Karina Smirnoff’s Dance

Just called the studio to inquire about classes. I have been dancing a number of years and wanted to know the names of the people teaching their classes since I am familiar with a number of instructors that teach in the LA area I wanted to see if I might know of any of them. Often this information is on the studios website, but Tatiana, the studio manager, who I guess is also Karina’s mother was extremely rude. She did not want to give me the most basic of information like the instructors names that teach at their studio so I could see if I was familiar with them or at least be able to look them up on the internet to get an idea of their backgrounds. She wanted me to just blindly walk in and take a class. I guess they are relying on Karina’s name to bring people in. I had really wanted to check out this studio as I have just moved into the area and looking for a new dance studio to call home. I was very put off by Tatiana’s very rude behavior over the phone. Not a welcoming personality at all. Left a very bad taste in my mouth. It’s like I was being made to feel like I was out of line for wanting to know some basic information like the instructors name. Horrible customer service!

I would love to take classes at this new studio because…
–the instructors are world class champions
–the other students are friendly
–the studio is beautiful and located in a great area with eateries and shopping
…but sadly I have to give them 3 stars when compared to other dance studios in Los Angeles due to the following…
1) The cost of $ 20 single group class or $ 150 for 10 group classes is on the high side when compared to other champion studios at $ 10 – 15 for a 45−60min group class (I realize the high fee may be to pay rent for this beautiful new location)
2) The instructors ask you what you want to learn. How should I know what I want to learn if I’m learning? The Latin Body Movement class is suppose to be 45mins, but ended after 30 mins because there was no program for the class and/​or because the prior class ended 15mins late?
I don’t understand why the instructor didn’t fill in the remaining 15mins with «something» «anything» to make my $ 20 worthwhile?
3) I understand and appreciate that English is a 2^nd language for the instructors, but this may be why I’m having trouble getting the steps, cuz I don’t hear them call out «names» of the steps. They keep time with «bop, bop, bop, ta, ta, ta». I get lost and frustrated and I’m in the front row behind the instructor!
I respectfully provide this review because I hope to come back to this studio once they are grounded so I can give them 5 STARS.

Almost two years ago my wife and I signed up for a dance class at Karina Smirnoff’s Studio. We liked it so much, we now have regular lessons. We have performed in demonstrations and competitions. The instructors are first rate! We have regular lessons with Alex… But we have trained with the other pros including Karina herself. The front office staff is super helpful and will put your mind at ease that you CAN do this. Now that they are in the Village, there is always lots to do before and after a lesson.

New location at «the village» in woodland hills.
Excellent value, beautiful set up.
Fun, professional, very friendly.
Convenient hours for all ages and groups.

I came to Karina Smirnoff’s Dance Studio after being nearly swindled by Arthur Murray. I wanted something affordable but quality, and without contracts or major strings. (Arthur Murray had wanted over 1k and up to 2k for lessons for my first dance).
I chose this studio because of price and reputation as well as scheduling abilities. The staff was family-​like, the studio was well kept and they did not try to take hundreds of dollars from me. Karina’s mother responded to my questions and offered to pro-​rate the first dance package with us so we could *try* before we commit to more lessons. I ended up buying 9 altogether or so but they let you do as little as 3, 6, etc.
We worked with Alex, who handled us being a same sex couple with grace and respect and also made us LAUGH throughout. He has talent and is easy on the eyes. He helped us map out a beautiful dance to our song of choice. He also recorded the dance and some tips for us with our iPhones so we could practice at home — really great idea.
A few times we showed up early and there were group classes going on — which honestly looked like a blast. I recommend it even if you aren’t preparing for a wedding.
Anyway, we were able to feel comfortable and confident dancing for everyone at our reception with the number he’d created. My only advice is more is better! Take more lessons and PRACTICE. You (hopefully) only get to do that dance once. :)

This studio is intimate and cozy and they offer an array of dances that one can study. I particularly like Dennis Cante who teaches beginning and advanced Argentine Tango. There is parking on the top floor (though it is limited). There is also some street parking.

I wouldn’t give this business even one star after my experience with Karina and her mother Tatiana. My daughter has been attending kids group classes since last May and I waited over 10 days for them to get back to me to resolve an issue that I feel was very wrong however they decided to ignore my phone call and getting back to me so I have decided to let other people know about their business practice. Last October after my daughter finished both of the group classes one Wednesday Tatiana — Karina Smirnoff mother who is at the front desk in their studio and seems to run the operation approached me with the idea of preparing a dance for the Thanksgiving Showcase recital that took place Friday, November 21, where most of the kids preformed a dance they prepared with the instructor during private classes. Tatiana basically told me I would have to purchase a group of four and then additional class as well with the idea to learn a dance with Alex, one of their instructors. Alex turned out to be a very bad teacher because he couldn’t even put the choreography together during 5 private classes and his features included my 11 year old daughter wrapping her whole leg around his and other really age inappropriate dance features. Well apart from that he actually at the end for the Showcase wasn’t even ready and able to preform the dance with her even though they practiced 5 hours of private dance classes and just told me at the Showcase that he was not ready!!!
Interesting that my daughter was able to learn the dance in group classes and preformed that one however not the private classes one!!! I felt completely let down and actually lied to about the whole Showcase and the dance my daughter was supposed to learn and preform with Alex because all the other girls danced except my daughter who only preformed the group dance she learnt in group classes! I feel they took $ 250 from me for absolutely NOTHING!!! The whole private dance classes was their idea for my daughter to learn a dance for the showcase however she never even preformed because Alex, the teacher, told me he wasn’t counting on it when I asked him at the Showcase night why is my daughter not preforming the dance he was practicing with her for the last 5 weeks??? I wanted to ask Tatiana to give me explanation as of why she told me to purchase private classes for my daughter and she wouldn’t even talk to me at the time of Showcase and next day when I left the message they never called me back to even talk nor to explain this incident. I feel they stole $ 250 from me for nothing!!! Nothing new she learnt nor did she perform the dance they were practicing for the last 5 weeks!!! I am very disappointed and angry and I know I never ever return to give this dance studio any more money they are liars and dishonest business people and wouldn’t even explain why they did this!!! So I hope I help other people know of their dishonest business practices and my Recomendation to STAY AWAY FROM THIS DANCE STUDIO!!!

A nice studio for ballroom and Latin, and there are other classes there as well like hip hop and burlesque. I went to a master class (on mastering basic Latin technique for all levels) taught by DWTS pro and hottie Gleb Zabababchencho. The class was good, he went over basic technique for a few moves in rumba and samba. I only wish the studio had been cooler, everyone was sweating like a pig not even dancing full out.
Also went to a Latin class with Karina, LOVE her! She is amazing and super friendly. She is one of the best in the world for Latin dance. She’s also great with kids.
Also so happy they have Brinn teaching her pumps classes here! Love Brinn!
Free plentiful parking behind the building.

Such a nice surprise. This is a place filled with wonderful people which in and of itself earns its stars. The instruction is wonderful and they somehow meld you into group lessons that are manageable even for my novice skills and individual lessons that give foundation and work out the kinks. A good way to start is the beginner series on Monday nights. It’s fun! Drag your spouse or friend out of that chair tonight.

My fiancé and I came to Karina Smirnoff’s Dance Studio for our upcoming wedding. We chose KSD for their pricing and scheduling. I have to admit at first it was a bit intimidating. Depending on the time of your class you can share the dance floor with other people. My fiancé and I were like two cavemen stomping around and we’re dancing along with people who are training for competitions. Don’t let that stop you from going. Once you start learning your steps you quickly forget about them and focus on yours.
Our dance instructor was Alex. He is FABULOUS! He choreographed a lovely, fun and lively dance. (We started off with a slow song and interrupted it with a fast song). He is patient and realistic. He is fun, upbeat and enjoyable to be around.
The staff is marvelous! My fiancé and I were extremely limited with our schedules and they always found a way to accommodate to our schedule. They would call the day before to remind us of our lesson. We were always greeted with friendly smiles. They are just genuinely nice. Thank you Reka, Tatiana, Andre and Alex for giving us a great experience at KSD!