Goddess Fitness Dance

I walked in one night after having driven by multiple times. The façade has these velvet curtains that keep the activity inside private and discreet. Parking is either on the street (good luck on Ventura Blvd) or in a convenient structure behind the building ($ 1/​hr = same as meters).
I was drawn in by the offer of a free intro class (posted on the windows and all collateral cards including on the website) and the excitement to learn from the variety of classes/​styles. The girl at the desk would not honor the free intro class, claiming they were «changing that policy» and showed me the membership offers. Everyone taking the circus class that was finishing up looked to be having a good time, so I signed up. In hindsight, I should’ve waited until after taking the class.
I took the Twerk party expecting a dance workout. It was neither a work out or a dance class. There was a minimal warm up, followed by learning a few hip isolations, then taking them upside down on the wall and finishing with a twerk party. Wanting to give it a fair try, I took a circus class hoping that this would be more what I was looking for. It wasn’t. The instructors were super nice. The other participants in the class obviously go regularly but there was no real structure and zero choreography. At least this one had a bit of strength/​conditioning before going up. Fun, but not a work out. Having a dance background, I expected a dance class. Being someone who is in the gym and often taking classes there, I expected a work out. There are many options for classes in the Valley and I am very disappointed this has not met any of my expectations as I hoped.
When I asked about cancelling my membership in good faith of good business, I was given the number for a third party company that handles their billing and told that even if I lost my job, all I can do is pay 50% of my full membership to terminate early.
The people at the studio are very nice, it’s just not what I’m looking for and there seems to be no way out. So I’m stuck paying for a work out I’m not getting, in a dance class without structure or choreography. And as a business woman myself, sometimes it’s better to make an exception for good word of mouth and possible future clients than to hold someone’s money hostage to uphold a contract. Looking at the negative reviews on here and, more importantly the responses from the owner, it doesn’t look good for my case. I’ll keep trying different classes in hopes I find those gems that the positive reviews talk about (since I’m obviously still paying for them). I really did want this to be my workout escape so fingers crossed…

Took a dance class here. The teacher is great but it was way too crowded and there was little space to move. what bothered me most though was that a young girl about 7 was allowed in class. This class has explicit songs and more adult movement. Not only did that make me uncomfortable but her father also stayed and watched the class which although seemed innocent made me feel uneasy and unable to concentrate. I thought this place was more for women and exploring sexuality in a safe environment but i draw the line when a child is brought into that. I won’t be coming back sadly because of this experience alone

I love this place! I learned about it when a few of my girlfriends got groupons together a few years ago. It is a beautiful place, with a sexy, classy, Moulin Rouge décor, and the instructors are wonderful! Beyond instructing multiple classes that show off her dance talents and motivate me to become a better dancer, Eva patiently helped me find a membership that worked for my bank account, which is allowing me to stay in shape while actually enjoying myself (which I haven’t experienced in years!!) Jax taught my intro class the other day, and she breaks down the steps and movements so patiently, kindly and clearly, while modeling what to do beautifully. It’s so easy to follow her. And Emma really knows how to command an intense, yet graceful and beautiful workout from all of her students. The best part about all of these creative classes is that no one judges one another, I’ve only ever met friendly girls, and many girls reach out to introduce themselves to other students they haven’t met yet. Its a wonderful, sexy, fun atmosphere, a tough workout, and my body is already changing for the better after a few weeks of going! I can’t wait to try more classes/​instructors :)

OMGGGG Cheria’s burlesqueography class is so sexy and fun! I really got a good workout and felt super sexy while doing it! Such an awesome alternative to working out! I love it!

Great class! Always wanted to try it. Not as intimidating as I initially thought, although challenging. Looking forward to the next time.

Michael C. of Goddess Fitness Dance:
Are you serious right now?
You are the owner of this fitness studio, and you are responding to peoples’ reviews on Unilocal with contempt, disregard to others personal views on a service, and with most likely fraudulent behavior.
You have called others bullies in return as if this is a 2^nd grade playground, and you state you are going to post another customer’s contract to prove a point. Do you realize how bad this makes you, and your business look, and not to mention, is illegal?
I was going to purchase this as a gift for someone, but your posts have convinced me not to. I am very glad I came here to look first.
An owner is supposed to be more behaved than the customers. This is what you signed up for when you opened a business. People have a right to complain about what you are doing, or how you are manipulating their finances. Also, peoples’ feelings are just that, their feelings, and you are taking the negative reviews way too personally, and your behavior in response shows that you are most likely running to some degree, shady business ethics, based on the multiple, similar, negative reviews. Your response towards them along with your childish attitude doesn’t help your case either.
Condescending people because they apparently «misunderstood» your fraudulent billing activities and telling clients that they must be bored of themselves because they find your studio boring only proves they are correct about you and your business.
I hope you understand this as the future of your business depends on it.
Enjoy your Christmas present.
Served.

BEWARE of their lies! They will not tell you about their year contract. I was never told that I would be under contract and after I tried canceling they sent me to a collection agency!
Please DO NOT go to this place!
Lying to people is such a bad way to do business.
If I could give ZERO stars I would! I tried to go here for a good workout and now I have a bill that’s just growing. And the owner was such a nasty lady!!!

Took three Pole classes recently, each was different, fun, challenging and sort of liberating. It was fun to be in a group of women and not just jogging nxt to my dog, I guess.
What I like the most is that feeling that I m attending to sexy me that’s been somewhat dormant. I highly recommend

I went here for the intro class with some girl friends and let me tell you… it was a workout! I loved it. The wall to floor mirror, the dim lighting and the music all make for this place perfect to unleash your wild side. The intro class goes over some belly dancing and a few pole forms which are fun to do. By the time you’re done you’ll be feeling sexy and curvy and all those good positive feels! I will be signing up for more classes. They even have ribbons/​silk ropes I can’t wait to go back. My body is going to love me hahaha!

Great classes and awesome instructors! Jax and Eva are amazing during the day, they are so talented and great teachers! I also love Amy and Amber’s nighttime classes, I wish I didn’t work then! I love how they are receptive to new class ideas and are really accommodating for learners of all stages. I love the new stretch classes!
Its definitely hard work but the warm ups are effective in getting you ready to learn all sorts of fun new moves and tricks! I’ve been going for about six months now and I’ve seen a huge improvement in how I look and feel! I would definitely recommend!
I do wish some of the classes were a bit longer. Maybe 1 ½ for some of the circus and choreography classes?
But for all the reviewers complaining about the warm ups, those are sooooo needed so you don’t pull something or hurt yourself! And honestly its the hardest part of the class, lots of ab work to get you in shape!

At of someone who has 10 years dance experience as well as professional experience, I love goddess fitness. The teachers are friendly but professional and challenge me with my flexibility and strength. I would highly recommend dancers, fitness junkies and the average beautiful woman to come and try a class. You need to experience the true studio vibe! Thank you!

BULLIES.
Emma has made me cry twice, hope she is happy with herself.
Eva should really just come forward and be honest.
Truly disgusting ‘establishment’.

I’ve read some very disheartening and disappointing comments on Unilocal about GFD but here’s the real TRUTH, it is the best place on the planet to get in shape if you’re serious about it, but that has to be the commitment YOU make to YOURSELF. I made the commitment and I’ve gotten the results.
Paying for the membership requires more than that. YOU have to show up and do the work. I’ve done the work and it saved my life. I am NOT being paid in anyway to make these comments. I’m doing it because it’s the truth.
Reviews are great but here’s a better idea, come experience the magic that is Goddess Fitness Dance and the incredible team of instructors led by Emma Ridley, and check out all the amazing changes being made so that it’s a terrific experience for anyone who comes through the door. Try it and you will love this place as much as I have come to love it and love the outstanding ladies that have made it possible for me to dance and live like a goddess.

I wrote this review months ago– Disorganized, dusty, apathetic staff and a lousy workout to boot. No Bueno. Don’t waste your time with this place when there are so many other places to go.
10−19−15 Update– The owner Mr. (he doesn’t deserve that respectful title) Carter tried to bully me into removing my review. Silly me, I did because I didn’t want to deal with his harassing messages. However, after speaking with the Better Business Bureau and a legal rep, I realized I was letting him win. Not in a ego versus ego way but in a jerk versus honest reviewer way. So suck it MR Carter. You’re not going to get me to take down my review this time!
Also, I hope by now, you realize that I’m not a Beverly Hills weirdo as you repeatedly accused me of being but a professional woman who came in alone with a paid subscription.

Michael, I do appreciate your message and your attention to some of the issues I discussed. If I could come on Saturday mornings I would have but my schedule does not permit that. Whoever replied under you however should be trained to have the same level of courtesy and stop referring to me as «the girl» when my name is clearly spelled out on my review. My complaint is not against Jax as she was very nice, like I stated. My complaint is more so on the lack of structure to the class. I have taken circus classes at two other locations in LA and they are very organized with stations, and precise — step by step instructions on each maneuver. Perhaps that is done in the beginner classes? Regardless, I didn’t feel particularly welcomed or valued even before the class, it was just all about the money. Then during the class I felt nauseous a couple times so I sat down-​not because I didn’t want to engage but because I felt sick. The only person who seemed to care was a fellow classmate who strangely enough had a bad experience herself. I’m not looking for free classes or anything by writing this review-​these are just my honest feelings based on my experience.
*Original review*
Nice looking facility from the outside and a very large class schedule but I was disappointed overall. I took the cardio circus class. I had done some circus classes before but it had been awhile so I needed a reminder on most things. The instructor was nice, however there were too many students and the whole class felt like a free for all in which you just kind of figure things out as you go, which I feel is unsafe when working with silks and lyras. I also didn’t get a whole lot of time on any piece of equipment bc literally there was no structure to who was on what and when. I was actually willing to give it another chance if it weren’t for the fact that the silks, hammocks, and place in general smelled like feet and sweaty lady parts. I understand this is a fitness facility but febreeze in between classes and spray the materials used with a deodorizing, antibacterial spray and that wouldn’t have been an issue. There are better places to learn circus where the $ 30/​class is actually worth it

Well hi Michael nice to see u getting involve in this conversation. First of all you say u have no room for anyone or anything that is not on board for the beauty of authenticity. If by that you think ur offended me I am actually thanking u because all of those things In this article speak about me. Let me explain how it applies to me. So exciting!!! Yes people are drawn to me cause I am different because I don’t follow people I make my own path anyone that meets me loves being around me. I don’t have problems making friends because I speak the truth. No one pressures me to do or write something I don’t want. I chose to write this review because is the truth unlike u. I don’t base my writing in words I base it on facts. I have pictures of all the conversation I had with Emma, Eva and jax so if u want proof sweet heart all u had to do was ask. I have email of me writing groupon because I couldn’t believe what you guys do to people. So you can see and other people too I will open a Facebook page showing pictures and I make sure it shows cell phone numbers so «you» and everyone else sees that is ur people I wrote and beg for my account to be cancel. In the article that you put it says that authentic people reevaluate their life and come up with a different way of existing. Ohh sweets I have and like it says old jobs become old yes I done that. I didn’t like the job I was doing I change it. Because I am good at what I do with in the next day I had a new job. I didn’t stop there I wanted more of life so I am in school so I can be something even better than I already am. I am not afraid to make new friends if my old friends and I are no longer in the same stage of mind as me. So I don’t know about u but it seems to me I am very authentic. according to you article. I am authentic because I speak my mind and if you see in the picture in the text message I answer back to Emma in a calm yet nice way. Even thou her text was very childish like. When she said «I was talking to my partner about making an exception and cancel u out BUT WHY SHOULD WE» yet short words but powerful cause it’s speak about how angry and child like she is acting. I answer back and I quote. I don’t wanna argue with u I said everything I had to say to u already. U can read it I was perfect in my answer back to her. Not angry yet firm and polite. I am authentic cause my career I choose to do I enjoy doing what I do no one ever make me choose I do it for the love of working with little ones. that make me happy every day. Definitely not for the money I do it for love. Yes!!! For love. I don’t fear taking a path others don’t. I chose to pursuit this situation with you guys cause I am not afraid cause I speak with the truth. I love myself believe me there is no one else that doesn’t love herself more than me that’s why I treat myself to fun things. That’s why I try pole dancing cause I love myself and wanted to spoil myself. Just happen that you guys ruin the whole experience for me with your shady ways of doing business. I am authentic cause u thinking this article was going to affect me actually shows me how wonderful and authentic I am. !!! I take Criticism and laugh at it cause it doesn’t affect me or define who I am. But I know when people like you try to tear me apart!!! I definitely have wonderful friends and a partner that I love cause I have wonderful and fulfilling conversations with. Lastly an to make my point across of how much of an authentic person I am. Yes I don’t see appearance I love people for who they are not for what they look like. Unlike Emma that in one of her text says and I quote what she wrote. «Ok call our billing once you have your doctors note but did you loose any weight ???
How can you loose weight without commitment
And making excuses to yourself
You can still dance in belly dance and work out the rest of your body without using your shoulder
Aren’t you worth a commitment to your Heath and your looks «see how she says worth for ur Heath and looks» I thought being authentic wasn’t about my appearance ??? So sad!!! Lol I don’t care if she thinks I don’t have the looks lol. Anyways. If u want proof of all of what I am saying is true. The page is call goddess fitness and their lack of ethics. you can see text messages an other customers stories that have been wrongly abuse by goddess fitness. Much love Karen

This place scammed my friend out of $ 500 for two classes. We both took an intro class and she signed up. They kept billing her without telling her for months, and refused to refund her even though she told them months ago she didn’t want to take more classes. Don’t trust the good reviews– they give a free shirt to people who write good reviews after their first class. Super shady business.

I have been going to this place for almost a month and love it so far and have been recommending it to all my girlfriends!
It truly is an awesome workout, staff is extremely friendly, and the location is perfect!
PS — they offer free intro classes 7 days a week! :)

First and foremost, I don’t know why more guys don’t try the circus class! I have a friend who instructs the circus class (hammock, aerial, cloud swing, etc) and she was able to convince me to come try it out… I’m so glad that I did! Circus is an amazing class for strength building and stamina. I worked out muscles that I didn’t even know I had! (Oh and you don’t need any experience going into this class)
In addition to the awesome atmosphere and space that they have, the girls who work here are amazing. They make you feel comfortable, and give you all kinds of attention. Loved my experience!

Saw a great deal on Amazon Local and decided to go for it since it is in my area and seemed super sassy! I was right! So far I have tried the Intro class with Sylvia, the Circus class, and Lap dance class… so far all of the instructors have been amazing, the classes are super fun and they are all definitely motivating me to get back into shape!