Keshet Dance & Center for the Arts

My child enrolled in the summer dance camp and it's our first visit there.
I registered her online and splurged on this class even though it's over my budget for summer camps because I thought my daughter would love the dance class.
On the first day on our very first visit, I arrive 15 min before the class starts and the only person at the front desk is in the phone facing sideways. There was someone else already waiting to be helped and a few minutes go by without this lady ever looking over to say...anything. I know she can see us.
We just waited till another lady finally came along to sign us in. When it wasn't turn, I'm told to fill out a form. That's pretty standard but then she proceeded to tell me that my 6 year old needs to "sign" the code of conduct.
Uh... maybe the instructor should go over discipline and code of conduct in their class rather than have a 1st grader (read and) sign any form of contract? I mean, she's smart but don't believe she could read all of it on her own so what's the point of having a child sign?
THEN, "So, the before care is $35". Huh? The class STARTS at 8:30. I wait to be signed in because some woman is on the phone ignoring us customers. Then 15 min till the START of the class, if I wanted to drop her off, it's ADDITIONAL $35 on top of $225 for the week if dance camp. For 8am to 8:30.
I needed to get out of there because I had to get to work so just had her charge my card but even when I went back to the sign up page, it doesn't say anything about costing whopping $35 for 30 minuets window of BEFORE CARE, where the kids just sit in the lobby coloring.
Whatever. First and last time, I tell myself.
Here's the big kicker. As I'm used to showing my ID and signing her out so I told them that I need to add someone to the pick up list. The answer she gave me just threw me off completely. "We don't really have a set procedure." I asked, how are you going to make sure that you don't release my child to just anyone? and their answer was "We get to know the kids and parents. You can tell us who you don't want to release your child to."

OMG. I was so ticked off when I left I had to really find a way to chill out before I got to work so I don't turn into a dragon lady at my work!
When I arrived at pick up time (made sure I'm not late a minute because they would have costed me another $35 for 30 minutes of AFTER CARE. Oh heck no!! There was a lady standing by the door with a clipboard but I signed nothing. I'm sure she remembered me but does she correctly remember every child's parents?

Now for the classes, my daughter has been enjoying the classes and she says the instructors are nice so at least for that, I'm glad. So I'm giving extra star for the lessons to be fair.

I just have hard time being ok with the 30 minutes before and after care they charge $35 per am/pm when I literally checked her in 10 minutes till class starts. I don't want her to be late and miss anything. How do they decide? I didn't hear her charge the other parent. So if I came in at 8:20, would she still had me pay? What about after care? How many minutes do they give me after 4 before they charge? It just doesn't make sense. I feel ripped off. $225 for one week is a splurge for me. Now it's $260 and it's not like it comes with meals. I still pack her lunch & snacks & water bottle every day.
I don't think I'll be back after this week. That's a disappointment for both.

My sister and niece have been dancing here for 7 years now. I have seen 6 years of NOTR and this year Alice. It is a great place to be as a guest and dancer.

One season I took classes and I loved it! I would continue if I had the time. When my kids gets older I will register them to dance here.

Well it was my second time at the Keshet Dance Center as I enrolled in a ballet class for adults. The class was great! It was my first time taking it and I was hooked. I am looking forward to going back for more lessons.

The staff members are friendly and the place is lively. I may be the only guy in the class there but no one cares which I really appreciate. The teacher is also friendly.

My daughter goes here for dance classes: she loves her teacher, and is always SO excited to go to the rainbow building!! The place is great, and I love volunteering here! I am able to volunteer to pay for her classes which is awesome since we are not able to afford much more! They also have amazing shows, including some designed for sensory experience which I think is awesome. I would recommend Keshet to anyone!!!

There's a lot more going on at Keshet than I know. A whole lot more. I know that my three year-old is absolutely boisterous about her dance class here; she takes it home, actually, and can often be found in our living room donning a ballerina costume, twirling on the carpet.

I've known some professional dancers who've worked with the company in the past, they were absolutely incredible. I've seen a couple of Keshet performances and found them to be sort of nuanced modern, gorgeous and not overdone. But I've only recently learned of the nonprofit, community connected efforts of Keshet, and these earn 'em a fifth star. Amongst their various programs, I'm most impressed with the efforts that bring dance to low-income, at-risk, homeless and incarcerated youth. They also bring dance to the disabled. Really impressive.

With programs for the young, old and in-between, Keshet's definitely one of the most important arts organizations in ABQ. The Center for the Arts is currently under construction; my daughter's class is currently being taught in a temporary structure adjacent to the building. But once the construction is over, it's looking like this will be a fantastic destination for the performing arts.

Last week I came out to one of the special masters performances of Two Room Apartment. I was BLOWN AWAY by how awesome it was to feel like I was doing something avant garde and contemporary. I felt like I was back in the city! Have I been transported to New York all of the sudden? It was AWESOME to find out that this company is not just for getting the littles to dance... It's about great storytelling too. Massive thumbs up here. Great performance, great people, great vibe.

Not a very good studio for their lack of ballet training, bad "advanced" level, bad performances.

I do like their philosophy of letting anyone dance, but it is kind of ridiculous that they have to knock back everyone else's dance level because of this.

Their dancers are very snobby, and unsocial, and create a non friendly environment.

Keshet is an awesome dance studio that offers wonderful classes for anyone, regardless of their income, abilities or experience.
It has been a helpful outlet for myself when I was looking to expand my dance experience and learn more formal moves. Not only are their classes a good workout for the body, but they are challenging to the mind as well and will really help you to become a better dancer regardless of your age or prior experience. All the teachers are well trained and will ensure that your class is entertaining and fresh. Not to mention everyone there is so friendly, non-judgmental and understanding!
I would recommend Keshet to anyone who wants to expand their dance skills and have a fun time dancing to their hearts content!

Do you believe anyone can dance? The cynic in you says "no way", while the dreamer says " Shake it baby!". Keshet agrees with the dreamer. Not only did they make a place for every person to dance, but they remove any obstacles ( financial, physical, lack of experience). Wonderful for kids and adults.
See you on the dance floor!

Ballet 2 on Monday nights with Nichole is my jam. She's such a kind and attentive teacher. Very welcoming class for all ages and most levels.