Reviews of Universal Dance Studio (Dance School)

Yolanda

Great crowd! Everyone is friendly and supportive. I will definitely go back!

K Red

My boyfriend and I are currently taking Salsa and Bachata at this studio, In just a few short weeks we have come so far and are having amazing time learning. Maria is our instructor and she is one of the sweetest and knowledgeable people I have come across. Her passion for dance is contagious. This is a great place to learn and have a good time :-).

Zoe Compton

I started salsa lessons with zero experiences a few weeks ago. I take both private and group classes and I already feel very comfortable with the steps. The classes are fun and I love the teachers!

Gurvinder Singh

Best place to learn amazing dance steps

Terri K

My husband and I took a 10 private lesson package at UDS for our first dance at our wedding. For the first half we were with Maria, who created an amazing choreography and helped us master viennese waltz. Afterwards she was on vacation and Vanessa helped us clean up our performance (posture, timing, arms, etc.) as well as finalize the choreography. It was an amazing experience and we enjoyed the weekly break from wedding planning stress. Maria and Vanessa were both very nice teachers, pushing us to do a great dance but all in a great atmosphere. We got so many compliments for our first dance at our wedding. Thank you Maria and Vanessa! I would recommend UDS to anyone who wants to feel confident doing a choreography that differs from the usual cookie cutter dances.

Héctor Castro

I definitely recommend this place if you’re interested in learning in a friendly and welcoming environment. The teachers are talented and make you feel extremely confortable during the learning process. They also have socials to practice your skills as you go along. Besides, it is a great place to make new friends!

Hung Tam Nguyen

Friendly and competent staff. Covid safe, everyone is vaccinated plus gets temperature checked at the door. Nice music selection. Many dance styles to choose from.

Saranpreet Singh

great place

Lauren Gazzard Kerr

My fiancé and I have been taking private dance classes at this studio for the last few months and it has been amazing!!! Our instructor Vanessa is so warm, professional, and creative! She made a routine for us for the studio's spring showcase and it was such a fantastic experience. I was a professional dancer when I was young but my fiancé had no experience before starting and Vanessa has made us feel as though we have been dancing together for years. We started classes in order to have a routine for our wedding but now we are planning on taking group classes to keep this experience going! The studio is filled with such kind and welcoming people. They hold social dance events on Friday's where you can mingle, practice, and learn new dances.We leave every session feeling more and more connected and inspired! I truly can't recommend this studio enough! !!

Magalie P

Great place! Nice teachers. Very friendly, no stress. Thank you for your services.

Patrick Paquet

Venessa is a fantastic teacher! She is always encouraging me even when I mess up :) I just started but with her help I was able to learn the basics to a few dance styles. But the real magic happens on Friday nights where you get to practice with all the other students and learn more dance moves! Keep up the good work :D

Khorshid Yaghmai

Two years and half a ago a friend of mine invited me to an open house in Universal dance studio. From the moment I walked in I found people are warm and friendly and made me feel right at home which made it easy to learn dancing! All the teachers make it fun and easy to learn????????????????????????????????????. If you like to have fun and enjoy nice ???? MuSiCA and dancing in a friendly atmosphere and socializing with nice people you should definitely try Friday night events(usually starts at 8:30pm)which is one hour class(could be different dances each week)and social till midnight.???????????????????? Also I had private lessons separately with Maria, Vanessa, and Jonathan and all of them are really good and you will learn alot from each of them.

Gerry

I'm so glad to have found this studio. The instructors are excellent. I've already learned so much in only six lessons. Thank you!

Noah Bernett

Universal Dance Studio is a very special place. The owners, Vanessa and Maria are warm natured individuals who truly care about everyone who walks through their space whether they've just met you or known you for years. The speed in which they teach their classes is perfectly geared towards the class level and they are always prepared to help anyone who is dragging a bit behind. Its also important to mention that the sizes of the classes are just right where enough attention can be given to each student. I started taking beginner salsa/bachata classes once a week and 2 months later find myself going to the studio 3 days a week and taking private classes. If you have no dance experience and are looking to learn, this is the best place to do it. If you are a professional dancer and want to dance with other professionals, this is the best place to do it.

Ami Woo

First dance class experience turned out super well! Friendly positive environment and staff, good summer deals, never need to worry to be embarrassed, etc. They also have Friday nights with a group class and all kinds of social dances when you can dance with any levels of members. Highly recommend!

Véronique Papineau

(Translated) A super friendly place to learn to dance. Our teacher, Maria, was extremely competent and patient. Personalized lessons with small groups. (Original) Un endroit super sympathique où apprendre à danser. Notre professeure, Maria, était ultra compétente et patiente. Cours personnalisés avec de petits groupes.

Lauren Ramjee

I've been a part of the universal dance studio family since Christmas and I am SO happy that I joined the studio!!!! Maria, Vanessa and all the other dance teachers are ALL extremely talented but beyond that, they dedicate themselves relentlessly and wholeheartedly to passing on their passion for dance to each and every one of their students. They don't just teach you the steps, they teach you a whole new language of human connection. I look forward to my lessons every week! The group classes are really fun and a good way to meet people and the private lessons are where you can really improve your technique. I cannot recommend them enough. The dance socials at the studio are also a great way to practice. Above all else, they are amazing people, and I couldn't be happier to support them! I recently moved to mtl from London which was a tough adjustment for me, but was made so much easier by me finding my new family at universal dance studio, and I am so grateful to Maria and Vanessa for creating this unique and special place for us all to enjoy!!!

Maria Catalina Pavel

My husband and I stopped by for a dance social while visiting from out of town and we had a blast. Very welcoming studio and such lovely staff!

Bolla

Best dancing studio ever. Went there me and my fiancé before our engagement, all the other dancing studios said we are tight on time. U.D.S accepted us and in 5 days we learned to perform two dances. Vanessa is amazing, best dancing instructor ever. The place is nice and clean the people are great, definitely going there for before our wedding. Vanessa: Everything was perfect in the engagement Love you Najah & Abdullah :)

HOWboutDAT Fails

Honestly I am a nyc girl who has taught ballroom in nyc and New Jersey and worked with the famous Pierre Dulaine and have been to this studio. Not only is it beautiful and friendly but a real find in Montreal. You will not find more talented teachers than Maria and Vanessa anywhere. Wether you are experienced or have never danced a step and want a beautiful dance for your wedding,or just want to learn dancing because it is a skill parallel to sports.or want to connect with your wife,your husband,your lover,you will Not regret a single moment at this studio. NO ONE DOES IT BETTER THAN THESE TWO DEDICATED ARTISTS. Whether it is choreography.sicial dancing, having a personal dance party...these two are amazing. Do you love Derek Hough? If you want to learn dancing and feel like you don't know what to do. Take one lesson with either Maria or Vanessa and it will change your life. Honestly.

Alice Camerlingo

I loved my Friday evening class/social at the studio. Great teachers, friendly atmosphere and a sense of community that is well worth going back!

Lawrence D

It's the fun place to be! lots of experience and easy learning...also supervised practice on Friday's! never forget what you learn !

Ayanda Keith

In a time of "that-which-shall-not-be mentioned (starts with C, ends with 9), Universal Dance Studio has provided the breath of fresh air we need from the challenges and obstacles we currently face. The team of Vanessa and Maria have put together a safe and fun space where we can learn to dance without worrying about the chances of getting "that-which-shall-not-be-mentioned". From the moment you walk in, strict measures such as taking temperature, filling in forms, wearing masks, washing, sanitizing and dancing on clearly marked spots are enforced. Only hospitals have this much attention to detail. Once the dancing begins, it is very easy to forget that you're decked out in mask and have hands smelling of sanitizer. It is a warm welcoming environment for everyone ranging from the unskilled to the skilled. So if you have two left feet (like myself)or you want to improve your Latin dancing skills, there is absolutely no better place in Montreal right now than Universal Dance Studio.

Catherine Fuller

Universal is a wonderful and fun place to take dance classes. My husband and I have taken lessons in ballroom before and we enjoyed the way Maria and Vanessa were able to teach us more of the character of each dance rather than just memorizing steps. We also learned dances that were new to us like the bachata. They really have created a dance community here that is friendly and provides social opportunities to practise through the friday night socials and occasional outings.

jimmy Haim Pardo

To Vanessa and Maria .keep doing a great job . the Best sechol in Town. Thank you .

Hannah Besseau

Great experience. My partner and I started with the group classes (salsa, swing) and now take private salsa/bachata lessons. It can be intimidating to walk into a dance class with no experience, but the team at Universal, and Vanessa, make it so welcoming and easy to get started. Its clear they put effort into making sure students feel supported & part of a community, and thats exactly what it feels like when you walk through the doors.

Iman Kia

Warm and dedicated staff, everyone here is welcoming and supportive. I decided to try the beginners' Salsa/Bachata class for the kick of it and I ended up learning and falling in love with many different dances offered at this studio. This place goes to show that anyone can pick up dancing no matter their age and experience.

Andrew Z

Great teachers. Friendly, no attitude environment. Really enjoying my salsa, bachata, and cha cha group and private lessons. Went out on a few dinner and dance outings with the gang and they're always a fun and delicious time!

Rick M.

The people here make you feel welcome. Their teaching skills are superb.

Veronique Le boeuf

Universal dance studio is by far the friendliest dance studio in Montreal. There is a really supportive environment that I really love. Unlike some dance studios, which I will not name, the students there are actually there to learn how to dance lol! I also really love the $5-10 Friday practice parties, what an incredible bargain!

Philippe Daviet

We've been going to the Universal Dance Studio for 3 years now, taking private lessons with Vanessa. It's been wonderful. Vanessa has really tailored her classes to our needs, and has brought us to a very enjoyable level of ballroom dancing. With the recent pandemic, Maria and her have really re-arranged the studio so as to make us feel safe while still enjoying our time there. Thank you both! Fantastic place! Great vibes! And great sense of humor. Keep on dancing!

John Co

Can't say enough good things about this dance studio and specifically Maria. From having no dance experience/confidence at all, I now have a solid foundation and feel comfortable learning new moves. Going above and beyond is an understatement. Maria and her team are extremely generous with their time and ensure you grasp and understand anything you learn. Would definitely recommend for beginners or people looking to learn a new dance style.

SEJ “Shawn”

One of the best latin / ballroom dancing schools in Montreal with a warm family vibe and affordable fees. The teachers are highly skilled, thorough, caring and fun!

marc sapareto

"I have personally witnessed transformations of novice "left foot" dancers who have shown growth. Men who feel they cannot move their feet, women who love to follow and want a partner that will show them off. Beware. These two owners will have you doing a beautiful choreographed routine that will not only WOW your friends, but make you feel great about yourself and insure your love of dance FOREVER. I can't recommend them enough.....Susan Sapareto, Ballroom Dancer

Anthony oluitan

Awesome folks… warm and friendly environment

Maxime Du Pont Atrakchi

UDS is a Fantastic place to learn to dance! Classes are small and a lot of fun. If your a guy, be aware that it's tougher to for a guy to learn to dance. This is because the guy must lead! I struggled more than most guys, and the teachers gave me additional attention.

Matthieu Moreau

(Translated) Ultra friendly owner! (Original) Propriétaire ultra sympathique !

Namastef

Highly recommend! What a lovely dance studio. Great energy and talented staff! Maria is a wonderful teacher. They teach all the dance styles and have weekly dances for practice. Great music. So much fun!

Bachir Bachir Bachir Bachir

I strongly suggest this studio for any level of dancing. They helped me grow so much in such a short amount of time ! Friendliest staff that take the time needed for your learning !

Gabrielle Brault

Vanessa & Maria are seriously the best!! Sooo welcoming and sooo caring. They care about you and they definitely surpass my expectations with there service and talent! They fully customized me and my financé wedding dance and made this stressful event sooooo much fun and magical. I find it really awesome the fact that they make private events with awesome decorations, LIVE music with music bands, singer, light etc! for example: Valentine’s Day event and more! You get to meet new dancers and interact with all there students! Such a cool vibe and definitely was a new experience for us! We are very satisfied with the service! highly recommended this place! I wish I could of given more than 5 reviews seriously this place deserve 10 STARS.

Alex Flores

Great teachers , good animateurs and patience of gold , we love that its close a metro lionel groux, i strongly suggest taking dance lessons here .

mark oates

I " ran into " the Studio, by accident, while in the Notre Dame st. neighborhood. Turned into a " gem" of a place. As a relatively new resident of Montreal, I wanted to do something , I hadn't done in years. And poorly at best. Salsa dance. I tried other places, but there was something lacking. Then I found it at Universal Dance. Even during these times, there is still hope to become a better dancer. So I got matched with an extremely good teacher. And am planning on taking more lessons, and making the Studio one of my positive places to go. On the " facilities " side of things. It is in a great location, near the Atwater Market, with some good parking options. And with less construction than other areas of Montreal. The street view is great, and the dance rooms are big & plentiful. All current health rules are followed PLUS MORE. And you still learn everything you want to. The teachers & clientele are all upbeat & positive. And so, I want to Thank them, for being so welcoming. WM Oates. Lasalle, Montreal ..Quebec. CHEERS!

Vincenzo Camerlingo

Safe place, where there's a lot of space and you can keep your distance safely during the pandemic. This studio has an amazing energy and the professionals take good care of their students and they have the magic touch to bring out the best in you. Universal Dance Studio is my second home and it has changed m'y life for the better.

Aronne Clarke

Amazing dance studio where the emphasis of the atmosphere is to be a community, not just a place to dance. I recently moved to St-Henri and was looking for something fun to do on my spare time. Boy, am I glad I dropped in to this place! I have made new friends, and most importantly, after 12 weeks now of taking the Intro and Beginner Latin & Ballroom classes, I feel confident in fluently dancing to a wide variety of music; with beginners... AND experts! This place goes above and beyond what you would expect in a dance studio - thank you Maria & Vanessa for creating this wonderful gem of a place. Universal Dance Studio is like a second home, where the ego is simply left out the door and every visit is a whole new experience.

Tiffany Le

Everyone at this studio is really welcoming, which also makes it fun for those who are learning to dance for the first time! The teachers in particular are outstanding. From the moment you step in, you're welcomed into a generous and supportive community. My fiancé and I started taking private lessons with Maria a little under a year ago. Initially we wanted to learn to social dance but we also wanted to be more comfortable with dancing at our upcoming wedding. My dancing has progressed enormously since I began with Maria, she's really a fantastic teacher and tailors each lesson to suit your needs and skill level. She sets a pace that pushes you to improve but doesn’t take you too far out of your comfort zone. This was the the first (and remains the only) activity that I’ve gone to since the city has de-confined and I can honestly say that they really are going the extra mile to ensure that the studio is running in a way that prioritizes the safety their staff and students: strict safety protocols are in place with sanitation stations available throughout the studio, your temperature is always taken at the door before a lesson and all instructors wear visors, masks, and new gloves for each lesson. Everyone at the studio is professional, friendly and energetic! I can recommend this place to anyone who is even thinking of dancing - couples and singles alike!

bob l

The owners have created an oasis: a great environment that is both beginner friendly and where you can improve your skill level to a high level if you put in the time and effort. Staff is very friendly, polite, quick to respond, accurate, and always make you feel welcome. Instructors are very skilled yet humble. The owners strive to create value for their students and make sure that you get the best for your time and money according to your needs. The community of students is very receptive to newcomers, so it is a great place to meet new people. Group and private classes are well taught, adapted to the students' needs. They have an emphasis on properly teaching ballroom etiquette and the basics of dansing, so you can later danse your crazy moves with a proper foundation. Friday socials always start with a 1h class where you get to learn the basics and some moves of a new danse every week. The social that comes after is a DJ mix of a dozen or so types of ballroom and latin danses so there is something for everyone. Overall, I recommend this place! LL

Natou T.

(Translated) Universal Dance Studio is the best dance school in Montreal! We learn to dance while respecting the limits of each person. The teachers, Maria and Vanessa are talented and passionate, they take the time necessary to teach you. Beautiful environment, very friendly atmosphere! Value for money extra price !! I highly recommend it!! (Original) Universal Dance Studio est la meilleure école de danse de Montréal ! On y apprend à danser dans le respect des limites de chaque personne. Les professeurs, Maria et Vanessa sont talentueuses et passionnées, elles prennent le temps nécessaire pour vous enseigner. Bel environnement, atmosphère très friendly! Rapport qualité -prix extra!! Je vous le recommande vivement!!

Matthew Chan-Fee

Vanessa is a great dance instructor! My fiancé and I were able to put together a great dance routine that we never would have imagined us capable of doing on our own for our wedding! Her clear explanations and demonstrations really helped us master the moves. She is always full of energy, very patient and every class left us wanting to practice more. I highly recommend her whether you've never danced in your life or are veteran dancer looking to push your skills even further!

Angelo

I started taking dance lessons at this studio about 6 months ago, and I have nothing but great things to say about both Maria and Vanessa. They are dedicated and sincerely care about the students' experience and progress, with a goal to ensuring that you will not just learn some dance steps, but grow confident and comfortable social dancing. A couple of Fridays ago was the real litmus test, as I joined one of their outings to an actual Cuban salsa club in the city. Intimidated somewhat as they all were impressive and experienced dancers there, but I felt I was able to hold my own, to the point of having a great time dancing like I've never done before. Highly recommended, especially in a studio with such an approachable and friendly environment. Just wish I started this 20 years ago!! :)

Jacques Franz

This place is amazing, the studio is a welcoming place to go and learn to dance with exceptional teachers. Maria and Vanessa are incredible in their approach to teaching and helping you progress. I also took private lessons: the one on one teaching is excellent, and schedule is flexible. Worth the time and money. Highly recommend this place

Robert Bailey

Excellent teachers. They concentrate on getting the student to perform the movements correctly rather than quickly adding on more and more new movements. Friendly atmosphere. Great location close to the metro, etc.

Sandra Chad

Vanessa is a wonderful instructor!Thanks so much for all your patience and encouragement in teaching us the dance! It's been wonderful to learn from you, you are a great teacher, and you made each lesson a lot of fun :) Taking the lessons (and practising each week) has definitely been an experience we've enjoyed and will remember. I highly recommend this place for dance lessons.

Claudia Ruel

COVID update: Very safe and clean environment. The teachers follow all the recommendations and sanitary measures. Was very happy to go back now that they're reopen!

Richard Boro

This place is amazing, I went from no skill to a full routine in 10 hours. Vanessa is incredible as a teacher and a person. Even if you think you cannot dance, go to Universal and they will show you that you can.

Francis Blanchard

(Translated) Highly attuned classes and Vanessa has a contagious energy! (Original) Des cours très attebtionnés et Vanessa a une énergie contagieuse!

Wendy Herman

Maria is phenomenal as a teacher. She Makes the lessons fun and explains new steps in an expert way but easy to understand. She is patient and tailors the sessions to the individual. Great a sense of humor. Highly recommend the studio.

Mikael C.C.

(Translated) Best place to learn to dance! If you want to get by in a nightclub, this is where you have to go. (Original) Meilleur endroit pour apprendre à danser! Si vous voulez vous débrouiller en discothèque, c'est là que vous devez aller.

Émilie Julien

(Translated) Great studio! Amazing teachers !! I started dancing in the studio 4 months ago and it was a great experience with a passionate team. Group lessons are quite small, which allows faster learning. The people are very welcoming and it creates a very nice community with which I was able to meet beautiful people. Also, Friday evenings are perfect for learning a new style of dance and putting into practice what has been learned during lessons. I recommend to anyone who would like to start - or continue - dancing to go to this studio! :) (Original) Super studio! Professeurs incroyables!! J'ai commencé à danser au studio il y a 4 mois et ça été une superbe expérience avec une équipe passionnée. Les cours de groupe sont assez petits, ce qui permet un apprentissage plus rapide. Les gens sont très accueillants et ça créée une très belle communauté avec laquelle j'ai pu faire de belles rencontres. Aussi, les soirées du vendredi sont parfaites pour apprendre un nouveau style de danse et mettre en pratique ce qui a été appris pendant les cours. Je recommande à tous ceux qui aimeraient commencer - ou continuer - à danser d'aller à ce studio! :)

Bassel Atallah

Universal Dance Studio has everything you need from a dance school. Whether you’re looking to dance for the first time or if you’re returning to dance after a hiatus, this is the right place for you. The group classes are great, the individual lessons are great, and the Friday evening dance socials are super great. The teachers work very hard to create a welcoming and supportive learning environment. You will improve as a dancer while enjoying every minute of it.

fener2210 fenerfener

They not only teach how to dance , but they also teach how to be happy , enjoy the life and feel the quality.

Brett

Took a week of private dance lessons with Vanessa. HIGHLY recommended. I've never really danced, had no clue what to do and she made it very easy. Was able to put together a real choreographed dance after only a week of lessons. She makes sure you are comfortable with any moves and will change it up if necessary. The studio is big and the other dancers were all very friendly and helpful as well.