When asking yourself about something to do near me in New York with a group of friends or family, consider
Peridance Center
Why Peridance Center is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Peridance Center, located in the vibrant Union Square area of New York City, stands as a beacon for dancers of all ages and levels seeking a premier dance environment. With a remarkable reputation spanning over 40 years, Peridance offers a unique fusion of professional instruction, community engagement, and performance opportunities, making it an ideal meetup spot for dancers and dance enthusiasts alike. The center boasts six spacious, sprung, and column-free studios within a historic landmark building, providing an inspiring space for creativity and movement. Beyond the facilities, Peridance offers diverse programs catering to toddlers, teens, adults, and pre-professional dancers. Its School at Peridance division emphasizes progressive, interdisciplinary dance education in ballet, contemporary, jazz, hip hop, tap, and more. Additionally, their Education and Training Programs cater to pre-professional artists with rigorous, internationally respected curricula designed to prepare dancers for national and global stages. The Peridance Ensemble, an elite program for ages 17 to 23, offers intensive weekly training, collaborations with acclaimed choreographers, extensive performance opportunities, and mentorship. Social events, performances at the in-house KnJ Theater, and outreach programs such as DanceBreak foster a strong community atmosphere. Overall, Peridance Center exemplifies a welcoming, expertly managed hub where friends and dance professionals gather to grow artistically, enjoy performances, and connect deeply within New York's storied dance culture.
Here's what people think of Peridance Center
As of recent, Peridance Center holds a 4.8-star rating based on 747 reviews.
Reviews from the Peridance Center community consistently highlight its exceptional quality of instruction and the vibrant atmosphere. Users often praise the center's rich variety of classes across multiple genres and levels, the skilled and supportive teaching staff, and the excellent facilities that inspire creativity. Many reviewers appreciate the diverse programming that accommodates beginners to professionals, emphasizing the center's commitment to nurturing talent at every stage. Positive reviews also commend Peridance for its community-building efforts, noting the welcoming environment and opportunities to join performance ensembles, participate in workshops, and engage with renowned choreographers. This fosters a sense of belonging and motivates dancers to pursue their passion seriously. On the other hand, some of the negative feedback includes occasional comments on scheduling challenges, class availability during peak times, and the intensity of audition processes for specialized programs like the Peridance Ensemble. A few reviewers have noted that the cost of certain advanced programs might be a barrier for some prospective students. Despite these critiques, the overall conclusion from reviews is overwhelmingly positive. The high 4.8-star rating based on 747 reviews reflects broad satisfaction with Peridance’s professionalism, artistic opportunities, and nurturing dance community, making it a top choice for dancers aiming to train and connect in New York City.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
erin kim
i've been going to peridance 1-2x a week for over a year to be in my body (i have a desk job), i've taken a range of classes from hip hop (popping with justin ice-o herbin is awesome) to contemporary with lorena cobos and miho ryu. i really want to shout out their absolute beginner workshop series. any new yorker knows "beginner" dance class in this city is not true beginner. and specifically the ballet series with julia gleich and tiffany mangulabnan were gamechanging. i'd been intimidated to take ballet for years after a horrifyingly embarrassing/depressing experience in a "beginner ballet" class at joffrey. julia and tiffany were both so welcoming, clear in communicating the terms/positions, and didn't make me feel stupid. the dress code was whatever you wish; not stuffy. after taking this ballet workshop series 3x around, i mayyy be ready for regular beginner. please continue offering absolute and regular beginner ballet that is inclusive to adult ballet learners. it's so rare to find in this city and they have genuinely changed my life and helped me with my particular chronic pain. also lorena is one of my fave teachers ever; she encourage us to learn intuitively and to develop move organically rather than just memorizing moves.
Rumpelstiltskin
I have heard really awesome stuff about this place for dance enthusiasts and can definitely see how inspiration is promoted between these walls. The building by itself is a great view in a great location. When it comes to life performances, there is definitely an extreme amount of talent and devotion all over the place. The operation of this spot as a venue is flawless, no problem getting in or finding seats and everyone on board is really nice. My only comment is towards the chairs, a place with its head as high as this one should really think on the comfort of the seating audience.
Som Liengtiraphan
Peridance is my favorite studio to dance at! There are many studios of different sizes and a lot of them are sprung marley floors, which is really good for your feet and jumping.The adult ballet classes are welcoming of all levels and the teachers are knowledgeable and very good at teaching. Everytime I go I learn something new. My favorite class there is Kat's pointe classes. She is very good at teaching and is not shy about pointing out what you are doing wrong and how to improve it. The class consists of adults and children of all levels: long time adults looking to continue their craft, adults just starting out, and girls looking to get extra work in before their summer intensive auditions. Sometime, Kat invites male dancers to come and teaching us partnering work that you cant get anywhere else. In those partnering classes, she'll teach you everything from how to work better in the center and how to not kick your partner when you do pirouettes. I highly recommend coming to Peridance and, if you are doing pointe, to come to Kat's class!
Nikoleta R
The first time I attempted to go to a dance class at Peridance I was informed that it had been cancelled and an email 'sent' earlier. Needless to say, neither me nor my friend had received this email. Our money wasn't refunded but we were given a credit to use within two weeks, which is obnoxious as the cancellation had not been within our control. The staff at the front desk was not pleasant. Once we finally made it to our so-called Beginner's class, the instructor would show the dance moves once, then do them quickly and then it would be students' turn. For someone like me who has not danced in years it seemed more like an intermediate class and the students already knew what to do. The instructor did not acknowledge or slow down to help the students who were visibly confused and lost but kept hyping up the students who already knew her routine. Another complaint - the studio was so overcrowded for this type of routine with floor-work and air kicking after a turn. We kept having to be split into three groups and still were a little short on space. However, the lady at the front desk had a big attitude about it and claimed that the capacity of the studio is 60 people (lol). And let's not talk about the state of the floor of the ventilation. Safe to say, will never be back or recommend. Staff & studio are both unpleasant and unprofessional.
Alison Cook Beatty Dance
Alison Cook Beatty Dance performed in APAP in 2013 and 2018, as well having our New York Season in both the Fall and Spring of 2018. We were so happy with Peridance we will be having our 2019 New York Fall Season, two weekend run, this November 1st, 2nd, 8th, and 9th with guest choreographers! We highly recommend the theater. The staff at Peridance is outstanding. The location couldn’t get any better, the lighting plot is absolutely beautiful which aids in a great video production. Our audience members gave wonderful feedback in terms of the comfort of the house and seating. As well as the dancers themselves enjoyed performing on the beautiful stage. We highly recommend renting the theater at Peridance for a performance, and the best thing is the price. For the quality they provide compared to other Manhattan theaters it is a great deal. It is a joy that they provide a space for dancers to perform in this way. Thank you Peridance!
How to reach Peridance Center
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Why Peridance Center may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Peridance Center with your friends?
If you're looking for a vibrant and inspiring place to gather with friends or family, Peridance Center is an exceptional choice. Nestled in the heart of New York City's East Village, this premier dance and arts center boasts an outstanding reputation with a 4.8-star rating from hundreds of reviews, making it a beloved cultural hub. Rallying at Peridance is more than meeting up—it's an invitation to immerse yourself in an energetic community where art, movement, and expression come alive. The center offers a welcoming environment where people of all skill levels and backgrounds can connect through dance and performance. Whether you're seasoned dancers, curious beginners, or just looking for a dynamic social outing, Peridance provides an invigorating atmosphere that encourages creativity, camaraderie, and fun. Plus, with its excellent facilities and diverse class offerings, it’s easy to find activities that everyone in your group will love. Embracing the arts together here not only strengthens social bonds but also leaves you feeling uplifted and inspired.
What activities can you do at Peridance Center?
Peridance Center offers an extensive variety of dance classes and performing arts activities for both adults and children, making it perfect for groups with diverse interests. The classes range across many dance styles, including ballet, contemporary, hip hop, jazz, tap, salsa, African dance, body conditioning, and house dance. This broad spectrum ensures there’s something for everyone, regardless of experience or preference. Adult drop-in classes are popular, allowing flexible scheduling to fit your meetup plans. You can also find pre-professional training for those seeking more advanced development, making Peridance a nurturing space for all levels.
Additionally, Peridance hosts workshops and special events such as the Cuba Social: Rumba Workshop, artist residencies, and themed performances that can turn your visit into a culturally rich experience. Their contemporary dance company also stages performances throughout the year, delivering professional-level artistry in an intimate setting, ideal for theatre enthusiasts in your group. For those who want to get hands-on, there are opportunities to participate in dance-intensive programs or attend open rehearsals. This diverse programming makes Peridance a lively and inspiring destination for friends and family to learn, watch, and celebrate dance together.
Why is Peridance Center perfect for a group meetup?
Peridance Center’s appeal for group meetups lies in its blend of accessibility, variety, and a creative atmosphere tailored to communal enjoyment. The center is situated near Union Square, easily reachable by numerous subway lines in New York City, which simplifies planning transportation for groups. Its spacious, well-equipped studios accommodate both intimate and larger gatherings, ensuring your group can comfortably move and interact. They also offer custom group rates and special date options, showing their readiness to support your meetups, whether casual or celebratory.
Meeting at Peridance also helps create shared memories through interactive experiences like group dance classes or attending a live show at the KnJ Theater, a cozy black-box venue inside the center. The opportunity to participate together in dance workshops or watch performances by cutting-edge choreographers fosters a unique communal energy that typical social outings can’t replicate. Moreover, the center’s commitment to inclusivity means groups with varying dance abilities can all feel welcome and stimulated. Whether your group wants to challenge itself with a ballet barre or unwind with a social salsa evening, Peridance offers everyone a chance to have fun and connect authentically.
What types of performances and events can groups enjoy at Peridance?
Beyond classes, Peridance Center is a thriving performance venue that stages a variety of dance shows, artist residencies, and cultural events ideal for group outings. The KnJ Theater, located within Peridance, hosts regular evenings of dance featuring contemporary choreographers, the Peridance Contemporary Dance Company, and guest artists. These programs showcase world-class talent in a highly intimate setting, allowing your group to experience the vibrancy and innovation of live dance up close.
Throughout the year, there are also themed performances and festivals that highlight diverse choreographic voices and artistic collaborations, providing a dynamic cultural calendar that groups can follow. Peridance regularly promotes rehearsals, auditions, workshops, and artist talks, offering an immersive behind-the-scenes view of the dance world for those interested in the art form. These events make ideal social occasions where friends can witness creativity in action and discuss interpretations afterward, deepening their collective appreciation.
Also noteworthy are the artist residencies, such as those featuring experimental ensembles or Afro-Cuban dance creators, which inject fresh and cutting-edge energy into the center’s programming. For groups who love the arts and want more than a typical night out, attending a performance or event at Peridance creates a meaningful, shared cultural experience.
How does Peridance support dancers and foster community?
At its core, Peridance Center is committed to cultivating a welcoming, supportive dance community where both amateurs and professionals thrive. It offers a wide range of educational programs designed to train pre-professional dancers as well as provide ongoing opportunities for adults and children to learn and grow. The center focuses on inclusivity by welcoming people at different skill levels and age groups, ensuring everyone has access to quality dance education.
Moreover, the Peridance Contemporary Dance Company acts as a hub for creative collaboration, staging innovative performances, workshops, and outreach activities. Led by Artistic Director Igal Perry, this company integrates values such as artistic support, community engagement, and accessibility, which enrich the center’s atmosphere and mission. Through public programming, partnerships, and performance opportunities, Peridance connects dancers, choreographers, musicians, and audiences in meaningful ways.
For friends or families meeting here, this ethos translates into an environment where dancing is a shared joy and a way to connect. Taking classes or attending events fosters camaraderie among participants, as they encourage interaction, mutual encouragement, and celebration of accomplishment. Whether you are stepping into a dance class for the first time or attending a performance, Peridance’s community-centered approach makes every gathering warm and inspiring.
What practical benefits does Peridance offer for group gatherings?
Peridance Center understands the needs of groups looking to host social or creative meetups, offering practical perks that enhance the experience. Flexible adult drop-in classes mean your group can join without long-term commitments or complicated scheduling. Their class pricing is transparent and affordable, and the center offers a loyalty rewards program which gives 10% back in rewards for every dollar spent, redeemable as discounts later—helpful for groups planning multiple visits.
For larger parties or special events, Peridance provides studio and theater rentals, enabling groups to create private dance workshops, rehearsals, or parties in a professional setting. The center’s staff is proactive in assisting with bookings and can quickly respond with pricing and availability, streamlining the planning process for group coordinators.
Additionally, the location’s accessibility by multiple New York subway lines makes arrival and departure easy for guests. The vibrant East Village neighborhood also offers numerous nearby dining and relaxation options, perfect for extending your meetup before or after activities. All of these practical details combine to make Peridance an efficient and enjoyable venue for gatherings, freeing you to focus on the fun and connection.
Peridance Center stands out as a lively, versatile, and welcoming destination for anyone looking to convene a group of friends or family around the joy of dance and performance. Its extensive class offerings, professional performance spaces, community ethos, and logistical advantages create an environment ideal for both active participation and cultural appreciation. From beginners to experienced dancers, casual visitors to dance aficionados, Peridance invites your group to step together into a shared world of rhythm, artistry, and connection.