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.) read more