DC Dance Center is truly a gem in the community. The owner beautiful owner Ms.Tiana is always smiling--you can feel how much she genuinely loves dance, the kids, and the families she serves. The teachers and staff are all so kind and welcoming, and my kids love it. What I appreciate most is that it's a safe, supportive space where kids can really be themselves. It's not just about dance, it's about confidence, expression, and learning to feel good in their bodies. I take my two boys (3 and 5), and I love that this is a space where dance is for everyone. Watching them be silly, expressive, and make friends has been so sweet. You can tell this place is rooted in real community care. I highly recommend it. read more

DC Dance Center - Dance class - show up as yourself. Today he was a tiger. - Performing Arts Near Me - San Leandro, California

Such a great experience for my daughter and watching her grow with DC dance family amazing Thank you Ms Tiana for all you do We appreciate your efforts making them to become a great dancers read more

My granddaughter loves it here, it's a smaller school than she's used to but they get the job done. And she's made a few friends here and was able to perform for a live audience, affordable and local. One star away, because they could communicate a little better with parents , regarding performance day attire, hair and or make up and where to meet at venues, flexible with payment plan and they seem nice enough for grandkids. But not with parents in my opinion. She'll stick it out a little longer to see how things go. I think Its really a good school. read more

My child danced for 10 years at our hometown studio. I'm grateful for the friendships she and I made and for the memories. After the pandemic,team dynamics shifted so we stepped away. Costs can be prohibitive especially if your student is on the competitive team. We wish the new owner well. read more

Amazing dance program! Amazing staff! Great for all kids of all ages. Family atmosphere.

My daughter has been taking class at this fine dance studio since 2020. Quality staff and programming, and the students have a great time!

Zumba here is fab!! I've been coming to Zumba for over 10 years in the location. Instructors are sensitive to the students. They help you get your sweat on. read more

Could not possibly write enough good things about DC Dance Center! - Awesome location (Downtown San Leandro) - Family atmosphere - Large Facility with multiple dance studios - Genuinely friendly and caring staff - Lots of events and performances... Our daughters have been dancing at DC Dance Center for the past four years moving into their fifth! The friendships they have made with the other dancers and the staff has become such a great part of their lives that they will carry these memories for the rest of their lives. We as parents are so grateful to have found such a wonderful place! We would also like to give DC Dance Center a shout out for stepping up quickly and finding ways to continue to engage their dancers and provide some normalcy during these crazy times. read more

My daughter loves it here she is soo excited to start her dancing journey and the girls here teaching do such a great job

I've never taken dance classes! So for the first time in my life I decided to go to this place to ask about schedules and cost of dance classes !! I walk almost every day for that place with my 2 dogs! In fact they are service dogs !! So I happened to spend with my dogs in the entrance! 5 steps from the street !! So I just had time to see through the small window that at that time was a Zumba class !! They were scarce 5 seconds when 2 women came out to tell me that I could not be there and much less with my dogs! so they took me out of the place !! Those 2 women were not at all kind! one of them is Ms. debbie! I know why I recognized it in a photo !! and in truth, I would never enter again a place where they do not know how to respect! read more

"Samba class? Isn't that a dance?" Yeah, that was my first thought when I heard about it too. After some help with pronunciation, my next question was "What the hell is that?" "Oh my gah, it's so much fun! It's like a fast paced cardio dance class." After my coworker demonstrated some of the moves they do, I decided to see what the fuss was about. At my first class, I felt like an uncoordinated goof. Even so, I still had a blast! Kat makes the class a ton of fun, and after a few classes I caught on to the moves. There's a few instructors that go up and teach, each with their own moves. The best thing about the class is the variety of people. There's guys & girls, different ages and body types. I never felt self conscious once. It's a great atmosphere with great people. Here's a few pointers to help out the newbies: 1) If you're big busted, wear TWO exercise bras, the shimmying of ones shoulders causes severe in-balance. 2) Arrive to class a few minutes early, usually Kat will be going over the steps they use, that way you aren't completely clueless and end up facing the wrong way (which I have done several times) 3) Of course you don't want to be at the front of the class, but don't jip yourself by standing in a corner way in the back where you can't see the instructor. Try to be somewhere behind her or a veteran Zumbee so you can mimic their moves. 4) Realize that the instructors have a dance background, which is why when they move it seems so fluid and effortless, and when you move you appear arthritic and unnatural. You WILL GET BETTER and before you know it, it'll be second nature. If you hate exercise, this is one way you can get your cardio and love it! read more

I'm just back from my first Zumba class, in fact my first Zumba class ever, and boy oh boy...was it fun or was it fun? :D I am so glad I decided to go... a great one hour workout that doesn't even feel like a workout. What better way to lose weight than Zumba? Kat teaches fun moves, is very friendly and has a fun way for people in the class to mingle with each other. Everyone's friendly and having 100% fun. One of my favourite things about this class is that you can hoot and scream when you love a move or u really feel the burn! :) All in all... im satisfied and I'm soooooo going back every week. Three cheers to Zumba with Kat. read more

For a different perspective, I can attest to the long-term impacts of Debbie's nurturing, inclusive approach to dance instruction for kids. It has been 30 years since I was a "Debbette" in sequined costumes and glittery tights, yet my self-confidence is still strongest when I'm on a dance floor. Not because of talent, but because Debbie fostered my self-esteem so consistently in my years of classes with her that I still feel my best self when I'm on a smooth parquet floor. It always felt like self-expression and joy were the priorities in those childhood classes, rather than perfectionism or the pressures of competition. As a result, I have continued to dance at all stages of my life in some form or another - East Coast swing, salsa, adult jazz classes, Argentine tango. The safe haven that Debbie created in her studio and her constant positive support when I was young instilled in me both a love of dance and a love of self. What could have been a mere hobby at other studios became a lasting foundation for poise and fortitude at DC Dance Center. If you just want someone to teach your kid to tap, go anywhere you like. If you want someone to champion your kid's spirit, go to Debbie. read more

My daughter is in her second year at DC Dance. She's 7 years old and has been taking dance on and off since she was 2 years old, but now that she's in Miss Debbie's class, she actually LOVES it. To quote her, "I don't like it, I LOVE it!" But I digress. The studio offers lots of classes - and I do mean LOTS. There are several required performances throughout the year and some of the classes must purchase more than one costume in a single enrollment year. Of course, I'm sure the competitive groups need many costumes, but I'm talking about the once a week, 50 minute classes. It can become a bit pricey and time consuming for a busy family, but what's a mom to do? The little one LOVES it. Classes are reasonably priced and there is a train table, books, etc for brothers to play with while they are waiting for their sister to finish (or for their class). read more

Miss Debbie is AMAZING with the children that attend here. Many of the students have been dancing here for years. My child is a HUGE fan of Miss Debbie and looks forward to dance class with her every week. I love that all the students treat each other with respect. Many of the younger students look up to the older students. It's great that the older students take the time to talk with the smaller children. It's like a big happy dancing family. Every year there are several performances during the holiday season with a big recital held in June. I enjoy that the venues change from year to year. They offer beginning and advanced classes, All-Stars and Competition classes for the die hard dance performers, Hip-Hop and Zumba. The entire staff at DC is great. Every teacher has years of experience. They are passionate and caring about dance and the students. You just can't get enough of their knowledge and definitely their smiles. Great teamwork for sure. Reading previous reviews....I too have an extensive backround in dance, performing for over 15 years. Yes, although technique is not quite emphasized on the younger children, as they get older, more familiar with steps, and advance in the skill, technique will follow. Bottom line, as a parent, the most important thing to me as well as my child is that FUN is key. DC Dance Center is a fun and loving environment for the children as well as the parents. read more

I've only been here once so far, but as someone who wasn't clear on whether the classes were still going on due to the lack of recent reviews, I wanted to make sure I got the work out. I'm a complete Zumba first-timer, so I didn't know what to expect. I was amazed at how welcome the group made me feel, how challenging the workout was, and how much fun I had. I plan to become a regular member of this uplifting community--here's hoping I manage to shed a few pounds in the process! read more

From someone who tried another Dance Studio in the same city I have to say it DOES NOT get better than DC. My kids are small and the teachers are sooo good with the little ones, one thousand times more patient that i could EVER be! Ms. Debbie is awesome and the whole DC family is awesome. It's a true community in every sense of the word. I love how the bigger girls volunteer to help the little girls in classes so you know more people than those in your class. Lastly we are building lifetime friendships already! We have had the same core group of girls in class for two years and summer session. We love love love love love it here! Did I mention we love it? read more

I've avoided working out for a very long time. I'm simply not motivated to continue going because it's boring and doesn't hold my attention. However, Zumba is incredibly exciting and constantly switches things up. It's super fun! The moves are constantly different, the music is upbeat and exciting, and whenever you start to feel too tired you just have to look around and see all the people having fun! I'm a bigger girl too, so that was also another issue with going to the gym, but there are girls of ALL shapes and sizes that go to Zumba, so it feels completely judgment-free. I love it! And can't wait to go again tonight!! Side note: Parking is very scarce, but there's a Safeway JUST down the street. Just make sure you park in a lighted area to be safe, and lock all of your stuff in your trunk. Don't be too worried about it, just be cautious about it. :) read more

My daughter danced at DC for 10 years. Unfortunately once high school became very busy she did not have the time to continue. She LOVED DC Dance and her "family" there. Many of the girls & boys started dancing together when they were young and continued to dance together through high school. Since she was a DC All-Star, she performed a lot (which she loved). She now has no problem being on stage or public speaking because of her DC Dance experiences. Debbie and all of the teachers are great! I've been to dance recitals from other area studios, and DC's are top notch!!! read more

Kat is such a positive and vibrant person that she makes a lazy bum like me actually want to exercise! She will make you sweat, but unlike a usual workout, I'm never counting down the minutes or wishing it was all just over already. My first class with her, I did have to slow down for a couple minutes when I was pretty sure I was having a heart attack (I wasn't) but it's been smooth sailing ever since. It doesn't matter if you're tall and awkward like me; this class makes you feel pretty hottt. She has a great co-instructor and guest instructors come in to teach a little bit of everything -salsa, meringue, hip hop. Obviously, my favorite part of the class is always the booty-shaking hip hop get low get low songs, and anything Britney Spears... Come check the class out. You'll have fun! read more

We love Debbie and everyone at DC Dance Center! Our daughter has danced there since she was 3, and she's now 9 and part of the DC Dance Center All-Stars. DC is all about having fun, building self-esteem, and giving kids the opportunity to showcase their talent. The monthly fees are very reasonable and they are never "hidden". Everything is explained on the website and at registration, and the only costs that are not disclosed are the costume fees, since they differ for each class and aren't known until the performance costumes are selected by the instructors. Depending on how many performances your child has in a dance season, you could be buying 1 or 2 costumes or as many as 5 or 6 or more. Each parent is made aware of this at the beginning of each season, but they won't know the costs until a few weeks before payment is due (we just prepare for it and budget accordingly). Am I biased? Sure. As a parent of a dancer who's extremely happy at DC and who loves every minute of rehearsal and performances, I admit it. Interested in my daughter's opinion? Then watch this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50AgwmK0LKk read more

I love Zumba! Kat, Grace and Johanna are awesome. It's a great work out to fabulous music. My only beef is that the classes are ridiculously full (some nights that means 38 people). If this is your first time trying out Zumba you have no chance to see the instructor and learn all the moves. So come in the mornings when the classes are almost empty or learn the moves on a DVD. Then come and party at DC! I hope they will consider opening a new session on week nights, I know it will be much more pleasant. Nevertheless, I am going to sweat it out tonight and even bring a friend. read more

My daughter just started tap dancing and now she is in the preschool dance. She loves it! Her teacher is Ms. Dawn and she is an AWESOME teacher! Not only is she patient but she always makes it fun for her students. My daughter adores her and has learned so much from her. My 3 year old son also signed up but he was too shy. Ms. Dawn actually took some time after class to try and help him. She is one amazing teacher! I hope she will keep teaching at DC because she is definitely an asset to the center! I would highly recommend DC Dance Center to all my family and friends! If you want your child to have fun and learn at the same time, I would highly recommend this school. read more

Zumba Kat is a great class. I've been going since the first class. She's an awesome teacher herself, but what's great about her class is that every now and then introduces new instructors (both aspiring and certified). She's got a great team with great energy... It's a great balance of easy going routines to some really high energy dance moves. So if you're new to the class, you'll definitely get your feet wet. And if you've been going for a while, you'll also be challenged. The class definitely has that family atmosphere, like one big Zumba block party. The space is great, very cozy, and definitely helps keep the "community" feel of the class. Everyone who goes has a great time. There's always laughter, and you leave the class very energized. read more

This is my daughter's second year with DC Dance Center and I couldn't recommend them more highly! We were previously at another dance studio that didn't allow parents to watch the classes and was extremely anal about everything. Miss Debbie is welcoming and loving and has helped my daughter to love dance. In addition to the monthly cost of the class you must purchase the costume and tickets to the performance. Unlike other dance schools where there is one recital and that's the only time they get to use their costume, Miss Debbie arranges numerous performances throughout the year. My daughter has been able to use her costume many times, and is also getting very comfortable performing on stage. DC Dance Center is a fanstastic school! They welcome all types of children. Miss Debbie and the other instructors have created a real family atmospher at DC Dance Center and there are always dancers hanging around. read more

My daughter is currently attending DC center (ballet). Her teach Ms. Sara is great. She is very patient with all the kids. Especially with my daughter whom tend to not really pay attention. Debbie is also very great. She listens and takes your suggestions very seriously. If there is a problem, she will compromise to favor both parties. I love working with the staff at DC. read more

Great workout with Grace as always! It sure nice to be back! Exercise makes me happy! #makefatcry!

My daughter danced at this studio for years. I love that fact that the teachers focus on having fun and helping to develop a child's self esteem. All shapes, sizes, abilities are welcome and respected at this studio. I love that the costuming and choreography is age appropriate. read more

This was the worst dance center my daughter has ever attended. I will not be returning. My daughters dance instructor missed almost every show which left the kids extremely disappointed. There were excessive unorganized performances which really turned out to be inconvenient. 1 big show and maybe a FEW small shows would have been good enough. The amount of shows was quite ridiculous. There were only about 7 students in my daughters class and less and less as the shows continued on. Who wants to perform like that? Not my daughter. It threw the whole dance off. They continued to place a girl much larger than my daughter in front of her over and over. It made no sense. I never even picked up pictures or the CD that I paid for from this company, and do you think they reached out to let me know that they were even in? No way. They don't care. They have their money that's all that matters. This place sucks. read more

Hey there, I've been a two year resident of San Leandro. I've been searching for cool things to do and I am determined to make San Leandro thee next happening hot spot! We're sitting on a gold mine here! Fast forward, I was looking for something to whip my butt into shape, I stumbled upon the Zocalo Coffee House website, come to find out they have an awesome space in the back that offers Yoga, Spinning and ZUMBA classes! I read each description and was excited to read about the fun benefits ZUMBA has to offer. I checked out the first class and I am hooked.. it's close to my house, it's in a great up and coming neighborhood and the ZUMBA class couldn't be any greater, I danced and sweated my butt off :) The instructors Kat and Rebecca give a great hour of fun induced work outs, great music, great atmosphere, lots of smiles. Every time the class comes to an end, I don't want to stop! Check them out, every Tuesday at 6:45 pm! If you want to get in shape, have fun and feel better about yourself, ZUMBA with Kat is the best class for YOU!!! read more

I know it might sound silly, but Zumba has transformed my life. I signed my daughter up for dance at DC Dance Center and after her class there was this class called Zumba... After a few weeks of seeing these ladies having so much fun dancing/exercising I decided to try. WOW, what a class!!! At first I felt really silly rolling my hips and shaking things that shouldn't be shaking, but I and everyone else was having a great time. I have now been Zumba-ing since September of 2009 and it has given me this life that I never thought would happen... I enjoy exercising, who would have thought? I have never been an exercise girl, but I am now, I even bought a treadmill. I have lost about 3" off my waist and almost 30 pounds, but the best part for me is that I can move again, don't have the back problems that I had and I am not popping Motrin like candy! read more

What a wonderful class! This was my first time experience with Zumba and Kat was so great! She was quite easy to follow during the class, made me feel very welcome. She is so enthusiastic that it transfers to you. I do not remember when I was sweating so much! She loves the classes and makes you very comfortable during the class. The studio is Very nice!! clean and the big windows help you stay on track. Thank you Kat for such a great class. read more

I first went to a Wednesday class with my friend Martha back in November 09 .. I enjoyed it very much, she didnt as much. I returned back in January with my friend Vero and we have been going at least 4 times a week. I enjoy it because its hard for me to workout at a gym. Im self-conscious. I LOVE this class because although you ARE working out, it sure as hell doesnt feel like it!! You work out every muscle and area on your body while dancing to different beats & rthyms. Doesnt matter if you are coordinated or not, Zumba is for EVERYONE of all levels, for all ages & sizes. You will be leaving class not only with a sweat, but with a great smile! read more

My daughter have been dancing at DC now going on 3 years and she absolutely loves it...gives her something to look forward to. We love the the teachers and Miss. Debbie it's family. read more

I had the pleasure of watching a couple dance groups from DC Dance Studio perform last night during the Downtown San Leandro Farmers' Market. Wow! The kids were really great! After the performances, free dance lessons were offered to children in the audience. Really cute. Check out DC Dance - the kids really looked like they were having a blast. read more

My 3 year old daughter loves here! Miss Debbie is a great teacher!!

Si los instructores de Zumba aquí son fantásticos. Kat Ben es increíble. Usted debe ver para creerlo. Wow wow wow!

Ok...I used to be a dancer so I know what a good work-out feels like. It's when you go to practice, excited to start, be with wonderful people, get an effective work-out, push yourself a little past your limit, feeling good to know that you were able to do it, and actually see results! Unfortunately, since starting college, I have not continued my passion in dancing. So to keep myself fit, I've registered for exercise classes. With all the dance classes and aerobics classes I have taken, I can never seem to find an exercise class that will keep me interested and get the quick result!!! Its always the SAME music and SAME routine, it's just plain BORING!!!!!! It wasn't till Zumba came around that I found a class that I loved!! Especially Kat's class!!! I enjoy it everyday I go! The music is always different, there are new instructors with new routines, and the people are amazing! Everyone has to try this out, you'll never find another class like this! read more

Hey DC Dance is AWSOME. Our daughter tried another dance place and did not like it at all. She told us she did not want to go back there anymore. We called and did a trial class at DC and Miss Debbie and her staff are SUPER!!!!! We signed our daughter up right away. DC is friendly, welcoming and our daughter LOVES her dance class. She is learning tap, ballet and meeting new friends and having a blast. I highly recommend DC and their super staff !!!!!! read more

My Daughter just joined DC dance this year and she loves Miss Debbie :0) She just turned 3 and can't wait for ballet night! She has don portuguese folk dance in the past so she is doing so good. I can't wait for the Christmas Pagent! :0) read more