CMFE at Dancers Shape

I hate working out… I mean hate it but I also hate not fitting into my jeans. I also know I hate gyms, the atmosphere, the smell, the boring treadmill. So, I went looking for something different. I found it with barre class! I honestly wasn’t going to review this place because I’d like to keep it my secret. The workout is intense the first week! It hits muscles I haven’t moved in months. Squats on your toes with your arm up… WHAT!!! But it honestly is fun and challenging and the class goes very fast which means it is good! Although hard the first couple of classes, I honestly felt better by class 3 and stronger by class 4. I know muscle has memory so maybe that’s why. I have enjoyed every instructor so far, they are very nice, pretty and their bodies are to die for so honestly it is nice motivation to look that good! I also have been to their yoga classes. I went to a very expensive, nice yoga studio in Dallas before moving here and honestly, these yoga classes are better. It is challenging and you sweat but I like how I feel so relaxed the entire time and feel so energized afterwards. So just the right amount of challenge and relaxation. Also it’s $ 100 for unlimited classes your first month and it goes to $ 175 after that. It stinks I’ll have to go to paying $ 75 more but honestly if I go 5 times per week, thats less then $ 9 a class and that’s a steal! I’ll just cut out my Starbucks habit and it’ll go to barre classes so I look amazing by the spring!!!

At Unilocal events I usually do more boozin’ than losin’. Not so, here at the CMFE at Dancers Shape. I could feel my inner thighs getting smaller with all 2,533 squeezes of that infernal ball.
The best part for me was that it was fun. I struggle finding exercise that I enjoy doing, but I really did like this class… a lot.
As another reviewer said, I wish the instructor would have been willing to correct our form. My knees were a little sore the next day (along with every single other muscle in my body) which tells me I was out of alignment somewhere along the way. I would have liked to have been able to correct that.
All in all, I am planning on buying a class pass to use when I can because having a three month old makes it difficult to commit to anything on a regular basis. However, if I had the time or the flexibility, I’d be there waaay more often.

Holy butt-​cheek, that was an amazing workout. Who knew the smallest movements could have such a big impact and I am still feeling the after effects now. But nonetheless its a good pain.
I loved the CMFE Barre Fitness shape class, it went by so fast. Jennifer the instructor was encouraging and helpful when needed.
Im a glutton for athletic pain and this class sure did deliver!

Came for a CMFE Unilocal event (thank you, Unilocal!) and will be back for more. What a tremendous workout! I worked muscles I didn’t even know I had (although they were barking loud and strong the next day).
The location is nice, especially since studio access comes with parking. I liked that the facility had only one studio room — rather than being a massive training facility where newbies like me had to find the right class, there was no way to mess this up. The bathroom /​changing area was super comfortable and clean. And the storage locker area was clever and effective (bring your own lock).
The classroom itself was set up for us, which was a very nice touch. And the instructor did maintain remarkable enthusiasm throughout the entire session. (Also a plus? The session lasted slightly more than one hour — not sure if that was a fluke, but I love that about a workout session — when they are concerned more with completion of the circuit, than with the clock.)
Unlike another poster on the main Dancers Shape page, I did not have an experience of intimidation by being enrolled with only lithe, dancerlike bodies. Ours was a mixed bag for sure. Maybe this was because it was a Unilocal event, I don’t know. But that was great for me, and will encourage me to go back.
My only negative comments no doubt say more about me, than about the studio. I found the music _​too loud_​. For most of the class, I could tell that the instructor was talking throughout, but I had tremendous difficulty making out her words. The battery on her headset was lit up, but I’m not convinced that the microphone was on. Even so, the right answer to this situation is to lower the music, not amp up overall noise in the room.
Also, there were a couple times where I saw classmates clearly in poor alignment going through exercises, and they were not corrected. That makes me worry about them, but also worry about me – am I also not being corrected? Based on other reviewers, I trust this was an anomaly, possibly because of the kind of event that we were at.
I will be back!

I wanted to say thank you to Kelly, our wonderful Austin Community Manager, and Barre Fitness/​Dancers Shape for giving us this wonderful opportunity to introducing us to this workout. When I saw the barre I was reminded about this one I Love Lucy episode where Lucy was trying out to be a ballet dancer. Then she ended up over the bar because she took one exercise too far.
I figure I wouldn’t try to attempt such stunt. I was really excited trying a new exercise as I need to try something different or what we would say cross-​train. I must say it seems like a good compliment to rowing.
First off I had to get 3 and 4 lb weights for our upper body exercises which went pretty fast. I was amazed that I caught up with it. Maybe all that training from rowing helped me become more coordinated.
Then we worked on our legs which I didn’t expected to get a huge workout as I saw my legs shaking. That’s a good thing because it is gaining strength. I was surprised that I still had some weakness because as a rower I constantly use my legs. I’m definitely coming back and buying a pass. I highly recommend this place a lot.

Here I sit, two days after the fabulous CMFE at Dancer’s Shape. Every single muscle in my body is SORE. More sore than I can remember my body being in a very long time.
You see, I have 14 years of ballet under my belt. I figured that anything with the word «barre» would be challenging, as I understand the difficult nature of dance. However, I did not expect to be THAT challenged.
The Shape class had my muscles screaming at every turn. It worked muscles in my body that I didn’t even know existed. After 5 minutes, we were all dripping sweat and glancing at one another, all thinking, «WHERE ARE WE AND HOW DO WE MAKE IT STOP?» The burning was intense.
Jennifer is in amazing shape and it’s no wonder why. Class moved along quickly and fluidly. She boasted that people love these workouts because they produce quick results. Uh, shyeah. There’s no way I’m doing that workout without reaping the benefits from it. After experiencing the muscle exhaustion at every turn, I am 100 percent convinced that these exercises are effective and whip your body into fantastic shape.
Jennifer owns a beautiful, well-​kept studio. She really cares about helping people to get results and is friendly, professional, and knowledgeable. If you are looking to get in the best shape of your life, come to Dancer’s Shape!

Thanks to Kelly, Unilocal,Jennifer and Dancers Shape! What a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon!
The CMFE at Dancers Shape was perfect — the class moved quickly and did what it said it would do: When I left, EVERY muscle was exhausted!
This is the first workout class I’ve left where I didn’t feel like a total idiot! I think that mostly has to do with Jennifer and how subtle she was about helping those of us who needed it. She was upbeat, encouraging, and kept things moving with just the right tone (not like one of those annoying instructors that we’ve all had).
The facilities were great and I loved how the stations were set up for us. You can tell a lot of thought went into the design and facilities.
What a great workout, too! It’s amazing what an impact such little movements can have. I was impressed!

Oh my goodness. I thought this class would be us doing plies, giggling about boys and giving each other french braids. Not so. This is a serious «Shape» class.
When the class started, the receptionist said to grab a set of 3 pound weights and 4 pound weights. I am glad I was near the weights area, so I could switch to two-​pounders after half of the opening arm exercises. Because this class works on very small, specific muscles in a repetitive toning way, it is real easy for even a cycling, running, swimming, weight lifting recovering-​tomboy to get worn out doing bent-​over tricep extensions with three pound weights.
The next innocuous seeming piece of equipment? A little rubber ball. When you’re squeezing said ball between your knees and plieing for several sets with different heel positions, suddenly that ball seems much more formidable than 2 oz of rubber and air. It is your worst enemy. But wait, then you put said ball behind your knee and squeeze and pump in several sets with differing angles and heel positions.
After the barre portion of the workout, we did some mat work, which was similar to mat Pilates, so those were a lot easier for me, though still very challenging. It may look easy to sit on one hip while your alternate leg is extended in a straight line behind you and you are lifting and circling said leg, but it is not easy. We did a lot of different abs/​core sets with the ball (evil ball) and some ab board dealie. Then we stretched and stretched. I really appreciate all the stretching at the end, many times at these sorts of classes, you get a quick two minutes of stretching and they send you on your way. After this class, I knew I wouldn’t have to go home and stretch more. I also appreciated the clear instructions, especially with regard to breathing, and the personal attention given in the class.
Overall, a great facility, class, and instructor. As others have said, price is a consideration, but for me, location is as well. It would be very tempting to get a class card if there was a Dancer’s Shape down south.

I’m going back to Dancer’s Shape for a few reasons.
– Butt cheek retrieval. They should still be there in the back corner. At first I thought I’d lost just one, but then realized, upon further investigation, that both had indeed fallen off.
– Curiosity. Several muscles and ligaments that I was unaware of until recently are uncooperative. Specifically, when I woke up the next morning, unable to fully straighten my legs, I’d like to learn exactly which things hurt, as well as when this class is going to be employed to obtain confidential information from our enemies. It would be inhumane, but the birdies will sing. I guarantee you they will sing.
– Masochism. There is a sense of accomplishment in having survived the class, with the copious amounts of sweat streaming everywhere, random limbs of expired students strewn about the dance/​torture space. The modern, radio-​friendly music did nothing to distract from the fact that not all of us were going to make it out of the room alive.
– Vanity. When I do locate my butt cheeks again, it is likely that they will be re-​installed a good half inch higher than previously positioned. I fully support these changes.

YAY! I woke up and I’m sore today — that’s one of my measures of a good class :-)
Went yesterday with a bunch of Unilocalers for Jennifer’s CMFE class. I thought the facility was nice: minimalistic and comfortable. All the equipment was laid out for each person and when you entered the facility Jennifer and the receptionist were welcoming. Paperwork completed and now to stand in the room and make small talk or stretch until we start :-)
There are 2 bathrooms (the door closest to the reception is a bathroom minus the sigh, and if you continue down the hallway there is another rest room, changing area, place to hang your bag/​clothing, and cubies for your stuff as well — whichever you prefer.
Each person picked out their «light» and «heavy» weights (3lbs and 5lbs) — which were used during the class to make us be aware of EVERY muscle in our arms and shoulders.
The class consisted of a variety of muscle toning and cardio moves. We did a variety of arm exercises, then pilates type exercises with a small pilates ball, and then floor work. After the first few moves the routine became clear — 8 of one type of count, then 8 pulses, then 8… I don’t remember now but the routine very helpful. A few times in the beginning I wanted to find a clock (which was no where to be found) … .but soon enough we were at cool down and I though —- really is that it! Until the memory of an hour prior popped back in my mind — Holy S&*t. When I know I’m going to review something I tend to put words in my mind that I can go back to when I’m writing the review and I remember during the arm work all I could think was HS.
So yes, I’d go back again — depending on price.
I thought the clothing, although the quality looked REALLY good — was overpriced. And know that in time Jennifer will improve her mic so that her voice is louder than the music… but overall REALLY good!
I didn’t check out prices for memberships — my bad; because I wanted to see how I felt the next day (remember, my level of soreness is important.)
My thought — give it a try!

I came her to try out the free CMFE shape class. The studio is located on Burnet and Lawnmont Ave and there is free parking in the garage. The studio is clean and bright. Jennifer, our instructor, was one of the best I’ve seen. She is extremely fit and her instructions are easy to follow along. If you are doing the moves incorrectly, Jennifer is quick to help you correct your form in a nonthreatening way.
The shape class focuses on small movements using balls, weights, mats, and the barre. The class is great for both the beginners and the advanced. Although I am fairly fit, this class gave me a great total body workout and a nice change from my regular routine. Muscles I didn’t know I had were sore for a couple days after the class.
Thanks, Kelly S. and Dancers Shape!

I attended the free class at DS yesterday and I feel great today! My hamstrings, biceps and some smaller muscles around my glutes and hip flexors are definitely sore, but in that good, satisfying, I-​did-​something-​awesome kind of a way (not in that awful, acute, what-​was-​I-​thinking-​when-​I-​tried-​THAT-​workout kind of a way).
As a yogi with a daily practice and attending about 5 classes a week I was definitely challenged in Jennifer’s class. It was fast-​paced, targeted, and she was wonderfully motivating and professional. If you want an amazing toning workout to boost your yoga, dance or other practice without that weird «there’s someone yelling at me» vibe you get in boot camps (which, personally, I can’t stand) you should pay Jennifer and the gals at Dancer’s Shape a visit! They will sort you out and will do so in a lovely setting and with poise and polish. I’ve already told several friends about my good experience at DS and I’ll definitely be back soon.

I attended the CMFE class here yesterday and was really impressed by the studio. It was beautifully decorated and very clean.
I’ve been to Pure Barre a few times and it seems to be similar but a little more fast-​paced. The studio is bigger and brighter than at PB (which could be a good/​bad thing depending on your taste). Jennifer, the owner and our instructor, as well as the other staff are in excellent shape, very nice and really seem to know this workout/​business well.
The location is convenient and they offer a lot of class times to choose from. I’m sure I’ll be back sometime very soon!
Thanks Kelly S and Dancer’s Shape for an awesome workout!

Thank you Kelly for setting this up because I was not prepared for how amazing the workout was at Dancers Shape. WOW!
You truly underestimate how difficult barre work is until you are standing there on your tip-​toes with a ball squeezed between your legs, squatting over and over. Once you think you’re done, surprise, you just move something and continue until you are about to fall over from exhaustion.
GREAT work out. So much more fun than other classes I have taken. The instructor, Jennifer, was patient, great at describing moves and demonstrating them and made sure we were all doing the movements in proper form. It was a great work out and I’m feeling it today for sure.
I highly recommend checking this place out. It’s cute inside and they have space to change clothes and primp if you need it. I definitely will come back to get my butt kicked again.

FREE – wahoo! 10 minutes from my apartment – double wahoo! One hour of intense work-​out – triple wahoo!
What a wonderful experience! The Shape class was an effective combination of weights, the ballet barre & interval training, which worked every muscle group (hence, my soreness the day after). I honestly thought this class would be a breeze since I am on the Insanity workout schedule [the Insanity workout is interval training, which consists of long bursts of ultra-​high intensity moves followed by brief periods of rest], but the class provided a totally different kind of work out that my body was not ready for & boy, did I feel the burn!
Just after spending a few minutes with Jennifer (the owner), you will realize how well-​trained & motivating she is. She was definitely a plus in this experience. I was in awe when I walked around the studio, as it was so clean & inviting. The equipment was pristine & it’s always great when you don’t cringe at the thought of having to use shared equipment. I’ll be back!

After reading Anna B and Dana B’s reviews, I have been dying to try Dancers Shape. I went to a free CMFE class yesterday and this place kicks butt… I mean literally!
I have been to two other studios that offer barre and was impressed with the energy that this class had in comparison. The studio is bright and inviting and the Jennifer was helpful in making sure we were conducting the exercises correctly.
At first glance, barre looks easy. a light playground type ball, weights in the single digits, a cushy mat and a bar. Don’t be fooled. This class was intense and sore muscles are in full effect.
Thanks Dancers Shape & Kelly S for having this awesome CMFE to let us Unilocalers check out the studio!