Danspace

We love Danspace Oakland! It was recommended by a friend and now both daughters take classes there — they are 4.5 and 6 years old. Freesia teaches Serendipity for the younger kids and and pre-​ballet for 6 – 7 year olds (maybe older too, I’m not sure). Freesia is a wonderful teacher. She is strict in exactly the way that a teacher of 3, 4 and 5 year olds needs to be — by promoting fun, movement and expression, but also by not letting them goof off. She goes around to each student during stretching and corrects their body position — encouraging them to really point toes or keep legs straight. She doesn’t belabor it, but provides the correction, and lots of praise, then moves on. Amazing how much the kids love doing ‘high-​fives’ with their feet. She has boundless energy and creativity. My 4.5 year old is so excited for her dance class every week. The classes are 45 minutes. Freesia starts on time and we so appreciate this. The manager KT takes attendance as students arrive and this means Freesia doesn’t have to waste class time with that. If a child needs to use the bathroom, fix their ballet slippers or hair KT takes care of it — again, meaning Freesia can focus on leading the class.
We had my 6 year old daughter’s birthday party at Danspace. The parties are held from 2 – 4 on weekdays (Sundays only, I think) and we had from 1:30−2 to set up and decorate and from 4 – 4:30 to clean up. KT was incredibly helpful. She put up a lot of decorations — tulle tied around the barres, etc. The cost of the party included a ballet-​focused dance class — 30 – 45 minutes long depending on the kids’ interest level. Teacher Katie was very good and immediately made the kids feel comfortable. They danced with hats, scarves, etc. We had about 15 party guests. The dance class was in one of the two studios and we had tables set up in the other studio for snacks and cupcakes. After the dance class we had the run of the place — we put on music and played dancing games or just danced around. The cost of $ 350 is comparable to other indoor party venues. Because our daughter’s party was in mid-​December when it was cold and rainy, and because we love Danspace anyway, we were happy to splurge for this one. (You can also add on the appearance of a ballerina in pointe shoes for $ 75.)

Danspace makes me happier than any 90 minutes have a right to. A lapsed ballerina (17 years!) who was at one time used to a pretty high level of instruction, I was really nervous about giving it another try. Half of me was afraid it would be too hard and intimidating; the other half was afraid to be bummed out by sub-​par teaching. All of which seems pretty funny now. Mary Armentrout is an awesome, talented, often hilarious teacher who’s able to be exactly as serious or unserious as her students need, and the beginning ballet class is an excellent mix of friendly people — all ages, all abilities — who just enjoy being there. Some really work on technique, others just want to move; it all works out great. Corrections, sequences, etc. all get delivered according to your ability and interest, and while the studio isn’t huge, it’s totally pleasant to dance in. I go twice a week at the moment and plan to add a third class soon; really looking forward to meeting other Danspace teachers.

I initially chose Danspace as a ballet school for my 8 year old son based soley on the fact that there was a boy we knew who would be in the same class. I thought it would help him feel more comfortable to take ballet class with another boy in there. But am I glad I ended up here because it seems like the right place! A dancer and dance educator myself, I have to say that I am very impressed with the program. They do an excellent job of fostering the love of movement and dance, while at the same time teaching real technique and form which will protect dancers’ bodies. My son loves the class and the teacher, Claudine is an extremely talented teacher. Funny, yet in control of the class and challenging to the kids. The classes seem too develop from one to the next while building on each other. Can’t say enough good things about them.

This is a great studio for adults as well as children in the Oakland area. Advanced adult dance classes are hard to come but they have some awesome options!!!

Our 9-​year-​old daughter has been taking classes here since she was in preschool, and while she’s not destined for a dance career (imho), she loves it. The teachers are very nurturing and warm, while also gently demanding increased responsibility from students as they grow. They are absolutely darling with the little tots, and meet the older girls at their level. There’s always an in-​house spring dance performance that’s lots of fun. Our child is excited to be moving into «real» ballet now and insists she’s going to keep dancing here all through school. The staff are also very courteous and professional with parents.
Only quibble is that the entry and changing space is incredibly cramped and crowded, and there’s usually a logjam as classes begin and end. This is not the studio’s fault – just makes it a bit of a headache for drop-​off and pick-​up.

I grew up at Danspace. This is the best ballet studio in the Bay Area, not because of the number of professionals that come out of it (though there are a few), but because Danspace really takes care of your body. Beth makes the studio feel like family, and you will feel welcome here no matter what your body can do or what it looks like. Great place for adult beginners. Danspace provides excellent foundational technique that will carry through to every class you take from now on.
If you’re looking for a place to send your kid for dance classes, this is it. Danspace is nurturing, encouraging, and most importantly, they value your kid’s health far more than any other studio in the bay area. Your kid will come away from ballet with lasting technique and higher self-​esteem, not lower. There is no recital mania at Danspace – the emphasis is on teaching, not performance, so while there are performance opportunities, you will not have to shell out for fifty bazillion sequined leotards and tutus.
Take Carly’s jazz class if you’re an adult/​teen with a bit of experience. She’s a great teacher and will push you to try things you didn’t know you could do.

ive taken many dance classes from carly boland in arcata, ca and i really must say that she is a very skilled, patient, and enthusiastic teacher. she really personalized the class, making me feel very comfortable to let go and move!
also, she is a really lovely human, and i think that everyone would really enjoy her classes as i have many many times. i recommend her to everyone!!!

Just started taking the adult beginning ballet class here, and I really enjoy it. I’ve already gotten some new insights about my feet, and as well as some well-​earned soreness in the arches. But, oh those calves are getting a workout, and skirt season is here!
Conveniently located near Rockridge BART. Not badly priced: $ 12 drop in, $ 40 for a 4-​class card. And I really like the instructor, Mary Armentrout.