Attending open classes in New York City can be quite daunting, especially if it is your first time. Each studio in the city that offers open classes provides a unique experience for dancers. Below, I’ve shared my first of four recommendations of studios in New York City that offer open classes, along with a description of the studios, and class recommendations.
Steps on Broadway
Studio 1 – Steps on Broadway: As one of the most infamous dance studios in New York City, maneuvering open classes here can be pretty intimidating. While many of the city’s most successful professional dancers take class here, they also offer plenty of spaces for less advanced dancers to feel comfortable as well.
Levels: Steps on Broadway is most known for Theatre Jazz, Contemporary, and Ballet classes. Their website lists the classes on a daily schedule, displaying the class time, level/style, and teacher. Steps offers 10 levels ranging from beginner to professional. If you are a competitive level dancer, I would recommend Intermediate level classes and up.
All of the faculty at Steps is truly amazing, but below are a couple recommendations from personal experience.
Karla Puno Garcia: If you are looking for a jazz class with a bit of theatre flare, try out Karla Puno Garcia’s class. The pace in her class is not too fast, and allows for great comprehension of choreography. She focuses a lot on musicality, and has a wonderful positive energy that makes all the dancers in the room feel comfortable.
Chris Jarosz: Chris is listed as a Jazz teacher at Steps, but his classes often have a contemporary-jazz feel. His class is fairly fast paced, and his choreography can be moderately complex, but his enthusiasm and helpful critiques allow for a class full of improvement and enjoyment.
Steven Blandino: Steven’s class is not for the weak! He offers a fast-paced and athletic environment for dancers who want that extra push. He tends to use popular songs, creating a super fun environment for the dancers in the room. Get ready to really work – even his warm up is a challenge!