Testimonials: Cheryl Burke Dance

What Students Have to Say About Private Lessons...
"Melissa and I communicated well, she adapts to my way of learning. I feel that I'm under excellent care while I train for my wedding." -Joel D.
"Melissa's depth of knowledge and ability to communicate the DIVIDA syllabus is unsurpassed". -Ron L.
"Autumn's kind and calm demeanor put us at ease immediately!”-Liz K.
"Julie is not only excellent, but puts her heart, soul and caring into every moment she spends with us".-Sonia D.
"I have tried dancing before and given up. Working with Brandee makes me want stay with it. I love dancing now". -Doug J.
"We cannot imagine a more wonderful way to be introduced to dance. Our lessons are a pleasure, we have recommended Julie to our family and friends".-Eugene E.
"I feel lucky to have found teachers who make dance so accessible. They understand my individual needs".-Camille C.
"Melissa has done a superb job of introducing me to lots of different dances. She is insanely patient and wonderful to have as an instructor."-Bob M.
"Melissa is an awesome instructor. She tailors the lessons perfectly to your needs, yet guides the direction of the lesson appropriately"-Jonathan D.
"I have taken lessons from many different schools around the Bay Area and have been disappointed in their instruction. I seem to be just one step behind the instructor's own learning. At the Cheryl Burke Dance I have found a home, they are professionals. They know how to break down patterns and yet it's still fun. I have taken lessons from most of the instructors at this point and have found them consistent and very knowledgeable. I'm learning to really dance!"
"I just completed four individual private lessons with one of the Cheryl Burke Dance's instructors, Amy Little. I had a very educational and self-improvement session with her. The time and money spent was well worth the investment. She was a perfect fit for me, considering my limited Salsa skills and introverted personality. Amy was so considerate, patient, and detail oriented. She asked for my feedback and gave me encouragement. I think for every Salsa turn and pattern I brought to Amy Little, she demonstrated to me in detail how to execute each one properly. There was not a single Salsa move left unfinished. The end result is I am now going out on the dance floor at the Rocopulco nightclub doing Salsa according to what Amy taught me. Before taking these private lessons, I did not have the courage to go out on the dance floor."
"I love learning new dances and new skills and I find private lessons to be a source of great exercise, greater flexibility, and a better mental attitude. I have also made some new, wonderful friends though the teachers and staff. Cheryl Burke Dance is 'one of a kind' and one of the best of any category of businesses. I find it has been the best, most friendly place to learn to dance and remains one of the highlights of my life!"
What Students Have to Say About Group Classes...
At the conclusion of each group class, we survey dance students on their experience in our classes. We then use this information to constantly improve our classes, schedule new classes based on what the students want, and improve the quailty of the teachers' instruction. These are some samples of what students have to say about dance classes at Cheryl Burke Dance:
West Coast Swing Level 1 – Brandee & Alvin I’m very slow at learning dance patterns, and the teachers have been very, very patient. -Rodney H.
I enjoyed the class. The instruction was clear and very positive, up-beat & fun. –J.A. Randall
Fabuloso! –Jessica G.
Really fun class. The instructors, Brandee & Alvin, were patient and gave good feedback. –Peter L.
West Coast Swing Level 2 – Brandee & Alvin
Brandee & Alvin are delightful and I like their energy. –Camille C.
Review was good to recall last week’s steps. The guys (leaders) need to dance with the instructor. Dancing with instructor gives us a “feeling” how it should be. –Vicky L.
This class is great. You’ll have fun, and finally know what to do at wedding receptions. –James L.
Alvin and Brandee are really great. –Marianne
Alvin and Brandee are wonderful. –Michelle P.
Brandee breaks steps down into components and explains clearly what we need to do, and she makes it fun. –Steve H.
Again, thanks for making an intimidating event reasonably fun…the only thing that would make it easier is 2-3 beers. Ha! –Todd & Marti
I have very much enjoyed the classes. The instruction is positive, fun & clear. I’ve enjoyed the other students and the atmosphere, too. Thanks! -Julie Ann R.
The instructors all have great personalities and are very patient. We have been so impressed with the instructors – Doug, Hannah, Melissa, Brandee, Alvin, Elise…Everyone we meet is amazing! -Molly & Clay D.
I’ve taken group West Coast Swing lessons at several venues. Alvin & Brandee are by far the best instructors, and the most fun! -Jeff W.
Learning a lot. Challenging, confusing…having fun. Forgetting new steps so I need to review what we learned previously. -Vicky
Balboa – Melissa & Amy
One of the very best classes I’ve taken. Both Melissa and Amy are fantastic. Two of the best teachers. – Jim H.
Ballet Body Toning – Julie Lowe
Julie’s class has made me stronger and more flexible, which has improved my dancing and made it easier to avoid dance injury. The stretching also makes it easier for me to concentrate on dancing. –Steve H.
Taking Julie’s Class has given me a better sense of how to use my core, toned my muscles, added flexibility & strength, and helped me to be a better all-around dancer. –Mary Ehrig
Beginning Ballet – Julie Lowe
Julie’s great! – Philip H.
Great! Never tried ballet before & Julie was wonderfully supportive. –Stephanie H.
Julie has taught me how to appreciate ballet and challenge myself to learn more in every class. Thanks to her, I am in better shape than I’ve ever been in my life and have a passion for ballet. –Steve H.
I love Julie. She is calm, talented, patient, entertaining and gives good instructions. –Karen L.
Julie is a fantastic teacher, very patient and enthusiastic – she keeps me dancing! Othilia at reception is very friendly and welcoming. Thank you. -Nellia
Lovely class, great instructors. –Natasha K.
Julie is such a wonderful teacher. It makes my learning experience so much more enjoyable and motivating me to learn more. –Christina L.
Very fun class, beneficial for movement & exercise. Excellent teacher! -Brigitte C.
Love the class, casual environment but challenging and professional. –Jen M.
Julie is an excellent teacher and makes the class fun. I feel like I am learning [in] every class and I look forward to coming. –Michell P.
Excellent Experience. Been to 3 other ballet studios. Julie’s class was the right one for me. She is encouraging and supportive. Having a few years of ballroom and Latin, except ballet. This ballet class enhances my dancing skills. –Vivian L.
This class is a lot of fun and challenging at the same time. My instructor is excellent, kind and funny. –Melissa S.
Ballet Level 2 – Julie Lowe
Always enjoyable and challenging. –David B.
One of the best places for adult ballet in the City. Great pace, excellent individualized instruction. Serious training, but not too uptight. –Catherine H.
Julie is a wonderful ballet teacher!! –Jamie F.
Ballet Level 3 – Julie Lowe
Julie is an excellent teacher who can relate both to non-ballet trained and ballet trained students. Her classes are a great way to improve strength, tone up and develop a greater sense of how to use your body for other forms of dance, exercise or just life! - Mary E.
Julie is an excellent teacher. She encourages all students and makes you feel a sense of accomplishment. [Her] upbeat attitude makes the class enjoyable. [She] takes the time to work it with you if you are having difficulties. -Patricia M.
East Coast Swing Level 1 – Melissa & Autumn
I have learned to be more patient and observant. Dance is about subtle nuances…Learning to feel your partner and move with your partner has been challenging and rewarding. –Heather B.
I enjoyed the people and learned I can do some dances…-Leslie R.
I loved this class. Autumn & Melissa are terrific teachers. –Wendy W.
East Coast Swing Level 2 – Melissa & Autumn
I really like this class. Melissa and Autumn are great teachers and the people in class are friendly. I look forward to it every week. –Sarah W.
Melissa is a true professional. She is very serious, patient and happy. -Robert G.
Both Autumn and Melissa were tactful and caring in correcting my mistakes. Very useful class, I feel more confident in dancing. –Michael N.
Explained step by step. Very clear. –Sarah C.
I’ve been taking this class for nearly a year, and it’s still one of the most enjoyable times of my week. Melissa and Autumn are effective, energetic and fun teachers. –Mitra S.
Instruction is fantastic. Everybody is super friendly. And of course, Swing is so much fun. –Jonathan
Lindy Hop Level 2 – Chad & Brandee
Chad & Brandee kick ass! –Jane S.
RULES!!! -Sam B.
Chad and Brandee are simply terrific. They’re great teachers and make learning easy and fun. –Linda B.
Man, this class rocks! Chad and Brandee are the best! -Anonymous
Much more enjoyable now that I am also taking private lessons. –Don
Love these two guys! –Akira
Learning new moves increases my passion for dancing. New steps enable me to be more confident on the dance floor. –Jean Y.
Lots of fun. Brandee and Chad were wonderful. –Yvonne W.
Chad and Bandee are fantastic and fun teachers. –James H. I enjoy Brandee & Chad. I wouldn’t want to take lessons from other instructors. –Tamara
Very enjoyable. I hate to miss a class, but sometimes I will have to. -Chris
I very much enjoy the class. –Mark O.
For a guy with two left feet and no inherent dance skills the instructors made me feel competent & relaxed. –Steve F.
My husband and I wanted to Lindy Hop for a while. We finally signed up and are loving it. It’s a fun, relaxing thing to do together. –Janet M. Brandee & Chad are great instructors – very patient. They make the class a lot of fun. –Yvonne W.
Really started to feel steps coming together, smoothing it out. –Steve F.
Lindy Hop Level 3 – Chad & Brandee
These guys ARE the best in town! -Nick E.
Great Class! Great Teachers! –Ben A.
I think Chad and Brandee are exceptional dancers and have the ability to share it in an educational way, which is challenging. The class, simply put, is fun! -Amy
Gay/Lesbian Samba - Amy
Great instructor! –Amalia
It’s cool. I’ve learned a lot regarding stuff, including dance. –Kathy
Amy was very encouraging, eager to teach, and very positive. Everyone is nice. Class was just the right pace. Nothing too rigorous – it’s great. -Cecilia G.
Salsa Level 1 – Sune & Jennifer I am an untrained dancer and I thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of learning something new, while gaining the confidence to go social dancing. I loved it and have recommended it to my friends! -Lisa L.
The clearest instructor, the hardest working instructors – this class is great for absolute beginners as well as intermediate dancers who need a refresher course. The pace is just right. –Terence L.
Good teachers, right time during the day and an overall good experience. -Anonymous
Salsa Level 2 – Sune & Jennifer
It’s great to relax and have fun! Thank you. –David S.
They are very friendly and made it easy. –Howie C.
Jennifer & Sune were excellent, fun & professional. –Kristin O.
Great experience. Great and nice instructors. –Anonymous
Argentine Tango Level 1 – Christy Cote & Daniel Great class, well supervised & great instructors! -Mary Anne
Very gentle comments and helpful suggestions. –Bonnie F. Added another dimension to my level of tango! -Andy C.
Argentine Tango Level 1+ - Christy Cote & Daniel I truly enjoy the Tango and the information that Christy Shares. Her joy of the dance is infectious, and her ease makes it seem easy – ha! It is very difficult & challenging, but worth the effort. Thank you! -Teri G.
I love this! –Eileen N. An in depth knowledge of not only the dance but the music and culture (from which the dance came from). Wonderful class! –Cora C.
Argentine Tango Level 2 – Christy Cote & Daniel It’s been terrific. Both Christy and Daniel are excellent teachers! -Fabienne D.
Fun, instructive. Great to have Christy’s tanqueros. Good music, too! -Zoe B.
This has been a fascinating experience. The classes are low-key, allowing us to slow down and feel subtlety & nuance. This, of course, impacts the rest of my life in beautiful ways. –Eileen N.
Social Dance Level 1 – Melissa & Autumn Enjoyed it – Teachers were knowledgeable. –John C.
Great fun! Wish we had more written materials describing dance moves for practices and memory. –Anonymous
The instructors were great – very positive, perky and cheerful. They really made us feel like we could actually learn to dance! They were very natural, organized teachers. –Tina T.
This was fun, educational and an overall great experience. Melissa always has a smile and great energy & Autumn’s smile makes you smile as well. -Shadara M.
Waltz Level 1 – Douglas and Elise I really like being amid people who love dance enough to do it and to talk about. The other members were great and the instructor is so well-versed on the dance, yet she can break it down for us. Nice balance between “show & tell”. –Camille C.
Emphasis on technique and styling is great. –Barbara O.
Very good for technique skills. Helps me understand my body. –Carmen
Great class that helped us prepare for our wedding first dance. Elise & Douglas were awesome! -Jen B.
Smooth Series Level 1 – Douglas and Jennifer Doug is a great instructor! Clear, concise and moderates his pace to the tempo of the class perfectly. Nicely done. –Geraldine & Sandeep
Very fun, exciting and easy to learn. –Jeremiah Y.
I had a great time! I went from being shy and embarrassed to being excited and looking forward to every class. –Shawna G.
Very good. –Adam B.
Smooth Series Level 2 – Eldon & Jennifer
I keep getting better. –Darryl
This was a good class and certainly got good review on many steps and new variations. –Mary Ann
Gay/Lesbian Salsa – Amy & Melissa
Always fun & invigorating. Highly recommend taking classes [here]. –Lewis F.
This was so much fun! My partner has been trying to get me to do this for years! I glad I finally did. –Shelly H.
This class was incredibly fun! The hour always passed too soon – I will definitely be back for another class. –Julie M.
American Rhythm (Latin) Series Level 1 - Angie & Keiko
Angie Rocks! Keiko is cool! Loved the class!!! –Tara & Flo
I made a great advancement. –Leon B.
Angie is the best. –Chris S.
American Rhythm (Latin) Series Level 2 - Angie & Keiko
This class was just so much fun. Angie is a really super teacher. And Keiko was a great assistant. Angie relates very well to her students. -Mary Ann N.
It’s the best. –Michael A.
Very good, super. -Adam B.