Me and my daughter fell in love with this company three years ago. We both love to dance fokloroko We will see what the future holds read more

I was a part of DanzArts' adult company Sabor Mexico for three years, and while I came in hopeful and excited to dance, what I experienced was a toxic environment fueled by manipulation, favoritism, and complete lack of professionalism from the director, Patricia Astorga. Patricia is the opposite of what a leader should be. The moment she senses loyalty from you, she will use you to your breaking point assigning every task possible just to avoid lifting a finger herself. Dancers are expected to travel long distances for performances (many of them physically demanding) and not only don't get paid we're also expected to pay out of pocket for gas and other expenses. Zero compensation, zero appreciation. The company's board? Just her inner circle of close friends who are completely biased and will twist your words to defend Patricia, no matter how valid your concerns are. When you finally see her true colors, you realize this is not a healthy dance community it's a dictatorship masked as a cultural organization. Patricia has spoken badly about her own dancers behind their backs including her co-director and has actively stirred drama to turn people against each other. She even body shamed me when a 13year old dress ripped as I put it on ( I'm not overweight). Instead of offering help or support, she made it a moment of shame. Financially, the lack of transparency is disturbing. She collects donations and won't even tell her board where the money goes. Meanwhile, we've seen her use the company credit card for personal expenses like hair appointments. During a trip to Campeche in 2023, each dancer was required to pay over $300 "for food" to this day, no one knows where that money went. This review only covers the adult side of DanzArts. When it comes to the children's academy, Patricia is rarely present at all. It was Kristina Cunningham, a now former leader who left due to similar issues, who raised funds and ran the program. Patricia allegedly took the kids' fundraising money too, and again no explanation was ever given. If you're looking for a loyal, respectful, and inspiring dance community, THIS IS NOT IT. I wish someone had warned me sooner so I'm warning you now. read more

I first saw this group perform at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park. We grabbed a flyer and went to visit them soon after. Here we are 4 years later. Both my 10 year old and I dance with this organization. We both dance folklorico and my daughter dances flamenco. It's really hard to find a flamenco class for kids here in San Diego. My daughter has grown a lot in flamenco and her skill and grace always surprises me. The instructors are so friendly and approachable. My girl has built a strong bond with her dance friends. I also enjoy spending time with my dance family and I've made great mom friends, too. You could really learn ballet folklorico and flamenco anywhere, but things you won't find just anywhere: 1) technique and excellence 2) exquisite and authentic costumes 3) knowledge and cultural enrichment 4) family and friends. read more

Danzarts Academy - Performance at California Center for the Arts - Performing Arts Near Me - San Diego, California

I hired DanzArts for my retirement and I have to tell you how impressed I was with their high caliber performance! I had a special song in mind and they choreographed the most beautiful dance which made my day. Ladies, you are amazing and talented. Hope others jump on the bandwagon and hire you for their celebrations. read more

Absolutely atrocious academy. Humiliating and belittling dancers. The girls have been practicing for a few months now in anticipation for the "big performance" to take place November 7th. To make a long story short, the girls performed in the corner of a crowded LOBBY before the theater doors even opened. By the time the second set of girls started everyone was rushing to get inside on the theater that no one paid attention to them. I have family that paid admission to see them dance, which they did not even see her since they danced before then the event started. I have requested a refund from the dance teacher, but all she had to say was that it was the decision of the "director of the company" I understand that it is not the teacher's decision or fault, but had we known they were going to be performing in the lobby we would have opted out. It might not be a big deal to the danzarts organization but it was a big deal to all of the girls expecting to be on that stage tonight. It was absolutely heartbreaking having to pull the girls out and tell them that they would actually not be dancing on the stage. If they could not spare 10 minutes for the girls to dance on the stage, why were they told to go ? Why did the family have to pay admission for seats if this "recital" was going to be in the lobby ? I am absolutely disgusted with this organization. read more

I LOVE dancing for this group. Been with them for two years now and the energy is great and the teamwork is amazing. The instructore gives good positive direction to dancers. If ur are even barely considering a group i would come check us out!!! read more

DanzArts is one of the most professional organizations I've encountered in San Diego. Every aspect of involvement with the Director and Performing Artists has filled me with joy. read more

Hi! I love this dance academy, my daughter traveled from group to group until we found out about Danzarts. It has being 2 years since and my older daughter is still growing, she loves going to dance every week. The little one joined the company one year ago and she's also growing fast. I highly recommend this academy. read more

My two daughters dance for DanzArts. One is in flamenco and the other in Ballet Folklorico. The teachers are very knowledgeable and professional. There are many opportunities to perform out in the San Diego community. They also have varying levels starting with beginning dance classes to professional theatrical groups. Just a fabulous dance organization. read more

I have been taking Flamenco classes at Danzarts for about 4 years now. It is a wonderful group of teachers, dancers, and musicians! I highly recommend it! read more

Love the professionalism and flexibility of the instructors. It's truly a dance family. Quality dance instructors at a very reasonable price! Definitely worth my drive from Chula Vista! read more

I Love this Academy. Fortunate to be a part of these amazing dancers. Great to learn some of Mexican & Spain traditional dances.

I loved this group the moment I joined because it was clear how detailed, professional, and caring the instructor was. She genuinely takes the time to help everyone improve and I can tell she truly cares for each and every one of her dancers. It's evident that the she enjoys what she does and it reflects amongst her dancers as well. read more

Great cultural experience watching the beautiful dances. I especially liked the spanish/English translations of the meaning of each dance. The costumes were breathtaking and the overall event was entertaining and family friendly! read more

My husband and I are very excited that our daughter, Isabella, can be a part of such a great company! We have been extremely impressed with Patricia Casey and her passion for sharing the art of dance. Isabella looks forward to her dance class every week and eagerly awaits the performances. Ms. Casey has such patience and is full of encouragement for the dancers that they can't help but do their best. Isabella believes in herself and her abilities as a dancer because of the instruction she has received. We are very pleased with DanzArts and highly recommend! read more

I have no complaints! Been with the company for years and the company keeps growing with more and more opportunities to be on big stages! Instructors are well trained and on point. Pushes the dancer to do their absolute best. Way to go DanzArts!!! read more

Dear Danzarts, I am extremely upset with tonight's organization, communication, and over-all professionalism. My daughter dances with the Sherman group and not once were any of the parents informed that the performance that the children have been practicing so hard for was going to take place in front of a crowded lobby. Not once in all the emails from Ms. Pinell-Cruz did she mention that the performance that we were being charged to attend, would be showcased in the manner that it was. I have kept record of all the emails she has sent out. Not once did she mention it in person at any of the practices (which she cut short due to her own schedule). My 5 year old daughter was so excited in anticipation of this performance that we invited both sets of grandparents, a great-grandmother, two aunts and an uncle to watch her perform. Had I know where and how the performance would be displayed I would have not bothered with this show. The time, effort and money we all as parents spent was a total disregard from this "Academy". When I asked for a refund I was told the tickets were nonrefundable. The tickets, which by the way, were to reserve your seat, to me was a joke. I was standing in a crowded room squatting, tip-toeing and trying my best to look over people's shoulders to see my daughter dance. My husband didn't even get the chance to see her because she's the smallest one and the room was so crowed. At best, the parents of the Sherman group should have been allowed free entrance considering they didn't need a seat. Unfortunately, I wish I could say that this was my first bad experience with a performance from Danzarts, however, it's not. My daughter has been dancing with the Sherman group since February of this year and in the short time she's been through 3 teachers. The only competent and professional one was Mrs. Cunningham. The first performance my daughter had was just 1 month after her start. As nervous as we both were, we showed up to the dress rehearsal to find that the teacher (at that time) was a no show. The girls didn't know how they were to come out on stage, how their make-up should have been or even how to correctly wear the head piece. Mrs. Cunningham stepped up that day with some direction. My brother-in-law, whom has been dancing with Danzarts for some time as well as my sister-in-law, was placed to choreograph the girls that day. Thankfully my daughter was too excited to realize what a mess that was. Tonight however, she broke down in tears not understanding why she could not perform on the stage like we all thought she would. Has anyone ever seen the tears and face of sadness and disappointment from a 5 year old? And does any one in your organization care? I feel we have endured enough. From the consent rotation of teachers to having the practice in a parking lot at times. I didn't realize the classes at the Sherman Rec center was an "outreach program". What are you reaching out for? My wallet? I can't express how disappointing this experience has been. Ms. Pinell-Cruz still had the audacity to ask for 5 parent volunteers. Which I later realized was to "babysit" the girls. What was the reason for asking that the girls be there at 5:30pm if they didn't dance until 6:30pm? Ms. Pinell-Cruz was no where to be seen during this lobby display of your organization's outreach program. Nor did she answer anyone's texts and when she did it was clear that she was trying to save...(pardon my language) her ass. I was lucky enough that I was refunded my money only because my mother-in-law knows someone in your organization. I left thinking that a refund would be granted to all parents from our group and found out later that that was not the case. ALL the families should be fully refunded their money, considering you can't give us back the time wasted. We will not be returning to the "outreach program" but let me be very clear that I, myself recruited my best friend, co-worker and sister. A total of 5 children. It saddens me because I thought this organization's goal was to spread the knowledge of our culture through the beauty of our dance. Instead, you've given us a bad image. I hope something positive comes from this but I don't see the company growing with this kind of disorganization and professionalism. read more

I searched for a dance academy for my child that would not only feed her the art, but also the culture, and it was so difficult. I was so excited when I found this amazing company. They are simply amazing. . .the productions that I have seen have been so well done. I have been so impressed at the professionalism and at the same time, warmth and passion that they have for such a beautiful art. I know my daughter is in such good hands she has grown so much and am sure will continue growing. DanzArts is a treasure that very few are aware of. The price for such high quality is so reasonable; so worth it. I highly recommend. Top notch dance company. I even want to take classes my self. read more

I am a parent of two dancers in this Academy. Our experience has been nothing but positive throughout the years. There is a strong support network among the teachers and parents that has become like family to us. All of the teachers and director of the academy are very professional and work with the dancers to polish them and bring out the best in them. With Danzarts, my daughters have had the opportunity to dance in a variety of venues from theater lobbies, museums, church parishes, Petco Park, the Lyceum Theater, Spreckles etc. I feel fortunate that they have been exposed to all types of stages and audiences, this has helped them feel confident and give it their best regardless of the venue or stage. The yearly performances Danzarts presents are a real treat. It is a beautiful production, where you get to enjoy Sabor Mexico, La Esencia Flamenca and the Children's Academy perform at its best. As a parent, I want the best for my children. My children thrive here, and love to come to class and see their friends. Most importantly, when they perform they always have a smile on their face, which to me is PRICELESS! 5 stars and a smile for Danzarts. read more

I am very fortunate to be part of this great dance company not only as a dancer but as a parent too. I stopped dancing for over 10 years and once I heard of Danzarts I was so excited to join. Once they started the children's academy I was thrilled to have my daughter join as well so she can learn the beautiful art of dance just like I did as a kid myself. Being a single parent I love that I can share a hobby with my daughter and we can both share the stage! The other dance moms are amazing when it comes to performances since we sometimes perform at the same time they are are always willing to help me with her when I am on stage. read more