It just breaks my heart how the Art Programs have always been in danger of being cut. I can't…read moreimagine a world without Elmo and Super Grover 2.0! And if Daniel Tiger went away, who's gonna teach my threenager "to try new food cuz it might taste good"?!?! It would be dull without music, without the singing and dancing, or painting, drawing, and all the other art forms that make the world a beautiful... and a sane... place to live. If Game of Thrones is going to be affected by these proposed budget cuts, I'll be really pissed! The high school students at CVHS are fortunate to have their Arts Program, and an exceptional one, I might add. I've seen a couple of musicals since my nephew has been in them, and recently my fambam watched Disney's Mary Poppins on a Sunday afternoon. I'm a fan of Broadway musicals and I thought the high school students were indubitably as good as those professionals. I tried to watch the original movie twice, but I fell asleep both times as I did not find it exciting. These high school kids killed each song and dance, and I mean K I L L L L L E D it (and that's a good thing)! The costumes were bright and colorful, each set was simple and cute, the choreographic sequences were fun, the songs played by the hs band were lively, and the performances were SUPERCALIFRAGILISTICEXPIALIDOCIOUS! The cast deserved a standing ovation. Hopefully, these high school students will continue to explore their creativity while expanding their imaginations. And I wish other children will have the opportunity. Save the Arts. As Mary Poppins would say, "Anything can happen if you let it."

First, this review is long overdue…read more My daughter began her journey with CVPA approximately one year ago. She has been dancing ballet since the age of 3, which she has continued to grow in. Two of the things she has been training in are jazz (3rd year now) and hip hop (2nd year now). Prior to this last year before joining CVPA, she was not taught proper technique, vocabulary or even how to count correctly with music. The studio she danced at before joining CVPA never corrected or communicated any concerns. Janet (CVPA owner) took my daughter in and has personally spent time retraining her and reversing the poor and bad habits that were never corrected where she danced prior to CVPA. I have witnessed her do this for all her new students. I cannot say enough good things about the teachers, owner, and students in Castro Valley Performing Arts. My daughter has been on an emotional journey this past year, and CVPA has given her the tools and communication to help get her in the right direction. The teachers and Owner are wonderful communicators, and they truly take the time to instill correct form, alignment, technique, dance vocabulary, good attitude, amazing choreography, and so much more. Specifically, Ms. Janet, Ms. Gia, Ms. Kim, Ms. Kristina, Ms. Hannah, Ms. Michelle, Ms. Karisa, and Ms. Jenelle have all greatly influenced my daughter through this transition. Thank you all for believing in my daughter and welcoming our family to your studio. Ms. Cassidy, who recently began teaching at CVPA is also amazing. She has instructed my daughter in the past for ballet, and I feel was the only reason my daughter maintained good ballet training during our time prior to CVPA. Ms. Amanda is also absolutely amazing. While my daughter did have a hard time learning Latin Jazz, as it was something I'm not sure she was able to comfortably embrace, it is clear as day that Ms. Amanda is a wonderful instructor. I am so incredibly happy that she is working with such a strong team of teachers. If you are looking for a studio that teaches proper technique, etiquette, dance vocabulary, amazing choreography, and how to properly train their dancers, then this is the place to be. I would like to add that I drive all the way from Livermore for my daughter to attend this studio. I never imagined commuting my children for a sport. Worth every moment!

The best place to host your little girls bday party! It took me a while to finally write this…read morereview but it was so magical. We went with Elsa and Anna and they were amazing. Everyone loved it!!! Anna and Elsa made my little one feel so special. They did a dance for the audience that was beautiful to watch and then they invited my daughter to dance with them!! She felt so special!! I loved it so so so much. It's like a Disney show brought to you. And so spacious too! You can invite lots of kids!9 Reagan was so wonderful to work with. The staffs were amazing!!!! Made it super easy to plan and execute!!

Ray Of Light is truly a unique dance studio. I signed my daughter up in 2019 right before the…read morepandemic, and ever since we've loved it. This dance studio is very family oriented. They hold fundraisers which go toward the dancers and competition teams. The events are also very family oriented. My older kids love attending them to watch all the performances with lots of fun activities and many vendors. Ray Of Light dance studio has a special needs hip hop dance class which I find amazing because not many dance studios I know offer this. Our team just had their first "Epic" dance competition where my daughter and her team won 2 awards, one for taking 2nd overall in the competition and the Confidence is Key Award! This is an amazing dance studio! I have watched my daughter grow so much. She has gained not only friends but a family. I enjoy watching my daughter sing, dance and performing in plays with confidence. This dance studio is truly about the art and not about the awards. Love seeing the kids performing as a team and truly enjoy their art.

There are so many reasons I love this place for my girls, but the biggest one is how comfortable…read morethe teachers make my children feel when they dance. I've got a kiddo with major anxiety, who loves to dance. Her first few classes were spent crying in the corner. The teachers were AMAZING and went at her pace, didn't pressure her, and didn't give up on her! Now she runs into the studio with joy everytime it's dance day. Other reasons I Love B'Dazzled: Super fun classes Affordable My kids learn and excel without feeling pressure to be perfect Professional set up with shows, costumes, performances etc! The teachers and staff are the best around!

I love dancing at B*Dazzled! It is such a warm-friendly feeling when I'm with everybody. We are…read moresuch a tight group yet super inviting! The teachers are amazing and loving.I have danced here for twelve years and it's became my second home. I couldn't imagine dancing at a better studio.

Fell in love with this amazing studio. Such a warm, welcoming and supportive environment. Quality…read moreteachers, lots of performance opportunities and an opportunity to compete when children are ready! After all we'd been through in the past, we are blessed to have found the right match for my daughter.

NOTHING BUT GREAT THINGS TO SAY about our dance studio! We LOVE B*Dazzled. My daughter is 7 and has…read morebeen dancing at this studio for 2 years now. I have always been impressed by how organized they are and how they keep us parents informed and up to date with everything our dancers have going on. From their monthly newsletters, to consistently sending us cute photos/videos on the Band app, down to how neatly labeled and packaged the costumes are when sent home, I have no idea how they keep up.. but they do! The teachers are very sweet, talented and dedicated- I love the fact that most of the teachers have been dancing at B*Dazzled since they were little and are still so involved. I also knew this was a great place to be once I met the director and learned that she actually knows her dancers. I can email her, ask her questions, and she is able to give me feedback as to what classes she thinks my daughter should be in. She has grown so much in her technique and confidence. She knows and loves all of her dance teachers and dance friends. My daughter used to be SO nervous before performing- to the point where she would get nauseated. But this year after recital was over, she said, "Mommy! I don't want to stop performing, I want to stay and keep dancing!!" If you are looking for a new dance studio that your child could grow in, build lasting friendships and make great memories at.. Look no more!

My daughter loves dancing with this studio.She has been dancing with this studio for 7 years…read more Highly recommend

Our daughter loves this group. With all the highly experienced, caring, professional instructors,…read moreit is no surprise to see the high quality team performance and host of championships they bring in. They are also so active in the community with events, CVUSD, and more. I highly recommend this studio for their wide array from ballet to high energy dance!

I've been dancing with Pam for years now and it's always proven to be a one-of-a-kind experience…read more It can be hard to find adult dance classes at the best of times, but Pam's class is easily approachable for both beginning and experienced dancers alike. The choreography is original and generally designed with the goal of being accessible while pulling you out of your comfort zone. What's also great about DT overall is that the dance styles themselves are also highly varied. Even though we are dancing to relatively popular music, over the years we have danced Broadway, Jazz, Hip Hop, Salsa, and a whole bunch of other mixed and blends that I can't even remember anymore. Drop in, dance for an hour, bring a friend. Give it a while, and you may find yourself even wanting to do a stage performance at Cherry Festival =)

Dance Therapy has been such a fun, refreshing and joyous experience! The choreography is on point…read more- Pam is such a gifted choreographer! She creates dances that are interesting, enjoyable and invite participants to grow regardless of their past dance experience. Everyone is so kind & welcoming - definitely a great place to live into your dancing dreams!

I found out about Tehani because of Peggy C by way of photos on her IG. At the time, I was living…read moreacross the country where no one knew what a halau was and when I offered to teach a hula for our multicultural festival, people thought I'd be hula hooping. :[ I used to dance with Na Keiki O' Hawai'i (the Hawai'i club at UC Davis) and had been missing it a lot, so it was always part of my hope/plan to eventually get to find a halau. I've since moved back to the bay area and started dancing here late last year. Auntie Julie is the sweetest! Everyone at the halau is super welcoming and it's been really awesome getting to dance again--I've missed it so much! Prior to COVID-19, I'd been trying to go twice a week on Tuesday/Thursday evenings. Classes are currently via Zoom -- Polynesian beginner basics on Monday + Thursday evening and all ages on Saturday afternoons (today was the first day of socially-distanced in-person classes for Saturday classes). They've gotten the ok to do outdoor classes, but with the post-apocalyptic skies and terrible air quality right now, that unfortunately isn't the best of ideas. I'm glad we still get to convene online though and really hoping that things will eventually return to normal soon!

I'm so glad one of my best friends told me to check out Tehani! As a ballet dancer for 13+ years, I…read moredidn't think I would return to dance again this many years later. But, once a dancer, always a dancer! I have never tried hula before and I was definitely a bit nervous before I came. But I reached out to Auntie Julie by email and right away I knew she was the sweetest ever! This halau is so warm and welcoming and very down-to-earth! Everybody made me feel right at home. I thought it would be too hard to learn something new but I quickly fell in love with hula. It's more than just dancing; it's really what my soul needs after a long week of work! It's truly a beautiful art and absolutely feels like a family here.

Prana Yoga + Wellbeing has been my practicing studio for about 6 years. This place has amazing…read moreinstructors, good class times and a good yoga community.

The class was good and the instructor seemed knowledgeable. I liked the calm peaceful and clean…read moresetting. This is more of a review based on how welcome I felt. I came to the studio and granted I should have arrived early to acclimate myself I arrived on time. The class was already seated and I walked into the studio with my things. Before the instructor said hi she said you can't wear your shoes in here. Ok but what happens now she saw my confused look and directed me to the lobby I put my shoes away and my things then she went to the front of the class I had to ask a student about a mat and props. I set myself up and class went on and it was fine. After class I was rolling up my strap and someone told me I was rolling it wrong. Ok so I unrolled what I had already rolled up and started how he instructed another student pointed out ' we all help each other' ok great so then I rolled up my matt and yet another student points out I need to clean it. Which I would do but I didn't immediately see any cleaner available several other students then chimed in you need to clean your mat. Yes fine but how? Nobody really knew so then I guess that a table set up near me was for that purpose. All of these practices are fine. But I would be nice to instruct people before hand so they don't feel like everything they do is wrong and feel like everything they do is wrong. I am unsure if I would return here again it seems like these students have been together for awhile and maybe they don't want new people. ‍

I have been dancing at this studio on and off for 15 years in their adult classes, and I now get to…read morejoyfully take classes alongside my teenage ballet dancer. I have also danced as an adult at half a dozen other studios here in the Bay Area. Conservatory of Classical Ballet is a truly exceptional studio for children and adults alike to learn and practice the art of dance. The quality of instruction, the standard of the curriculum, the inclusiveness, and the kind atmosphere are unmatched. CCB produces professional level dancers, and also gently nudges the most entry level students into the fold of poise and grace that result from consistent classes, not to mention the strength and agility you can't help but develop. Adults and children alike will find a home in the classes here. Their welcoming and patient energy makes nervous beginner dancers feel at home, while their more advanced classes are challenging and productive for even professional dancers. They also offer Pilates classes, Ms. Sarah who teaches it is fab. Ms. Ann and her crew of wonderful teachers are a gift to the community of Bay Area dancers.

This studio is life-changing!…read more If you thought you were too old to start ballet all I can say is....come join us and prove yourself wrong! I began taking classes several years ago when I was north of 40 and only wish I started sooner. I was looking for a way to gain flexibility, improve my posture, learn a technique that had a rich history and ideally combine all of the above with a practice that would bring focus and mental clarity. I had taken yoga but wasn't hooked and considered marital arts but was afraid of getting injured (already having suffered several broken ribs and a chipped a tooth from Kung Fu years earlier). Other techniques, like Pilates, didn't seem to have the rich history I was searching for. Then a friend mentioned she had been taking ballet classes. Voila! I always thought that if one didn't start ballet by age 5, it was too late. So as a middle-aged newbie, I wasn't sure what to expect. I started with the Saturday beginning adult class with Miss Deborah once a week. I highly recommend this particular class for those who have never taken ballet. She teaches the classical Vaganova method and starts at the very beginning going through positions, how to point one's foot and posture. Fast forward many years later, I now take class several times a week, have participated in The Nutcracker performances and even own pointe shoes! Ballet has taught me patience, practice and perseverance. Some days are definitely better than others. It's challenging, it can hurt, but it's so worth it. Looking back on the progress made is so rewarding and the friendships built along the way are an added bonus. Miss Ann brings years of experience as a professional ballet dancer to her studio. Her choreography is brilliant and she excels at providing the most subtle corrections that bring vast improvements. You will learn proper technique no matter what level. She and the other instructors all bring their own unique style and creativity, and with each class there is always something new to learn. I can't recommend this studio enough. There are classes for every level and every age, so don't be shy. Ballet is for everyone!

Miss. Leticia has been the most beautiful introduction to dance teacher for my cousin. My little…read morecousin loves her so much & has progressed in her technique, confidence, and strength! Miss Leticia is not only very passionate about her job but she shows genuine care for her dancers. She is a ONE of a kind teacher that will leave a huge impact on the dance world. Thank you Miss. Leticia!

Review on the toddler princess class: If you have an…read moreexuberant child like mine, this is not the class or dance center for your child. My child attended this class in January, for 2 classes and did a trial class last year. The class provides 1 teacher and 1-2 teenage assistants, one of which is the main instructor, Monica. Parents are required to watch outside, behind a window and are not allowed inside during class. In the beginning of the first class, my child was following directions and after sometime, they became distracted and also filled with excitement to run around and play with other children. Although somewhat frustrating as a mom, with the inability to correct them (as I'm outside of the class, watching from the window) I was provided reassurance from fellow moms outside, saying my kid is just excited, so outgoing and it's okay, it's their first day. At the end of my child's first class, the kids were receiving measurements, in preparation for an upcoming recital. After my child was measured, Monica had some feedback for me. There were other parents around me with their children, when she expressed her concerns. Initially, I was surprised and ultimately, embarrassed, especially because she didn't pull me aside. Monica said that my daughter needs to work on listening and to prep her prior to class. She added, although they're taking measurements for recital, that it might not be the class for her and we can reevaluate her at the second class, to see if she may be more appropriate for the younger class (but this is the youngest class), also implying that she wouldn't be fit for the recital performance. Caught off guard, I managed to suppress my true feelings. I responded by saying, oh trust me I do (teach her to listen). I then asked if I could send her an email, to discuss in a private matter opposed to publicly conversing in front of others. Following that night, I was reconsidering attending the class. I was apprehensive about pulling my child out, as it was just their first day and they still enjoyed it. As a parent, we grow to understand that consistency is key to see them progress. It's not only a learning experience for them, but also a social experience. Also, we had a friend that was in that class, so I wanted to ensure that they can attend an ongoing fun activity together. I then decided that we'd give it another shot for the next class and see how it goes, and see if Monica had anything further to say. The next and final class, I was filled with anxiety. The entire week I was worried how my child would perform in their ballet class. I shouldn't have felt that way, but that was the pressure I felt from Monica. Within the last 15 minutes of class, my child in addition to another child (one who has been going for some months) were removed. Throughout the entire class, you can see the frustration on Monica's face because of the students. It wasn't just my kid, it was all of the children (a small group of 5-6, ages 3-5) that were being inattentive. I could hear Monica saying, "I'm sorry I can't." She then escorted my child and another child outside to be with their parents. My child, embarrassed and crying, put their hands to their face and said, "mommy I'm sad, I want to dance." The other child was hysterical to their mother. This was absolutely unacceptable and heartbreaking. We're required to enroll and pay for 2 months worth of classes in advance and be required to sign up for automatic pay. Yet, my child gets pulled out in the middle of class? How can you traumatize a child's first experience by having them removed? They're 3! I spoke with Monica, to get a better understanding of what the expectations are and how this could be handled in the future. Initially, it wasn't my intent to drop the class, however that was her first and only solution. I told her that I've been prepping my child all week and doing practices where I'm teacher and they're the student. Her response, "yeah, she's still not listening." I then asked, well what are the expectations for the following classes? Are you going to keep removing her from class if they get distracted? Her response was to provide me a refund. It was clear that she didn't want my child in her class or deal with them. That was her solution. I want to add that this was not my child's first group class. They've been involved in basketball for a season, gymnastics and soccer. All of which we've had a pleasant experience with the coaches and teachers. Teachers who displayed patience, understanding, compassion and understood the age of the children being taught. When something like this occurs during the phase of when our children are learning, we as parents must understand that this is a delicate time that can potentially affect their outlook on similar experiences that they're introduced to. I was simply appalled at the way Monica handled this entire situation and the way she treated my child.