We love miss Bonnie. My 3 year old was shy and just warmed up to kids Bonnie. She is like your grandmother and the kids magically all listen to her somehow. It's that old school dance school that is just filled with love and 90s Disney music classics. My daughter just loves it and can't wait to see her friends and teacher at dance. Also, the after school and school break programs at clutch. Thanks miss Bonnie! read more

East Bay Dance Center - Miss Bonnie and the Saturday morning 3/4 year old class! - Dance Studios Near Me - Oakland, California

Both kids had a great time and showed me their new dance routines and moves when they got home. read more

East Bay Dance Center - Dance camp - Dance Studios Near Me - Oakland, California

I signed up my 10 year old son with no previous dance experience for 4 weeks of dance camp this summer. I was worried about him being able to keep up or get lost in a sea of little girls in pink tutus ! Ms Bonnie and the other teachers have been extremely supportive and fun. My son who did not want to try ballet, just asked me to buy him his own shoes ;-) We will be back for sure. Most likely for their after school programs and more camps. Thanks for making this a super fun experience for my worried kiddo. read more

East Bay Dance Center - Dance Studios Near Me - Oakland, California

I signed my 3 year old up for the summer Angelina ballet camp. I tell you, if I wouldn't have paid for the whole class, we would not have returned. The very first class, my husband walked in mid end of the class. Our daughter came running towards him to hug him. As any normal toddler would do. One of the instructors came to get her and instead of saying something to the effect of."let's wait until class is over to hug our parents." She muttered loud enough for us to hear, other parents to hear and certainly my 3 year old, "I can't work like this." Are you kidding me??? She's 3. Instances like this happened several times. They were extremely sarcastic to my toddler and other children. If you don't like children, DONT OFFER TODDLER CLASSES. They always encouraged parents to leave for 2.5 hours of class and seemed irritated when you didn't. Uh no.... I do not know you. read more

My daughter went to summer camp here. She had a great time and got an introduction to tap, West African dance, ballet and hip hop, and she loved it! They even put on a show at the end of the week. This place os great! read more

After about a 20-year hiatus from tap dance, I decided to get back into this fun rhythm-based dance. The East Bay Dance Center is in a neat old building, and the dance space is fabulous. I love being there. Deb Sternbach, the tap teacher, is top-notch. She focuses on proper form as well as timing and rhythm, and puts together fun and challenging combinations and routines. She's extremely professional and patient. I feel as though I've had to relearn most (if not all) of the moves I learned as a kid---and this time I feel like I'm doing it the RIGHT way. 5 stars for both Deb and the space. Would recommend Deb and this venue to anyone, adults, teens, and kids alike. read more

It's okay. I have dance practice here. I don't know about the classes that they offer but here are my thoughts about the studio itself. Pros: single private studio one full wall of mirrors curtain partitions decent parking market nearby for before or after class Cons: dusty, sticky floor can get hot and stuffy(only some windows open) bathrooms not too clean pretty old, needs updating read more

My name is Rusty Frank, and I am the author of TAP The Greatest Tap Dance Stars and Their Stories, and the producer of Tapping With The Master instructional DVDs. I have had the great pleasure of knowing and working professionally with Debbie Sternbach for decades. I can say with confidence that she is simply one of the most wonderful exponents of tap I have ever known. She loves it deeply and takes great joy in sharing this artform with her students. Anyone would be more than lucky to take class with her. Don't wait! read more

When my dance instructor told me she was starting a new class in a new location, I was excited, but also nervous. We have a great space in Temescal with intimate lighting and a cozy feel. Much to my pleasure when I showed up at EBDC on Wednesday, I feel in love with the new space! First of all, compared with some other studios it's HUGE! (About four times bigger than the last two studios I used to frequent.) It has a full wall of mirrors, tumbling mats for stretching, a stage and curtains to separate the room in half. It also has a very powerful heater for those cold, winter nights. The place was warmed up in no time flat and we didn't need to keep the heat on the room retained it so well. The only downsides are: the location and the age of the building It's bit out of the way, not BART accessible, and while parking is plentiful and free, it's on a very narrow residential street that's a bit tough to maneuver through. The building has a lot of character with a cozy lobby up front and wood beam ceilings. It could use a bit of an update, but it functions perfectly well. read more

Both of my kids have been going here for years. Bonnie is amazing. My little one loves her ballet classes and enjoys all her sessions. We have never-ever been disappointed. My really little one has learned a lot despite her age. Also, whenever I have an administrative question they are extremely proactive and get back to me ASAP. I would highly recommend both the day-to-day classes and the camps. My kids always enjoyed them. read more

I just joined Lateef's modern jazz class and I'm really enjoying so far. Lateef himself is a great instructor, a person who takes dance seriously and challenges you to improve, but is fun and gentle in his approach. And my classmates are all just fantastic people- and I think that really says something about the studio. I've yet to have very many interactions with Bonnie, the owner, but she was incredibly welcoming when I signed up and I can see from watching her teach a kiddos' ballet class that she is warm and fun and talented. Finding instructors who are passionate about dance, but not crazy, is a rare occurrence and I feel very lucky to have found the place. I find the space itself very charming. I believe it's a converted (huge) home and it has that kind of feel. I do agree that it could use some updating, but more for aesthetics, as the facilities are totally satisfactory for their purposes. I mean, it doesn't take a lot to dance... a good floor, good sound and preferably a mirrored wall. I'm looking forward to my future with this studio. read more

We had my 4 year-old's birthday party here and it was a huge success! Months later, my daughter and her friends are still doing the dances that their teacher taught them! We had an African dance instructor named Benjamin who not only did the dance lesson, but also integrated African history and let the kids dress up. Ms. Bonnie was easy to work with and offered many ideas and services including face painting and freeze dance. She energetically participated with the kids. She was patient throughout the planning process. We had the full service package, and she was great about incorporating my daughter's favorite colors and my desire for African dance. All of the kids (ages 2-6) had a fantastic time. The space was beautiful and soo big. It was just perfect for our large group and I appreciated that she let me add my own decor inside and out. Even though her regular African dance teacher was out of town, she still worked hard to meet my request for an African dance party. I'd highly recommend this place to anyone who wants a truly unique kid's party without a lot of fuss!! I got so many compliments on how FUN the party was, and several parents said it was unlike any party they'd ever been to! read more

I love Debbie's tap classes. She is an instructor, who has technique, style, rhythm, and love for dance. And she knows how to teach! If you are a beginner, you'll get great foundation for tap and lots of fun. If you are an intermediate tapper, you'll improve your technique pretty fast. If you are an advanced tapper, she will make you dance like a pro. I love the floor of EBDC, too. It's easy to handle and gives clean sounds. read more

This past fall I learned about Deb Sternbach and the East Bay Dance Center from another tap instructor who wasn't teaching at the time. Wow! I don't know what the other instructor is like but I plan to stick with the Deb. In a little over one semester my technique has improved exponentially. Years of sloppy tapping take time to undo but we've made so much progress. Outta my way Fred Astaire! The professional Bay Area performers I know swear by Deb and her keen attention to detail when it comes to form and rhythm. If you're serious about tapping well don't miss an opportunity to work with this local gem. read more

Our experience here could have been a lot better. I signed my 5 year old daughter up for the Angelina Ballerina dance class for kids age 3-5, after talking to the teacher who is also the head of the center, Bonnie. I was told the class would be capped at about 12 kids. This class grew way over that amount with new children signing up and coming in during the course of the class. I had explained initially that my daughter is intimidated by large groups and did not want her in a big class so I would not have signed up if I had known this would happen. In addition, there is an after-school program going on with some bigger kids at the same time. The kids were, at times, running around, and making noise and just being a distraction, again for my sensitive daughter, this was very unhelpful. She basically just refused to go after a while and we had to bite the bullet on the last few classes after I had been cajoling her to go for a few weeks before that. I would imagine that there are better classes and better times to go, but I didn't really think that she learned much either. So if you have a sensitive, easily overwhelmed child, then this review may be helpful to you, if not, your child will probably have plenty of fun. I did not make it to the show. read more

As a dancer myself and mother of a preschooler enrolled in EBDC's Angelina Ballerina classes, I was impressed with the program. AB is a shoehorn for true dance lessons at a very age appropriate level. I myself would go crazy trying to teach 3-5 year olds anything, but Miss Bonnie is kind, gentle, and so, so patient. Mind you, she is still firm, but with a gentle hand and understanding manner. "Eyes on Miss Bonnie!" I also overheard her once talking with a mother and child about an issue the child was having, and suffice to say, as a parent- I thought Miss Bonnie handled it just right. She talked to mom, but she also sincerely spoke with the child. I thought it was great. The structure of the class is great, the duration of each activity is perfect for this age group, the physical and mental challenges of dance are just right, and my daughter definitely learned some things. The on-stage performance at the recital DEFINITELY hit home... she will be processing that for quite some time. :D Excellent class. Excellent teacher. Thank you Miss Bonnie! We will be back. ps- if you are going to enroll for the first time, call and speak to Bonnie first. It will make your enrollment process smoother. read more

I've taken tap from numerous teachers in the Bay area for over 6 years. As a teacher myself I recognize good teaching when I come across it. Deb Sternbach ranks up there with the best. She's talented, has had excellent training, been dancing for years, and works with professionals and is a professional. That has advantages and disadvantages. For those of us who learn tap slower than the average student, her classes can be a bit frustrating. So what? Deal with it. Great teaching is worth it. read more

I have been taking tap classes from Deb Sternbach at East Bay Dance Center for several years now. First, Deb is an incredible teacher. I started taking lessons from her in 2004 at a previous studio, and would follow her anywhere! Her classes are fun and challenging. She is a very positive and supportive teacher, and encourages her students to do their best while also supporting their individual talents. About the studio: it's a large, welcoming, and somewhat quirky space in a wonderful neighborhood in Oakland. It has served us well over the years as a place to learn, practice, and perform. Bonnie Sita, the studio's owner, has a deep love for dance, and it shows in her dedication to her students and to the Center. read more

I just want to take the time to tell everyone how wonderful East Bay Dance Center is and what a blessing it has been for my very high energy 6 year old. We participated in this past Summer Camp, and it was a pleasure to watch my little one evolve into a great little dancer. Jazz, Tap, Ballet and even (what!) yoga. The staff and Ms Bonnie were awesome and have an unlimited amount of patience. Now not only is my little making up her own dances and way more aware of her body, at the end of our night she's teaching me yoga. East Bay Dance Center did teach confidence through dance as promised. Thanks oxox read more

To know Debbie Sternbach is to love her (and we're not related). To have her as your tap instructor is awesome. Her knowledge and talent are far reaching. Over the years, I've seen her perform, taken a few master classes and most recently had her as guest teacher at Motion Pacific Dance in Santa Cruz. My students and I felt we were treated to the best two hours of fun and learning we'd had in quite awhile. If you want a really fine tap experience with a pro, check out East Bay Dance Center! Carol Hill, Soquel, Ca. read more

Bonnie is one of the best teachers. If you really want to not only enjoy ballet and learn ballet, then Bonnie is your teacher. I never thought that I would every learn to dance ballet (as I came to enjoy it in my later years), but Bonnie is able to teach young and old new and you leave class feeling very accomplished. Ballet is also an awesome form of exercise and builds your body core in a most wonderful way. Not the boring gym machines that take you away from your body wishing you were somewhere else. Ballet keeps you in your body at all times. All you who want to learn ballet, come to class and give it a try. You won't be disappointed. read more

We love dancing here! My two daughters, age 8 and 6, have taken classes with Miss Bonnie and her assistants this year. They love it! They also learn a lot of technique without feeling like they are working. There are several opportunities to perform (Halloween, Xmas, Spring) which boosts their confidence without any performance stress. Bonnie's camps (day and weeklong) are also really fun. I highly recommend EBDC! read more

My daughter goes to different camps every week, so she has been to many. She loves to dance and she loves this dance center. She is learning a variety of dance styles i.e. hip-hop, ballet, salsa, etc. She became more rhythmic and really enjoys the staff. She is tired by the end of the day and sleeps well. The staff is engaging, energetic, and responsible. I never leave her in poorly supervised environments and I never worried at all when I left her here. With the exception of no way to heat lunches, I would highly recommend this dance center. The children are also performing at the Art and Soul Festival in Oakland. First camp that she wanted to attend longer than a week. read more

This past summer was our third time at the dance center.. Twice for summer camp and two regular classes.. My eight year old daughter has a lot of fun there. She loves dancing and made lot of friends there every time ... . But the last day of this past summer ... "The LAST "day I forgot to pack my eIGHT YEAR old daughter lunch and remembered about 15mins before their lunch began . so I called and ask Bonnie if she can get her something from the store and would pay her back.. Her reply was , " it's not about the money.. The staffs need to eat too. " and it was going to be a hassle to go across the street to get my daughter something to eat. I couldn't believe she said that! After the loyalty we gave her.. She couldn't spare 5 mins of her ONE HOUR lunch time to get my daughter food from across the street. So I had to stop what I was doing and rush over there.. As I was parking, one of her staff was getting food from the corner. .. So why couldn't she have picked up food for my daughter also. I wonder,.. Had I not have called in. .. Would she have starved!?.. It is very selfish of her to put her needs before a child.. My child.. Especially when we are paying lots money for her to take care of them . .. Miss Bonnie .. We trusted you with our daughter and have been loyal to you . 5 minutes was all we asked from you and you couldn't spare it to my child for her well being. Angry and disappointed read more

If you are looking for a fun and inspirational tap teacher in the east bay, you won't find better than Debbie Sternbach. Her teaching is clear, she concentrates on good form, she will challenge you physically and musically but she doesn't leave people behind if they are having trouble keeping up. She is very caring. On top of all that, she plays great music in her classes and her routines are a delight. I can't recommend her highly enough! read more

I grew up tap dancing but took a few years off, when I moved to Oakland I searched for places to tap and found the East Bay Dance Center. Debbie is a great teacher, she is super enthusiastic and makes class both fun and challenging. read more

Wonderful classes and easy drop off. Ms Bonnie is very supportive and has lots of experience and is very caring. Highly recommend for any age! read more

I decided a year or so ago to try tap classes which I had not done since I was a little kid. I found Deb Sternbach and she is fantastic and I am pretty picky about who I take classes with. I really can not say enough about her as a teacher and as a really good hearted person. She is very specific with her technique which I really like, she also pushes me in a good way. She is a true teacher as well as an amazing dancer. She makes the classes really fun and challenging. I highly recommend Deb to anyone thinking about taking Tap classses! If your not sure I would give it a try with Deb, she is so encouraging and makes Tap really fun. read more

This is the third time I have sent my daughter to this camp. Not only is it close to our house, but it is packed with all kinds of dance styles to inspire her and keep her active. She likes the counselors there, and has made a few friends while at the camps. Also, the price is MUCH easier on the pocketbook compared to other camps. My only issue is that they don't serve lunch, and so the kids want to go across the street to the grocery store or cafe. This is ok until it becomes a habit and my healthy lunches are suddenly boring to her. But this is a minor issue. I will send my daughter here until she is just too old to go! read more

If you're looking to learn how to tap dance, Debbie Sternbach at the East Bay Dance Center is an excellent instructor. i'm doing things i never thought a 48-year-old woman could do. it's challenging, but she's patient and pleasant. read more

I have taken tap classes at several dance studios with several instructors in Bay Area. Debbie Sternbach is one of my favorite tap instructors. She is talented, friendly, and fun to work with. If you are serious about learning tap and/or want to have a great time dancing, I highly recommend her. read more

Debbie Sternbach is a wonderful person, tap dance, and teacher. I am a beginner in my mid 60s and have grown to love tap dancing--mostly because of Debbie. She is patient, fun, and challenges me to where I see positive results. I always leave my lessons with Debbie smiling and floating on air. read more

Our 13-yr-old daughter has been dancing at EBDC since she was 4. She loves it and we love it! It's nicely diverse -- in many ways. The instruction is professional, yet the philosophy is one of keeping dance FUN and inclusive. Although there is the opportunity to participate in competition, if the group so decides, the general approach to dance at EBDC is refreshingly non-competitive and community-focused. Miss Bonnie has an incredible ability to work equally well with toddlers, teens and older adults. read more