The owner of this studio really cares deeply and is welcoming and inclusive to different types of kids. She and the other teachers are so sweet and my daughter really loves her teacher. The parent community is also great, and I enjoyed my interactions with other parents at the studio. If you're looking for a dance studio for the reasons I was, which is as an enriching activity that teaches kids great skills and gives great exercise, this is definitely the only one I'd recommend. I'll let any other reviewers who are hardcore dance moms comment on the competitive aspects, because my daughter is 5 and we're not trying to go to nationals or something, so I don't know about that aspect! read more

Nice & clean facility! Parking can be tricky if there is a lot of overlap happening at the studio! read more

1 Star - Unprofessional, Unethical, and Poorly Managed Studio I hope this helps other parents avoid the frustration my family experienced. My daughters and I were new to this studio -- we had only attended about six weeks -- and immediately noticed a lack of communication, structure, and professionalism. When you walk in, there's rarely anyone at the front desk. It feels more like walking into someone's living room than a business. The office is located down a hallway through a door on the left that looks like a bedroom, and it's usually empty if you have questions. The toys on the floor are never cleaned, the windows are visibly dirty, and my daughters have come home with black dirt on their clothes from playing in that area. The space feels chaotic and poorly maintained. The real issue began when a recital fee was suddenly added to my online account -- not because I agreed to it, but because I didn't "opt out" of emails that were apparently sent. The studio never verbally mentioned any recital, and there was no written policy at registration stating that families would be automatically billed unless they opted out by email. I tried to explain that legally, a business cannot charge a customer for an optional service they never opted into. The entire setup lacks transparency and clear communication. When I raised my concerns, the owner, Donna, became defensive and dismissive rather than professional. She interrupted, talked over me, and even asked in a sarcastic tone, "How would you suggest I run my business?" She claimed that "fliers were posted" and "emails were sent," though none were seen or directly communicated. For new families, you're essentially left to figure everything out yourself because there's never anyone available to ask. To make matters worse, my family was going to be out of town the weekend of the recital -- something we never would have signed up for. I shouldn't have to opt out of something I never opted into. It's especially frustrating to receive a text alert about being billed, but not about signing up or giving consent. If the studio can text parents about charges, they can also text about recital participation. The front desk is hidden in a back room rather than near the entrance, which adds to the confusion. A staff member, Caitlen, even admitted in writing that the recital fee system was a "workaround" to try to have the costs covered by homeschooling funds -- which is deeply concerning and misleading. I only attended this studio because it accepted homeschooling funds. From the start, I was told things couldn't be "put in writing" but that I could "code" certain expenses differently. While I appreciated the attempt to help parents, this kind of vague, off-the-record advice felt dishonest. The owner already processes homeschool funds for tuition, so using these methods to bill parents for extra charges without consent is unethical. Important Legal Note: Under California Civil Code §1747.02 and §1770 (Consumer Legal Remedies Act), it is illegal for a business to charge consumers for any goods or services without their express consent. Automatically billing parents for an optional recital unless they "opt out" -- especially without written authorization -- is deceptive and unlawful. After this experience, I withdrew my daughters from the studio. When I asked to settle my October balance (since my girls only attended one week that month), the owner abruptly told me not to worry about it and claimed she had "the right to refuse service," even though I had already decided to leave. I never want to support a business that cannot meet clients with basic respect, empathy, and transparency. Instead, I was made to feel gaslit and blamed for their lack of communication. I can overlook a little disorder, but not unethical billing practices, poor hygiene, and unprofessional treatment toward parents who simply ask valid questions. This experience was disappointing and unacceptable from start to finish. I hope no other parent finds themselves in this position. Side Note: After reading another parent's prior negative review, I noticed the exact same pattern. That parent mentioned there was no clear sign posted for the photoshoot, and the owner reacted with anger instead of understanding -- just as she did with me. Once again, she assumed the parent had seen every email rather than acknowledging her own lack of clear communication. I never wanted to write a negative review. I'm a huge supporter of small, family-run businesses and wanted this to be a positive experience for my daughters. But this situation was so disheartening and unnecessarily stressful that I felt it was important to share my experience so other parents are aware -- and so the studio might reflect and improve from this feedback read more

My daughter loves her mini 2 class taught by miss meadow! Allll week I hear "is today dance class day?" and I look forward to Saturday mornings when I can say "yes it is!" read more

My granddaughter tried this place out on Thursday and absolutely loves it ! first time in history she wanted to give the instructor a hug definitely going to sign her up for a couple classes here , she loves to dance her mom was a dancer her dad her auntie definitely runs in our family ! We are will see where this goes .' thank you read more

Wonderful place for kids. All the classes are so fun. My little one does tap dance and jazz with miss Donna and she loves it.

Updating my review after a couple years and a pandemic. it's still an amazing dance studio. my daughter still loves it, the teachers, the dancing - everything! we tried some other activities but she always wants to come back to COPAC. cannot recommend this place enough. it's a little dancer girls' dream come true. read more

This place is wonderful!! My daughter loves Donna and she makes class so fun for the kids. I am so happy we found Creative Outlet!

Creative Outlet has been such a positive experience for my very expressive and theatrical 4 year old!! She is in the Thursday night class where they sing and dance to "sing alongs" and she comes home and continues to perform for us! The rooms are socially distances with taped off squares for the kids to perform inside or you have the option to participate via ZOOM! The teachers are so friendly and so caring! We feel like we are family when we walk in the door each week! read more

COPAC has been amazing, our Daughter has really flourished. This has given her a sense of belonging, confidence and pride she loves to share with the World! The owner Donna and her team of talented Dancer/Teachers have been inspiring not only to the dancers, parents and the community as a whole. We highly recommend this art center to anyone looking for fun, growth, inspiration and developing their overall art skillset. read more

Our 4 year old is taking ballet lesson there and we love the teachers, owner and environment very much. Their people have full of passion. We definitely will continue let our kid take the class and it is one of the best decisions we made! read more

This place is so awesome! The owner loves what she does and she is so enthusiastic towards her classes and is always teaching with a smile. The staff carries themselves the same way and they are all so accommodating and easy to talk to. My daughter joined at age 5 and is not a coordinated dancer at all but they welcomed her and taught her to love dance and improve her coordination. On top of that, their recitals are perfect for young kids. They just had the Christmas recital and it was so fun and well organized. I definitely recommend this place if you're looking for a professional, highly skilled staff that brings happiness, joy and enthusiasm to each and every class. read more

As a dance instructor of 25 years, I have a high standard for dance education. I am beyond grateful that we found Ms. Donna and team for my 6 year old daughter. Ms. Donna is professional, technical, fun, and encouraging as are the rest of her instructors. We are excited to continue our journey with this community. Looking forward to see what the future holds for COPAC. read more

I am just now writing this review because I have now experienced how a paying customer should be treated even during a pandemic. We had a great experience at first. However, Donna treated me horribly on the day of my daughter's first performance. It was the beginning of the pandemic (June 2020) so nerves and stress were at its peak but that still does not defend being rude to a paying customer. My daughter was 2 at the time and so I felt like she needed help focusing and listening for the photo shoot. The only person in the photo room was the photographer and so I asked the photographer if she needed help...the photographer obliged and said yes please because Autumn was not listening at first. Donna came storming into the room and said 'Michelle you need to leave now'. As we exited she said in a very demeaning and cruel tone (in front of my family so they all witnessed it) 'I sent an email with instruction about not entering'. I said 'well my daughter is 2 and the photographer accepted my help'. Donna responded in a horribly rude tone with 'She seemed fine just now'. I remember thinking that I did not get any such email and regardless, why wasn't there a sign or someone at the photo room to tell me not to enter? Why didn't the photographer say no that's not allowed? We were literally alone in the hallway entrance (no Donna and no employee to instruct us). Needless to say, I was horrified by the cruel way I was spoken to, on my daughters first dance performance, and it absolutely ruined the experience. She proceeded to use an impatient and very unprofessional tone toward my 2 year old daughter during her performance (I have video proof) and I had to use every ounce of restraint to not take my daughter away from that awful moment immediately. I have since moved on to find a much more supportive and genuine dance place for my daughter. I will note that I did receive a refund for a deposit and prepayment and I did receive an email apology. However, my daughter and I never returned in person to the studio after that sad experience. read more

Can't say enough nice things about this dance studio! I have an outgoing daughter and a shy daughter, yet both absolutely love their dance classes. Ms. Donna goes out of her way to make sure my shy daughter is comfortable, having tons of fun, and staying active throughout class. My daughters ask daily if they can go to dance class! Highly recommend! Thanks, Ms. Donna! read more

Just noticed this dance studio by our house. Our 2 year old has a great place to develop and have some fun. The owner has a great plan to take the pressure off the young kids while still moviating them to grow. read more

I'm so happy there's a new dance studio so close to our house. The owner, Donna is so wonderful and patient with the kids. My 2 year old loves coming to class! read more

What a find! Miss Donna has created a beautiful space for my daughter to continue her love of dance, but the true selling point of this new studio is Miss Donna herself. Her enthusiasm, knowledge and warmth create a very positive environment. All of the teachers she has brought in have the same incredible qualities. We are excited to have joined the COPAC family and encourage others to check it out. You will be impressed. read more

We love it at Creative Outlet! Donna is so attentive and really shows great technique! I see more progress in my daughter in the past month than I have in years of other dance classes. It's in a super convenient area too! Everyone should try it out! read more

This dance studio is amazing! Wonderful, patient, skilled instructors that work with your child to improve their technique and concentration all while having fun too. I'm so glad that we've discovered this gem. There is a wide variety of class offerings to choose from too. read more

We were so excited to hear a new dance studio was opening so close to our house. My 2.5 year old and 5 year old love coming to take classes with Miss Donna. She is absolutely AMAZING! She really knows how to keep the younger kids focused and entertained. My oldest daughter used to take dance elsewhere and has learned so much here at Creative Outlet in just 3 months than she did at another studio over a period of a year. Miss Donna is a very professional and experienced dancer and I feel very fortunate that my kids are being taught by her. Come check out her studio you will fall in love. I know we did! read more

This review is soo long overdue! Creative Outlet Performing Arts Center (COPAC as we call it) is nestled in the Ralph's shopping center next to Avila's. Donna Shepherd, the owner, is not only EXTREMELY talented and a MASTER in her craft but she's a POSITIVE influence for her students. She's ENERGETIC, FUN, and WARM & LOVING! My girls (4&6) joined last October and they have grown so much with their personality and also learned a ton! My 4 yo is in tap/jazz combination with Miss Donna and my 6 yo is in tap with another extraordinary dance teacher in the studio (Miss Savannah). Donna has gone the extra mile and beyond during the pandemic offering exceptional live virtual classes and bonus classes to keep kids busy while parents try to work! She's honestly a fantastic human being who loves what she does and is a phenomenal teacher for all ages! I'm not sure how she picked South Orange County to plant her roots, but we are fortunate to have her in our neighborhood! She offers a ton of classes for all ages - she is approachable, easy going and passionate! If your child is remotely interested in trying out dance, do not even try to go to another studio, no one will compare! read more

Cannot express how wonderful this studio is. We've been with the studio since they opened and miss Donna and her team of instructors are phenomenal and I would refer anyone here if their child is even the slightest interested in dance or performing arts!!!! read more

Miss Donna is such a treasure! She's a patient, nurturing, enthusiastic, and knowledgeable teacher. My 3 year old loves coming to classes. I'd recommend COPAC to anyone! read more

My girls have been dancing with miss Donna since they were little and she has always been someone they love and look up to! We're so happy she opened up her own studio and we're able to see her do what she does best: teach dance of all genres, be a great influence and a positive role model to young girls of all ages babies to teens! read more

My daughter absolutely loves her dance classes with Donna! She works so well with the kids and makes the classes really fun!