Welcome to The Works Exercise and Dance Studio

We offer quality classes and provide certified professional instructors so that we can give you a great workout every time! We welcome men and women to our studio. The first class is free.

Our schedule and description of classes and rates will give you all the information you need to get started. Click here for a peek into the studio.

Our studio is available for rentals, either on a single or long term basis. For more information on rentals see our rental page.

Hope to see you soon.

Thanks to all who attended 'I Know a Woman Like That'

A sellout crowd enjoyed this year's Spring Fundraiser, a screening of the new and acclaimed documentary, "I Know a Woman Like That." This film, which premiered at last year's Chicago Film Festival, documents the lives of an amazing group of women passionately engaged in spirited endeavors at a time the world expects women of this generation to be reclining in rocking chairs. It features Elaine and Virginia Madsen, Eartha Kitt, Rita Moreno, Lauren Hutton, Marg Starbuck and Berkeley's own Maxine Hong Kingston. Roger Ebert found it "transformative ... and extraordinary."

After the showing, West Coast Live host Sedge Thomson moderated a panel discussion with the film's director Elaine Madsen, actress Rita Moreno, and writer Maxine Hong Kingston, along with two spouses who speak in the film about being married to "women like that," Earll Kingston and Bill Boykin.

Donnis Topel of Topel Winery donated a selection of delicious wine to complement the event.

Missing Testimonials Found

A collection of testimonials from Works patrons was to be printed for distribution at the fundraiser, but was forgotten in the press of last-minute events. It is reproduced below in hopes that it will encourage visitors to our website to try The Works.

Join The Works Cooperative!

What do Women (and Men) Like That have in common? ENERGY!

The Works Cooperative has been offering exercise, dance and Pilates classes for eleven years in a comfortable studio just south of the Berkeley University campus. Most of our members are in their 40's through 60's and have been coming to The Works for years. They are hooked. Here are some of the things they say about The Works:

"Before I came to The Works 10 years ago my most strenuous exercise was turning on my computer. Now I feel 10 years younger than when I started". Leo S, Professor, U.C.

"I sit and paint pictures all day. It's good to refresh my mind by going to The Works. It's also good for my cross training, since I do speed skating for a hobby. I won a silver medal at the 2007 National Masters Championship, thanks to The Works!!!" Kazumi C, painter.

"I come to The Works for the community, the compassionate and caring 'friends' I have exercised with forever. It keeps me in shape for racing sailboats and the two dance companies I am in." Ruth S, paralegal.

"I tried other places but the workout was never as good. The teachers at The Works are professional and fun. I plan to be dancing and skiing well into 'old age.'" Christine A, RN.

"A friend brought me to The Works, and that was it! The instructors were caring and well trained and they encouraged me to go at my own pace. I feel comfortable working out among members of varying ages and fitness levels." Cheryl G, counselor.

"What I love about The Works' Power Exercise Class is that you don't have to be good at it (thank goodness). You just have to keep doing it and you feel GREAT!" Sue M, grandmother.

Want a fun way to boost your energy, feel ten years younger, and dance into old age? Give The Works a try! Your first class is FREE. Check out our schedule.

Last Saturdays — Winter Workshops with Alexis Mulhauser and Leah Taylor

Read all about it here.

BERKELEYSIDE reviews The Works

Read the review.

Balance Challenge Workout with Sue D'Alonzo — it's back!

Wednesdays 9 am

One of the most challenging issues that affect older adults is instability and loss of balance.

This creative class will focus on the three systems that maintain Optimal Balance: Visual, Somatosensory and Vestibular. We will focus on all of these systems with the use of many props. Our focus will be to be UNSTABLE during this hour in order to be STABLE for life!

I invite you to give this class a try: it will be very interesting and rewarding!

Improving balance is crucial and beneficial to one's life.

Introductory Special for new customers