A diamond in the rough. The studio is huge, gorgeous and clean. The artwork and basketball memorabilia that filled the walls are incredible. We are not from the area. This was our first time there. The staff, including the security, the lady who checked us in and called herself "the lowest person on the totem pole" (I'm so sorry I don't remember your name), teachers/director (especially the director), parents of academy members all were kind and made us feel welcome. Our sons first love is dancing. He is also a very sensitive 9 year old. Loud noises and new situations make him nervous. He melted... The staff couldn't have been better at guiding him through his first audition. We were ready to let him quit and walking out the door when a parent came out and convnced us to stay. Once staff saw what was happending they all were amazing at calming and doing what they could to make him comfortable. They allowed him to sit and watch, which turned into him getting enough confidence to finally stand and perform. Thank you. ** Don't let the low rating fool you. Dig deeper. The one star review is of a neighbor complaining about the parking situation. read more

Debbie Allen is iconic , so is her studio!!! Amazing events for the community in addition to awesome dance classes. Join in on the fun!

The incomparable Debbie Allen has planted herself into our psyche with elegance, professionalism, grace, exuberant talent, and beauty. She never ceases to amaze us with her next adventure. Her dance academy is no exception. I called to request a tour and the most gracious lady, Ms Jackie, answered. Although there weren't any tours she recommended me I stop by. I was overjoyed. Although Ms Debbie wasn't on the premises, you could really feel the love and creativity afloat. It's a large well decorated academy with gorgeous art throughout. There were classes in session, so I stayed in the main entry and took photos. Although the cherry on the top would have been catching a glimpse of Ms Debbie, this still was an awesome visit. read more

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I'm not sure if Debbi knows what kind of staff is working there but their are very rude. The staff hung up in my face when I called for information she claim she's the only staff that has been answering calls. Very unprofessional. Another staff member there who had no clue about the classes instead of asking for help from their boss, she gave me the run around. Before I spend over $300 can I at lease know accurate information about my questions? read more

My daughter took dance in several studios for years before auditioning at Debbie Allen Dance Academy. It was there that she really blossomed into a serious dancer! I love that they feature many different styles of dance including ballet, modern, jazz, contemporary, tap, hip hop African dance and more. You don't choose the classes. You audition to become part of group that takes a variety of classes together. The students build a bond dancing together. Boys have awesome classes too! There are plenty of groups for students of all experience levels. Sometimes magic happens there too, like Ms. Allen might arrange for a special performance at the Super Bowl or at the Kennedy Center! I don't think my daughter would have ever tried Jazz or Hip Hop! Now she looks forward to the classes and aerial classes at DA fly too! Her favorite! The current facility is spacious and light. There is a balcony area where parents can request to watch a class! Yes! This is the place where kids can audition to be in the Hot Chocolate Nutcracker too. My daughter has done it for 3 years and looks forward to it even though it's a lot of time and work! It's nice to see her really into something that doesn't involve a computer or a phone! read more

Debbie Allen Dance Academy - Getting ready to start dance class! - Dance Studios Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Very reparable dance academy. Start your children off at the academy if you can. I live too far for my grandchildren to attend. If your going for any tryouts for Nutcracker etc. expect to be there all day into the evening. Parking is awful and bring your own chairs if your allowed to sit in the facility. Expect to trust them with your child because you are not allowed to go into the main audition rooms. If your child is not chosen for any of the events be prepared to comfort them they all come out pretty disappointed and very upset. Try and prepare them ahead of time and let them know that there will be other performances and sign them up for dance at the academy or others. read more

DADA (Debbie Allen Dance Academy) is a phenomenal space, with such beautiful art, inspirational materials, and exceptional instructors. I was very impressed with the caliber of instruction received from taking the aerial dance class led by Terry Beeman. read more

Really professional dance studio. They also have a school. My granddaughter goes there for dance classes. I am impressed with how good the training is. And the students really bond and develop very good friendships. My granddaughter has wonderful posture which comes from good training. I highly recommend this place read more

I am so blown away at DADA. Today was the pre early bird recital and my daughter has been attending DADA for the past year. The second the lights went out and the children starting filing in with the biggest smiles on their faces I became so amped up for them I started having heart palpitations. So beautiful! The instructors and administrators, each one so warm and loving with every single child. Nothing but excitement from the community.... It really is a magical place. I could go on for days and days about their program and how my 4 year old has loved every second, every Saturday- excited to wake up and pull her hair back for class. As a former dancer and performer myself I would not send her anywhere else. Ms. Allen and Ms. Macdonald and staff (Samantha, Mykal, Ms. Jo, Angela and all the administrators) are so dedicated to these children. Thank you all for giving my daughter the best first year of dance ever. I can't wait to watch her grow up in that building. read more

Debbie Allen Dance Academy - Dance Studios Near Me - Los Angeles, California

This is my review personally I am very disappointed I have been trying to get a hold of someone and always get the run around transferred to a full voicemail or leave a message and get no response . My daughter is torn because she loved coming here but due to her busy schedule we were unable to attend. Also ms, Vivian was not one to return my emails in a class card I believe as well as ms Edwards. My daughter hasn't been there and I was still charged the $240 even though I reached out to let them know about it ahead of time . This was my last email :now this review. I'm writing this to you in regards to Deisy Garcia. I was charged for Deisy the month of March but mainly April the $240 and I reached out left messages . I was told about getting a refund since we were not there and I was charged . Also with Ms. Vivian and no response . I tried to reach out then someone called me and told me she was the director that why I hadn't paid and I told her the situation on how I felt in regards to the customer service and still nothing has been done . So please who do I talk to in regards to this matter . Getting a refund since she wasn't there and hasn't been there for a long time . I hope management reads it . Thank you read more

The staff at DADA continue the amazing legacy of dance in a unique fashion. Combining superb technique with a deep connection to each student makes this staff truly exceptional. Bravissimo! read more

My daughter's favorite dance studio. We've taken a few classes here, and it continues to be the best. She has done drop in classes, mostly hip hop. The staff have always been informative and courteous. They are helpful and answer all questions. The dance teachers are also top notch! She will continue to train here, and hopefully be able to go consistently in the future. read more

I had my daughter audition for this school when she was around 6 she actually made it ...which surprised me since she was so young and had limited dance expierence but had been a part of a local dance team in the southbay...she audtioned with adults and teens. This school isnt cheap but well worth the money if your child has talent and is going to pursue a dance career later in life .The school is very serious as far as producing a well rounded dancer..students were required to take ballet.tap jazz hip hop and african...its a heavy load for a young person ..I saw many pushy parents there whom I think wanted to be dancers more than their kids.NOTE..this school wont take just any student..YOU must have talent! they arent in it for the money as most schools they care about their reputation and producing great dancers which I respect. I noticed they have moved. I highly recommend this school for the serious student.I did take my daughter out of this school after about a year or so because it was too much of a heavy load for such a little kid she told me she was tired so we quit! maybe something to think about before enrolling your kids.It would be better for an older child. I do want to add that some of the teachers are very rude they way they speak to the kids and parents..very arrogant.you ARE NOT ALLOWED TO observe your child and classes are sometimes mixed with older kids as well as adults which I thought to be highly inappropriate. read more

Beautiful family place. Stood and watched amazing dancing. Absolutely STUNNING. Welcoming to all levels of dance. Didn't sign up at this time. My family didn't want to. read more

This dance studio has a very professional and lovely atmosphere. The prices are very reasonable, they are located in a humble and diverse area, equidistant-accessible by many who may live in the South Bay area, Culver City, Hollywood, or East L.A . Plus, they offer a lot of free events and dance classes of various genres and styles! Side note: Kelsey Mobley is an amazing, enthusiastic, humble, encouraging and passionate instructor. She teaches Twerking, which is a lot more than what meets the imagination (i.e.booty popping). The class is a full body toning and intense workout, matched with fun and non-offensive music, and offered TUESDAYS at 7:15PM and is ONLY $10! I recommend for ANYone to try it at least once! Thank you, DADA. read more

My daughter loves dancing and Debbie Allen Dance Academy is just the place for her. She is learning tap, ballet, hip-hop, and African and she loves it. The staff at DADA are professional and will answer all of your questions with a smile. On Saturdays my daughter is at the academy for several hours and I feel comfortable leaving her there while I run errands. The waiting is very small but there are benches outside. read more

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Excellent dance studio, the best in The city of L.A. For professional training in all genres of dance. For those who say it is expensive, it is. Why? Because of the world-class instructors who teach there. It's equivalent to going to NY to train. Classes are closed to keep the students focused. Parents are not allowed because they would distract the child or compare other children to theirs. Also to keep the " dance moms" at bay, a professional environment is essential. It's worth the sacrifice if you have a serious dance student. In the past, I've taken Wonderful open classes. Great experience! read more

Some of the rudest staff members that i have ever encountered from the director all the way down to the receptionist desk. They're insensitive to the younger children's feelings and that can cause self esteem issues. I good on this school. I just dis enrolled my girls. There is always better. read more

I really don't think this is what Debbie Allen had in mind. ALL of the employees here that I've come in contact with have been rude and arrogant, with this unexplainable & incomprehensible sense of entitlement. Asking a simple question garners much attitude as if for some reason, though this was our very first time using this establishment, I was supposed to know all things. No honeys. You all have it twisted. I paid you my money. I am a customer & you are NOT doing me any favors. Luckily, we only did the week long dance intensive so I don't have a long term commitment. To say the least, the customer service is just terrible & they are unorganized beyond belief. Really I expected so much more. #disappointed read more

My 4 1/2 year old daughter has been going to DADA for several months now and she loves it! As a mom in charge of bringing her there, I love it. We spent a lot of time at other studios and I just wasn't satisfied with the standard of dance instruction. The instructors are great. They learn everything here.....ballet, tap, flamenco, african, hip-hop. It's a professional studio with guidelines that are to be followed. Its no joke, and we like it like that. If you are looking beyond community classes and Creation Station I recommend checking DADA out. read more

I am so proud and honored to be apart of the Debbie Allen Dance Academy family. My son is a natural born entertainer, with his lessons he will be unstoppable. This is a place for children to explore their creativeness with some of the most professionals around. Thank you Debbie Allen, Norm Nixon, and the crew The Jackson2 family loves you. read more

The best place for very young children to get advanced level dance classesThey have an early bird program that teaches African dance, tap, hip hop and ballet. read more

For the past month or so I have been receiving emails to my work email address from someone claiming to be a director at Debbie Allen Dance Academy, all pertaining to rehearsal times, etc. I have never once signed up for any emails, gone to any DADA shows, or interacted with DADA whatsoever. Despite two attempts to contact the person sending the emails, and another attempt to contact DADA, I have had no response from any party. I have found both the email I receive and the lack of communication quite unprofessional. I simply wish to removed from their mailing list. DADA, please contact me so we can sort this out. read more

The Debbie Allen Dance Academy's first and foremost focus is on the Student. Once you drop your Dancer off at the front door it is their world and the focus is on them. Behind those doors there is ethnic diversity, a variety of dance classes and numerous levels of dance talent. That in itself can lead to a challenging, sometimes intimidating day but once you settle in it's all a great learning opportunity and fun for the dancers. The students sing nothing but praises for Ms Allen, the Teachers, and the Staff. The audiences are always wowed and leave every performance wanting more, and the students are jumping for joy. It's not all fun & games it's hard work for the students and in addition to giving 100% to their individual dance programs, there is an academic level they must maintain while in attendance at the academy. This discipline helps them in their academic world as well as prepares them for the world of dance for those who are seeking dance careers. If everyone who has attended a performance wrote a review, and every student who attended the academy wrote a review, the comments would all be BRAVO! BRAVO! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! I think the only negative reviews would be from the parent who the program is not about and from the student who is not serious about dedication and sacrifice to their dance program. As for me & my dancer we have been at this for 12 years and have been at the Debbie Allen Dance Academy for 7 of those years. We are happy at the Debbie Allen Dance Academy and will be here until we go to our next level which will be a 4 year university with or without a dance program, because my dancer is prepared to handle it all. Thank you Debbie Allen Dance Academy. read more

When we moved here we asked our current instructors where we should go for dance training the answer was if you live with in an hour of Debbie Allen Dance Academy that is where you go that was 3 1/2 years ago. We have been at Debbie Allen Dance Academy for 3 1/2 years. We love being a part of the DADA community. The training my son receives is exceptional, the faculty really work hard to ensure the best for each student. My son has been afforded several opportunities as a result of his training at the studio. The manner in which the studio is run prepares both students and parents for professional auditions and performances. Anytime I have questions or concerns the staff has been most helpful. Thank you Debbie Allen Dance Academy for your hard work in the community and with furthering the future of the arts. read more

We have been a part of the DADA family for 4 1/2 years and love it. My child is currently receiving training in The Academy Program advance level and truly considers The Debbie Allen Dance Academy her second home. The teaches are amazing and the program is awesome. My child has had many opportunities to do many Gala's and professional shows. She is most defiantly in the right hands. Mrs. Allen takes much pride in her studio and students. The teachers are caring and rally give the students the time and attention they need to prepare them not only for the world of dance but also life. This is much more than just a dance studio, the staff really looks out for your children and treats them just like they were their own. read more

Very nice studio. Nice floor, lots of space and mirrors. I take West African djembe class on Friday and Saturday and Sabar class on Wednesday with Babacar. Great classes, with live drumming. It is so fun and so helpful to learn from an authentic teacher. I travel to take classes of master teachers like Babacar. I personally specialize in dancing African so to me the class is a treat and I so look forward to it. I would recommend African dance to anyone who wants to learn how to move properly, work out and learn new ways of movement. It brings stamina, working with very funky rhythms and music, and technique - it has infinite number of moves.... and exercises the TOTAL body in a very balanced, energetic and fun way; a very groovy way full of surprises, syncopation, and yet seamless flow. It is like a martial art - the dancer must be balanced and relaxed at the same time, and listen to music. It is a great workout for the core and the spine and really gets you in shape. Also, it is a community based dance, and it is fun to collaborate with other dancers and the drummers to create the total experience. In African dance, there is live drumming and the drummers drum exactly what dancers are dancing, and vice versa, the dance and the music is created by mutual influence, on the spot. Last but not least, African clothing adds a lot more fun to this, and looks a lot better :) The movement shows better if wearing a colorful wrap/pants. Babacar and the dancers wear that and it is such a treat to see it, like flowers in motion. Very beautiful. African dance classes attract dancers of all ages. Babacar's classes attract people from children/teenagers/young adults to mature adults. Babacar teaches a lot of children, and it is really fun to see younger generations involved in learning something authentic and traditional. Recent popular dances like hip hop, wobble dance, etc. all contain African dance moves. I personally am in total awe of the traditional African dance, the elegant, balanced, grounded-yet-flying, funky, sophisticated movement which has so many moves and ways of expression that it is absolutely fabulous and never ending territory to explore. Artistically, I find it richly rewarding, infinitely creative. Everything moves! Personally, it is so extremely rewarding, in my experience it helps to make the body healthier and stronger, and it is very joyful and happy. It is a workout, be ready to sweat.... and have tons of fun! Babacar teaches nationally so you can catch him teaching at major African dance camps and events. He has amazing dance background and experience. read more

perfect for young adults looking to further their dance, attention, and social schools.

practice is intense, exciting and amazing to learn new techniques.... i love taken classes here to build strength, character and amazing instruction (yet difficult which is challenging)... read more

Early 2000 I was traveling on La Cienega and was detoured down Jefferson headed toward Culver City. Not knowing the area, I got a bit turned around and I am glad I did. My mishaps lead me right to the front door of the Debbie Allen Dance Academy. Mr. Nixon and Ms. Bernandette were sitting at a folding table and chairs w/ paper and pencil enrolling students into the brand new academy. I immediately enrolled my then 3 1/2 year old and have been there since. Ms. Allen has been an ambassador to the Arts. She has taken her love and given it freely to hundreds of children. She has exposed them to a world of Dance like no other. The teachers / choreographers have left indelible marks on the head and hearts of the children that has manifested in to them pursuing their dreams. Whether that dream was to dance, or just to soar beyond heights they never thought imaginable!! The discipline required that their academic studies matched their desire to dance, so smart dancers were born. The dance disciplines taught ranged from Ballet - Krumping and EVERYTHING in between. The dancers have gone on to travel w/ the likes of Justin Timerberlake & Bette Midler. They have traveled the world to places like the Middle east and Australia. I cant say enough about the Debbie Allen Dance Academy which more like a University of Life lessons... NOT just a dance academy. It is a place where you can Dream. I will continue to support Ms. Allen's vision. I believer that dance Art is Universal and speaks to all souls and Ms. Allen and her team at the Debbie Allen Dance Academy are mulit-lingual. Yes, there are plenty of places to dance and not every place is for everybody, but DADA is truly HOME. read more