My daughter started dancing at WCDC fall of 2022, and let me tell you I am so grateful I found…read moreAngela and her staff. My daughter's previous dance school closed down and due to the pandemic she fell behind on her technique. I was worried it was too late for her- but WCDC helped her so much! Her skill level and technique for an 11 year old is impressive and I owe it all to Angela and her staff. Angela is great! She so calm and collective, not a ordinary dance school director. I always recommend WCDC to those who want to start their kiddos in dance.

their phone is out of service, I sent an email but no one responded, I cannot reach out to them…read more My daughter (4 y.o) took a trial class, and I have follow up questions. She was having a hard time and none of the teachers (there were 2) trying to make her feel welcomed / comfortable during the class. No one checks us in. No connection was made during the class. I won't sign her up. Maybe they have gotten too big they don't care about the kids anymore.

I love pole dancing. I was a personal trainer and dancer for the past 15 years and I have found a…read morehome in pole at Steel Heart Dance. It's the perfect combination of extreme strength, rhythm and being sexy. I have now been dancing with Deb for over two years. Her style and attention to technique are the perfect combination to become a pole athlete. If you are looking to try something new or are ready to take your skills to the next level, Deb's coaching and systematic progression will be a perfect fit. This is where you really learn to pole dance.

Can I just say this class is gonna be "Legen......" WAIT FOR IT.....Legen-DARY!…read more This awesome class is gonna rule and be LEGENDARY to all professional dancers and those that dare to try this amazing workout for SEXAY woman ALL over northern California! Deb is an OUTSTANDING dancer and choreographer! With a fabulous personality and sense of humor for the times! LOVE HER! Take this class and you will FIND that INNER DIVA challenge that no other "dance" class will find within you! Once you take this class, you'll want to go again. I'm making plans to do so. Make this class one of your "Bucket" List classes or just take for your INNER DIVA to shine in the form of dance (pole dancing included - hee-hee!) BRAVA to Christine and Deb for sharing this fabulous experience with us on a beautiful Sunday! See you soon.... ~Nanette

My kids have been here for ten years now, and both of them are thriving. My older daughter has been…read moreinvited/offered scholarships to different summer dance programs and her technique stands out wherever she goes, all thanks to the quality ballet training and competition opportunities she receives at WSPA. Each teacher my girls have worked with so far have been gifted choreographers whose routines win the top honors at competitions. In fact, WSPA is one of a few studios that don't need to outsource their choreography because their teachers do it so well in-house.

My daughter has been part of WSPA since 2019, and we absolutely love the supportive environment and…read morethe exceptional training she receives here. Currently, she is enrolled in the Ballet Performance Program, Musical Theatre Performance Program, and Tap Performance Program. The comprehensive curriculum at WSPA is designed to nurture well-rounded performers, and it's clear in my daughter's development as a true Triple Threat. Her hard work, dedication, and growth as a performer are a direct reflection of the high-quality instruction and mentorship she receives.

I'm so glad I stumbled across Soc Studio. I've been exploring additional activities for my kids and…read morethought we would give dancing a shot. You can enroll in free trial classes here before you commit to anything. I enrolled my son in the hip hop class and wanted to get my daughter in the hula class, but the latter is extremely popular with a couple dozen people already on the waitlist. The parking lot is shared with some other businesses so it can get pretty packed but I was luckily able to score a spot when I arrived. The studio is easy to navigate, with 3 different dance rooms holding simultaneous classes. There is a bench against the wall where parents can sit and watch if they want, although the view isn't ideal. You can also just drop your kid off at a class and come back for pickup. The studio is conveniently located a couple of blocks away from Grand so plenty of things to do in the area while you wait. The classes are a great way for kids to burn off some extra energy while also learning a new skill set. The techniques taught are age appropriate and the teachers are warm and friendly. There are two (optional) recitals held throughout the year so the students can showcase everything they learned. And the monthly price of membership is very competitive for what you're getting out of it.

My daughter has been dancing with SOC Studio since 2020 when she learned hula/tahitian over ZOOM…read more As a 3 year old, she was missing pre-school due to the shut down. She found her joy in dance. Now 5 years later my daughter is dancing in tap, theatre jazz, competition musical theatre, and has a role in the theatre production. SOC Studio teachers have been caring and inspirational to my daughter. SOC Studio is like our second home. We are so thankful to Ms. Marilou, Ms. Kelli, Ms. Fiona, her old teacher Ms. Hannah, and all the teacher assistants that have helped my daughter find her magic.

After coming back nearly 10 years later (post-child rearing and COVID) I'm both delighted and…read morerelieved that ODC continues to be the vibrant community for dance and movement that it's always been. The teachers remain outstanding, and because it's tricky for me to have a regular routine, I love the flexibility of all the different offerings. And there really is nowhere else where you can feel like everyone is welcome - no matter age, size or ability. And at such affordable prices! I'm addicted to Rhythm & Motion (where the music remains fresh, while some old classics allow me to remember some of the moves from years ago), but I've also loved the other classes I've tried, from Pilates to strength-training. I'm also really going to try to make that hip-hop class...;)

HIP HOP CLASSES I…read morelive in the East Bay, but work in San Francisco. ODC is one of two dance facilities in San Francisco I've been to that are walking distance to the Bart stations. After work I would go to ODC on certain days. I've been taking hip hop classes since 2007 at ODC. Almost 100% of the hip hop classes I enrolled are taught my Micaya. What I love about ODC is the studios aren't dark inside. Also the studios are spacious enough where you don't feel cramped. Even though I've taken hip hop classes for almost 20 years at ODC it doesn't feel dated. The one complaint I would make is regards to Studio B, which is where I take hip hop classes. Most of the studios downstairs have wooden floors however upstairs inside Studio B the Marley floor has too much grip or can be sticky. I'm surprised that throughout the years I haven't twisted my ankle or knee. Despite the Marley floor I enjoy taking hip hop classes at ODC.

I couldn't possibly say enough good things about this school. I was a ballet dancer at Susan…read moreHayward's school, and like many others, was able to go on to dance professionally thanks to her guidance. Sue never gave up on me, even though I started late, and I'm sure didn't display a lot of talent. She gives each and every dancer the same individual, solid and supportive training, regardless of level, age or talent. If you are willing to dedicate yourself, she will see you to your highest potential. Anyone that's ever danced at Susan Hayward's school will tell you it's not your average dance studio. The ambiance, family atmosphere, professionalism and constant sense of beauty and joy will make it a favorite memory and place for any dancer lucky enough to attend. When I talk with other alumnus we all say it's our happy place and fondest memory of dance. I now have a son who dances, and I plan to have him be under the same loving guidance that I know will prepare him not only for a future in dance (if he desires) but will give him a strong work ethic, love of the arts and strong values. The commute for us will be around an hour (no joke) but it's worth it. I really want my son to experience the RAD training and there simply isn't a school in the SF Bay Area that is better at preparing dancers for the world of classical ballet, while still maintaining a loving and fun environment.

It is hard to know where to start reviewing Susan Hayward's School of Dance. I took ballet classes…read morehere for 15 years when I was growing up, approximately 5 times a week once I was in high school. By the time I was done, Sue and the other girls and teachers nearly seemed like family. So, before I get all nostalgic, let's start with the logistics. The school is located in the old Montara Grammar School, which means a big, beautiful , Mission revival building. For the dancers, this means three large studios. The upstairs one has a a full wall of windows and the other two are filled with mirrors and barres. From what I remember, they have put down marley floors here as well, which is a great non slip dance surface. Downstairs is the Mirror Room and the Auditorium. The auditorium has a stage, used for some of the performances, and nice hardwood floors. I used to love this space because you actually had enough room on the diagonals to get a good jump sequence in. The classes offered here cover ballet, tap and jazz, although I only ever took ballet. The ballet classes are modeled after the Royal Academy of Dance teaching style (Sue's English). The RAD system prepares you to take examinations at increasingly advanced levels. I didn't realize growing up how great this was. It gives the dancers goals, makes you work for something, and draws some of the attention away from who gets to be the Sugar Plum Fairy. However, it can also be a downer for those who don't pass....and some of those examiners are crotchety and tough. There are two different sets of exams: the Grade exams and the Vocational Exams (check out rad.org). From my experience the Grade exams are more about expression and different styles while the Vocational exams are for those serious about ballet technique. Throughout my 15 years learning ballet here, Sue and her fellow instructors were always great at providing personal, supportive attention and managing class dynamics. Every year Sue put on a winter production and a spring show, giving us all wonderful performance experiences, although I am sure it was an extraordinary amount of work for her to choreograph, cast, and manage set and costume design for new shows every 2-5 years. It was clear from the beginning that not all of us would go on to be professional dancers, but Sue always gave everyone the role they deserved and would be most comfortable with. Even if you aren't going to dance with the San Francisco Ballet, the coordination and grace you learn doing ballet helps with almost everything else in life. While it has been awhile since I danced here, I can tell you that Sue always put all of her time, energy, and affection into teaching us and that this dance school was nearly my second home growing up. Definitely check it out: http://www.shaywarddance.com/index

Great and affordable program open to all skill and fitness levels! We love it and are willing to…read morecommute weekly for it. The yearly Nutcracker performance is a highlight for us!

I attended ballet classes for 15 years under the instruction of Maria Spremich. This is NOT your…read moreaverage City-run recreation dance class. Formerly a professional dancer with the Lines Ballet Company and instructor for the San Francisco Conservatory Ballet, Maria has created a comprehensive training program that not only develops dance skills, but also impacts individuals' lives. A lot of kids sign up for only 1 or 2 sessions, but many of the young people end up attending for most of their walking life (my term for starting dance classes as soon as one is able to walk). This is due to the community that has been created. The program consists of a weekly class schedule, as well as two opportunities per year to perform at the beautiful El Camino High School Theater. I have many fond memories of preparing for shows by getting into our beautiful costumes, doing our hair and makeup (the one time we got to wear makeup and be like the big kids!), and waiting with great anticipation to go out and give the audience a show! After recently observing the shows from the other side, I can say that I am impressed by the level of the kids' professionalism throughout the entire show. Besides ballet skills, Maria teaches discipline, passion, and expression: DISCIPLINE: ----------------- The way the classes are structured, beginner students start with a weekly ballet class to learn the basics and become more familiar with warmups, technique, and combinations (short sets of choreography designed to improve technique). Intermediate students need to attend 1-2 times per week, and once they move up to the advanced level, must attend 3 classes a week. Two of those classes are spent building technique and strengthening the muscles, while the 3rd class is reserved for pointe work. I strongly believe that having such a rigorous schedule increased my time management skills, as I learned to manage homework and other activities around my ballet schedule. Also, Maria was patient yet held high expectations of all her students, which motivated us to be more committed to our study of ballet. PASSION: -------------- I definitely acquired my passion for dance (and performing in general) by learning from Maria. It is apparent from the way she dances and teaches that she loves what she does, and is therefore very effective in sharing that love with her students. To this day I can't live without some dance in my life. I learned to enjoy teaching kids based on how Maria taught us. Not only am I a stage performer in Broadway musicals, but I also choreograph/direct children's musicals. I attribute my skills as an effective choreographer to my strong foundation in ballet as well as to having such a wonderful and patient teacher. EXPRESSION: -------------------- I was an awkward kid and even more awkward teenager. And I mean REALLY awkward! Ballet classes enabled me to get past myself and be more comfortable with who I am. Dance is a wonderful outlet for anyone, but a structured class where I had a safe community to express myself was critical to my development as a person. TIP: This is a hidden bonus gem within the City of SSF. The classes are very reasonably priced, as this is a City program, and you will be so pleased with the value you get out of these classes. Sign up your kid (or yourself -- they have adult classes) today! TIP2: Ballet -- and dance in general -- is FANTASTIC for your physique! But ballet in particular builds a lot of muscle, in all the right places. :)

My 2 yo loves Tutu School SO MUCH!!! It's one of his favorite things in the world, and he loves…read moregoing to class and he loves his teachers, and now he loves ballet. The classes are 45 minutes of almost non-stop movement, full of props and age-appropriate games, and filled with so much joy. He's always loved dancing, and the first toddler dance school we trialed was really weird about him being a boy, and would have required him to wear black pants and a blue cotton tee shirt in a class where all the girls got sparkly purple tutus. But at Tutu School, kids can wear whatever they want in class, nobody thinks twice about the fact that he's a boy, and their optional recital gives all students the option of a "tutu" or "non-tutu" costume. We've only been going for a month and a half, but took advantage of the unlimited classes for a month signup deal and were going 3x a week. He's genuinely learned SO much in his short time there--from literal physical movements like jumping, walking backwards on tippy toes, and galloping, to following physical directions. Tutu School is literally his happy place and he basically spends the entire class running around squealing in joy.

We love tutu school and have now recruited two cousins into going there too. Miss Stephanie and…read moreMiss Emma are both fantastic and work well with our toddlers.