★ 5

writing this from my car after beg/int theatre jazz with Jess, it was the best dance class I’ve taken in forever! Most regular jazz classes lean a little more contemporary— which is great!—but I’ve been craving hard hitting, sassy, showtunes musical theatre jazz and this is iiiiit! FireWALL *is* the entire adult dance scene in Pittsburgh, and their diversity in the class styles is so very appreciated, I’ve taken 5 classes here this summer after 10+ years not dancing at all. Jess’ energy was contagious, she counted (loudlyyyyy!!) (complimentary!) brought the vocals and was so easy to learn from. I loved her choreo. I’m a 36 years old recovering D1 collegiate dance team girl, but my passion was always character jazz growing up at my studio—this was exactly what my soul needed to actually enjoy and love dance again. Would come every day to take this class if it was on the schedule! Thank you for creating a space for women who are rediscovering dance again in adulthood, it’s so needed. 12/10 no notes.

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★ 4

i have had lovely experiences with the instructors and fellow students! my only complaint is that there are no sunday or friday classes, or even afternoon saturday classes, so it’s very hard for me to actually make it to a class

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★ 5

fireWALL is a second home to so many beautiful humans and open arms to all. I am grateful every day to be a part of this community. The love is so so real. If you're thinking about taking class, stop thinking and do it!! NOW is the time ❤️‍🔥

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★ 5

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★ 5

I loved everything about this studio. It felt so homey and Elisa was so welcoming. The beginners technique class was a little hard for me, but everyone made me feel more comfortable by encouraging me and reassuring that it’s a beginners class and I’m doing good. I love everything about firewall, if you’re thinking about going, just do it.

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★ 5

The best instructors for drop in classes!

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★ 5

My daughter Preslie absolutely loves taking classes at Firewall! Shayla Pringle always brings fire combos. I do want to say how much we appreciate Elisa! Elisa, thank you for providing a space that is kind. Your recent support at the winter intensive is so appreciated! Thank you for everything!

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★ 5

Firewall is the best! I used to come here a lot when my school schedule allowed for it (I miss y’all 🥲) They have many levels and styles of dance, so there is something for everyone. The instructors are amazing teachers and people: positive, energetic, inspiring. I always feel physically pushed and refreshed coming out of class. I’m grateful for this studio and look forward to returning in the new year !

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★ 5

Over 3 years moving and grooving at this wonderful establishment.
I started taking classes at firewall in 2021. I began my “work” study in 2024. “Work” is in quotations because it has never felt like work. I sweep the floors with the same care and attention that I love the space with. I check-in dancers with the same welcoming energy that I received when I first met Elisa 3 years ago. I enter class with the energy of making dance what it should be:
It’s about community. When you step through the door, you will feel accepted and loved and valued for what makes you unique. You will be challenged and pushed to be stronger and more vulnerable.
Elisa is very strict about who teaches here because the comfort and safety of the dancers takes priority, so you can join any class feeling confident that you’ll be taken good care of, because that’s what families do.
If I wasn’t moving away, I would be here every Saturday til I dropped. Can’t thank my Fire Fam enough for all the lessons, and for teaching me how to love myself.

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★ 5

FireWall Dance Studio has been an incredible blessing in my adult life. Growing up, I danced regularly but lost touch with it during college and my early adulthood. Finding FireWall helped me reconnect with this part of myself, and it’s been nothing short of transformative.

The studio is incredibly welcoming to everyone—whether you’re a total beginner or an advanced dancer, there’s a place for you here. The instructors strike the perfect balance between challenging you to grow and celebrating exactly where you are in your journey.

What makes FireWall truly special, though, is the community. I’ve made so many wonderful friends who share the same love for dance, and it’s such a joy to be surrounded by people who uplift and inspire you. If you’re looking for a place to grow as a dancer (or to reconnect with dance like I did), FireWall is it.

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★ 5

I found fireWALL while searching online for a new place to dance in Pittsburgh. While reading about fireWALL online, I was immediately attracted to it because of its focus on being a welcoming space for everyone. From the moment I stepped into the studio, that was entirely true. FireWALL has become a space for me to step out of my comfort zone and be pushed to new sides of my creative self, while feeling supported and encouraged along the way.

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★ 5

I started going to firewall studio from last week after seeing in their burlesque shows how well trained their movers are !

What I appreciate about firewall studio is that there is focus on learning technique ( drills such as isolations or how to use the spine correctly while doing heels ) while offering a nurturing and safe environment to enjoy and challenge oneself . I also took their body conditioning classes and I can tell that the learning is holistic and there is no judgement.

It’s as much training the mind and , the spirit as the body .

The instructors take the time to explain the technique and concepts in an accessible way showing that they care about dancing as a craft and art form.

Highly recommend . I went from heels to hiphop class in 15 minutes and I could do that because a wide variety of classes were available as well as I knew that I was in safe hands

Take a class .

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★ 5

I love this place, I come all the time! Everyone here is amazing!

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★ 5

Such a great studio for drop in dance classes for adults. Great community and they offer a wide variety of classes and styles. 10/10

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★ 5

I absolutely love coming to classes at fireWALL. The faculty is so encouraging and sweet and every class I’ve taken has left me feeling stronger and more empowered. The best studio for anyone looking to grow, or jump back into dance.

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★ 5

FireWALL is truly a place for everyone, from the beginner (everyone can dance!!!) to the preprofessional and professional. Everyone is made to feel welcome and empowered and safe. It is so rare to have performance opportunities as an amateur adult dancer, and FireWALL helps everyone shine. Could not recommend a better studio!! Plus they have literally every style of dance AND non-dance stretching and conditioning classes, so that there really is a place for everyone.

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★ 5

Wonderful place for creativity and community!

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★ 5

I can not say enough good things about Firewall! A welcoming and empowering space to learn and create. The teachers and community are truly unmatched.

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★ 5

I recently started taking classes here and it's been a great experience. I haven't danced since high school, so beginning again was intimidating. But the instructors are energetic, positive, and supportive. It's a great environment and it's been so much fun.

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★ 5

Took a class with Shane and it was great. Can’t wait to come back this week.

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★ 5

Incredible environment and amazing teaching faculty!! I love coming out to dance at FireWall when I am in town.

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★ 5

Firewall is a very fun and professional dance studio!

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★ 5

An amazing place to move and feel great about yourself. A studio that prioritizes community and unity in dance and makes sure you have fun while doing it!!!

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★ 5

Firewall is the best place to dance! They make everyone feel valued and welcome.

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★ 5

I love having a place to come and do adult drop in classes in the Pittsburgh area!!! The staff here is awesome I highly recommend a hip hop class with Shane or Hannah!!! I’ve been coming for years and intend to continue coming back:)

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★ 5

I love firewall! I've been taking their drop in classes for about a year now and I love it! Love the low-risk, low-commitment aspect of drop in classes. Its been a safe space for me to learn + move + step outside my comfort zone.

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★ 5

Absolutely love this place. The people the vibes, great range of classes and opportunities to push myself and dancers of all levels!! Couldn't recommend enough!

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★ 5

Fun and engaging classes with welcoming and friendly instructors!

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★ 5

I love firewall!! They have the most supportive and amazing community. Their heels classes are the highlight of my week!

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★ 5

FireWall is such a fun and inclusive environment! For an ex-competitive dancer, FireWall has reignited my love for dance🤍 Shoutout to Carly for her fab contemporary classes

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★ 5

FireWALL has become one of my favorite places in Pittsburgh over the last year. Carly is an incredible instructor and always strives to challenge and uplift her students. As someone without any technical dance training, I've learned to trust my body and my muscle memory in ways I never knew were possible, and it's because of fireWALL and their amazing instructors. I gravitate heavily toward contemporary, and sometimes I still feel very silly and frustrated in class, but I know it's just because I'm challenging myself to do things I've never tried to do before.

If you're looking for walk-in dance classes, I highly recommend fireWALL. Everyone is so welcoming and encouraging, and they've really excelled in curating a welcoming space for all bodies and all levels of dance experience.

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★ 5

Long overdue review, but I have been dancing at fireWALL for almost a year now and can confidently say it has changed my life in the best way. Coming from a rigorous cheer/pom background, I wanted to stay in touch with creative movement when I moved to Pittsburgh, and going to the studio has done that and more. From my first class I felt welcomed and empowered, and I genuinely feel like my skills have improved so much while healing my body from many years of competing. The studio space is cute, clean, and comfy, and even though I am a bit asthmatic I have never had an issue with ventilation or air quality here. Coming to class is a highlight of my week every week, and I can’t recommend it enough!

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★ 2

I’m not sure what I can safely share without being penalized, so I will summarize. I spent about a year dancing A LOT at Firewall and i probably would have rated it an overall 3/5 as a lifelong dancer, and as someone who has taken most of the classes here and taken class with most of the instructors. The space is really small and difficult to breathe in (not Firewall’s fault, but I find the space challenging) ever since the building was redesigned, something has been wrong with the ventilation.

I appreciate that Firewall offers most styles of dance throughout the week in a casual drop in format. I feel compelled to say however—that as a neurodivergent person with specific learning needs (I learn best when counts are provided) I cannot recommend Firewall to neurodivergent dancers. I’m sorry to say that I never felt safe asking for counts more than once, and ultimately, I never received them anyway. I was called “difficult” and “negative” by different instructors and when I requested a single refund one time for one class- citing a bad experience - I was again called “negative” and told by the owner (in writing) not to return with “my energy”.

So I left a review.

Then I was banned altogether- citing my original review, but here is the thing.

An honest, bad review from a REGULAR customer is a golden opportunity to rectify that relationship.

Following Juneteenth, I found myself thinking-revisiting my role in protecting my community and as a Black dancer, it is not right that a yt woman’s unaddressed discomfort with me was conflated with me being “dangerous” to my fellow dancers. It isn’t right that the owner of Firewall retaliates to unbiased reviews in an open marketplace.

It’s not right that I have accepted the erasure of my experiences at Firewall, especially when so many of my fellow Black dancers have asked me to speak up on what happened to me here, so this is a revised review.

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★ 5

I took the Intro to Heels class and had an incredible time! Elisa worked our butts off with conditioning and technique which I greatly appreciated as a newbie. The sequences we learned were really fun and made me feel sexy. Definitely coming back for more!

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★ 5

Firewall is the best place! I found them about a year ago now and wish I found the studio sooner. As someone who grew up dancing I love that I get the chance to do it again. The environment is so welcoming and positive. The classes are the best push to be better and feel good classes. You’re welcome and accepted here no matter if you’ve danced all your life or never before. It’s the best pick me up and feel good workout you can get. I tell everyone to come here! I love my weekly classes here :)

Source: Google

★ 5

Attending class at fireWALL is always the highlight of my week. The teachers are kind and encouraging, and always create a safe, supportive space in class. There are so many different classes to pick from, and for varying skill levels, which has given me the chance to try new things. This place made me fall in love with dancing again!

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★ 5

FireWALL has completely changed my life! I always wanted to be a dancer and starting as an adult who was never really great at it, I thought that would be impossible. But the fireWALL team made this dream much more of a reality for me! Amazing teachers, clean studio, huge variety of affordable classes, and a great atmosphere. If you just want to have a fun class, exercise, or grow as an artist there is something here for you!

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★ 5

I love Firewall. I started 4 years ago at the age of 60 to tap. Elisa is the most wonderful teacher. Patient and positive. She has given me so much joy and confidence. I have performed in front of others. The studio has such an amazing energy. All the young dancers cheer me on!!!! I am trying contemporary dance! It brings me such joy.

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★ 5

I love fireWALL Dance Theater!! Offering classes of ALL styles & levels with the BEST faculty ever!

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★ 5

I love the classes and the vibe at firewall! Everyone is so welcoming and the classes are so much fun. I’ve learned a lot there!
- Mae C

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★ 5

Firewall is the best! The faculty is absolutely amazing! No place like it!

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★ 5

Firewall is such a blessing to the Pittsburgh area. It is a safe space for expression and creativity. Such incredibly kind and talented people work, dance, and exist there. The environment is unmatched. Not only is it one of the cleanest studios around, the community feel makes it feel like home.

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★ 5

Truly the sweetest and loveliest people in this studio! I always try to drop by for classes whenever I have time and they are always so welcoming, encouraging and patient! The best of the best teachers in all categories. <3

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★ 5

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★ 5

My painting company just finished a project for fireWALL, and they were incredible to work with!! The owner Elisa brought our crew bagels & coffee, and was an absolute pleasure to work with from start to finish. The studio is awesome (and freshly painted), and she may have convinced me to try an intro hip hop class... Check them out!!!

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★ 5

Amazing dance studio with amazing instructors

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★ 5

Elisa and her heels class are a must do in Pittsburgh!! Everyone is so welcoming, and the class is challenging and empowering!

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★ 5

Absolutely amazing place to be!!

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★ 5

I’ve been working Elisa, the owner, for five years in private tap lessons. I am not a natural dancer. She has been extremely patient with me and she even got me to perform once! It’s been so much fun - something I’ve always wanted to do but too intimidated. She is creative, funny, positive and kind and is always ready with a new challenge. She is a master choreographer. I adore her and highly recommend FireWALL to anyone who wants to learn any type of dance at any level. Her students and staff love her because of her charisma, devotion to her art and her collaborative and respectful approach.

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★ 5

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★ 5

Really fun place to dance, awesome ambiance, and no pressure atmosphere.

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★ 5

On a scale of cotton candy to Brussels sprouts, FireWall Dance Theater is a chipotle mocha latte. It's hot.

Have you ever gone down a rabbit hole of dance videos online, and you want to move like that? Well, FireWall definitely can give you that moment with choreography, movement, and video.

A friend and I attended a special Sip & Sexy 2-hour event, and we were floored by how fun it was. For the first time, I felt sexy when dancing, and the people at FireWall are truly a hype squad. I'm sold, and I've purchased a class pass to return to more classes (and I have!).

Parking can be spicy, but if you're there after 6 pm, street parking becomes free. If you want free parking, you'll need to park up near Josephine Street, and that's a few blocks away.

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★ 5

I ADORE fireWALL!! I have next to no dance experience/education and I’m just a mid-30s mom pursuing a lifelong dream to move and dance and heal and grow. I’ve never felt so safe, comfortable, welcomed, and encouraged anywhere (by both instructors and participants) like I have at fireWALL. It’s been so incredibly good for my soul and I can’t wait to try more and more! The $15 drop in classes are a huge bonus - makes it so accessible and easy to try new classes.

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★ 5

my favorite place.😗😗😗😗

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★ 5

My favorite place!!

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★ 5

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★ 5

These drop-in classes are great for "getting it back!" Tons of fun, really fantastic teachers, and a great workout!

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★ 5

BEST PLACE IN THE WHOLE ENTIRE WORLD BEST CLASSES BEST TEACHERS BEST ENVIRONMENT!!!!!❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

Source: Google

★ 5

I went to my first Dance class in almost a decade tonight. I was nervous and admittedly a bit intimidated, walking into a studio that was new to me, with unfamiliar people. However, the moment I walked up the stairs and into the studio I was greeted warmly by the owner, Elisa, who was in the middle of teaching a class. When she had a quick moment before the contemporary class, we got to speak a little bit and any jitters instantly faded, I felt instantly embraced into everything. The class itself was a quick paced, but well rounded warm up that was dynamic. The combination that followed was challenging in all the right ways, and a style of contemporary that, once I shook some of the rust off, felt really good in my body.
Thank you for the soreness and for feeding my soul tonight. It was so needed and appreciated. I very much hope to be back soon.

Source: Google

★ 5

Amazing owner, great energy. The entrance to the studio is in the back for those who get lost !

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★ 5

FireWALL Dance Theater is the most welcoming, inclusive environment I’ve been a part of as a dancer. I love this place as an escape, a place to move free of judgement, and a network of great people. Would 100% recommend to any seasoned, new, or retired dancer like myself.

Source: Google

★ 5

FireWALL has such a welcoming environment! I’m always excited to take classes here because I know I am going to be pushed to grow, while knowing and feeling safe to express myself with an extremely supportive community. The staff is amazing and highly knowledgeable about every aspect they’re teaching. I hope everyone gets a chance to take classes here!

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★ 5

It was so awesome and it was my first time going. Will be back. Felt so empowered.

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★ 5

Very nice place

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★ 5

I hadn’t danced in almost a year and felt so comfortable and encouraged at this studio. Will definitely be back, the staff and students were all very welcoming. Make sure you check out this new studio, it’s the best!

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★ 5

Best dance teachers in Pittsburgh! Love fireWALL!

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★ 5

I love FWDT! Elisa and staff are great - so welcoming and friendly in such a judgment-free zone. Great studio and space!

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★ 5

All of the instructors are so welcoming and positive to everybody!! So much love for this studio!

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★ 5

Absolutely LOVE taking classes at firewall!! The teachers are seriously exceptional, it’s a welcoming environment, and I learn something new every time I take a class here. Plus, they’re working hard to keep it covid friendly :) Highly recommend!!

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★ 5

Elisa creates a welcoming and empowering environment that is both fun and facilitates growth as a dancer. They are working hard to keep the studio highly sanitized due to the covid-19 pandemic, highly recommend!

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★ 5

I absolutely LOVED my classes at firewall. The teachers are so encouraging, and the space is great. I highly recommend to all dancers!

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★ 5

Every time i come to Firewall i feel welcomed! it is such a great and safe environment for everyone! highly recommend:)

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★ 5

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★ 5

Firewall dance studio is top of the line!

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★ 5

Elisa is the best instructor ever! My 12 year old daughter will not stop talking about her experience so far! Looking forward to the future with Elisa!!!

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

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