One of my favorite dance studios. Corey really strikes a…read moregreat balance of aerobic workout with enough challenging choreography. The crowd is mostly female in their 30s and 40s and very friendly.

I've been to Corey's class several times and I'm addicted to it. I LOVE HIM! He's fun, energetic,…read moreand he's a damn good dancer. He doesn't hover over you and intimidate. I'm not great but he's able to break down the moves so I can pick it up quickly and get my sweat on. He has a solid group of followers and they are all encouraging, motivating and nice. I love coming here because there's no judgement-just good vibes, good music and I feel I get a killer workout. It's the best way to start my Saturdays. Thanks, guys! Love you!

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.

Piedmont Ballet Academy is a gem- strong technique instruction and an inclusive, encouraging…read morecommunity.

My teenager daughter recently decided she wanted to start taking ballet classes. I called Piedmont…read moreBallet Academy and they were so thrilled that my daughter wanted to take classes. She has loved her classes and always comes home happy and excited. We've loved it so far and are glad we've found this place!

Just started taking the adult beginning ballet class here, and I really enjoy it. I've already…read moregotten 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.

I grew up at Danspace. This is the best ballet studio in the Bay Area, not because of the number…read moreof 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.

Fabulous adult beginning ballet program. The teachers are excellent, providing rigorous instruction…read morewith a warm, joyful vibe. Fellow dancers have an inclusive, supportive community. Highly recommend everyone join the fun!

I've been taking adult ballet classes here for about a year now - would highly recommend for any…read moreadults looking to start their ballet journey! The atmosphere is supportive and welcoming - very friendly to complete beginners - and Denise are Joral are excellent instructors. As someone who didn't have any previous ballet training, the adult Introduction to Ballet series was great for building foundations, and the Beginning Ballet series is great for advancing those foundational skills. Repeating each series a few times has helped me to retain and apply what I've learned.

I should have reviewed Tiffany awhile ago. However, this is not about her general classes, although…read more I've attended a few. This is about her private instruction. Tiffany is a excellent private instructor. Most instructors tend not to promote private instruction during their regular classes, but they really should. Let me just say if you really want to become a proficient Salsa dancer, you need to take private lessons. Let me repeat that: you need to take private lessons. Having the undivided attention of the instructor allows you to work on the subtle nuances of the dance ultimately making you a better dancer. Whether male or female you will benefit by private instruction. Yes, it's expensive, but it's worth it. You should take as many private lessons as you can. As an older guy, I don't go to clubs anymore, so dancing with Tiffany was great fun. Spend the money for private lessons, you'll be glad you did. Another benefit is dancing to the music you like.

Such a wonderful salsa class!! The energy, the vibe, it all makes for an excellent evening when you…read moreneed to just get out and enjoy. People are friendly and the moves are broken down to fine, easy to understand, details.

Our daughter loves her classes. Ms Michaela and Ms Eva are such caring and warm teachers and foster…read morea loving, and enjoyable experience for their students. This is our second year and we will be continuing as long as we can! The year end shows are done so professionally, and give the kids and parents something to look forward to. Highly recommend this studio!

Our daughter has been attending Dance Arts Project for the past year. She started a little later…read more(age 10) than some of her classmates, but Ms. Michaela was amazing about making her feel comfortable, part of the group, and, to help her enjoy her experience and grow as a dancer. All levels are encouraged, and it is clear that Ms. Michaela really loves her dancers and loves dancing! There was an incredibly impressive school-wide performance at the end of the year, with beautiful costumes, great music, moving (and often even funny!) ballet and modern dance performances. We're looking forward to continuing at Dance Arts Project, and highly recommend it to anyone interested in ballet - either beginners, intermediate, or advanced dancers will thrive in this inclusive environment.

The performance warranted a new venue and Piedmont High's new auditorium was filled to capacity for…read morethe BCB NUTCRACKER last night. Dance students of all ages showed their passion and talent. The costumes were original and brilliant! Staging and decor took a back stage so the dancers could shine! Bravos were heard throughout the full on, 2hr event! So happy MY GRANDDAUGHTER , also a STUDENT DANCER, shared the evening with us.

We love BCB! The teachers are uniformly wonderful and encouraging. Classes are generally pretty…read moresmall and intimate, which allows each dancer to receive a lot of warm, constructive criticism. In addition the staff have been very patient with my daughter as she's been struggling with some anxiety and has needed extra support. Their production of the Nutcracker each year is a real pleasure to watch; teachers, staff, and students consistently produce a beautiful show despite the small size of the school.