I have spent a long time debating whether to write this review because Starlight was once a place…read moremy child genuinely loved. Unfortunately, many of the issues that ultimately led us to leave were not isolated incidents, they were patterns that existed for years and appeared to worsen as the owner took on more stress. Constructive criticism is not an attack. Honest feedback is not disloyalty. The common denominator throughout the concerns many families raised was leadership. Communication problems were present long before the recent turmoil, but they became significantly more noticeable as the program grew. Important information was often delayed, incomplete, changed without explanation, or communicated differently to different groups of people. Parents frequently found themselves piecing together information from rumors, social media, group texts, and other families rather than receiving clear and consistent communication directly from leadership. The situation surrounding the temporary location (without heat/AC and wall) and construction delays was particularly frustrating. Families were repeatedly given timelines and explanations that changed over time, creating confusion and eroding trust. We were told at one point that construction was halted due to human remains being found, this was false. As a parent of a neurodivergent child, I was also disappointed by decisions that appeared to overlook the needs of many students in the program. Despite the owner stating that Starlight is "inclusive and welcoming to all". The owner even going as far as stating "LGBTQ and neurodivergent kids are my specialty". One example was the creation of a teen group chat used for communication while excluding parents from those conversations. Most of the students involved were freshman, many of whom are neurodivergent and rely on adult support to manage schedules, stay organized, and process information. Removing parents from those communications created unnecessary barriers and left families struggling to ensure their children had accurate information. I was further troubled by comments made about students and families. Hearing a neurodivergent child who was struggling emotionally described as "throwing a hissy fit" demonstrated a lack of understanding and compassion that I would expect from a youth program serving diverse learners. I watched as students were guilted into taking on more responsibilities/roles than they wanted despite their feelings being clearly communicated. Likewise, hearing concerned parents characterized as "entitled" was disheartening. Parents were not asking for special treatment,they were asking for transparency, consistency, and accountability after investing significant time, money, and trust into the organization. The saddest part is that the students were often caught in the middle of adult decisions and conflicts. The children showed up to learn, perform, build friendships, and pursue something they loved. They deserved stability, professionalism, and leadership that modeled healthy communication and accountability. The students deserve nothing less. One of the most frustrating aspects of this experience is that many of the concerns raised by families over the years have never seemed to be genuinely acknowledged. Instead, there appears to be a pattern where criticism is immediately dismissed, explained away, or attributed to misunderstandings rather than treated as an opportunity for reflection and growth. Even when families take the time to leave thoughtful feedback or reviews, the response often seems focused on defending decisions, challenging the person's account, or explaining why their experience wasn't valid rather than recognizing that multiple families may be raising similar concerns. When every concern is attributed to a misunderstanding, a disgruntled parent, or someone who simply doesn't know the full story, it becomes difficult to believe that meaningful accountability is taking place. At some point, when the same themes continue to emerge from multiple families over multiple years communication issues, lack of transparency, shifting narratives, exclusion of parents, and dismissive responses to concerns. It is worth considering whether those concerns deserve genuine reflection rather than another explanation for why they aren't true. Again, constructive criticism is not an attack. Honest feedback is not disloyalty. Families who speak up are often doing so because they care deeply about the students and want the organization to succeed. Unfortunately, too often it felt like those voices were viewed as a threat rather than an opportunity to improve.

My girls both worked with Chelsea in her theater and dance studio for years! Our experience was…read morephenomenal. She always provided a space for them to feel accepted, celebrated and supported! I can't imagine their teen years without her.

This is a wonder experience for your kids from ages 6 and up. They have so much fun and get to meet…read morenew friends and have fun with old ones. They go to the pool and make art, do yoga dance and so much more.

Took our first class there and my daughter couldn't stop singing their praises! Super clean and…read morewelcoming dance studio! Instantly felt welcomed. Would highly recommend!

Came here with my six-year-old son and wife. We watched the Beauty and the Beast Jr play. It was a…read moregreat experience. The young people did very well. I was intrigued by the stage and how they managed to appeal to people no matter where they sat. I'd love to come see another production.

Just enjoyed a performance of The Little Mermaid here today! The staging was wonderful and everyone…read moreknew their lines and where to go. Most importantly the kids had an amazing time! Covid precautions were maintained. Well done!

I'm in my second session of Twerk dance class at Funkmode. I found this studio when I moved to…read moreConcord from Oakland quite a few months ago. I was just in a dance recital, and got to dress up. I always feel included and empowered. Love my teacher, Angel. This a very inclusive and accepting environment. They have kids, teens, and adult classes with a variety of themes and teachers. I'm so happy to be a part of the dance crew. I also get to be in their pride performance in June!

Fun as fuck love the twerk class angel is a bad bitch with definitely would recommendread more

i have been dancing with Ta'ere Tia'i for almost 12 years and in those years they've never failed…read moreto make me feel special. every birthday i've ever had has been celebrated with them, even when my dad passed they didn't hesistate to come and be by my families side. Ta'ere Tia'i is more than a dance studio it's a forever family that i'm greatful to have so if you are reading this and thinking about joining i suggest you do!! from the teachers, to the students, to the families you meet it's something that you don't get to experience often and joining ta'ere tia'i will give you the experience you deserve like the one ive had for the past 12 years

I have been dancing with this studio for a little over 2 years. It all started with my daughter who…read morehas always loved to dance. A friend from school told us about the school, so I brought my daughter in for a trial class. She loved it so much we signed her up right away. Not too long after, I noticed that a lot of the parents are very involved with the group. Some of them dance, others play instruments and some help with costumes and events. A couple of the moms invited me to take a class, but I remember trying Tahitian in high school and never quite picked it up. However, the whole culture at the studio is like a family. Knowing that I could bring my kids, I decided to try it out because I needed some form of exercise. Never did I imagine I would be two years in and still loving it. I went from just dancing as exercise to being able to perform in front of people, which I have always been scared to do. The best part of the studio is all the people from the owners/teachers to the families involved. There are no egos or people trying to outdo one another. Everyone is uplifting, supportive and helpful. And just like the name suggests, it is more than a studio, it is a cultural arts center. We are not just taught dances. We are taught the language, the meaning of the songs we dance and even how to make our own costumes. Plus, you are able to participate as much as you like. If you don't want to perform, you are not forced to do so. They even have special classes where they teach you how to play different instruments. There are even fitness classes like Zumba. Of course, right now due to COVID things are different, and extra precautions need to be taken, so we do not have gatherings like prior. However, I highly recommend this studio for anyone who loves the Tahitian culture or just loves to dance.

This business has finally closed its doors after just 8 short years of being in business. When you…read moreown a business TRUST and HONESTY are the best policy which they lacked.

My daughter has been dancing here for three years now. She absolutely loves her instructors, Ms…read more Becca and Ms. Noor, as well as everyone else on the staff. The team creates such a supportive and encouraging environment, and it shows in how excited my daughter is to attend each class. One of the highlights of the year is the end-of-year showcase. It's truly a magical experience for the kids, complete with real costumes and a professional production feel. You can tell a lot of care and attention goes into making it special for the dancers and their families. We truly appreciate everything this studio provides and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a wonderful place to foster their child's love of dance!

Justine and Tom are both exceptional teachers who care deeply about their students and provide a…read morewonderful atmosphere for children to play and learn through music! All the stars!

Justine is the ABSOLUTE best! I can't say enough good things about how amazing she's been to our…read morefamily. we've been attending InHarmony for the past 7+ Years. Our older daughter has always enjoyed going to class as a baby, toddler and young child, she developed her language early, she has rhythm and loves to dance. Our younger daughter has also enjoyed going to classes, she loves the songs, she loves to sing and dance and can drum really well at 4 years old! Justine and Tom are a perfect duo and we LOVE them so much as people and Teachers. If you aren't enriching your children's lives with music, you are missing out! Their whole brain develops in a holistic way, making them a better learner! if you arent doing music with Justine and Tom, YOU (parent) are missing out on the friendship of two amazing people.

This was a great first visit to experience the "Born A Slave - Frederick Douglass" Performance. As…read morea visitor from San Diego, we decided to support a friend in this Stage Reading performance. He played the Orator Version of Frederick Douglass, and another actor played the action character Frederick Douglass (and also had lines) during the Stage Reading Oration. When we arrived, there was plenty of street meter parking outside around the theatre. There is a brewery directly across the street and a Mexican Food Truck in front of the brewery. The food truck is a bit pricey ($16 per person). I advise that theatre goers explore having dinner prior to arriving to the show. The venue offers a full bar, coffee, hot cocoa, and vending type snacks. Snacks include: candy, Pringle Chips, fresh popped popcorn in boxes, bottled waters, and sodas. There are not hot food items nor sandwiches at the venue snacks/bar area. I recommend that they get pastries to sell to patrons, this would go a long way for those who ate dinner before a show. The theatre seats 90 people, there is a row up front in the orchestra pit area for disabled attendees. The stairwell aisles of the theatre are wide with 2 stair transitions, which is safer than most. The seats are a bit cramped, but cushioned. The sound and lighting is great for a stage reading format. Overall, this was a great experience and the cast came out afterwards to meet with the audience members in the theatre entrance foyer/lobby. Our friend, Wayne, and the whole cast, did an excellent job in this performance!

This theatre is wonderful! Located in downtown Martinez…read more It is the perfect size if you ask me. Comfortable. It feels intimate but not cramped. The bathrooms are easily accessible. There is a bar. Dress as you like This last time we came for Dirty Cello band, also amazing! She came out before the show and chatted with everyone personally. I follow them now on social media. I can't imagine being disappointed with anything I chose to see here. We are planning to come see a play soon. And then a comedy show perhaps! Tickets are easy on the website and you even choose your own seats.