★ 5

Let me just say... I appreciate this place so much!

I have always wanted to try so I finally booked a Sensual Flow class this week. I walked in to find a very welcoming room and lovely people. The instructor was very warm and made me feel super comfortable, she helped me get my body roll just right lol I loved it. If you’ve been wanting to try a class this is your sign to go!

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★ 5

Such a great teacher and I loved the inclusive vibe. I’ll definitely go back.

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★ 5

Teachers are great, classes are appropriately difficult and taught in a clear and concise manner. The aura is very welcoming to all regardless of body, size, and skill level. I've been to other studios, but the welcoming nature of this studio is unmatched.

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★ 5

Such a beautiful, loving, inclusive environment. I felt completely safe to just be myself and enjoy the music. The best exercise you could ask for, since it’s so fun and enjoyable. Thank you!

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★ 5

I love Athena Dance. They have am amazing variety of instructors and classes. They make you feel welcome and capable. Highly recommend taking classes at this outstanding studio.

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★ 5

So fun! Everyone is so supportive and welcoming. I've improved so much even though I wasn't strong or flexible at all! I love what I good workout I get at every class 😁

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★ 1

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★ 5

The classes are great, the community and teachers are supportive of everyone, regardless of gender, size or whatever. I feel very safe and welcome here.

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★ 5

fantastic instructors in beginning pole! i have been going for 5 weeks now and with the thorough directions from the instructors i have really improved. i did not have any prior experience and don't consider myself super strong, but with time it definitely gets easier. the studio is inclusive of all identities which i find extremely comforting as a thicker woman of color.

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★ 5

My 1st experience the instructor, Max, made me and my 2 friends feel so welcomed. She was able yo give us instruction and help in a way that was made us feel we could be successful. The environment was playful, welcoming, and clean. You could genuinely tell that the instructor wanted us all to have fun, be successful at learning new things within our comfort level, and leave excited about the next class which we are!

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★ 5

Jane was so kind and informative, and the whole space just felt inviting and wonderful. I am painfully out of shape and a bit scared of falling off the pole 🤣 but I never once felt judged ❤️

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★ 5

Went here for my very first aerial skills class. Everyone was so welcoming, the skills were challenging but learnable, and the coach was great at breaking everything down. Highly recommend!

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★ 5

Wonderful, kind community. Fun workout that you don't even realize is intense until the day after.

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★ 5

I was running late and they were so kind in letting me join! Toni and Karen were welcoming and supportive while modeling the choreography perfectly. Environment was encouraging for newcomers and I enjoyed trying something outside of my comfort zone. Will be back :)

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★ 5

Very welcoming and was great for beginners! The teacher (Jen) was incredibly helpful and made you feel great about even the small accomplishments I really hope to take more classes

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★ 5

Jane is so nice and encouraging! A true gem!

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★ 5

Sam’s intro to aerial class focused on conditioning and reviewing important foundational steps to getting in the air with grace. She meets everyone at their level.

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★ 5

Tasia is so patience, makes learning fun and encouraging. The moves taught were the right difficulty.
I’m so excited to continue to develop my skills with Lyra.

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★ 5

The community is great and the classes are fun and challenging workout

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★ 5

Jane made us feel comfortable & explains things well. Only complaint is parking & some guy hanging around outside.

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★ 5

I loved the small class size, the amount of care and patience placed on individualized instruction , and competency and structure provided by the instructor.

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★ 5

I had the opportunity to attend an intermediate pole prep class with Mireya while I was in town, and she was absolutely exceptional. The class was thoroughly enjoyable, thanks to her hands-on approach and individualized feedback for each student. I particularly appreciated how the moves we learned were seamlessly incorporated into a combo at the end!

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★ 5

I had my first class yesterday with Kimberly and it was amazing! 😍 Not only is it a great work out that had me sweating, it was fun and very informative - she was explaining why certain moves are done in specific ways to not hurt yourself. It makes you feel empowered and sexy, which after having kids can get lost sometimes.

I am happy I booked with Athena and can't wait to go to my next class! I'm even thinking of incorporating a flow class as well.

The other students were nice and encouraging. It's a place where you feel comfortable and able to just be yourself and have fun while getting a great workout.

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

Super comfortable, empowering, supportive vibe. Everyone was friendly and the instruction was great. The dancing itself was also fun :)

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★ 5

I've been taking Lyra since January 2024. I have absolutely loved every class. Tasia my instructor is fun and upbeat, talented and just a wonderful human. The other students in-class are positive and encouraging. It's a great workout that is challenging and rewarding. Lyra is truly great but I'm more thankful for the lovely people I've met during my classes. Now I'll be jumping into intermediate and so excited to try new moves and become stronger.

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★ 5

It was a very helpful and supportive environment. I am definitely coming back

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★ 5

I’ve been going to Athena since 2021 and it’s been a very great journey thanks to these wonderful group of instructors at Athena. Not only do they teach me pole dance but they make me feel safe and confident enough that I can succeed and do things properly so I do not get hurt. I’m very thankful to have discovered this sport it’s helped me boost my confidence and feel sexy again.

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★ 5

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★ 5

This studio gets me out of bed everyday and excited to exercise. My arm muscles used to be non existent and now they are getting stronger everyday while I play around in a hoop! I Couldn’t ask for better instructors, students, or friends.

Safety is a top priority at this studio and each instructor is amazing at spotting and pushing you to try new and hard things. I'm a total scaredy cat but Tasia and Karen whip me into shape and get me doing things I never even thought possible.

If I could give them ten stars I would!

If you are looking for a fun, tough, and amazing community with classes for everyone then look no further.

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★ 5

Everyone was friendly, the space was nice. The instructor, Toni, was awesome. Even with me being new she broke down the choreo in a way that was easy to learn. Definitely will be coming back!

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★ 5

AMAZING studio with exceptional instructors. No matter what skill you go for, they go out of your way to create a welcoming and inclusive experience. They are also very responsive and remarkably helpful with schedule changes - truly worth the price, 10/10 recommend.

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★ 5

Fist time trying Lyra and had so much fun! The environment was really welcoming and felt inclusive to all levels. Tasia provided clear instruction and set a fun and positive environment to learn in.

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★ 5

Everyone is nice, welcoming and inclusive and the classes are well taught

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★ 5

Loved our class! The atmosphere was fun and the instructor had unlimited patience with my zero ability to seem to follow instruction LOL. I loved how non judgmental everyone was and friendly! My friend and I were able to just focus on having fun!

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★ 5

So much fun!!! My friend did this class for her bachelorette it was soo fun!! Great teacher as well!! Worth it! Try it out! You will take some moves home to practice with 😂

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★ 5

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★ 5

Such a great class! As a first timer, I felt so encouraged by the instructor and she created such a positive environment, I will def be back.

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★ 5

Jane is so sweet, and makes it easy to show up excited.

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★ 5

Melissa is an incredible teacher in kids into to Silks. She is super kind and patient with all the kids. Her encouragement makes all the difference with my kid who is sometimes shy. We will be taking classes with Melissa for a long time- we love her!

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★ 5

First timer and was a little nervous. Our instructor Todd was great and made it feel very approachable. The other people in the class were also very supportive. Definitely recommend

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★ 5

This is one of my favorite places in Tacoma and it is like my second home. The instructors are amazing and very knowledgable with the apparatuses they're teaching. Also, students support each other in their progress.

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★ 5

It was fantastic and the instructor (Rogers) was clear and helpful and so encouraging! I'm an absolute beginner but by the end of the hour I was climbing and did two tricks!

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★ 5

Such a fun place to dance, have fun, learn new skills and meet cool people.

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★ 5

My daughter loved it! Melissa was great, professional and really sweet. It was my daughters first time doing silks and Melissa got doing stuff right away. She had a great time and can't wait to come back!

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★ 5

My body hurts but I had so much fun and can't wait to go back. Finally a workout that doesn't make me think about how much I hate working out.

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★ 3

They advertise aerial hammocks, they only have silks/strings. 6 students/class, so you only get to play a 1/3 of the time. Hammocks does not mean knotted silks. It is a completely different apparatus.

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★ 5

Awesome environment and teacher. Easy going and for a first timer felt immediately comfortable. Thanks for having us! We will be back!

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★ 5

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★ 2

The teacher i had was rude …this was the first pole dance class i ever had and she treated me like i was a bother while all the regulars were there knowing what to do while i didnt..im a watch learner you cant just tell me to do a certain spin and expect me to understand..if i had a different teacher maybe I’d go back

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★ 5

All the dancers and the instructor are really sweet! I felt very welcomed immediately!

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★ 5

Attended my first pole dancing class with my husband. Supportive learning environment - 10 dancers and 1 instructor in the Saturday Intro class. It was quite a challenge. Definitely stretch it out ahead of time (although class includes a warmup) as you will be putting your body through some uncommon motions. No need for knee pads for this.

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★ 5

I had a very good experience. I learned a lot of new things and I got a lot of individualized and positive instruction. The vibe was good :)

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★ 5

This was my first class, and as I found out, the other students had been previously enrolled for some time which led to me being a bit intimidated. However, all I was shown was complete kindness! The instructor made a point to assure me that we could slow down if need be. Everyone was super friendly and experienced, it was difficult to not just sit in total awe of them! I’d absolutely love to continue on with these classes, and hopefully make my way to the level of how much everyone else has learned from this wonderful class!

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★ 5

Great teacher - very welcoming and knowledgeable. Fun experience, great workout and no pressure with the many varying skill levels in class. It was super fun and I’ll definitely be back as a regular - so fun!

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★ 5

Melissa was amazing! I am really out of shape and haven't exercised in more time than I'd like to admit but the environment was so welcoming and Melissa celebrated even my small accomplishments even though everyone else was doing FAR better than myself. Everyone in the class was supper supportive too which made me feel more at ease. It was a pretty packed class, and we did have to share a pole, which I was afraid of at first but it gave a good cool down time between moves. Melissa also showed the basic moves and then ways to advance it which is super nice since I was brand new but gave some of the more experienced people a way to push themselves. I bought 8 classes already and plan to go weekly! Definitely worth checking out.

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★ 5

I did the virtual online class. The class was very easy to follow. Video was very clear. Sound was perfect. Instructor is very knowledgeable on her pole flow .,,,

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★ 5

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★ 5

My instructor was kind and helpful. It was a welcoming experience. It was progressively challenging but not confusing. It was fun and I felt that I was in a safe space.

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★ 5

I took a beginner Lyra class with Arielle and had so much fun. She did a great job explaining and progressing skills!

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★ 5

Because CeCe is incredible! It's obvious how much she cares, she always have alternative moves available to accommodate every skill level. The community inside the studio is inclusive and safe, you see every body type and gender expression represented in the most loving way. This is the type of community where the notice when you’re gone and they miss you.

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★ 5

Fun time, great instructor & felt very welcomed even though I was remote

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★ 5

Easy to follow instructions, engaging instructors, quality environment, easy to work with scheduling

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★ 5

Athena Vertical Dance has a very comfortable and welcoming atmosphere, especially for beginners. My first Beginner Pole Class with Jane was fantastic and everyone in the room was extremely supportive of one another. The beginner moves taught were at exactly the right difficulty in my opinion. I will absolutely be going back to learn more and to progress my skills in pole dancing.

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★ 5

Melissa is an amazing instructor! She is very helpful and makes you feel very comfortable

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★ 5

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★ 5

The environment is amazing and lets you really feel yourself. Teachers are very helpful for a beginner! I definitely recommend.

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★ 5

Welcoming atmosphere. Great pace for beginners. It made working out fun !!

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★ 5

Great Teacher. Great atmosphere. Great people!

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★ 5

It Was A Fun Warm And Welcoming Place The Ladies Were Great And Helpful . No Judgement And Full Support . Definitely Going Back And I’ve Told Some People About It And My Experience ❤️

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★ 5

I came in nervous and self conscious and left excited to come back. It was very professional and comfortable yet challenging and I was surprised at how many of the moves I was able to actually do to some degree thanks to the slow, methodical and logical explanations/demos. Really fun!!

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★ 5

I LOVE this studio - I've learned so much in the short amount of time I've attended class here. They commit so much time and energy to their students strengthening, conditioning and training. HIGHLY recommend for any beginners or anyone who's looking for a studio to train with any level of expertise in pole!

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★ 5

I loved the environment, and atmosphere. I pushed myself to do new things and was able to feel encouraged, and I also had help from others when I felt sick from being dehydrated at the end of class. Super appreciate it. I already booked my next class ♥️

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★ 5

Amazing instructor, very helpful and informative especially for my first ever class. Nice and clean studio. Can't wait to be back.

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★ 5

It was my first ever class and everyone was so welcoming and supportive! I felt so comfortable the whole time and didn't feel like I was drowning in information. Melissa is an awesome instructor! I can't wait to attend more classes. I'm already signed up for another next week!

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★ 5

Lyra was attentive, safe, laid back and promoted a comfortable learning environment.

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★ 5

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★ 5

Really great instruction and owner. Very positive and open atmosphere.

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★ 5

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★ 5

I absolutely loved my Lyra class and can't wait to come back. The instructor was so helpful and encouraging. I felt very safe!

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★ 5

My happy place!

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★ 5

I'm always impressed with the thorough explanation and dedication Jane gives her students in her classes. Each time I am taught by her, I’m better at my pole abilities.

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★ 5

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★ 5

For someone who has never done pole, it was a fun class. No pressure, could work at my own pace, was really good.

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★ 5

Athena's is filled with teachers who are passionate for the aerial arts, body positivity, and creating a fun and encouraging environment for people of all backgrounds and skill sets. The studio is clean and offers a rich variety of classes for students to enjoy. As someone who has been to many pole studios around the US, I wish I could give Athena's more than just five stars. Give it a try and just remember, we all started as beginners and you WILL get stronger over time in the most welcoming environment WA has to offer!

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★ 5

Customer service that goes above and beyond. In the world of corporate greed, this small business is all about making the customer happy with fabulous services. So happy I found them

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★ 5

The instructors are easy to follow and have great routines! I love the online classes and they allow me to virtually go to studios across the US!

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★ 5

The instructors were knowledgeable and friendly, and they made me feel like I was a part of the community, even though the virtual classes were my first time "stepping" in the studio. If I ever move to the Tacoma area, this will become my home studio.

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★ 5

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★ 5

I absolutely love this place. Everyone who teaches there is so helpful and encouraging, the other students are kind and friendly and the facility is always pleasant to practice in. There are great pricing options too which make it affordable. This studio also offers more inclusive options than any other place I have found in the area.

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★ 5

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★ 5

The class was amazing. I really felt welcome and right at home!- even though I had NO idea what I was doing- by the end of class, Yoana had me hooked. You'll definitely be seeing more of me!

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★ 5

The class was fun and went along at a good pace for beginners. I loved how friendly and encouraging the students and the instructor were and the music was on point.

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★ 5

I had a ton of fun and got a great workout. I plan on becoming a regular member!

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★ 5

I have only done a few classes here but I love it! I've been learning a ton and most definitely getting a very good workout.

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★ 5

I dropped in for a class once when I was visiting Tacoma and I really loved it! The instructor was friendly and encouraging and put a big emphasis on safety. The participants were also super nice and talked and laughed a lot. The studio space is warm and inviting with SUCH HIGH ceilings! Thanks for a great experience, will be back for sure the next time I’m in the area.

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★ 5

A spectacular studio with amazing and understanding instructor who really have your best interest in mind. I have never felt so safe while essentially flying high in the air before.

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★ 5

Jane is a great instructor that always makes her students feel welcome. I went to this pole studio for several months when I lived in the area and have been looking for a suitable replacement now that I've moved away. Other studios are much more expensive with less flexibility/quality compared to Athena. Wish I still lived nearby!

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★ 5

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★ 5

Such an amazing studio!! Take a class, you won’t regret it!!

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★ 5

I've been coming here for a year and a half and I can't say enough good things about this studio. The staff is super knowledgeable and inclusive and makes everyone feel welcome. They push you, while also making things safe and manageable. I've learned so much and gained so much confidence and strength in the time that I've been coming. Jane has created a wonderful environment for people to be able to express themselves at Athena. Highly recommend.

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★ 5

I can't overstate what a wonderful place this is. I have felt welcomed from day one, and have learned so much in the most body-positive, inclusive, and empowered community I've ever seen.

I love to learn new things, and it's really clear how much these guys love to teach and teach well. They're safety conscious while pushing us to challenge ourselves. I would and do recommend them to anyone considering learning an aerial art.

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★ 5

What an amazing place to dance and truly be yourself for a couple hours each week! The instructors and classmates are always so supportive. I am just a regular mom, but when I come here, I get to be the cool mom!

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★ 5

I haven't been taking classes for too long but I have to say I am blown away by level of professionalism, knowledge and quality of instruction. There are several regulars that attend classes that definitely add to your experience. They are so supportive of your progress and cheer you on just as much as the instructors. It's a great little community of dancers.
If you are shy, or simply having anxiety around trying something new, then this is a studio I really recommend. They are the best at making you feel right at home! I took one class and I was hooked.

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★ 5

Jane and the staff at Athena Vertical Dance have created an environment that makes everyone feel welcome and comfortable. It's clear that all the instructors have years of experience, because they're able to teach all the choreography and tricks multiple ways, so even if you don't understand one explanation, they'll keep working with you until you do! It is a truly unique studio that makes even the newest students feel at home. Cannot recommend Jane and her team enough!

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★ 5

This is the best place around for pole dance and aerial needs. The instructors are all amazing and the students are so welcoming and encouraging no matter what your level of experience. It feels like being welcomed into a new family at a new home away from home once you become a regular student! Whether its a pole class, an exotic class, sexy flow, lyra or silks class, you will be getting the best out of the instructors. The performances are also always fantastic and seem to get better every time! Definitely recommend trying a class. Great for everyone and anyone!

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★ 4

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★ 5

Jane is incredibly kind and accommodating!!! And this studio is HUGE and beautiful!! It is a warm, welcoming atmosphere with awesome teachers and amazing apparatuses (poles, lyra hoops, hammocks, silks, ETC). I was visiting Seattle for the holidays, and I really wanted to find a pole/aerial studio to practice at and take classes. I attend a studio back at home, and I don't like to miss too many days of pole/aerial training in a row. And WOW!! I was absolutely blown away by Athena Vertical Dance. It felt like home away from home. I can't wait to go back! AND if you're looking to try aerial and/or pole for the first time, this is an Excellent place to start.

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★ 1

I would give 0 stars if I could. As a trainer and gym owner, I was genuinely shocked at the completely terrible quality of the teaching (turns out it was the owner who taught the class!! Which is even more disappointing) and the overall class experience. Even though we arrived 30 mins early, when our class started we were ignored, didn't get our pick of spot, and ended up shoved into the back corner to share a pole in the only spot where we didn't even have a view of ourselves in the mirror which made the class feel pointless for 2 people who were brand new (and we made it clear we were brand new but it obviously didn’t matter to the instructor at all). We weren't able to learn anything, because we didn't know what we were doing AND we couldn't see ourselves. All the other poles and space within view of the mirror were hogged by individuals who were regulars (the teacher acknowledged they were regulars) and were not even sharing a pole. It seemed like a clique in the front section. The teacher mostly ignored us. She asked us if we were ok and we said no and then she just carried on teaching and ignored it. It wasn't until towards the end of class when we were so frustrated that we went up to her and asked if some of the others who had had their own pole and view of themselves for the whole class could possibly share that we were able to get a spot where we could see ourselves. By that point there were only a few mins left and we left the class thoroughly disappointed and having learned nothing, feeling we had completely wasted our time and money. My experience was so awful that I will be using it to teach / remind my staff at my gym how NOT to coach/ teach and how absolutely terrible a bad instructor and class experience can make people feel.

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★ 5

I went to an areial show in early may 2019, incredible. The performers were outstanding, it really goes to show how well the instructors teach

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★ 5

Came to Athena for a bachelorette party and it was SO MUCH FUNNNN. Totally recommend to everyone! We all had so much fun and it was such a positive and supporting environment for everyone to try new things! And the workout was awesome as well ☺️

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★ 1

I bet that taking a class here would be great but unfortunately they don't respond to any method of communication. When I've called, the voicemail is full. I emailed twice in December and twice in January with no response to both email addresses I found on their website, in yelp and in the Groupon offer for which I was trying to find out more information about. I'm bummed. I wanted to sign up for classes but I've reached out six times between emails and phone calls with no response.

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★ 5

Love the teacher, location and vibe. Comfortable for all

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★ 5

Affordable studio space, super friendly owner. I will definitely rent again in the future

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★ 5

Watched a variety show that was extremely entertaining

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★ 5

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★ 5

Took a pole dancing class. I am excited to go back for hoop classes with Kat

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 4

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★ 5

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★ 5

I love how patient Jane, the instructor for beginners, is. I was nervous to go, but everyone there is encouraging. Just started but I already feel stronger.

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★ 5

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