. It reminded me of the studios I've seen in New York. Equipped with a professional sprung floor, high ceilings, about 2000 sq. ft. of space, a viewing room, a prop/costume room within the studio itself, an entire wall of mirrors, and a great sound system, I was certain the rental rate would be out of my budget. After we talked for a bit about the time and dates I'd need to rent out the studio to complete my dance, she quoted me a rate that was not only competitive with nearly every other studio I had looked into renting, she also let me know about the easy payment options she offered. I have choreographed five more dances since that time and whenever I need a rehearsal studio, I contact Anisa. She is kind and considerate and all around a lovely person. I enjoy working with her and can't wait to start work on my next dance! If you are a choreographer looking for a space where you can create your next dance, I recommend Anisa's School of Dance without the slightest hesitation. And, when I have a chance, I'm definitely going to give her Belly Dance classes a try as I've heard her students rave about them. Thank you Anisa! You gave me the space and time I needed to create some great dances without added stress and the kind of professional customer service that is becoming harder and harder to find these days. I can't wait to get back into your studio!
Bethany N.
This review is long over due. I started taking Belly dance classes over 10 years ago. I loved every moment of my experience here. Anisa is NOT a "bitch." As one reviewer claimed. She knows her stuff and is not a silly woman. I've taken her class and let me tell you, she will shape you up! I still miss taking class there. I had moved away for a while, and so I stopped coming in. But no joke, not a single day has gone by where I haven't thought about going back!!!
Lisa W.
Really quaint little dance studio right on Ventura, across the street from Guitar Center. Anisa's is tucked away behind a gate and on the second floor of a non-descript building. It was initially a challenge to find, but once inside, you'll find a cute studio, with several rooms of different sizes. The accommodations are clean and I like the laid back feel. It's a great place to rent a space for a dance rehearsal, or to teach a dance class. Of course, bellydance is the focus of this studio, but I take Zumba with Shawnee on Wednesday nights ($11). HIGHLY recommend. I've been going to Zumba classes for the past 6 years at various studios and Shawnee is hands down, the best. There is plenty of metered street parking on Ventura, and the meters are free after 8PM!
Jacqueline M.
Anisa is an awesome belly dance instructor. I took a class a while ago and am looking forward to taking more classes with her as soon as my schedule opens up. She really knows what she is talking about. She will correct you and won't let you get by doing it wrong which is what I love. She's specific on technique. I also took a veil class with her and it was super fun. I learned a lot. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone who really wants to learn belly dance!
Gina M.
Thank you Anisa for saving the day!! I needed a studio space VERY last minute & Anisa welcomed me with open arms! The space is great, music system is fabulous! I so appreciate your hospitality
David M.
I have been studying with Anisa for over two years. I wanted to share what a blessing it is to find such a wonderful teacher! Anisa sees the potential of every student that comes into her studio . . . and she will drill her students in the fundamentals of the art of belly dance. She can be tough on her students, but again, this is done because she sincerely wants to bring forth the beauty of the art in each person. I have seen women that start her classes totally transform. The most beautiful example was a young girl who came in for her first class with her shoulders slumped forward, head hung low, and a shy and tentative gaze. I slowly watched her transform into someone who had found her own strength and beauty~Anisa has a way of seeing the strength and beauty in her students and helping them to realize this through dance. She has a very caring heart and such a passion and knowledge of the dance. It is a wonderful class for those starting out as well as those who wish to drill and perfect the steps used in belly dance. The studio also offers classes with the legendary Helena Vlahos. These two amazing dancers truly are a gift to anyone who has a desire to learn this beautiful dance. They will push you to your limit and beyond! I have learned so much about belly dance and about life. (PS~this is not from David~this is his non computer savy girlfriend who can't figure out how to put the post in her own name:)