★ 5

We have loved Cleveland City Dance. The teachers are so warm and welcoming. I have seen my child's confidence grown and as well as her ability. Highly recommend.

Source: Google

★ 5

My daughter has enjoyed classes at Cleveland City Dance. She loved being taught by Miss Courtney and Miss Heather. We love their version of "The Uniquely Cleveland Nutcracker" which my daughter was fortunate enough to perform in a few different roles over the years.

Source: Google

★ 5

I love my experience here! I am an adult and I was worried I would be a bit awkward when starting ballet as a middle-age learner. The teachers at Cleveland City Dance made me feel welcome and even cherished. I started with one class, then within a few weeks I added a second then third class. A few months later I was attending a fourth class. I am happy with my instruction, but more important was the joy of connection and increasing confidence. I have also made new friends. I found the classes both affordable and flexible for my complicated adult-life schedule. Added bonus, I got to watch the kids dance and get ready to perform. Watching them helps keep me connected to the energy of young people. Wonderful experiences, I highly recommend.

Source: Google

★ 5

My husband Mike and I take Pilates in Shaker Square – at Cleveland City Dance. The studio is a short walk away – behind a modest white storefront near the Atlas Theater. The class – offered both in the studio and online – focuses on core fitness, flexibility, balance, and strength building.
Several Moreland Courts residents, seeing us walking to Pilates, have asked about it - we’ve been taking for two years. Along the way we’ve learned a lot about Cleveland City Dance (CCD) – its high quality programs and instructors, and the many people it serves. For us, it has become a Shaker Square Favorite. We support it and its continued presence on the Square, including its non-profit component City Ballet of Cleveland, and we hope you will join us in doing so.
Cleveland City Dance is recognized regionally and beyond as a premier dance school.
Under the leadership of Director Courtney Laves-Mearini, Cleveland City Dance has made its home in the Square for more than 20 years. Students range in age from 18 months to 90 years. In addition to our Pilates class, CCD offers classes in ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, modern, and an occasional class in flamenco and African dance. Another Friday morning favorite for mature adults if Ballet barre & balance. More than 200 youth participate in ballet classes. The quality of the instruction and the instructors is excellent, and the skills gained by the students go beyond technique and discipline to building confidence, focus and physical well-being. Pre-professional students can participate in the non-profit City Ballet of Cleveland which provides further training and performance opportunities.
Important to us as Moreland Courts residents is Courtney’s commitment to the Square. She has been a strong and vocal advocate – you may have seen her interviewed on the local news – and she was a member of the Square’s Strategic Planning Committee.
Maybe you’ll consider joining Mike and me in our twice weekly Pilates class or find another way to get involved with the School. At the very least you will know that Shaker Square has a gem in Cleveland City Dance.

Michael Devereaux
Why I take Pilates: A Physician’s Perspective

Jan briefly describes the Pilates class above which is what first drew us to CCD. Jan started classes before me. I later came to observe a class and decided that I should add
this to my other fitness activities aiming at improving flexibility and balance. The class
meets from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday and Thursday. While the various exercises can be demanding, participants are encouraged to work within their capabilities. We are both
octogenarians and are comfortable managing the sessions.

Anyone interested can come and observe a session which is how I got started over a year ago. Also feel free to contact either one of us for additional information.

Writing as a physician (retired neurologist), medical literature strongly supports the value of
regular exercise for all, including seniors. Exercise not only benefits the cardiovascular system as one would expect, but most organs in the body, including the nervous system.
There have been studies indicating that regular exercise can benefit the brain,
including delaying the onset and slowing the progress of dementia. Regular exercise also
prevents sarcopenia meaning the loss of striated muscle. Studies have shown that even 90
plus year old individuals can still build strength and muscle mass with regular exercise. In
summary, regular exercise, where at all possible, should be a part of every individual’s life!

Source: Google

★ 5

This is my second year dancing with Cleveland City Dance, and I truly couldn’t imagine going anywhere else! The instructors are incredibly skilled, supportive, and inspiring. Courtney, the owner, is absolutely amazing—her passion, leadership, and dedication create a welcoming and professional environment that sets this studio apart. I love this place and feel so grateful to be part of such a vibrant dance community!

Source: Google

★ 5

I have been taking virtual tap for about 4 years and really enjoy the fun and engaging learning environment. The tap instructor, April, is very talented and makes this a fun and rewarding experience each week. I look forward to this class all week. A tap routine taught by April was recently performed at a local mall to raise funds for Ohio Cancer Research. Thank you, April!

Source: Google

★ 5

after almost 70 years of evaluating classes teachers, i eagerly and enthusiastically endorse and commend to all review readers CLEVELAND CITY DANCE and modern dance teacher Sara in particular. Sara is kind, intelligent, knowledgable, patient, positive, passionate, and sincere. on a weekly basis, my wife and i engage in myriad activities. Saras modern dance class is reccomended for persons at sny level. i am eager for you to merely contact CLEVELAND CITY DANCE and request my contact info. so that i might amplify on the above!

Source: Google

★ 5

The CCD faculty are incredibly welcoming of dancers from a wide variety of backgrounds as they embark on their dance journey. Couldn't recommend enough!

Source: Google

★ 5

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★ 5

We've been going to Cleveland City Dance since our daughter was three years old. Courtney and team have been amazing. A great place for children to learn to dance.

Source: Google

★ 5

This is a wonderful dance studio to build your confidence, make friends and learn the proper dance technique. The staff and teachers are always very friendly and helpful!

Source: Google

★ 5

CCD is more than just a dance studio, it's a community and a home for all types of people to experience culture, arts, and friendship. Under the extraordinary direction of Courtney and her team, my time there will forever be a highlight of my life and I'm SO grateful for it.

Source: Google

★ 5

We love Cleveland City Dance! My daughter takes ballet and their classes are both fun and enriching. It's been a great confidence booster for her and she really is learning skills and getting better each week.

Source: Google

★ 5

Cleveland City Dance and the teachers there are the reason I have a professional ballet career! Courtney provides the best ballet training Cleveland has to offer. I will forever be grateful for the time I spent dancing there as a kid and the friends I made along the way. If you are looking for an excellent place for dance training, this is it!

Source: Google

★ 5

Cleveland City Dance is a very welcoming, open and diverse place with thoughtful, dedicated and engaging staff and teachers. Teachers are top notch and provide very high quality instructions. They also make you feel like and treat you like a part of their family.

Source: Google

★ 5

I danced at Cleveland City Dance through high school after dancing at small studios that did not focus on ballet technique. Courtney taught me pretty much everything I know about ballet technique and completely transformed my dancing. Courtney created an encouraging and supportive environment and all the teachers and fellow dancers really felt like a second family. I had so many amazing opportunities to learn and perform classical and contemporary choreography. My teachers at CCD turned me into an artist and encouraged me to go for my dreams. After high school, I attended The University of Utah and got a BFA in ballet and then I danced professionally at Ballet Theatre of Maryland for 5 years. None of that would have been possible without CCD and Courtney and I am so grateful for them!

Source: Google

★ 5

I don't usually leave reviews, but Cleveland City Dance deserves to be in the spotlight! The instruction is age-appropriate and all the students from 3yo to high school are given opportunities to learn from great teachers, work hard, grow, and perform. My daughter is going into her 3rd year at this studio after being at 2 other studios prior. She has made so many good friends, but her overwhelming reason for loving this studio is all the performance opportunities, as a result of the connection with City Ballet of Cleveland. Beyond CCD's spring studio show, there is CBC's Uniquely Cleveland Nutcracker in the winter and a spring rep performance which have open auditions, and give numerous outreach performances at local schools etc. Great studio!

Source: Google

★ 5

Cleveland City Dance is an excellent place to grow as a dancer and as a person. The teachers are supportive and encouraging, the classes are challenging but fun and the overall environment is very positive. I recommend it to anyone looking for the best dance training in the Cleveland area.

Source: Google

★ 5

As a young dancer, my daughter was looking for a more intensive ballet experience. Courtney and her studio were recommended to us. Courtney welcomed us with open arms, was extremely knowledgeable, and my daughter thrived under her direction and her discipline. She’s a professional dancer today at 25 years old and credits much of her technique and growth to Cleveland City Dance! All around welcoming and professional and a unique dance studio, couldn’t have been happier!

Source: Google

★ 5

I’ve tried several dance classes and Cleveland City Dance is by far the best of them all. What I like about them is this very serious in there craft and they want the best out of our little 👯. My granddaughter is deaf and they took her under this wings and paid close attention to her making sure she’s getting all the moves right. I LOVE CCD

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Amazing 👏 people.

Source: Google

★ 5

I have done adult tap, flamenco, Pilates and a little hip hop at Cleveland City Dance in my 60’s. It’s a welcoming studio and the teachers are excellent. Most importantly I have fun there!

Source: Google

★ 5

My daughter has substantially improved since she joined Cleveland City Dance last year. She gets excellent solid instruction and corrections that she is able to build upon. The girls are wonderful and the faculty is outstanding. I highly recommend this studio.

Source: Google

★ 5

Mikayla loves her instructors and friends she’s made at CCD. They really push her to be a better dancer. She’s so excited for the upcoming year and being a part of City Ballet of Cleveland as well!

Source: Google

★ 5

I've had 3 kids at Cleveland City Dance over the years (Tap, Ballet, Modern, and Boys' Ballet.) We've been impressed by the level of instruction and the professional quality productions (Nutcracker, spring show, etc.) Overall an excellent place for serious dancers and for those just starting out.

Source: Google

★ 5

My husband and I love this place for our daughter. She is entering her third year. It was important for us to find a place that truly taught the fundamental elements of ballet in a nurturing environment. We love that the class sizes are small enough to allow for individual attention.

Source: Google

★ 5

We love this studio! The team at Cleveland City Dance is professional, helpful and welcoming. It is clear that all of the staff members have our dancers best interest in mind. They are focused on developing happy and healthy dancers. They are well organized and communicate with families early, and often, about details for upcoming performances and new opportunities. I would highly recommend for a dancer of any age!

Source: Google

★ 5

Love the experience with Cleveland City Dance. My daughter was a dancer with another dance studio (2022-2023) prior to coming to CCD. She attended one drop-in class for Ballet. After the class, my daughter exclaimed, "Mom, (previous dance studio) does not teach me ANYTHING!" She receives the technical training so that she can advance as a dancer, she is evaluated throughout the year to determine current level or possible need for advancement, she is given good feedback, and she has become skilled at knowing her dance terminology. Lastly, getting information related to costs and expectations for the year, provided at the beginning of the school year, is SO helpful and appreciated.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 2

We have not used this company, so please take into account when reading this review. We were considering a studio switch and after seeing an advertisement for a masterclass CCD was offering, we decided it would be a good way to experience what kind of environment it is. Unfortunately we had a negative experience just on the phone and I cannot say we would consider attending any classes for this reason. Not only was the master class advertised without an age limit, only as intermediate/advanced (which is not a universally measured standard of dance), I called to see if my 9 1/2 year old could take the class. After speaking to her current dance teacher, she was confirmed as intermediate (in her current studios opinion. Again, this is subjective), so we thought it might be a good class for her to take to push herself. The Instagram ad said to call or go online for assistance, however after attempting to call 3 times for help, we were pushed to use the website each time. That was frustrating enough, as we were not able to register online. After I and my husband called multiple times, we decided it wasn’t worth the trouble and decided against calling back to get signed up. Then a few days later we got a call from a woman with a not so nice tone saying that I called without leaving a message, which was not accurate as I called and spoke to someone each time. I asked if they would accept my daughter and she listed off a bunch of requirements in order to take the class. My daughter can do most of the listed “requirements”.
My issues with this experience are that nowhere on the ad was their definition of “intermediate” listed, nor was there required age limit. This led to confusion, along with no one mentioning any of the suggested requirements on any of the multiple calls just seems ridiculous. The world of dance for young children can be very harsh and competitive and I think there was a better way for this to have been handled. If they believe my daughter would be too inexperienced for this class, maybe suggest a different master class in the future, or tell me to keep an eye on the Instagram for other workshops available instead of making an assumption like she’s just “not good enough”. Very disappointing considering the positive reviews and the reputation of this company. What could have turned into a future relationship was cut short by a not so welcoming attitude. Thank you for your time.

Source: Google

★ 5

It was on my heart to learn more about dance, and take classes, I found the studio nestled right there in my neighborhood, definitely a hidden gem, I signed up for Adult Ballet at Cleveland City Dance. The staff is very helpful, friendly and encouraging, the atmosphere is welcoming and professional. I share my experiences there with people all the time, and the end of the year performances are spectacular, I am looking forward to another exciting year, you see, I am over 60 and I have finally made it to level one 😀

Source: Google

★ 5

I would highly recommend Cleveland City Dance. Extremely professional.

Source: Google

★ 5

Courtney and the studio have been a wonderful and much needed change for my daughter in her dance career. Being here for just over a year, the improvement has been significant, and the level of professionalism is much appreciated.

Source: Google

★ 5

I have taken a few adult hip hop classes and this is the best one so far. The instructor Anthony uses modern references (to a millennial or gen z) when describing moves, and respects the culture and history of hip hop while also making each class fun.

Source: Google

★ 5

Always a wonderful experience for my daughters. Miss Meghann is warm and lovely and makes the students feel welcome, valued, and confident.

Source: Google

★ 5

Courtney and her staff are an amazing team of dance instructors. They really do care about the health, growth and development of your child related to dance and beyond.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

My daughter LOVES her dance classes at Cleveland City Dance! The teachers work compassionately through the skill levels of all the students and the staff is always friendly in the studio.

Source: Google

★ 5

This will be my dancer’s third year at Cleveland City Dance, and we cannot overstate how wonderful the experience has been! The teachers are all excellent, and are so invested in each student’s progress. There’s a high level of professionalism and respect among all the staff and students. My child has learned so much there, and has grown significantly in dance technique and in self-confidence. They always cannot wait to come to class each day! Thank you to Courtney and all the wonderful teachers at City Dance! I highly recommend this dance school!

Source: Google

★ 5

Classical ballet at it’s finest. This school won’t offer fanfare, pageantry or competitions - but formation on a different level providing young people so many opportunities to grow in integrity, perseverance and self esteem.

Source: Google

★ 5

High quality dance instruction in a caring, supportive nevironment.

Source: Google

★ 5

Amazing studio. Appropriately challenging classes, enforces positive self-image, values friendships and personal dance goals. Highly recommend.

Source: Google

★ 5

Cleveland City Dance has been our daughter’s second home for over a decade. The quality of instruction, nurturing environment and opportunities for performance can not be beat.
We are so grateful to the studio and dance family she has found there!

Source: Google

★ 5

As summer arrives my daughter cannot wait to return to ballet intensive camp at Cleveland City Dance. She experienced a nurturing environment with a smaller number of students allowing her to receive an amazing amount of attention to her ballet technique, foster relationships with the instructor and also build friendship bonds with other young dancers. I was pleasantly impressed by the historical sessions on dancers that have influenced a variety of dance styles from ballet to tap to modern. My daughter came home being energized having learned about these professional dancers in history. Additionally, she absolutely loved that stretching, modern, and jazz were all styles she got to participate in throughout the week. The safety protocols have been well researched from day one and health has been maintained throughout the studio during this time. We highly recommend CCD Ballet camp for guaranteed summer fun!

Source: Google

★ 5

Thank you, Cleveland City Dance for providing excellent education, friendship and love, and so many incredible experiences for your dancers.
We love Cleveland City Dance!

Source: Google

★ 5

We made the best decision in enrolling our daughter at Cleveland City Dance. The instruction is superb, with focus on technique, artistry and creativity. Courtney Laves-Mearini, the Director, is exceptional. She passionately inspires and motivates the students to be the best they can be. She and all the teachers at CCD are excellent and nurturing, and they all genuinely care for every student. Our daughter has truly found a second home in this dance school. It takes us about an hour to get to the studio because we live on the west side, but it's absolutely worth the drive and more!

Source: Google

★ 5

Cleveland City Dance is a NE Ohio community treasure. Our child has thrived at this school as a dancer and as an adolescent. The staff are nurturing professionals that give the students excellent ballet, modern, jazz, lyrical, etc., training while also taking a developmental approach to caring for the social-emotional well-being of the child/young person. We are thrilled with our child's growing capabilities as ballet dancer, and as a member of caring community of fellow dancers.

Source: Google

★ 5

What an incredible place, I highly recommend it! Courtney is an amazing teacher and person who cares so much about her students as dancers and people in general. I can’t say enough great things about Courtney and all the teachers at Cleveland City Dance.
We have had a phenomenal experience

Source: Google

★ 5

We love Cleveland City Dance! The instructors are all very professional and offer a wonderful, supportive, high quality dance education. It has become a second home to our whole family... nurturing each of us in our dance journey. Courtney's expertise is unmatched. She has carefully developed a rich, holistic environment where everyone and anyone can flourish artistically, physically and emotionally.

Source: Google

★ 5

I find the classes inspiring, challenging and personalized. Courtney has a way of making you feel connected and as if its a one on one training no matter the class size or range of student ages. Her description of how to execute the movements facilitates learning, proper alignment and encourages you to try harder. Thank you for being there during this unusual time.

Source: Google

★ 5

I’ve never known a dancer with such dedication to her art as Courtney. She is both an excellent teacher and role model for her students to the values of hard work, respect for the craft and the joy of dance. Her high standards extend to all of her staff at Cleveland City Dance, providing the best in dance education.

Source: Google

★ 5

What a place, great environment, positive energy, amazing teachers with professional dancing backgrounds who are knowledgeable & dedicated to the student's development & advancement. Also each studio is now outfitted with large screen monitors that allow students in class to experience their friends taking classes at home (social distancing has reduced the number of students allowed in class each day) and students at home to enjoy a view of the students & teachers in the dance studio.
Amazing multi-cultural families, a wonderful location (Shaker Square) & dedicated staff makes time spent at this school very enjoyable & productive.
Keep up the good work & never stop dancing!

Source: Google

★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

Great staff, professionally very strong. Flexible schedule for classes for all levels and ages of dancers.

Source: Google

★ 5

My daughter continues to have a wonderful experience here learning classical ballet, and soon, jazz. I see positive attitudes, a love of dance, and diversity. The diversity is the most important: for too long, beauty and talent in ballet has been measured by one look; one type alone. I am thrilled to see this go by the wayside in this studio! But make no mistake about it: your daughter or son will learn technique, and will learn it the right way. This is not a pageant, people. Thank you Courtney, Jamie, and all the other wonderful teachers at CCD!

Source: Google

★ 5

I would not be the dancer I am today were it not for the invaluable instructors at CCD. Their knowledge is unlike any I’ve seen elsewhere, their genuine care for their students is so real and they always had a willingness to push me to my potential when I needed it. It is by far the best ballet studio in Northeast Ohio! You’ll find unmatched training here! It will forever be my home and a part of my family. Such fond love and memories!

Source: Google

★ 5

Hands down the best dance school in Cleveland for classical ballet training. My daughter danced here for years and was also in their City Ballet company. The training is demanding and the director, Courtney, will work with kids to become professionals or simply dance recreationally. When my daughter chose to cut back on dance because of school Courtney was incredibly supportive and worked with her to make the transition. If I had a child who wanted a professional dance career, I wouldn't hesitate to send him or her here. Truly a professional and ethical environment.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Our daughter had an outstanding experience. Courtney and her staff were very encouraging and the ballet technique instruction is excellent.

Source: Google

★ 5

Great teachers, great supportive studio, great outcomes! If your child wants to dance professionally this is the place to have them train. Alumni from Cleveland City Dance have danced with New York City Ballet, Pittsburgh Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Ballet Theatre of Maryland, Ballet Met and some have danced/been asked to dance with international companies in Russia and the Middle East. Highly recommend!

Source: Google

★ 5

Cleveland City Dance offers the best training in northeast Ohio! CCD brings excellence to the art of dance by hiring qualified faculty and working professionals in each genre offered. These wonderful teachers take pride in teaching the dancers of tomorrow by offering the best training possible for each individual child and his or her needs.

Source: Google

★ 5

This studio uses the correct dance building blocks to start your child out or advance their skills. We now have a daughter dancing with a professional company! Worth every drive and every penny.

Source: Google

★ 5

This is our first year at Cleveland City Dance and we couldn’t be happier. We take Miss Meghann’s Saturday morning pre-ballet class and she is phenomenal. She is so patient and encouraging and has really helped my 3.5 yr old blossom into a confident little dancer. Highly recommend!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Ms Megan Is wonderful with the children, teaching self love, discipline, balance, endurance, beauty and culture. All the teachers there care for the students and seem to impart earnest instruction and effort

Source: Google

★ 5

We started last summer with CCD and we love it. It is very diverse and Mrs. Megan is the best. She really works well with th he students to get them to understand their techniques.

Source: Google

★ 5

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★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Subject: Cleveland City Dance

As a mother of a young daughter, I cannot express enough how Cleveland City Dance strives to create an environment of creativity/technique, nurturing, and support. Ms. Courtney and her instructors represent dedication and passion for their craft. Their instruction goes beyond the studio and stage as the educate young women and men on healthy lifestyle choices and the understanding of what it takes to be a dancer and be part of a community. To witness first hand the beauty that Courtney creates from our children is unmatchable to any other. It is a pure joy and humbling experience to watch these young dancers perform and see the results of their hard work. Bravo to all at Cleveland City Dance.

Source: Google