I have had a wonderful experience at Belltown Dance Studio. I have always been a bit intimidated by Salsa but the owner and teacher of BDS, Jim Chow has made me feel more enjoyment and excitement to learn this dance! His methodical teaching style really has produced in me greater understanding and is helping to refine my technique in a way that has helped me gain more confidence and enjoy Salsa. Jim Chow is hard-working, encouraging and is an amazing teacher and extremely creative and skilled dancer. He teaches patiently and quietly. His skill is outstanding and he never makes me feel dumb even when I cannot quite grasp the steps. The classes are great and a wonderful crowd comes to them. I appreciate the Wednesday night practices not only because they are extrememly inexpensive, but because there are really great dancers, including Jim, that are kind and patient and help me practice and learn more. It is also a great place to meet new friends who enjoy dancing as well. ...‎ More »

I have had a wonderful experience at Belltown Dance Studio. I have always been a bit intimidated by Salsa but the owner and teacher of BDS, Jim Chow has made me feel more enjoyment and excitement to learn this dance! His methodical teaching style really has produced in me greater understanding and is helping to refine my technique in a way that has helped me gain more confidence and enjoy Salsa. Jim Chow is hard-working, encouraging and is an amazing teacher and extremely creative and skilled dancer. He teaches patiently and quietly. His skill is outstanding and he never makes me feel dumb even when I cannot quite grasp the steps. The classes are great and a wonderful crowd comes to them. I appreciate the Wednesday night practices not only because they are extremly inexpensive, but because there are really great dancers, including Jim, that are kind and patient and help me practice and learn more. It is also a great place to meet new friends who enjoy dancing as well. Everyone I have met there has been really great! Candace W ________

wonderful instructor‎ Feb 5, 2010 I have taken several classes from different salsa instructors in Seattle, and must say that Jim Chow is by far the best. He is more like a coach than just a teacher. He not only delivers the instruction but watches intently, coaching you on what you need to do (place your feet, hands, inner focus, etc.). His assistant is wonderfully gracious and inspiring. I have taken only 5 beginner classes and can already have a blast at various salsa events without disgracing myself. I also like the space a lot, it's bright, well lit, and the temperature is perfect. I appreciate most of all that Jim provides opportunities for his students to practice, practice, practice, by hosting extremely inexpensive socials on Wednesday and Sunday nights; he also encourages all of his students to get out there and dance as much as possible. Monika A ________‎

The best of Belltown and Downtown 2009

Best Place to Meet Singles: Belltown Dance Studio. Fellas let me tell you, there are nothing but single girls in this place taking salsa lessons. I walk past this place some nights and the place is filled with ladies. The best part about the lessons is that you rotate dance partners and the girls you dance with know you don't know how to dance, so there's no use in trying to dance cool. Trust me, you'll meet more single girls in a 6-week dance lesson here than you will at any bar. Ladies, you'll meet a guy who will never outshine you on the dance floor, and is also financially stable enough to possibly buy you a drink afterwards or pay for parking.

David Nelson

http://blog.seattlepi.com/insidebelltown/archives/189432.asp

DECEMBER 29, 2009

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Don't Hesitate to checkout this Great Studio

When I moved to Seattle 2 years ago, I was walking through Belltown and saw a sign for salsa classes with Jim Chow. I registered for class and its been a blast - I haven't stopped dancing since! :) Jim gave me a solid foundation in the dance and taught me a lot. He loves the dance, the community and his students: he cares a lot about the quality of learning and dancing that he helps to teach and promote. Not only does he teach; he also pulls his students into the dance community to help them expand their dancing by going outside the classroom to dance. He can be an exacting teacher because he cares about all the little details. The events at his studio are a blast! If you're just contemplating learning to dance salsa - stop and just come to his studio on Sunday's for practica to check things out. Its a friendly atmosphere with a great floor and space where everyone is dancing with everyone (Jim included) regardless of level.‎

Frances Tee

Dec 28, 2009

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To be completely honest, I was a bit intimidated by Jim Chow at first... I have heard some not so nice things, but was determined to not believe everything I hear, and to personally find out for myself if there was any truth to the rumors. And so I started talking to him as a person, took a private lesson from him, and observed parts of his group classes to see how he was as a teacher. The result - not only do I consider this man one of the best Salsa teachers in Seattle, but I'm also proud to call him my friend. He's incredibly professional, curtious, humorous, and truly cares about his students and their progress. He is the kind of teacher who will work with you until you get it and is always there to help. Above all, he truly loves not only dancing, but teaching Salsa. His studio is downright beautiful and his practicas are fun and welcoming for all levels.

Anna Peskin

Dec 28, 2009

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The Product Sells Itself....‎

Six months ago, I didn't know dancing from a hole in the ground. I'd never danced a day in my life. Unless you count the Budweiser boogie back in my college days. I walked past Jim's superb studio and said to myself "Let's give it a go.". Now, six months later and having taken five of Jim's dance courses, I'm busting moves on the Salsa dance floor like I'd never imagined I could. Why? One word. Jim! The man's product is top notch. OK. Some people have used some words to describe his human interaction abilities. Jim can be a bit on the direct side but the other words used are total BS. Jim is direct because he is passionate and sincere in what he does. Which is to teach people how to dance Salsa! If you are doing the move wrong, he will call you on it until you get it right. You will appreciate that about him once you are on the real Salsa dance floor. The difference between a mediocre Salsa dancer and the really good ones is all in the details. Jim hammers home the details until you get it right. If you want to dance Salsa really well, you learn from Jim. If you want ultra sensitivity and hugs and kisses, well ... go see a priest or therapist. Now, thanks to Jim, the women are starting to ask me to dance. The product speaks for itself.

Greg M. Thompson

Dec 28, 2009

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Jim Chow has done so many great things for the Seattle Salsa Community! He continuously organizes numerous events and brings together dancers of all levels, as well as most local instructors. Thanks to Jim, students have many chances to compete (in various styles) and win great prizes. People come from Vancouver B.C., Portland and other places to attend his events. He organized summer beach parties (the attendance was incredible), salsa and bachata competitions, belly-dancing and zumba instruction etc. I have been involved in the Seattle salsa scene for a few years, I have taken classes from numerous instructors, I have performed and during these few years, and I have watched Jim bring everyone together instead of trying to prove his style is what you should learn and he is the only good instructor (like some try to do). Everyone I know feels the same way, whether they dance on1, on2, cumbia, on5... As far as taking classes from other instructors, most salsa dancers will take lessons from more than one instructor and there is nothing wrong with that. They will learn something from everyone.
Keep up the great work Jim!

John S

December 24, 2009

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"Jim - Thanks again for hosting a great event for the Seattle salsa community.  Looking forward to the next one.

Ladies destroyed the men in the battle. I was so captivated (putting it lightly) by the ladies routine that I completely forgot what I just learned."

Jesse Robbins

November 7, 2009

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"I had so much fun at cellars tonight! I think the extra lesson really helped me out ;) see you next week!"

Sara

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October 13, 2009

To me, a sexy person is all about the way a person carries them self. A cool person to talk to. Someone you can sit next to on a long flight and have the time fly by due to the interaction. Someone that wants to call you on their way home from work every day. Sexy is all about the way a person acts when nobody is looking. A good-spirited individual that you can laugh with, cry with, and is just a super cool person.

I've managed to put together a list of people I recommend you say hi to in Belltown should you see them. These aren't celebrities, athletes, or supermodels; they're regular people just like you and I. These people have great personalities, are super friendly and just a cool person in our community.

Jim Chow is a dance instructor at Belltown Dance Studio. His studio instructs people with two left feet, and experienced people as well. His studio benefits single people and couples alike.

David Nelson - blog.seattlepi.com

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From Seattle-Salsa/meetup.com

“ It's another source of information on Salsa happenings. Jim works hard to put together good programs and deserves more support from the Salsa community. ”

Chris on Oct 25, 2009.

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A few words about Jim Chow's Belltown Dance Studio:

If you're looking for a cool, fun and laid back place to practice your hot and spicy Latin moves, you've found it! From location and decor to floor and music, their Sunday practica is early enough for you to grab some happy hour and some friends and come hang out and dance at Seattle's newest and hottest up and coming studio before venturing out to other late night spots near by.

Belltown Dance Studio's atmosphere is truly unique with its catchy beats, flashy mirrors, comfy couches and leads that will literally sweep you off your feet with style, passion, technique and skill that rivals the follows' in leaving you breathless. After all, could you expect anything less from a venue owned by one of the city's best? In his words, "Salsa is more than simple dance moves. It is playful, dramatic, sensual and flirtatious."

So next Sunday night, come out and play under the shadow of the Space Needle at Belltown Dance Studio.

Anna :)

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"Another successful event! :) You're getting pretty good at these, Teacher!"

Carlette

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"Hey Jim - last night was really fun!  Thanks for putting it together - I've never competed in anything before so it's exciting and a little scary :-)

Paula
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"I second the last two posts. Very well put together. Liked dancing in the circle and switching. Lot of fun :)"

Brian
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I got to know more about my fellow salsa students at the event. Great experience over all!

shiori
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I had a great time!!! It exceeded my expectations, wonderful food and dancing, well organized agenda, and especially a great group of friendly people.

Randall
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Everything was well organized and fun. The competition was great for the students to show off there skills in the limelight and gives them the extra confidence needed to take their dancing to the next level

Jim Hadley
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A blast as always - there is a great supportive atmosphere and its nice to be able to socialize and dance in the studio. It was a TON of fun! Thanks Jim

Frances Tee

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Everyone did a superb job with their performances! I love seeing the beginning students get up there and bust a move just for the heck of it. What a great way to accelerate the learning process!

Dwayne
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Always a fun time at Jim's Salsa events - great performances by everyone, and a fun time dancing with the ladies afterwards ;-)

Rishad
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The space we used at Shallots had an inviting atmosphere, and the food was really good. It was nice that everyone got to tell something about themselves. It made the event more interesting. I enjoyed having the chance to meet new people and get to know those I previously met a little better.

Barbara
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I had a great time!!! Well.. we didn't win the competition ...but regardless dancing is very rewarding emotionally :-)

Emiliya


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Hi Jim,

Fun class last night. You are a really excellent teacher and give really good corrections and adjustments and have such a fun and passionate style. As a former dancer and having taught one form of movement practice or another for 20-plus years, when I say you're an excellent teacher, I actually have a wide and deep repertoire of experience to base that on. I'm really enjoying your teaching!

Enjoy this beautiful day!

Mikhaila

Dr. Mikhaila Von Osborne, OMD, LAc, DiplAc

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