Dawn R.
Yelp
I want to start out by saying that my review is for the actual facility and its staff, not for the show I saw last night. The show (Curly Taylor's Zydeco) and the dance instruction were great, no complaints there at all! But my review is not for them, so I will continue.....
At first, I thought everything would be fine.....the two people at the ticket counter were friendly and smiling, so no problems. They gave me my ticket, and I asked where the dance lessons were being held. I was told to go to the "Theater", so I proceeded there.....there was nobody manning the door, so I just opened the door and walked in. It was advertised on their website that dance lessons would start at 7:00, with the show starting at 8:00. It was 7:02 so I (and some others) assumed that we should just go in for the lessons. When I got in, the band was warming up and the dance instructor was testing his earpiece. A woman (I later learned her name is Sarah) was moving chairs around. When she saw me and the others who walked in behind me, she became very abrasive, saying "How did you get in here?" I told her I walked through the door (how else did she think I got in there, teleportation?) She said "Wasn't there somebody at the door to take your ticket?" Well, obviously not.......then she said "We're not through setting up so you can't be in here." We went back out, and everyone lined up waiting, with the dance lessons not starting until about 7:20.
Now let me say this....I understand that sometimes things don't go according to schedule, and if you're running a few minutes late, especially at a small venue like this, people will probably understand if you're up front with them. But this woman obviously knows nothing about customer service. If she had simply said, "I'm sorry, but we're running a few minutes late, can you please step outside and give us a few more minutes?" it would have been a whole different story, but her abrupt approach was just rude and off-putting. And then, before the band started, she got on stage and rambled on trying to get people to become members of Creative Alliance. Honestly, if her behavior this night was any indication, why on earth would I subject myself to a membership here?
The lesson was good, but it was VERY crowded, and a little difficult to do some of the steps (the dance floor is pretty small). So I stepped away for the last 5 minutes or so, and went to their "bar" which really resembles more of a high school concession stand. They have two windows open, one inside the theater and the other opens to the hallway, and ONE woman working. I saw Sarah and a few others wander in, take a look at the long line, and then walk away without helping the poor woman who was trying to keep up. I finally got a drink, but never went back for a second one.....it just wasn't worth the wait.
I did notice that I appeared to be the youngest person there, with most of the people appearing to be at least in their 50s and all reminded me of a high school art teacher, which is cool for this type of venue. Most people were friendly, and the dancing was lively. Outside the theater they have some artwork on display, which is nice. And there's a restaurant by the front entrance. I didn't try anything there, but the menu looked interesting.
This might be a cool place to come back to for select events, but I honestly can't see myself becoming a member. I really just didn't get the feeling that the ownership/management was very welcoming/friendly, and if I'm going to dedicate myself to a membership, I at the very least want to feel like my contribution and my business is appreciated.