As the beginner workshop starts to come to a close, I just wanted to tell you how great it has worked out with Jessica. She makes us work really hard and yet is incredibly supportive and encouraging at the same time. I am so grateful for her careful eye and then her feedback during her regular classes. I really appreciate the continuity of working with her throughout the week and then more closely in the workshop. Will the same type of program be offered in January? I hope so, it's exactly the kind of environment I was looking for and is better than all the other beginner workshops I've tried at other studios.

Since college, I've struggled to find a ballet teacher who actually cares about how his/her students are dancing. Most teachers I've encountered don't give corrections and have an I'm-just-here-for-the-paycheck 'tude. Not Dariusz. He's really watching everyone, he'll stop the combination if everyone's effing up, and he yells (in a humorous way!) when he sees someone doing something atrocious. His knowledge of ballet is impeccable--he's not some modern dancer moonlighting as a ballet teacher. He's the real deal.

I know what the reviewer below me means about the ranking--when you come to the center, he puts people into lines, and the lines do correspond roughly with ability. For me, it's highly motivating, but I can see how it would irk some.

I'm deeply in love with the crumbling, unrenovated, late-70s vibe of the building. The studios are boiling hot, but that's good for your flexibility. And the oversized windows look out on Sixth Ave and 10th Street, which makes you feel like you're in a Woody Allen movie. In short, I truly adore the Joffrey.

Sabrina K

As an adult beginner with no previous dance experience whatsoever, I tried out many beginner ballet classes around the city and found most unsatisfying–crowded, with little personal attention. I'd read about the Joffrey Absolute Beginner Workshop and although it seemed daunting– class 4x a week– I was tired of wasting money and time and learning nothing elsewhere. I took the workshop this past October and it was fantastic. The class breaks down everything starting from the basic positions to how to follow the barre and some basic center work.

Dariusz' clear instructions help you understand the not just the technical positions, but also the purpose of the movements. When I started the workshop, I was certain there was no way I keep the tempo of the exercises (I have no rhythm whatsoever), especially when we were forbidden from looking at our feet or in the mirror! Turns out Dariusz' methods work– at one point I even stopped counting the beats and was simply able to follow by listening to the music– and I honestly never thought this could be taught.  

As promised, there are many assistants who walk the room and provide corrections. I cannot tell you how valuable it was to get this level of attention– each correction provided an "aha" moment for me. The assistants are advanced students of Dariusz' who volunteer to help out with the workshop– that tells you something about the commitment of his students as well as their love for dance.  

After the workshop, you will not know everything about ballet, but you will know far more than when you started, and have enough knowledge to attend regular classes and improve on what you learned. I found the workshop so valuable that I took it again the next time it was offered and learned just as much this time around– I only wish the workshop was offered more often!  When you have finished the workshop, you are prepared to attend the regular, drop in classes at Joffrey. It can be intimidating to attend Dariusz' beginner classes. Some very advanced dancers (including the assistants) also attend these same classes. But the classes are by no means competitive and all the students are some of the nicest people you will ever meet and it is very inspiring to be able to watch and learn from these gorgeous "front row" dancers instead of being stuck in a class with just bumbling beginners. Fortunately, when we move to the center, the beginners are placed in the last row (at least to start, we often switch rows) which makes it easier to follow the seasoned dancers and also makes it less intimidating to practice the steps without feeling like everyone is watching you (they aren't, it just feels that way sometimes!). Another bonus of having such experienced dancers in the class is that there is always someone to help out with questions or show you a step while you are waiting your turn or after class.

I always wanted to do ballet and venture...

Dena is wonderful for basic since she breaks down all the steps and corrects you as you do it. Out of all the instructor I highly recommed her if you haven't had ballet in a while or always wanted to learn

Hilda D

Since college, I've struggled to find a ballet teacher who actually cares about how his/her students are dancing. Most teachers I've encountered don't give corrections and have an I'm-just-here-for-the-paycheck 'tude. Not Dariusz. He's really watching everyone, he'll stop the combination if everyone's effing up, and he yells (in a humorous way!) when he sees someone doing something atrocious. His knowledge of ballet is impeccable--he's not some modern dancer moonlighting as a ballet teacher. He's the real deal.

I know what the reviewer below me means about the ranking--when you come to the center, he puts people into lines, and the lines do correspond roughly with ability. For me, it's highly motivating, but I can see how it would irk some.

I'm deeply in love with the crumbling, unrenovated, late-70s vibe of the building. The studios are boiling hot, but that's good for your flexibility. And the oversized windows look out on Sixth Ave and 10th Street, which makes you feel like you're in a Woody Allen movie. In short, I truly adore the Joffrey.

Mark B.