Reviews of The Underdog Dance Corp. (Dance School)

Brennan Koopman

Emily is definitely one of the best latin dancers within the KW region, and her new studio and classes are nothing short of that assessment. Within just a few short weeks I have gone from knowing almost nothing within the realm of batchata to having a real sense of confidence with my own rhythm and abilities. No matter your skill level or experience, if you are willing to put in the work, Emily can definitely teach you how to dance. I cannot wait to start social dancing again!

Kimberlee Walker

I LOVE this studio! So many styles to choose from, and everyone is so kind and encouraging, and the classes are great fun regardless of how much previous dance experience a person has. I've had Brad as an instructor for a few classes now - not only is he very talented, but he is a great communicator! Brad's energy is contagious, he makes classes SO MUCH FUN with his genuine unbounded enthusiasm for watching people grow as dancers - the way he cheers for you will make you feel like you can do anything! :)

Rachel Martin

I've taken years of lessons with Emily, and I love her teaching style. She is also patient, creative with techniques, and she can transform any dancer! I can't wait to return for future classes.

Jenna Phillips

What an amazing place to be. My nights at the studio are always the highlight of my week! The classes I have taken with Emily, Lauren and Irina so far have really been my saving grace during this pandemic. The studio is doing everything it possibly can to maintain our safety while still allowing us to pursue our passions for dance. Emily is a great instructor and genuine, kind human, who is clearly passionate about all things dance. I love that she encourages diversity and exploration so that everyone can find their unique style. Every week we learn something new and try a different style, making every class a new, exciting adventure. Lauren is the queen of self-love and attitude in her dance, always encouraging us ladies to be ourselves and not care what anyone else is doing or if they are watching us. I was nervous to take her heels class because I have never danced this style before. Because of Lauren, I LOVE heels and feel EMPOWERED to embrace my femininity. Thank you, self love queen! With a background in competitive dance, I can say that Irina's stretch classes are top notch. The stretches are simple enough to do at home, but also thorough so you know they are making a difference. Irina provides plenty of adjustments to suit whatever your flexibility level, or to accommodate any injuries you may have. If you are wondering whether to become a member, DO IT! You will not regret this life-changing experience. The Underdog studio now feels like home to me. Thank you so much to everyone on the team for all of your hard work and dedication <3

Twan Dieker

We loved our beginners salsa class with Emily and Kealan! They are both amazing and very talented teachers that are so much fun to learn from. We came in with no dance experience and left the class ready for the intermediate class. We will also be starting beginners Bachata. The studio is in a great location, set up/decorated wonderfully and very spacious to allow for social distancing. I would recommend this studio to anyone looking to learn a new skill!

Paul Salvatore

The classes we took (Bachata) were incredibly fun and we learned a ton. Emily’s instruction was consistently fantastic, and we are definitely much more confident dancers than when we began as a result. We will be returning for more, I would recommend Underdog to anyone looking to learn something new!

emily schuurmans

I took Lauren's drop-in heel's class and will definitely be coming back! She was an awesome instructor, and was able to breakdown the steps really well - as someone that's never take a dance class before, I found her teaching style really helpful. The choreography was lots of fun, and I felt really good about myself leaving the class. It was a judgement-free environment filled with supportive women and I would recommend this class and studio to everyone!

Isha Sahay

It's everything I was looking for! Not only do they have different types of dance classes but they do socials as well! Emily is so professional & easy to follow as an instructor! She's also flexible if your personal situations impact your ability to dance. Such a great studio! My partner who didn't usually go out dancing, cant wait till our next lesson :) Hard to find a studio that offers so much & so well <3 Absolutely love it!

Kristen MacLennan

I love The Underdog Dance Studio! Great instructors and fun choreography, offering classes unseen anywhere else in KW. I will definitely be joining again!

Minerva Sanchez

Signed up for Kizomba lessons and they did not disappoint. The studio is well appointed and spacious. We had lots of natural light and having so many mirrors was wonderful.

Gian Navarro

If you are looking for an amazing, patient and knowledgeable dance instructor and a passionate dancer as well, then this is the place to be. Emily has undeniably made me progress to a better dancer every session and its exciting to see how much better I can be with her guide

Joe Bartolo

I took the bachata beginer class with no previous experience and was nervous and not sure what to expect. Emily is Amazing and was very patient with me!!!!. This studio is my new favorite place and I look forward to my classes every week. I highly recommend that anyone try it out and you won't be disappointed.

Salar

Emily is my favourite dance instructor in all of Ontario. I've had some poor experiences with other instructors, with some taking my motivation away from dance, but Emily has always made me excited and happy to dance. She knows how to make classes fun, and she has some snazzy moves she shares with us that we can easily recreate at home. Hands down, my rating for her is a solid 5 stars. She's the best, and even if i have to travel an hour to get to her, it's worth it for me completely.

Jen Terry

I have known Emily for a couple of years and I am so happy that she has created this space to share her passion for dance. Dance for me has been healing in so many ways and Emily has definitely been a part of that journey. Dance is a way to be present. Practice mindfulness. Connect to your breath. Move your body. Increase your self esteem. And can be the most amazing tool to support mental wellness <3 I have mostly taken classes with Emily and I can truly say - as someone who never thought they would even be close to becoming a person who dances - that she has a way to foster confidence in new dancers. Her teaching style is patient and very thorough. She has also offered a way for me and my preteen daughter a way to connect through dance - something that I will be eternally grateful for :) Whether you have wanted to try a new hobby or have never really considered it, I would definitely try out one of the amazing classes this studio has to offer. All of us dancers started somewhere (for me it was the prettiest lol) but I am so glad that I kept going because it truly has become one of the most healing therapies in my life <3

Meg Carman

Lauren is amazing and l always leave her chair classes feeling empowered and beautiful. This is more than a dance class! I would highly recommend taking any of her classes.

Vithushan Aravienthan

Emily is absolutely the best salsa/bachata instructor in the KW region and the best dance instructor I've ever had. There are so many different dance and fitness classes available and it makes the monthly pass an absolute steal.

Eilish Veuger

The space is beautiful and all the teachers are super knowledgeable and encouraging. Emily is an amazing dancer and a patient and skilled teacher!

Hayley Rutherford

Just wrapped my first 5 weeks at Underdog and keen for more! Brad's commercial class was a blast - well paced, fun choreography and good energy all 'round.

Alexandra Mills

Brad’s commercial dance class is tons of fun! He structures the session in a way that is suitable for all levels of experience and keeps up a friendly, high energy mood throughout the whole class. Emily’s heels class is another favourite. She slows everything down to the basics and cheers you on every step of the way. It’s a great introductory session if you’re looking challenge yourself in a new style. I highly recommend these classes to anyone looking for a fun way to get moving and grow your confidence in a safe and welcoming space.

Ashley N

We had the most amazing time taking Emily’s 4 week beginners bachata class! I came in with a knee injury and Emily gave adjustments for every skill level. We felt very comfortable with the COVID precautions put in place and the space is super clean! Thank Underdog Dance for creating such a fun and safe space for all of us to enjoy. We will definitely be coming back!

Gaby Wroblewska

Signed up for Lauren’s heels class level 1 with my neighbour, and as every beginner I was nervous. Also, through the pandemic it’s been hard to find a sense of belonging. However, all that disappeared class after class. Lauren provides a safe and empowering space for us to build great confidence, love ourselves, and encourage everyone else too, helping to grow together week to week. By the end of week 5 it was so satisfying to have completed a spunky, sexy choreography. The choreography was fun yet challenging enough to really see what we are capable of. The space it’s self is cute and quaint. The lights are a fun addition. Great big windows makes it feel so open. Super excited to begin the next level of heels! Thank you Lauren and Emily for bringing this opportunity to Waterloo!

Andrés Mauricio Arcila Vásquez

This is an amazing school to learn salsa and bachata. Emily is a great professor that really motivates you.

Ibrahim Kettaneh

I tried the intermediate bachata classes. The instructors are great and very friendly, and they break move into a smaller steps so that it's easier to follow. I am definitely taking more classes.

Shawnelle Blackbird-Riley

I am happy to say that I was able to attend Lauren’s classes at the Underdog! I met her in the summer for a group lesson before she was working at the studio and I loved her energy. As soon as I found out that she would be teaching I made sure to register. Her heels class was amazing as it allowed for me to enter a space where I felt competent and supported by other strong women. I was also able to try her chair class for the first time and I’m grateful for her teaching process. She welcomes mistakes and makes the environment very enjoyable with her sense of humour and constant cheering. I must also mention that we recently filmed for the digital showcase and her professionalism throughout the process was exemplary. She goes beyond the efforts of a teacher and I am proud to call her my friend! I was also able to participate in a free drop in class for couples salsa with a good friend of mine. We had a great time and I would recommend to anyone who enjoys being active with their friends and trying new things. Emily is a very kind and patient instructor! She was encouraging throughout the class and created a very warm environment, I instantly felt comfortable. Thank you for providing these opportunities to try new styles of dance it shows how much you want people to enjoy dance!!

Xinyuan Wang

Emily’s class is always fun! She is such a good instructor that the demonstration is easy to follow. She also pays great attention to the students so she can give the right advice. I can always see my progress after the class. Love the dance community created as well!

Dennis Riddell

My wife and I took beginner bachata classes with Emily and she was amazing. My wife and I arent very quordinated and she took so much individual time helping us. By the end we were dancing like pros and took the intermediate class as well. These classes are so highly recommended and we looked forward to our class each week and were so sad when it ended. Well definetly take more classes with her. A+++

Connie Watson

My husband and I enjoyed our bachata class so much! Not only is so much fun, but the way Emily’ teaching is extremely professional, and is easy to follow her instructions. My husband and I look forward to the next class.

Yosra Mohamed

I absolutely love Emily’s classes, her teaching style and her new studio in Waterloo. Having had very basic knowledge of bachata steps, I feel like I’ve learned something new each week and have refined my technique since starting classes with Her. It’s such a fun and supportive environment to learn in! Highly recommend, with or without a partner! Also tried Lauren’s drop in heels classes and loved them! Lauren is such an upbeat instructor, her choreo is so fun and empowering, I feel so confident after taking them.

Stephanie Medeiros

Excellent dance studio and instructors, especially for beginners. An inclusive place for all. Affordable. Good vibes. Positive atmosphere. Clean! The instructors breakdown every move and will show you as many times as it takes until you get it right.

Mairin Scannell

I took beginner Bachata with Emily and Kealan. They were both amazing teachers: kind, patient, personable and they gave super clear, easy to follow instructions! Taking Bachata classes was a really great way to learn something new while also having a super fun date night out with my partner!

Cristina Bacara

Emily has always been an amazing instructor and an inspiration. She pushes me to go outside my comfort zone and really own my moves! Always look forward to seeing what else she has in store for her classes!

Laura Howey

Emily and Kealan are amazing teachers, and so good at what they do. They are there to perfect all your steps and styling. My boyfriend and I had such an amazing experience and can’t wait to do the intermediate class! Thanks again Emily and Kealan!

Alexia Kuan

This is an amazing dance studio! Emily takes such pride and care of her studio and members and it really shows! She is always willing to go the extra mile to make her members feel welcomed and appreciated. The studio is coveniently located in uptown Waterloo near ample parking. Inside, it has ample studio room and ventilation to allow for safe social distancing. They also have really cool lights that create great ambience when dancing! I have tried Emily’s ladies bachata and have loved it! She is such a talented dancer and teacher. Her choreography is always fun to learn and her styling tips are really helpful, especially for dancers who have never tried bachata. I have also tried Lauren’s Heels and Chair classes and I’m obsessed! Lauren is the queeen of girl power! At first, I thought I would be overwhelmed/intimidated by this style of dancing and choreography, but boy was I wrong! Lauren creates such a positive atmosphere that allows her students to gain a new found confidence. I leave every class feeling great! Her choreography is also so bomb! If you are thinking about joining - do it! Try a heels drop in class or a 5 week session to get started - you won’t regret it!

Olivia Vander Vloet

I signed up for my first class because Lauren was a friend of mine and I had always been amazed by her routines in university. Little did I know that I would fall in love with chair and heels! Lauren and Emily provide such a safe space for women to try something new, build self-confidence, and boost your body image. I always feel welcome and accepted for who I am in the classes even though I had almost no dance experience before my first class. I highly recommend Underdog for all women!

Sarah Dominski

Emily's dance classes are fun, easy to follow, and inclusive of experience-levels. The studio is gorgeous and is definitely the next up-and-coming spot to be in Uptown Waterloo. The variety of classes offered at the studio means there's something for everyone. Cannot recommend this place enough!

Blake Mavin

This company has a massive passion for dance which is demonstrated in everything they do!!