The Dancing Turtle

What a kewl joint! My kids attended a birthday bash, and kudos to the staff for knocking it out of the park! The kids were engaged from beginning til end (and there was a handful of 3-5 year olds in the mix, that can be a tricky thing to accomplish). My crew learned some smooth moves and had so much fun in the process. There's a lot happening at this studio, and really worth checking out for adults and kids alike. The space is awesome!!!!

I love everything about this place. It's not just dance training, it's not just fitness, it's about confidence, community and life skills. The coaches are all highly skilled, take time with the young ones and encourage everyone to participate. My son has been in class for about a year now, and I've seen him and so many other kids come in shy and build the confidence to perform in front of a crowd within just a few classes.

The first thing you need to know about this place is that the owner, Chris, prefers that you call him "Check-it". For reals, yo. So check-check-check it out.Where to begin. Check-it is a b-boy, originally hailing from Chicago, and he has a resumé that just don't quit. A Master of hip-hop Ceremonies, the dude is schooled in breaking; at one time he was considered one of the most talented break dancers in the country, if not the world, and I'm thinking that's akin to mastery of the ancient arts: once you ascend to that platitude, you essentially own it forever. Black belts remain black belts, right? It's pretty clear, judging from my time watching him school some youngins, that he'll be a b-boy for life (BB4L). Someday I plan to visit him in a nursing home, where I imagine he'll be popping and dropping it in the cafeteria, all over the canned peaches.So what is the Dancing Turtle? It's a dance studio, sure, but it's more of a community center, a place for kids to drop in off the street, study, chill, and connect with beats. Before he crafted this joint, Check-it was a reptile guru at Clark's Pet Emporium up the street; over several years he re-built the Slytherin department and became something of a cold-blood expert. About a third of Dancing Turtle is devoted to these creatures: snakes, tarantulas, lizards, and the rest, lovingly cared for and ready for a new home. There's also a solid dance floor, a DJ booth and a sitting area in the front. Dancing Turtle offers dance classes that extend beyond breaking, with options for little and big kids alike. Sundays are donation-based, so feel free to pay a visit and get your hipping and hopping on for whatever you can afford. Park in the back. I can't say enough about my adoration for people like Check-it; in tough urban spaces, especially the Duke City, these tiny realms of creativity serve so many purposes: it's a temple, a hangout, a Zen center and a playground that just might put the 505 on the b-boy map. There's some serious s*it going on in here. Check-check-check it out.

If you are looking for a great summer activity for your kiddos, a unique way to celebrate a birthday or other event, or if you yourself are interested in a personal trainer that will motivate you to reach your personal best, the Dancing Turtle is the place to be! As the world's only breakdancing studio / reptile store, the Dancing Turtle is Albuquerque's most interesting and creative new business. Check-It (a.k.a. "Christopher" Lim) works exceptionally well with young children, and his amazing feats of physical greatness inspire teens and young adults who are looking to step up their breaking game. My daughter started working with Check-It from the very opening of the studio, and her time with him has not only improved her dancing, her confidence, her level of responsibility to self and others, and her core strength, Check-It's "Team Turtle" program, which pairs up pre-teen breakers with groups of younger children to compete in an open battle and fun time once a week, has put my daughter in a leadership position where she is learning skills that will benefit her throughout her life. I HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend anyone with small children, especially the ones who have endless bounds of energy (that covers all of them, right?) try out a demo class today and see what you think.Also, if you want to impress your friends with an amazing party experience, you can talk to Check-It about planning a live DJ and reptile handling party at the Dancing Turtle. You will be the talk of the town ;-)

Chris Lim (Check-it) brings a hard working ethic to this business, you can tell by the clean and well displayed decor and the nurturing ambiance. It says a lot about him and his partner, Natane. The little critters, *air plants,* products, *jewelry, and other works of art (*made locally) are lovingly maintained. His boundless energy whether he is teaching, fitness coaching, or educating about the animals is contagious. He has received many accolades as a Break Dance educator because of his patience and enthusiastic spirit, no matter what level; child to adult. Natane (Soula) is a certified P-3rd grade Teacher endorsed in Special Education. She as well exudes good energy and patience, and has vast experience in the world of Breaking, especially in the organizational spectrum. It's good to see a female also teaching Break Dancing-breaking the mold so to speak.She is also a member of an all female Break Dance crew.How does this dance studio connect the dots of studio and reptiles? In my opinion, it's as easy as knowing that developing and nurturing a passion for more than one element in life is a fusion of love. Why choose?

I wanted to break dance for my wife at my wedding. Chris met with me on evenings and weekends every week for three months. On the day of our wedding I did a set for my wife that knocked her socks off!

This is the best place to learn the true elements of break dancing. Check It aka Chris Lim is hands down the best teacher I have ever had in my life (and this is such a severe understatement to this man's ability to educate and uplift). If you're looking for a clear understanding of this dance form in every way possible definitely go to The Dancing Turtle.On the other end of this business is the reptiles/exotics that are handled with such care and love. Check It really out does himself to go out of his way to make sure these animals are as comfortable as possible. Take a second to ask him, he's the expert!