Sac Dance Lab

★Jennifer Garcia

I'm deeply disappointed with our experience at Sac Dance Lab during Season 16 Starbursts. From the start, the registration process was a complete mess—our information got mixed up, and it took weeks to fix. I also reached out between seasons to request a youth camp for a private team, but the owner was rude and made me feel I was burdening her with such a request. completely disregarded it. To top it off, when my daughter wanted to participate in a simple off-season exhibition, they refused because she couldn’t attend a rehearsal just two days prior, as we had an out-of-town commitment. I expected much more professionalism and care, and sadly, this was a huge letdown.

★Elizabeth P

TLDR: Don't leave a bad review, they'll never let you take class again. I had such high hopes for SDL. I've been a dancer for decades and wanted to take a new class. And SDL is closer to my house than where I usually go so, yay! #1 Contemporary 3. It was 5 minutes of jumping jacks (huh???), 5 minutes of stretching, then a routine with no counts. There was no warmup, no technique, and the routine was hard to get into. I asked for the counts. I was told "it just went with the music" #2 Jazz Funk 2. I went on the recommendation of the front desk person. Apparently this guy uses counts. There was no warmup, we stretched cold muscles for 10 minutes. No technique. Then went straight into a routine that had us immediately rolling on our knees. I asked if there was a modification. There wasn't. I left. I explained at the desk that I simply couldn't do that routine due to a knee issue and could I get a class credit. I was told no. I asked if I could finish taking another one of the classes going on at that time. I was told no. (What I was not told but found out later was that each teacher is guaranteed the money from your registration 6 hours before class so there's no way to refund, transfer, or credit under any circumstances). When I got home, I wrote a review. The next day I called the studio to speak with someone about my experience. I was told I would get a call back. I never did. #3 Hip Hop 2. A friend recommended this class. She goes a lot and loves it. I figured I'd give them another shot and change my review if things went better. I was driving there when they called to say that I could not take class due to my prior review! I spoke with the owner. I said I wanted to give them another chance. She said "We're past that" and "We can refuse service to anyone". I did receive a refund for this class though, so that's something. In my original review I said that they clearly didn't want my money and I guess it's true. From now on my money will go to Balance, Borne, Step 1, and DanceFit. Yours should too. Good luck! And may your dance journey start with 1, end with 8, and preserve your joints for later in life (believe me, you'll need them).

★Katherine Bursen

If I could give 0 stars or negative stars, I would because of the customer service from an employee named Brandy. The first time I arrived at this studio I needed to use the restroom. I started walking towards it with my mom when a guy named Brandy told me I couldn’t use the restroom. He didn’t offer any other options for dancers he just said I couldn’t use it. That alone was shocking—I’ve never been to a dance studio that doesn’t allow dancers or parents to use the bathroom. On top of that, the way he spoke to us, with a raised voice, was very rude. Later I learned that there actually was a bathroom area, so I don’t understand why we were told otherwise. After that experience, I didn’t feel comfortable using the studio’s restroom. I continued attending but avoided the bathroom entirely. Things only got worse when the same employee later kicked me out of the waiting area. I’ve seen other dancers wait in that exact same spot many times, but he told me I couldn’t stay there. His explanation was that I was “watching the dancers,” which he claimed was prohibited. In reality, I was simply waiting for my ride and reading a book. It’s also worth noting that this is a large open classroom without walls, so anyone walking in can see the dancers. It’s unrealistic to expect people not to see them at all — you’re going to see them whether you want to or not. When I asked where I was supposed to wait, he told me I could move a few steps away—where I could still see the dancers—or go into another room that was already busy with a photoshoot. I decided to go to the busy room, because I wanted to avoid any more interaction and false accusations. However, he followed me into that room as well. At that point I felt uncomfortable and honestly creeped out, so I ended up waiting outside the studio in the cold. Thankfully, he wasn’t always at the front desk, but by then I felt like I had to avoid him whenever possible. The final straw was when I was in class and Brandy walked out onto the dance floor to ask me my name to make sure I had “checked in.” I had already checked in, and as the receptionist, he could clearly see that. Interrupting a class to single me out like that was unnecessary and made me feel targeted and extremely uncomfortable. Overall, this experience made me feel harassed and unwelcome. Because of this, I will not be returning to this studio.

★★★★★America Barajas

Sac Dance Lab is amazing in so many ways! Really easy to sign up for classes taught by very talented dancers. I’ve had the opportunity to be on their Company team this year, and in just these past few month I have felt such a positive impact! Plus Isela does so much for the community of Sacramento, 10/10 would recommend this studio!

★★★★★Cierra White

What a great place to go for dance classes! The classes are fun and affordable. There's classes for kids, and then there's some specifically for 18+. They offer a wide range of styles from hip hop, k pop, heels, shuffle, ballet, jazz, and contemporary. There's also several class levels ranging from beginner to advanced. All the instructors are super friendly and patient. The classroom sizes are adequate. Class attendees are in a small group, so there's plenty of room to dance. I feel comfortable and encouraged to do my best. The only "negative" thing I'd have to say is parking can be difficult sometimes, but you can definitely park on the street if there's nothing else available in the lots.