I have two daughters who have many treasured memories from taking gymnastics, aerial arts, dance,…read moreand musical theater at Kids N Dance since they were little. They both developed innumerable skills and grew emotionally in countless ways under the supportive guidance and encouragement from all of the staff there, and especially from the owners. One of my daughters joined the Cirque Masquerade troupe (Expression Arts) in 2023, when she was 16. As in previous years, she has only positive things to say about Esme, Kris, and Marielle during her time in Cirque Masquerade. Like everywhere else in life, we have found at Kids N Dance that while things may not always be perfect, the staff there are all highly skilled at what they do, are compassionate and sincere, and very open to communication. As in other situations in life, rather than avoiding communication, it is always better to reach out with an open mind towards understanding the other's perspective instead of lashing out with negative reviews. Esme is brilliant, caring, and highly skilled, and like all of us, also human and not yet perfect. In our experience, it should be and is possible for mature adults to hold concerns about a perceived problem, and at the same time still recognize and show appreciation for the incredibly hard work that Esme, Kris, and Marielle have all done in order for our kids to be able to put on these magnificent shows. And let us remind ourselves that in situations where we demand curiosity from others, we should hold ourselves to the same standard and demonstrate the same curiosity towards them.

It is unfortunate that I must write this review, but we do so for the benefit of future families…read morethat may be considering Kids n Dance or Expression Arts as an outlet for their children. A little about our experience. Our daughter has taken many classes at Kids n Dance (owned and managed by the same persons who own and manage Expression Arts). As she grew older and developed a passion and skill for circus, she joined Expression Arts and was part of their circus troupe for 3 seasons. For a time, circus was a haven for our child. She built a community with the peer troupers and truly enjoyed the challenge and art of circus. Over the past two seasons, we have increasingly heard of concerns by our daughter about the environment at Expression Arts. While we were receptive to her concerns, we initially tried to ask our daughter to trust the program, embrace the challenges as opportunities to learn, and to believe in the positive intent of Esme, Kris, and Marielle. But over the past season the concerns and experiences have escalated. Numerous troupe members have come forward to raise awareness of troubling experiences endured over the course of years. Some of the concerns raised by troupe members and our daughter directly: Unsafe Physical Environment-Troupe members raised concerns of inadequate warm-up, inadequate breaks, extended time upside-down, and a persistent culture of pushing through pain and injury. During the lead up to performances, the children are often at practice for 6+ hours. Practice increases in frequency until the final few weeks preceding shows, where practice is nearly every day. During the two weeks of performances, troupers were initially asked to do 1 show on Friday, 2 shows on Saturday, and 3 shows on Sunday. Each show is ~2.25 hours. It was only after there were serious concerns raised in a parent conference with Kris and Marielle, that the 3rd performance on Sunday was cancelled. The standards, rigorous schedule, and high-risk performance are a dangerous recipe for the safety of the troupe members. Emotional Manipulation and Inappropriate Behavior- Esme often drifts between friend and coach with the troupe members. This relationship is confusing for the troupe members, with Esme using this bond to instill her values on the children and also playing favorites. Multiple troupe members have noted that Esme can be erratic in her behavior, switching between positive behavior and disparaging and belittling language. In one incident, Esme told our daughter that she must have "ADD" after our daughter offered to help with transitions. In another incident, Esme commented on the body figure of a trouper. And in another incident, she told a group of troupe members that their act was "stupid". In isolation these incidents may be explainable (and Kris and Marielle have attempted to rationalize all of the incidents), but what can't be explained or rationalized is how widespread and consistent the experiences are amongst the troupe members. After a senior troupe member sent a note to the troupe parents about her own traumatic experiences with Expression Arts, numerous troupe members came forward and shared consistent and repeated experiences. What is most concerning about our experience with Expression Arts is not the negligence of Esme, Kris, and Marielle, it is the complete lack of accountability and curiosity to do something about the numerous concerns raised by the troupe members and families. It is our belief that Esme, Kris, and Marielle have the best of intent. We believe they want to provide a safe place for children and to cultivate a thriving community built around circus. We also believe they are wholly incompetent and untrained in how to create this place. The incompetence can be addressed, there are programs like SafeSport which, coupled with Esme's passion for the art, could transform the space. But Esme, Kris, and Marielle first need to face the root of the issue and take the concerns seriously. After the senior troupe member raised concerns about her own experiences, she was abruptly removed from the troupe and essentially called a liar. The parents of the troupe then demanded a conference with Esme, Kris, and Marielle. Esme did not attend, but Kris and Marielle spent the bulk of 90 minutes deflecting and taking no ownership or corrective measures. Despite her initial love and passion for circus arts, our daughter has decided to close this chapter of her life and move on. Despite everything we note above, our sincerest hope is that Expression Arts and Kids n Dance thrives and can be a safe place for our youth to grow and express themselves. For this to happen, two things are needed: 1) Esme, Kris, and Marielle need to be curious, vulnerable, and accountable for the harm they are causing to the children. No more deflection. 2) Esme, Kris, and Marielle need to pursue the ongoing training to equip themselves to appropriately and safely engage with children and young adults.

I love this place and the adult introductory classes. I've taken Robert Greer's introductory ballet…read moreclasses for 10+ years and it's been the best experience. Robert makes the classes fun, and do-able, regardless whether you have danced ballet before. I've also learned so much from Robert about anatomy and how the human body is designed to function. This was very important for me because I started coming off of a disability where my body no longer felt like my own. Moving to music is so relaxing, and the other dancers and atmosphere of the class is so nice.

I took Intro to Ballet 1 with Alexis -- what a FANTASTIC experience for my first ballet class! As…read moresomeone who has never done ballet before, I was nervous that I'd feel out of place. Alexis did a terrific job of making sure everyone could follow along, and helped me with some of the basics that all of the other students already knew. The class was a blast and I also got a great workout in. I look forward to taking more classes with Alexis, and highly recommend!!!

If you are a total beginner, seasoned pro or anything in between, I highly recommend checking out…read moreDance/10. I've been searching for the right studio in the Bay Area for years. In another lifetime I was a professional ballet dancer. I am not in great shape now, but I am still serious about learning. I thought my days of regularly taking class were over until I found Dance/10. I had stopped taking class because I grew tired of these scenarios at other places: A. Super competitive classes where people have a fit and elbow you if you stand in "their spot", etc. B. "Adult" classes made up of 13 year olds wondering what you are doing there. C. Classes meant more for socializing rather than dancing. D. Classes that were strictly limited to modern or ballet. I've found the adult classes at Dance/10 to be welcoming, diverse and focused on helping each student become a better dancer and performer -wherever they may be in their process. There is a perfect balance between serious work and levity. Pamm Drake (owner and instructor) is the triple threat of dance educators: professional career on Broadway, an excellent teacher who takes pedagogy seriously, and a genuinely nice person who clearly delights in her students' progress. Her tap classes are fun and progressive - she is great at reading the room and helping individuals without breaking the flow of class. The other instructors are similarly energetic and encouraging in class. At Dance/10 I witness each adult student being challenged, respected and seen.

treat people fairly Black kids are important. we take the kids to practice pay for the kids…read morelessons go to the recitals buy work out cloths and do what ever the instructor ask.

We celebrated our daughter's 5th birthday here, and it was absolutely wonderful! They truly thought…read moreof everything. They provided cupcakes, a Happy Birthday sign, candle, and party favor bags--items I had already purchased myself, but I could have saved so much time and money! Elianna was an absolute dream to work with. She kept us updated on the flow and timing of the party, and she was warm, attentive, and fantastic with all of the guests. This location was also incredibly accommodating. Our party fell during Thanksgiving break when most nearby Tutu Schools were closed and unwilling to host events, but this team graciously allowed us to book during that time. We're so grateful!

Ms Eliana is and was very welcoming for my daughters first time and continues to be thrilled about…read moregoing to ballet school. Thank you we appreciate you!

First time dancing (in a studio) post-baby and what a great comeback with Hipline and warm welcome…read more FYI the entrance to Hipline is not street facing, there is a walkway next to Top Dog if parking on Lakeshore and signage pointing you in the right direction. I took an early morning class (Shimmy Pop, Indoor) with Nadiah. Upon entering there was a sign welcoming the newbies to the studio (including me!). After check-in, I received a newbie studio tour and joined the class shortly after. Absolutely loved the space, what the studio stands for, and the class format. SO fun! Great class and instructor. Would love to explore the other class type/styles, and incorporate into my schedule. To note, there is a newbie pass ($24) for unlimited classes for 2 weeks from start date. Can't wait to come back and explore Hipline more, thank you for the awesome experience!

I was going through a breakup over the summer and what better way to get over a man than to keep…read moremyself busy? I did the 2 week intro class pass because it was the same price as a single drop-in. I really took advantage of it because I was taking classes back to back every single day for those two weeks. One Saturday I took all their morning classes. That's like 5 in a row. It was amazing. I had so much fun! There's like a 15 min break in between classes. I love every single class that I took! The only downside to this is I live so far (South Bay) so to beat traffic on weekdays I would come super early (around 2-3pm) and sleep in my car parked at the Trader Joe's parking lot and wait for their 4pm class. I even considered moving to Oakland just so I can start taking their classes again and be in a closer vicinity. I love what they stand for (body positivity). I love the staff. Everyone is so friendly and welcoming. If you try one instructor and don't like their vibe or playlist, I encourage you to try another! There's always someone out there for you that fits what you're looking for. I cannot recommend this place enough and wish they had options for day passes. I wish I could come in for one day and take back to back classes again. Hoping they open a studio in the South Bay!!

This is a class like no other! I have to admit I was looking for a Salsa class when I encountered a…read moreKizomba boot camp through meetup, but after that day I fell in love with Kizomba. Emile and Nika have created not just a business in the bay area, but a whole movement with a sense of comunity that feels like family! They are always very professional on what they teach and do it based on goals and at the same time, they are flexible and are able to adapt the class according to the diferent skill levels of all students with diferent backgrounds and avobe all they make it FUN!

Most of my time on Yelp is spent reviewing restaurants but why not branch out into the dance world?…read moreI recently started taking classes with Emile and Veronika and I will keep coming back. Why? I've taken dance classes from various instructors across the Bay in different styles, and I have yet to find a class that so fluidly incorporates technique, partnering, connection, musicality, and culture into each class from the very beginning. Their style of teaching makes so much sense for the social dancer who often gets bogged down by needing long pieces of memorized choreo or gets lost on the dance floor. I honestly think the way they teach likely produces intermediate dancers the quickest allowing learners to pick up the nuances of the dance before reaching higher levels. Just as important, Emile is able to read the class. If the leaders are not executing a technique, he doesn't ignore the issue and blow through ten more steps. No, he re-teaches the technique and leaves time for repeated guided practice. This is often overlooked in drop-in classes. Lastly, the class environment seems like a supportive community where dancers grow together and being comfortable while you're learning is essential.

This review is for Tink! Hands down the strongest, funnest, and most empowering women I have met…read more Thank you for your enthusiasm, encouragement and sharing all your fun tricks with me. So thrilled that you always have my back and bring such positive energy to every class. THANK YOU!!!

I came to my first pole class in October 2022 and have been hooked ever since. I recently loss a…read moresignificant amount of weight and wanted a way to get fit, have fun and feel comfortable in my body. My first class was with Zhara. She was great, full of energy and helpful. After one class, I went to a couple more intro classes eventually I purchased the 10 pack package (more bang for your buck) and subsequently moved to an annual membership after about 3 months of consistent classes. Each class and instructor I have taken has been wonderful. The entire staff is knowledgeable, encouraging and willing to offer feedback and assistance. I have taken multiple classes with the convenience of the annual pass. (Ie intro, low flow, twerk, poleography, pole workout, inversion etc). I have nothing but positive feedback about the instructors. Zhara's energy and abilities are awesome! Kelli's intro to pole and inversion class is wonderful. I always feel challenged but encourage that I will continue to progress. Kate's breakdown of the technical details with intro to inversion sessions are amazing. It feels like having a private session. Vickya's exercises in intro to pole particularly looking in the mirror and watching myself has helped me boost my self esteem. Tink's boot camp class has helped me get in better shape. C Michelle's energy and class on twerking has opened my eyes to the art form. Kat's kindness and beautiful choreography in low flow has helped me gain confidence in my own sensuality and body. For someone who never been on a pole 5 months ago and was shy to now being able to climb and starting to learn inversion, this studio has been amazing. So glad I took that first intro class and took a chance in myself. Now I can't get enough!!! I can't say enough positive things about this studio. In a short time I have learned so much and am excited weekly for my pole classes. I have met diverse folks of all backgrounds and it's beautiful to be part of this community.

Ashley Worley classes are fun from beginning to end she has incredible positive and encouraging…read moreenergy that is needed to make any age women or man tap into their finamine Devine energy. I have taken several series classes gain new friends and found a safe place to be sexy photographically and videographically. I highly encourage any and everyone to find this side of themselves. Guarantee to live it

I started private lessons with Ashley from beginner of September 2019 and I could not have been…read moreanymore happier taking a leap of faith into a new style of dance w/ Ashley. Ashley is so dedicated to her art, it is truly inspiring to see. Ashley taught me fundamentals of heels. Lines, techniques, walks, balance, control, transitions and during my 8th week into lessons, she taught my choreography and challenged me to come out to her Beginner's Class that is held every 1st & 3rd Fridays @ Trilliant Studio. Being in class gives me so much anxiety because I've always felt like I was the ugly duckling in a room full of amazingness that didn't have a space for me to belong. I've taken dance classes in the past and been on dance teams, but always felt like I was playing catch up. Ashley assured that her class is a safe place she's cultivated to allow students from all walks of life. And all working towards the same goal to self development, confidence, spirituality, and so much more! Because of how much improvements I've gone through in other areas of my life thanks to Ashley, I fought through my doubts and took a chance at her class. I'm sooooo happy I did that! Ashley is not like any instructors. She truly loves what she does and is connected to the true purpose of her why's. I was welcomed and even started making dance friends! I've never received such an overwhelming amount of love the way I did in her class, it made me want to come back and continue to step out of my comfort zone. I can't say enough great things about Ashley. She is an angel, and a bright light in this world. I highly recommend her privates because if it wasn't for them, I wouldn't be able to learn her choreography with confidence. And even if you already have experience, give her class a chance and you won't regret it!