SHOCKra Studio

I have been taking Beginner and Advanced Beginner Ballet at SHOCKra with Julie for about a year now. Julie has created an intimidation free environment that allows you to learn ballet techniques and have fun without feeling self conscience. The class sizes allow Julie to give students individual attention and she makes sure that you get the work out you came for. I would recommend these classes to anyone who wanted to learn ballet and have fun in a comfortable setting!

I took my first Salsa Class with Jose Luis in 2001. I was doing a work book called "The Artist's Way" and I needed to take myself on a "art date." I was nervous but went to the class anyway. I stood in the back and followed along with the class. I immediately started to feel comfortable and the teacher was encouraging right away. I continued going to Salsa classes with Jose Luis for a long time after that. I made friends there and we met at clubs to dance and socialize. We still keep in touch even though I don't live in NYC anymore. I condinued taking dance classes and even joined a dance company later on... but that's me. My other friends just enjoyed the dance and the comraderie. I couldn't recommend anything more. Jose Luis is one of the best dance teachers I ever had. Clear instruction, fun and encouraging. You'll get so much more out his class than just learning to dance. So what are you waiting for? Go!!

I love this dance studio!! I took the Salsa I & II classes with Kat & Jose Luis Leon. I went in not knowing much about Salsa, but today I'm able to carry my own in a Salsa Club. Kat was an excellent teacher, she made dance class easy and really broke down the basics of the moves. Jose Luis was really easy going and made salsa class sooo much fun!!! Felt like we were at a friends house just dancing rather than in class. After class many of us would go out to test out our freshly learned moves. I also took the pole dancing class with Vicky. I was intimidated to take this class, but she made it easy to learn and set a very relaxed environment. I learned soo much in all of the classes and in the process made some amazing friends. Unfortunately, my job moved farther away from the city, so I can't go to class as often. But I still get invited to go out and whenever I pop back in, I'm greeted with warm welcomes. If you're in the area please take a class, the dance class is in a pr... Read more

I have really enjoyed Shockra Studio! I've taken their Absolute Beginner pole and Bellydance/pole classes and have loved each one! In fact, I keep coming back to take their six week series over and over again. The instructor that I've worked with, Keisha, is very attuned to each student's level and does a great job of encouraging everyone to challenge themselves and improve upon skills that eventually become like second nature. She is warm, funny, and you honestly don't realize how the hour of dancing flew by so quickly. It's been wonderful to take a dance class in such a fun, positive setting. Even the women who I've met behind the counter are fabulous- it's so funny, I keep waiting for someone to be cold, rude, or just a little short with me (we are in New York City!), and it just hasn't happened here. The classes are all very professional, and you will definitely learn to do spins and inversions you never thought you'd be able to land. I'm not a dancer or especially athletic, and h... Read more

The level 1 class was a lot of fun, very basic so great for beginners, and the music was great. The class size was small and there was personal attention. The class only ran for a few sessions so is on the short side. Scheduling extra sessions was confusing.

The atmosphere is very welcoming. The workout (pole dancing) is an instant mood and energy booster. They offer drop in classes for different types of workouts so you can check them all out and pick what you like best.

I started out with the Beginner's Hip Hop workshops with Jessica a few months ago, and then began taking private lessons with her. I've improved so much in this short time!! Jessica is an amazing teacher, really patient during the lessons; she will try as many ways as she can think of to explain a move you're not getting. She's also positive and encouraging, and there is always a great energy during our lessons. Basically....dancing at Shockra has become one of the best parts of my life; I always look forward to the classes, and then spend the rest of the week dancing in my apartment, practicing what I've learned! If you're interested in having dance enter your life...I can't imagine a better place than Shockra/Jessica.

I've been going to Shockra for over a year now and I love this place. The pole classes are the best! Vicky is amazing and I would recommend taking classes with her.

SHOCKra is an amazing place to take classes for those who are either new to dance, returning to dance, or just wanting to have some fun. Pole I with Vicky was a BLAST, and Ballet 1 with Julie was incredible. Perfect pacing in both classes. Fabulous instruction. Reasonable prices. Really, no downside!

I've always loved dancing, but also found it to be one of the most mortifying things we people do in public. It's like trying to sing in front of people when you can't carry a tune, or public speaking in a foreign language. There's something really intimidating about it, which is why alcohol helps so much. I took hip-hop here with Jessica, and she's so encouraging and positive that she addresses half the issue with dancing, which is all in the head. But she definitely knows what she's doing and can help with the technique side of the process, so that you're learning the moves in the right way, too. This isn't the place to go if you're looking to spin on your head and make a living performing at subway stations. But if you want to learn moves you can actually USE, it's perfect! It's a safe place where you get what you put into it--I've loved all the classes I've taken here. If you're the type to sit out at weddings while everyone else seems to have a good time on the dance flo... Read more

I love SHOCKra and highly recommend it for others! Especially if you think you can not dance and have little experience its great because the teachers really cater to yours needs. I took Vickys pole classes and was a true absolute beginner and learned sooo much, and besides being an amazing workout it was really fun!

Interesting. I did a search to read these reviews again, after taking a really awful hiphop class at Shockra. I saw the one review that panned the class, which really confirms my experience. I think she's probably right Shockra wrote the rest of the reviews on here. They're way blown up, and it just doesn't correspond to my experience. And the other people in the class didn't seem to make much improvement or have much fun either. We all sort of talked after class about how Jessica is really not a very good teacher. But I didn't think it was the worst class I'd ever taken or anything. Just didn't get much out of it, or learn anything new, and wouldn't recommend anyone pay for it! There are better teachers and classes at my gym - and those are free with membership, plus you get a lot more!

I have taken many pole classes at Shockra and love it! The teacher, Marlo, is amazing! She is great at engaging all the students of all levels. The pole series classes allow for individual attention and Jessica, the owner, is awesome about letting students make-up classes if you miss any. Maggie, the receptionist, is super friendly too! I would totally recommend this studio to all.

I took private hip hop lessons from Jessica. Her enthusiasm is contagious, and her sense of humor made the time fly by. Jessica takes a personal interest in her students and takes pride in their progress. She tailored her lessons to my abilities and body type, and I rapidly improved. She is great!

I am not a dancer by any means, but I decided to try something new and started taking salsa lessons at Shockra. I felt comfortable right away, and Jose Luis really takes the time to pay attention to everyone and give individual pointers throughout the class. The class was a mix of all different levels, but I never felt out of place or lost as a beginner which was awesome. Each week we started with a basic warmup and then built upon that, so we were doing many similar movements but learned a little something new each time. It really helped build up my confidence on the dance floor, and i would definitely recommend the class for anyone looking to learn salsa!

As a guy, we all know that we'd be having a lot more fun (and meeting MANY more women) if we just had some skills to drop out on the dance floor. Problem is...where the heck do you learn them without completely embarrassing yourself? SHOCKra was a nearly risk-free way of figuring out whether I was destined to use the same two dance steps for the rest of my life. I just completed the 6 week course...learned some moves...and will probably do another round early next year. Here's my quick tips for anyone thinking of taking the plunge: 1 - The 6 week hour-long course was very reasonable for something like $135. 2 - My class had 6-7 people in it. Majority were girls (read: good news if you're a guy) 3 - Jess brings the energy, so if you're positive and looking to improve...there's no way you can't respond well to her coaching. Go for it!!!

I used to always be insecure when it came to dancing. " I don't dance" --- that was my line at a club or bar whenever a woman would invite me to the floor. I had this irrational fear that everyone on the dance floor would be watching, pointing fingers, and laughing at my every ungraceful move.,, Not too long ago I was in Lima, Peru and dozens of happy people were dancing salsa in the city's parks. That was when it occurred to me -- that I too, needed to learn how to do this activity well enough to enjoy myself in the same way that these people clearly did. After finding this studio on a nyc meetup site, I figured I'd give it a try, and I couldn't be happier. Not only am I learning salsa from the instructor Jose, but the studio just has a good 'vibe' about it. I mean the WHOLE staff there knew me on first name basis by my third class....even the owner Jessica joins in on the salsa class every now and then to enhance the experience. Whenever I need the instructor to slow down ... Read more

Beginner Hip-Hop class is the best! I used to be the guy people made fun of on the dance floor. I took some salsa lessons and was doing a lot better, but couldn't dance hip-hop. I took Jessica's beginner class and by the end, I went out to the club and the girl I was dancing with kissed me on the dance floor. No joke! You can go to other places to learn choreographed routines if you want, but Jessica is the only one who teaches freestyle moves you can use at the club. She breaks it down simple, and later you can improvise with it!

Jessica is a great teacher. She keeps a crazy upbeat vibe going through out the lessons. Even if your having a hard time getting the steps you don't realize it because she makes it fun and light so you don't obsess about it. And then when you do get the steps she shows you hoe to own it. Nothing but love for Jessica and SHOCKra Studio

ANYONE WHO'S TAKIN POLE WITH MARLO KNOWS SHE'S FANTASITC. THE STUDIO ITSELF OFFERS AN ARRAY OF CLASSES, TAUGHT BY THE UPTMOST PROFESSIONALS. IF I WASNT SO BUSY I'D TAKE A CLASS EVERYDAY!!!

loved jessica's spunk and energy as she taught the beg hip hop class. i signed up immediately for the series afterwards. don't be afraid! if you've always wanted to try hip hop, this is the time!

We had a bachelorette party pole dancing lesson this past weekend with Marlo. EVERYONE had a great time and is still talking about it. The rates are reasonable and Marlo is an extraordinary dancer. The music was fabulous. All of us tried pretty hard and Marlo made sure that if she saw a way for us to do better, she'd le us know. I am looking forward to trying some other classes at Shockra on my own.

core strength. i learned what this means through the six-week pole intensive and the six-week kettle-bell and pole fusion classes. with vicky's patient and encouraging approach, i discovered strengths and skills i never knew i had. be prepared to push yourself. the short term pain means long term gain. by gain, i mean stronger arms, leaner legs, and a tougher core. and i'm not just referring to your abs and back, but what thrives inside you: what you see come to life when the teachers at shockra show you how to move. i'm a working grad student with very little time or money. the strength and confidence i've gained from shockra have been well worth the investment, as so much depends on the strength of your core. and it's fun! drop in and see for yourself. i used to take classes here regularly, but pole dancing is not recommended for pregnant ladies like me. i definitely plan on returning after i give birth to get my pre-preggers figure back!

We took a pole dancing class as part of a friend's bachelorette party. We had a fabulous time. The instructor was great and the class was a lot of fun, the bride to be had a blast!

I took the absolute beginner hip hop series and would definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to learn to dance. The studio provides a fun, un-intimidating environment, and Jessica has an amazing energy and spirit. Classes are really interactive and the small size makes it easy for everyone to get to know each other. Jessica will speed things up or slow them down depending on the class' needs, so you don't have to worry about not being able to keep up. Overall it's a great confidence builder and lots of fun, and definitely worth checking out!!

We did a 90 minute class w/Marlo last night for a bachelorette party and it was AMAZING and so much fun. We had a group of 11, which worked out well between the 8 poles - since it allowed some of us to rest at a time. Marlo is a fun and great instructor and moved at a pace that was comfortable for the whole group. This place is also affordable compared to most places and easy to plan parties with - would definitely recommend this place for a girls night out!

This is such a fabulous studio! The instructors are super friendly and the atmosphere is totally un-intimidating. It's perfect for beginners and people who wants to try out difference types of dancing. I would recommend Shockra to anyone who loves dancing and wants to try it! I love this studio! Definitely a A++!!!!!

Learning how to dance was my summer resolution, so I took a 6 week intro belly dance class to learn the basics before I started the weekly drop in class. I'm sort of uncoordinated normally, but my instructor Keisha was really sweet and patient. She broke things down in a way that I could understand and I was able to improve significantly over the course of the class. I recommend the 6 week series as a way to learn some fundamentals in a small, easygoing environment. And most of all, it was fun!

SHOCKra is a great dance studio, especially for the person who doesn't want the intimidation factor of places like Steps or Broadway Dance Center. I just finished a 6 week pole dancing workshop with Keisha, and I can definitely feel that I am stronger (my arms look hot!). Keisha is a great teacher-- She is friendly and patient (and hilarious) and makes pole-dancing totally not embarrassing at all. I'm just sad that I moved away and can't go here anymore, and I'll definitely stop in to take a class whenever I'm in town!

My friend & I researched a couple of places that offered pole dancing classes, because we decided to try out something that was completely new to us. Shockra impressed us for many reasons. 1, the description gave us the sense that we were going to learn more than just strip dancing. 2, they offer an absolute beginner workshop that was perfect for two newbees like us. 3, it was really affordable compared to other places that didn't seem to be offering the same quality of teaching. And 4, the pictures on the website made it seem like a fun, clean, professional, sensual and yet classy environment in which to learn the provocate dance art. So we took our chances and signed up for the 6-week Absolute Beginner Pole Workshop- it was amazing! The workshop was great because it allowed my friend and I to work at our own pace and in our own space, so we never felt like we were lagging behind if something was difficult for us. I love the fact that the workshop simultaneously challenges you, while ... Read more

I stumbled upon Shockra by accident when a friend invited me to take a private pole dancing class. We had a blast with our teacher Vicky who showed us tons of spins, climbs and other moves and it inspired me to sign up for a 6-week Pole/Belly dance series. Our teacher Keisha incorporated belly dancing along with pole moves, and made the class both fun and challenging. And yes, you will be bruised all over, but the techniques you learn are worth every one of the black and blues! I wish I had room in my apartment for a pole of my own! The experience was unforgettable and it really introduced me to a new type of dance and exercise that instills confidence and builds strength. My entire body ached after my first pole lesson, but by the 6th I'd gotten so much stronger!

You know me. I'm the 20-something finance dude standing next to the bar getting drunk enough to build up the courage to dance with a the girl I just met, because dancing sober for me can only lead to disasterous results. I see a ton of other guys standing with me, ordering shots, not dancing, so I know I'm not alone. Or...at least that was me before I started at Shockra. If you googled "absolute beginning hip hop class," and it brought you to this review, do yourself a favor and sign up for Shockra's absolute beginning Hip Hop Class. Jess, the teacher, is a god-send for awkward whiteboys trying to dance. Just like any good coach, she builds you from scratch. She can sence your weaknesses and insecurities, and knows how to relate basic hip-hop dance moves to people who have no idea about rhythm or body awareness. After her six week, level 1 beginners seminar (which I took 2x to make sure I learned the basics), you shouldn't expect to be a dancing sensation, but you will have the... Read more

I have been taking pole classes with vicky, and she is superb. Classes super friendly, and not one single moment will you feel intimated or embrassed because everyone is pretty much at the same level. I'm starting hip hop soon too! I took one class with jessica and believe me, she can make a person who think they can't move, move in a way that you say wow to yourself!

Jessica teaches ballet in a fun, relaxed atmosphere using techniques and examples that can relate to anyone and everyone! I would highly recommend SHOCKra to anyone and everyone!

I've been taking the ABSOLUTE Beginner pole dance class since January of this year. Not only have I dropped about 3 pants sizes, but I am gaining strength and agility each week (yes, from going just ONCE a week!) I was apprehensive at first, but the reviews on Citysearch persuaded me to give a try, and thankfully I did :) All the hype is legit, trust me! Vikki is everything you could ask for in an instructor -- kind, attentive, helpful, encouraging, empowering, and extremely talented, which in turn inspires all her students! The classes are fun but challenging, and each class feels like it's flown by in 15 minutes rather than an hour +. I'm not an especially coordinated person, so if I can do this, anyone can! I recommend it for anyone who doesn't like the gym, lacks discipline to train themselves, doesn't have the money to spend on a gym membership + monthly fees + class fees, or just wants to have LOTS of FUN while working out and trying something new.

The Bellydance class at ShockRa is incredible. The art of Bellydance can be very intimidating but Keisha makes you feel so comfortable. I have body image issues and I have overcome them with the help of this class. No matter what shape, size or difficulty you have mastering the moves you always enjoy the class and leave feeling great.

I have been taking classes with Vicky for three months now and it has been an incredible experience for me. There are no words to describe what a kind, patient, attentive teacher she is. At the same time, she has really kicked my lazy butt into shape. I love pole dance and would never give it up. I love Vicky, and I definitely love Shockra!

I'm not exaggerating when I say SHOCKra's bellydance class changed my life! I've never really danced before, and was very timid at first. But Keisha is so friendly, and positive, that my shyness melted away. 8 months later I'm fitter, and I feel more confident and comfortable with my body. The great thing about Keisha's class is that she's able to instruct everyone in the room - she breaks down the moves so that the first-timer can understand, but also gives modifications to the move for the women who have been coming for a while - so everyone is challenged and growing, no matter what their level of coordination or bellydance history. I've also taken Salsa classes at SHOCKra, and they're a lot of fun too! Everyone is so friendly and unintimidating at SHOCKra - if I had the time, I'd take classes 3 or 4 times a week!

I took the 6 week absolute beginner samba/pole class at Shockra with Keisha and it was GREAT ! I've learnt both the basics of samba and the pole. Keisha, the instructor is very patient, she explains step by step how to dance. she is attentive to everyone. A lot of people would rather choose most know classes like salsa or hip-hop but samba is definitly worth trying !

I've been taking bellydance with Keisha for about a year and i'm hooked! I regulary take open class and have signed up for several 6 week workshops as well. Classes are fun, unintimidating and everyone is really friendly. Keisha is very knowledgeable, extremely patient and breaks down all the steps so anyone can do them. Overall she is an excellent instructor. I'm so happy to have found this class! If you're lucky to be close enough, I highly recommend taking bellydance class with Keisha at Shockra Studio!!

I started off with my sister for a 6 week kettlepole workshop with Vicky. We LOVED it so much that we put together a group of our own to do a more private 6 week kettlepole series. Although we are still in the middle of this series, I love Vicky SO MUCH that I actually signed up to do 20 private personal training sessions with Vicky. Now, for me, this is HUGE. It's HUGE b/c I am in no way, shape, or form, a physically fit person. I'm pretty uncoordinated and my endurance for exercise is not very high at all. However, even with all this to take into consideration, Vicky is SUCH A GREAT MOTIVATOR and TRAINER that I actually felt motivated enough to do personal training with her. She knows how to push you in a HEALTHY and FUN way. She realizes everyone is different and tries to accomodate that into how she teaches you to do different things. I ALWAYS said I'd NEVER have someone personally train me b/c too many trainers just don't care and push people to injury. Vicky is the exac... Read more

I just wrapped up my 6-week beginner hip hop class with Jessica and I can't say enough good things! She really broke down the steps and by the end I didn't even realize that I had learned enough to do a whole routine. I loved the class so much that I am already signed up for level 2!

I took the 6 week absolute beginner hip hop class at Shockra and it is by far the best beginner dance class I have taken in Manhattan. I love to go out dancing, but wanted to improve my coordination, to learn a few more moves, and to be able to keep up with the dance classes at the gym for exercise. Unlike most instructors who only like and/or know how to teach to naturals, Jessica can break things down into simple steps and she is genuinely enthusiastic to offer as much explanation and repetition as needed. The atmosphere of the class (6-8ppl) is comfortable, very non-judgmental. By the end of the six weeks you learn a routine of basic moves you can do for the full length of almost any song. I also did two private sessions with Jessica and she really helped me hone in on how I can improve my movement. Overall, I highly recommend Shockra and I look forward to taking more classes there.

All I wanted was a new way to stay active. Going to the gym had lost its appeal and I’m not interested in sports. I was drawn to Shockra Studios because it has a belly dance class for ABSOLUTE beginners, which I am. When I first started I was self conscience, awkward and stiff. Keisha, the instructor, leads the class step by step through warm ups, isolations and dance steps. She gives pep talks that melt away inhibitions and self consciousness. She’s alert and attentive to anyone who’s having a difficult time catching on. And if laughter can be considered part of the workout, Keisha’s wonderful sense of humor will have those core muscles contracting like crazy. She obviously has a passion for dancing and for teaching others to dance. I’m glad I found her. Since I’ve started taking classes at Shockra, I’ve lost weight, I’m not ashamed to expose my jelly-belly and I’m not as awkward or stiff. I have lots of fun there and I look forward to going week after week. I could ramble on fore... Read more

I can’t recommend SHOCKra studio enough. This place is exactly what I was looking for: relaxed, professional, high energy (at the same time as relaxed, yes). It has been the perfect environment for me to learn hip hop dance and salsa. They really care about the development of their clientele and the classes are a lot more functional than those I’ve taken elsewhere. By this I mean that a lot of studios concentrate on showing you one routine, while SHOCKra focuses on your body awareness and basic moves so that you can actually develop your own personal style rather than a canned 30-second show. The staff are all very friendly and take a personal approach to teaching.

I absolutely love belly dance with Keisha. The vibe of the class is really relaxed and Keisha breaks down all the moves in a way that anyone can understand. She's super patient and positive and by the end of class you feel like a goddess who can conquer the world. I've been taking classes for about a year and look forward to belly dancing weekly because its fun,its exercise without having to go to the gym and you feel se xy and confident shimmying and moving your hips to the music. I'd recommend this class to anyone even if you're shy or have never taken a dance class in your life. Keisha goes out of her way to make sure everyone is on the same page and feels comfortable in class.