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. :)

International Glam Institute is always so honored to provide complete makeup and hair design…read moreservices for the Bingbing Performing Club. Founder: Shelly Lee Dance Team: Shelley Lee, Kaiyi Du, Joanna Jia, Esther Liu, Sharon Lou, June Wong, Jing Lu, Helen Lu, Diana Zhang 9.19,2026 - 6.00PM San Mateo Performing Arts Center 600 N Delaware Street, San Mateo CA 94401 The place is amazing for your events, all the staff is so helpful and the place is so clean and organized. Michelle Prior and I, Ethel Reddy, are the co-owner of International Glam Institute. Together with our talented team of professional artist, we are proud to support all beauty and styling service needs for performers, photoshoots, bridal and special occasions. We are grateful for the opportunity to help bring each performance to life through creativity, beauty and excellence. This is the place you must book your events.

Last year in 2025 we saw the Nutcracker. Such a sweet and well put on performance. Prices are much…read moremore affordable compared to the SF ballet. These are students...I think? I loved the different ages and talent. Parking is a bit of a headache. There isn't near enough for what this building can hold. Please give yourself enough time in case there isn't any parking stalls left. There are plenty of bathrooms, but during intermission, they have ropes set up for the huge line that forms. Snacks are sold, however can't be consumed inside the theater. Go figure? You can only eat outside in the lobby area. In the lobby is a table of Nutcracker/Christmas items you can purchase. I wish that there was a live orchestra, but this was my first time going and I don't understand much about this group. It was a recording that they danced to. I do recommend anyone to see this performance and let us know what you think?

The class is located in the parking lot back area to the left. My boys enjoy the hip hop classes…read more We have done the summer classes but they are too short. The teachers are amazing and so patient. They do not make the kids do anything they don't want to and let the parents know. I appreciate that because I would rather be the one to have the tough talk. The teachers are well versed in encouragement and classes are fun, so my boys look forward to class. Seating inside is limited but there is additional seating on the other side by the restroom, you just cant see your kid when seated there. Bathrooms are clean and we'll maintained! Sneakers and shorts highly recommended.

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.

Amazing ballet program by Ms. Maria. She is wonderful and passionate about ballet. My god daughters…read morehave been dancing here since they were 5. I see the smile on their faces at drop off.

This is an exceptional ballet school tucked away in an unassuming location. The training here is…read moretop-notch. The instructors are extremely competent and educated. The artistic director is very impressive while also being approachable and kind. There is room here for dancers seeking pre-professional training as well as recreational dancers. More serious dancers have the opportunity to audition into the Bay Area Youth Ballet company. All dancers have great performance opportunities. And there's really great adult classes too. There's even PARKING. We drive down from SF to come here because it's an exceptional school and a very healthy, very positive environment. We love it.

The annual production of The Nutcracker by the Westlake School for the Performing Arts (WSPA)…read morestands out as one of the Bay Area's premier youth holiday traditions. Co-presented with the non-profit Artists in Motion Bay Area (AIMBA), this full-length ballet highlights the rigorous training and technical discipline of its student dancers. It serves as a rite of passage where young performers progress sequentially through roles--from playful mice and graceful angels to snowflakes and, ultimately, coveted principal parts like the Sugar Plum Fairy. Production & Choreography Under the artistic direction of Malu Rivera-Peoples (https://www.activityhero.com/biz/184-westlake-school-for-the-performing-arts-daly-city-ca), the choreography respects the demands of classical ballet while keeping the performance lively and engaging for audiences of all ages. The school frequently pushes classic boundaries by incorporating diverse performance styles, including a highly praised hip-hop adaptation that reimagines Clara's journey into an energetic, contemporary wonderland. Technical Execution Though it features a youth cast, the production values are entirely professional. The synchronization during complex ensemble numbers--such as the Waltz of the Snowflakes--reveals the extensive, tireless rehearsal hours the students commit to the stage. The costumes are vibrant and meticulously tailored, complementing elaborate set pieces that capture the whimsical magic of Tchaikovsky's timeless narrative. Venue & Atmosphere While historically staged at major venues like San Francisco's Palace of Fine Arts Theater, recent seasons have found a magnificent home at the San Mateo Performing Arts Center (https://www.wspadance.com/nutcracker). The theater provides excellent sightlines and acoustics, amplifying the community-centered, warm holiday spirit that WSPA infuses into every performance. Overall Rating: 4.8 / 5 An inspiring showcase of youth talent that blends discipline with pure festive joy, making it a highly recommended alternative to professional resident company productions for families across the Bay Area.

My daughter has been attending WSPA since she was 4 years old, starting with ballet and tap before…read moreeventually finding her true passion in Polynesian dance with Te Orama. She's now 8, and we truly couldn't love our Te Orama community more! In the three short years she's been part of Te Orama, she's been fortunate enough to learn from nearly every instructor in the halau. Each teacher brings something special to the table, and their dedication, patience, and passion for what they do are truly remarkable. What makes them even more impressive is their ability to connect with and teach dancers of all ages and skill levels, from the littlest beginners to the most experienced performers. It really speaks volumes about the quality of instruction and the heart behind this amazing group. Beyond the dancing, what makes Te Orama so special is the incredible camaraderie among the students and parents. There's such a genuine sense of community, encouragement, and support. Everyone celebrates one another, and the friendships formed extend well beyond the dance floor. Te Orama feels less like a dance company and more like an ʻohana, a family. We came for the dancing, but we stayed for the people, the culture, and the sense of belonging. Watching our daughter grow not only as a dancer but also in confidence, friendship, and appreciation for Polynesian culture has been such a gift. We are so grateful to be part of this beautiful ʻohana and look forward to many more years of dancing, making memories, and growing together. Te Orama isn't just where our daughter dances. It's where she belongs.

ALLLLOOOOOOOHA! I love taking hula class here. This is my first year and I'm loving it. I've been a…read morestudent for about 4 months now and I'm enjoying every moment of it. The classmates are a joy to dance with. Everyone is so nice and welcoming. Thank you Auntie Des for teaching us and having such a graceful way of teaching. My cousin and I get excited to come in everyday and learn new dances as well as practice the ones we are currently learning. I definitely would recommend joining if you have been Interested. They also have music classes, beginners hula and tahitian and a class for those who are more proficient. There is parking in the back of the building and also street parking on San Bruno Ave.

Auntie Des is a kindhearted teacher. She creates a supportive, fun environment for the students…read more Sometimes she'll host potlucks for everyone to connect with each other.

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.

An awesome Taiko* group, the heart beat of the San Francisco Cherry Blossom Festival since 1968…read more Generations of families have grown up with the distinct sound of SFTD as well as learning from Tanaka Sensei. Want to beat the drum? Want to know the difference between Don, doko, tsuku? Want to learn to dance to teke teke teke teke tet don don? Beginner classes start the first Tuesday of each month, at two locations, one in SF and one in South San Francisco. Bring your enthusiasm and your curiosity and Dojo will take care of the rest. Its the best workout in town with infinitely more to gain. Classes give a distinct family feel towards each student, a very supportive environment. So don't be afraid just come on by. *Taiko is a highly addictive substance that will leave you exhausted and giddy at the end of the night, but waking refreshed wanting more, even when your hands hurt.

I participated in the Downtown branch of the school for a bit over two months. Perhaps I've been…read morespoiled because I first learned taiko in an intimate setting in Japan where everyone was really dedicated, but my overall experience was unpleasant. My main problems with my experience are related to the teachers and the resources: First, the ads for this class seemed imply that they would all be taught by Tanaka Seiichi. However, he was only really there every other week, while the class was led by student instructors during the other times. The most frustrating bit is that if you're in the beginners' group, there is no coordination between the instructors about what is being taught each week. So, the part you worked to improve over the last week is not being inspected during this week--you essentially make very slow progress, which just exacerbates the situation because can accomplish only so much during a once-a-week class. The second issue I had was that there were just too many people for the number of drums that were available. Most of the 20 or so drums that we used were makeshift ones, which is forgivable (especially since most people had never touched a drum in their lives), but it's not really okay when you have to share that drum with another person for the 2.5 hours or so of class. They really need to bring more drums from their South SF location, advertise less, take less students or...just something!

Russ is the best!! I felt awkward about beginning drum lessons as an adult and he's made me feel…read morevery at ease. Super personable and laid back and lets you have fun with it whatever pace makes sense for you. He's clearly very accomplished and offers lots of tailored expertise where general advice from something like YouTube isn't specific enough to be helpful. Thanks Russ!!!!!

Russ is great! I work on rudimental drumming and he helps me to build strength, precision and stick…read morecontrol. He has a nice little teaching studio on the peninsula which is very convenient. Russ is very knowledgeable, patient and passionate about the music.

Wonderful teachers! Staff respond quickly to emails. Flexible slots if there is a need to…read morereschedule your session.

If you want your kids to advance in piano or any music instruments in a normal pace. This is not…read morethe place. The owners seem to care about fulfilling there teacher's schedule more than the students individual growth. As there are big gaps between teachers quality as well. Some are ok some are horrible. It depends on your luck. Of course they would tell you these teacher is specially selected for you base on your kid's whatever but in reality. The owners seem is the best teacher but they pick their student very selectively. Only the best will get into their schedule. Other's they don't care. I would never send my kid to music schools like that again. Will always get the individual teacher in the future. Amanda, My son got pass the ABRSM with distinction is mostly because of his hard-work. I want to add that your school and the teacher didn't informed us there will be a fourth song that needed to play during exam until a week before the actual exam. That being said. This shows how inexperience the teacher is and your school didn't bother to let us know as we have plan this months prior. My son only had a week to practice a bring new song before the exam and that really stress out the entire family and fortunately our son pulled it off. Again. All you care is fulfilling your teacher's schedule over the independent students growth as you have many students with many teachers who sometimes comes and go fairly quickly. I am not saying you don't care about your students but we feel we didn't get enough attention as we feel independent teacher would be a much better choice for parents who wants more growth for their kids in time.