It just breaks my heart how the Art Programs have always been in danger of being cut. I can't imagine a world without Elmo and Super Grover 2.0! And if Daniel Tiger went away, who's gonna teach my threenager "to try new food cuz it might taste good"?!?! It would be dull without music, without the singing and dancing, or painting, drawing, and all the other art forms that make the world a beautiful... and a sane... place to live. If Game of Thrones is going to be affected by these proposed budget cuts, I'll be really pissed! The high school students at CVHS are fortunate to have their Arts Program, and an exceptional one, I might add. I've seen a couple of musicals since my nephew has been in them, and recently my fambam watched Disney's Mary Poppins on a Sunday afternoon. I'm a fan of Broadway musicals and I thought the high school students were indubitably as good as those professionals. I tried to watch the original movie twice, but I fell asleep both times as I did not find it exciting. These high school kids killed each song and dance, and I mean K I L L L L L E D it (and that's a good thing)! The costumes were bright and colorful, each set was simple and cute, the choreographic sequences were fun, the songs played by the hs band were lively, and the performances were SUPERCALIFRAGILISTICEXPIALIDOCIOUS! The cast deserved a standing ovation. Hopefully, these high school students will continue to explore their creativity while expanding their imaginations. And I wish other children will have the opportunity. Save the Arts. As Mary Poppins would say, "Anything can happen if you let it." read more

Castro Valley Performing Arts - Mary Poppins! 5 stars! This live musical is delightfully entertaining! - Dance Studios Near Me - Castro Valley, California

First, this review is long overdue. My daughter began her journey with CVPA approximately one year ago. She has been dancing ballet since the age of 3, which she has continued to grow in. Two of the things she has been training in are jazz (3rd year now) and hip hop (2nd year now). Prior to this last year before joining CVPA, she was not taught proper technique, vocabulary or even how to count correctly with music. The studio she danced at before joining CVPA never corrected or communicated any concerns. Janet (CVPA owner) took my daughter in and has personally spent time retraining her and reversing the poor and bad habits that were never corrected where she danced prior to CVPA. I have witnessed her do this for all her new students. I cannot say enough good things about the teachers, owner, and students in Castro Valley Performing Arts. My daughter has been on an emotional journey this past year, and CVPA has given her the tools and communication to help get her in the right direction. The teachers and Owner are wonderful communicators, and they truly take the time to instill correct form, alignment, technique, dance vocabulary, good attitude, amazing choreography, and so much more. Specifically, Ms. Janet, Ms. Gia, Ms. Kim, Ms. Kristina, Ms. Hannah, Ms. Michelle, Ms. Karisa, and Ms. Jenelle have all greatly influenced my daughter through this transition. Thank you all for believing in my daughter and welcoming our family to your studio. Ms. Cassidy, who recently began teaching at CVPA is also amazing. She has instructed my daughter in the past for ballet, and I feel was the only reason my daughter maintained good ballet training during our time prior to CVPA. Ms. Amanda is also absolutely amazing. While my daughter did have a hard time learning Latin Jazz, as it was something I'm not sure she was able to comfortably embrace, it is clear as day that Ms. Amanda is a wonderful instructor. I am so incredibly happy that she is working with such a strong team of teachers. If you are looking for a studio that teaches proper technique, etiquette, dance vocabulary, amazing choreography, and how to properly train their dancers, then this is the place to be. I would like to add that I drive all the way from Livermore for my daughter to attend this studio. I never imagined commuting my children for a sport. Worth every moment! read more

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I had high hopes for CVPA when I was registering my daughter. I read all the fine prints before clicking that I was agreeing to all their rules. I received a call from Janet a few days later and apparently there are two studios that you can sign up for, which is not disclosed in the actual registration process. Whatever, Janet talked me through the differences and we figured out which studio we wanted to go for a try class. Due to Covid, their restrictions are very specific. We were "registered" for one class but was unable to attend that particular class's try session. Janet said that it was not a problem, that we can try a different day for the exact same class. We made plans to go the following week and my daughter eagerly awaited for the day. We showed up 20 minutes earlier and were asked to fill out a Covid questionnaire. As we were doing so, the teacher came out to tell me that my daughter is actually not allowed because she is wearing a cloth mask. Funny story because we were not informed of the specific KN95 mask rule. She said she would call Janet and ask, but Janet didn't make an exception. We were turned away at the door. I called Janet to unenroll my daughter when we got home and she questioned "is something wrong?" Um, yes. Are you serious? A teacher just called you to see if we can be let in for our first try class with a mask she had on because you failed to communicate that she needed a KN95, and you're playing dumb, asking me "what's wrong?" I told her exactly what happened (once again) and she gave me some bogus excuse of how we were signed up for a different class schedule and her try class was on another day. And who's fault is that? The director who didn't send me the proper information KNOWING the prior arrangement we made with her on the phone? Or me, the parent that was uninformed about the special rule? You didn't think to send me this information when you sent me another email after getting off the phone? I'm not asking for a special treatment, and I appreciated how they are doing everything they can to keep kids safe. But a clear communication PRIOR to arriving for our first try class would have been great, and don't blame ME for coming on a different day for a try class. Have some accountability for yourself, for God's sake. I ended up with a very disappointed toddler and we were completely turned off from the entire studio. read more

Armen's musical "Cinderella" :) Came here to watch my friend's musical performance one night. Clean & spacious theatre. The musical was a great performance to watch. read more

Castro Valley Performing Arts - Cinderella. - Dance Studios Near Me - Castro Valley, California

My daughters started dancing at Castro Valley Performing Arts (CVPA) in 2019. They have excelled and grown so much learning from Janet and her teachers. Janet (the owner) made sure the transition for us was comfortable as newcomers since we came from another studio. Dancers and parents are welcoming and they are big in keeping the communication open. Janet is so conscientious of safety; she tested teaching on Zoom at CVPA a few days before SIP started and then trained other studios across America (on Zoom). Later on, she built an outdoor studio in the Somerset studio parking lot to accommodate safe dancing once things started opening up in Spring 2021. During SIP, the dancers continued to develop and improve their skills. We are all aware that keeping a business running is not easy during the pandemic. I recall Janet holding a dance seminar to fundraise for a studio that's struggling. This is admirable. There's no doubt why CVPA opened its door in 1995 and is still going stronger than ever. read more

My daughter takes beginning / intro classes at the center street location. Miss Jessica and Miss Sophia are amazing instructor's. You can tell when someone has a gift in dealing with children. These two have that gift. They interact very well with all of the children they instruct. They are very patient, pleasant and skilled teachers. This is a great choice if you want to get your child involved in dance. read more

Castro Valley Performing Arts - Dance Studios Near Me - Castro Valley, California

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The Castro Valley Dramatic Arts Academy offers such a good opportunity for middle school, high school and college aged youth to improve their skills in acting, dancing, improvisation, and voice! Director Michael Lushington has a great vision and expects the young actors to be professional. They come out of the program with more knowledge, maturity and theater skills no matter what their level. The tuition for the summer program is quite reasonable as well, it is hard to find any other summer activity for less. I am a previous employee, but also an educational counselor and former substitute teacher. This experience with children has given me some insight into how valuable these types of programs are for young people, and this is one of the best! read more

Castro Valley Performing Arts - Dance Performance - Dance Studios Near Me - Castro Valley, California

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Nice local venue, seen some very good plays and some incredible actors, but I do wish I could enjoy a libation.

Really lovely venue. Can't really have a bad seat. Big stage, lots of room backstage, and the front reception area has room for vendors and even an area to set up prepared food. Easy parking. Lots of stalls in the ladies' room. Only downside is the legroom for seating. Don't be tall here LOL. Your whole row will need to stand up to let you get to your seat. read more

I filmed a dance performance there last Saturday night, and I have filmed at CVCA for about five years. Consistently they have demonstrated professionalism behind the scenes. The staff accommodated my needs for audio from their board and they even offered to help me move my equipment. The sound and lighting are spectacular, the seating is comfortable, security is well organized and even the parking is accessible. The night before, I filmed in an unnamed facility in Oakland and had trouble with the "temporary staff" who gave me conflicting directions and the sound person who was not cooperative. The security staff hung around with one another and were not watching the dark pathways to the parking lot at the close of the event. I highly recommend CVCA for organizations who offer performances. read more

Ms. Kristina class is amazing. She teaches with a great deal of enthusiasm and compliments. Her class is fully of compliments and fast paced allowing the toddlers be individuals and work on basic dance (tap/ballet) skills. Great teachers are worth every penny. Please make sure she is appreciated and sticks around....the world needs great teachers with her energy. I was pleased watching the entire class. read more

CVDAA is an amazing acting program that has taught me more than I could have ever imagined. What's most enjoyable is that we are always treated as actors, not students and are held to standards thereof. Castro Valley Dramatic Arts Academy is a place where I feel like myself and I'm surrounded by my friends who love me for just those reasons. I would recommend any and all CVDAA programs to any age from young children to college students because no matter what actors are expected to work at the best of their capabilities. They offer semester- long workshops and five week intensive camp over the summer, as well as classes like improv and movement for actors. read more

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My experience with CPVA has been wonderful for a variety of reasons. 1) The cost of lessons is very reasonable. No initiation/registration fee, no cancellation fee, no hidden fees. 2) The instructors are talented, nurturing, encouraging and focused. It's obvious they teach because they simply love to dance and that attitude fosters a love of dance in the students. 3) My kids are tired after their one hour hip-hop lesson! It's a fantastic mental and physical workout for them. I drive from San Ramon, CVPA is worth it! read more

My two girls are dancing there and they have so much fun. They are waiting for their class all week. The teachers are very professional and I see the improvement from one week to the next. read more

Our son first joined the studio 4 years ago. We joined the studio because our son was unhappy with the old studio he was dancing in and he was thinking of quitting dance. Since he joined Castro Valley Performing arts, he regained his love of dance, thanks to Janet and the studio teachers teaching style. Janet promotes positive attitudes for all of the kids in the studio. The dancers are supportive of each other in a very positive atmosphere. Janet is tough, but she cares about all kids and she really wants all of her kids to do well. To see her getting emotional during the final recital for her graduating seniors at the dance school, it shows how much she really cares about these kids. At the studio, we are like a family. It is a second home for my son and daughter. Janet is a skilled teacher and her staff are as well. Several students from CVPA dance professionally including on broadway. A couple years ago my daughter started to dance with CVPA. She has special needs. Janet has proven to be very skilled in teaching kids with disability, like my daughter. Becoming a part of the CVPA family is one of the best decisions I have ever made. If you want your child to learn not only dance, but teamwork, hard work, a positive attitude and caring for others, then I feel that Castro Valley Performing Arts is the studio to choose. read more

Took my 4yr daughter to CV Preforming Arts on Center had a great teacher, great experience. The teacher interact we'll with the kids and played music that was great for a 4 year old class. However, our schedule changed, so I move her to the Castro Valley Blvd. location. Within the first 10 minutes of class I knew we would not be returning. The teacher did not seem to care, the music was hip hop and completely inappropriate for 4 year olds, and to top it off one of the little girl's parents had a fight in the lobby of the building. I would take her back to Center if my schedule would allow it but NOT CV Blvd. read more

I've been attending events at the CFA for nearly three years now, and I have yet to be disappointed! The building is brand new, well kept, and usually puts on very family oriented shows. It's great for the high school kids to finally have a theatre such as this to put on their musicals, plays, and choir and band performances! They also put on great musicals and variety shows through Golden State Theatre Productions throughout the year! Support the arts and stop by, grab a seat, and enjoy the show! read more

So fun !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Love it it's always Totes ma goats awesome read more

Great Teachers, Great School. My girls dance their and they are so happy and their progress is amazing. Highly recommended read more

Attended CFTA first comedy stand-up act... TERRIBLE!! The "supposed" warm-up comedian before the main show for Pitta to come on stage... had materials like trash from the garbage as well as inappropriate with limited materials for children and different age groups in the audience. The main act was just as bad though Pitta had potential to recover the initial first act... he bombed, too! This was a two thumbs down and unlikely to attend any future performances at the Center For The Arts. A recommendation for the organizer for future CFTA performances, there should be "age appropriate rating" posted! read more

Absolutely embarrassing I went their to go to class and The teacher said I was in the wrong uniform,the wrong class ,and I was not fit for ballet and I should try jazz instead I was crying by the time I got home because I wasted my valuable time,money,and energy to go there. read more

Janet the owner is extremely rude I switched to Michelle's Dance X-plosion. my family is happier there.

some of the teacher are o,k but the manager Janet favor some kids over the other they don't have classes for ballet for kids under 6 but i know for affect that their are more then a few girls under 6 that r taking this class and the answer i got is that they take more the one class a week= more money so they get the ballet class i am angry!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! read more