Great and affordable program open to all skill and fitness levels! We love it and are willing to…read morecommute weekly for it. The yearly Nutcracker performance is a highlight for us!

I attended ballet classes for 15 years under the instruction of Maria Spremich. This is NOT your…read moreaverage City-run recreation dance class. Formerly a professional dancer with the Lines Ballet Company and instructor for the San Francisco Conservatory Ballet, Maria has created a comprehensive training program that not only develops dance skills, but also impacts individuals' lives. A lot of kids sign up for only 1 or 2 sessions, but many of the young people end up attending for most of their walking life (my term for starting dance classes as soon as one is able to walk). This is due to the community that has been created. The program consists of a weekly class schedule, as well as two opportunities per year to perform at the beautiful El Camino High School Theater. I have many fond memories of preparing for shows by getting into our beautiful costumes, doing our hair and makeup (the one time we got to wear makeup and be like the big kids!), and waiting with great anticipation to go out and give the audience a show! After recently observing the shows from the other side, I can say that I am impressed by the level of the kids' professionalism throughout the entire show. Besides ballet skills, Maria teaches discipline, passion, and expression: DISCIPLINE: ----------------- The way the classes are structured, beginner students start with a weekly ballet class to learn the basics and become more familiar with warmups, technique, and combinations (short sets of choreography designed to improve technique). Intermediate students need to attend 1-2 times per week, and once they move up to the advanced level, must attend 3 classes a week. Two of those classes are spent building technique and strengthening the muscles, while the 3rd class is reserved for pointe work. I strongly believe that having such a rigorous schedule increased my time management skills, as I learned to manage homework and other activities around my ballet schedule. Also, Maria was patient yet held high expectations of all her students, which motivated us to be more committed to our study of ballet. PASSION: -------------- I definitely acquired my passion for dance (and performing in general) by learning from Maria. It is apparent from the way she dances and teaches that she loves what she does, and is therefore very effective in sharing that love with her students. To this day I can't live without some dance in my life. I learned to enjoy teaching kids based on how Maria taught us. Not only am I a stage performer in Broadway musicals, but I also choreograph/direct children's musicals. I attribute my skills as an effective choreographer to my strong foundation in ballet as well as to having such a wonderful and patient teacher. EXPRESSION: -------------------- I was an awkward kid and even more awkward teenager. And I mean REALLY awkward! Ballet classes enabled me to get past myself and be more comfortable with who I am. Dance is a wonderful outlet for anyone, but a structured class where I had a safe community to express myself was critical to my development as a person. TIP: This is a hidden bonus gem within the City of SSF. The classes are very reasonably priced, as this is a City program, and you will be so pleased with the value you get out of these classes. Sign up your kid (or yourself -- they have adult classes) today! TIP2: Ballet -- and dance in general -- is FANTASTIC for your physique! But ballet in particular builds a lot of muscle, in all the right places. :)

Last year in 2025 we saw the Nutcracker. Such a sweet and well put on performance. Prices are much…read moremore affordable compared to the SF ballet. These are students...I think? I loved the different ages and talent. Parking is a bit of a headache. There isn't near enough for what this building can hold. Please give yourself enough time in case there isn't any parking stalls left. There are plenty of bathrooms, but during intermission, they have ropes set up for the huge line that forms. Snacks are sold, however can't be consumed inside the theater. Go figure? You can only eat outside in the lobby area. In the lobby is a table of Nutcracker/Christmas items you can purchase. I wish that there was a live orchestra, but this was my first time going and I don't understand much about this group. It was a recording that they danced to. I do recommend anyone to see this performance and let us know what you think?

This facility is top notch! We had a dance recital here after being in other venues, and wow! The…read more stage was large and equipped with all the bells and whistles, lighting was great, audience seating was wonderful from all the vantage points and spacious and comfortable, and the backstage areas for the performers were ample downstairs. Having more bathrooms backstage would have been helpful.

I'm so glad I stumbled across Soc Studio. I've been exploring additional activities for my kids and…read morethought we would give dancing a shot. You can enroll in free trial classes here before you commit to anything. I enrolled my son in the hip hop class and wanted to get my daughter in the hula class, but the latter is extremely popular with a couple dozen people already on the waitlist. The parking lot is shared with some other businesses so it can get pretty packed but I was luckily able to score a spot when I arrived. The studio is easy to navigate, with 3 different dance rooms holding simultaneous classes. There is a bench against the wall where parents can sit and watch if they want, although the view isn't ideal. You can also just drop your kid off at a class and come back for pickup. The studio is conveniently located a couple of blocks away from Grand so plenty of things to do in the area while you wait. The classes are a great way for kids to burn off some extra energy while also learning a new skill set. The techniques taught are age appropriate and the teachers are warm and friendly. There are two (optional) recitals held throughout the year so the students can showcase everything they learned. And the monthly price of membership is very competitive for what you're getting out of it.

My daughter has been dancing with SOC Studio since 2020 when she learned hula/tahitian over ZOOM…read more As a 3 year old, she was missing pre-school due to the shut down. She found her joy in dance. Now 5 years later my daughter is dancing in tap, theatre jazz, competition musical theatre, and has a role in the theatre production. SOC Studio teachers have been caring and inspirational to my daughter. SOC Studio is like our second home. We are so thankful to Ms. Marilou, Ms. Kelli, Ms. Fiona, her old teacher Ms. Hannah, and all the teacher assistants that have helped my daughter find her magic.

Amazing ballet program by Ms. Maria. She is wonderful and passionate about ballet. My god daughters…read morehave been dancing here since they were 5. I see the smile on their faces at drop off.

This is an exceptional ballet school tucked away in an unassuming location. The training here is…read moretop-notch. The instructors are extremely competent and educated. The artistic director is very impressive while also being approachable and kind. There is room here for dancers seeking pre-professional training as well as recreational dancers. More serious dancers have the opportunity to audition into the Bay Area Youth Ballet company. All dancers have great performance opportunities. And there's really great adult classes too. There's even PARKING. We drive down from SF to come here because it's an exceptional school and a very healthy, very positive environment. We love it.

My kids have been here for ten years now, and both of them are thriving. My older daughter has been…read moreinvited/offered scholarships to different summer dance programs and her technique stands out wherever she goes, all thanks to the quality ballet training and competition opportunities she receives at WSPA. Each teacher my girls have worked with so far have been gifted choreographers whose routines win the top honors at competitions. In fact, WSPA is one of a few studios that don't need to outsource their choreography because their teachers do it so well in-house.

My daughter has been part of WSPA since 2019, and we absolutely love the supportive environment and…read morethe exceptional training she receives here. Currently, she is enrolled in the Ballet Performance Program, Musical Theatre Performance Program, and Tap Performance Program. The comprehensive curriculum at WSPA is designed to nurture well-rounded performers, and it's clear in my daughter's development as a true Triple Threat. Her hard work, dedication, and growth as a performer are a direct reflection of the high-quality instruction and mentorship she receives.

Auntie Des is a kindhearted teacher. She creates a supportive, fun environment for the students…read more Sometimes she'll host potlucks for everyone to connect with each other.

Auntie Des and Hokulani are some of my favorite teachers I've ever had! They are so sweet,…read moreencouraging, and welcoming. The community are so sweet and couldn't imagine being in the Bay Area without them.

My daughter started dancing at WCDC fall of 2022, and let me tell you I am so grateful I found…read moreAngela and her staff. My daughter's previous dance school closed down and due to the pandemic she fell behind on her technique. I was worried it was too late for her- but WCDC helped her so much! Her skill level and technique for an 11 year old is impressive and I owe it all to Angela and her staff. Angela is great! She so calm and collective, not a ordinary dance school director. I always recommend WCDC to those who want to start their kiddos in dance.

their phone is out of service, I sent an email but no one responded, I cannot reach out to them…read more My daughter (4 y.o) took a trial class, and I have follow up questions. She was having a hard time and none of the teachers (there were 2) trying to make her feel welcomed / comfortable during the class. No one checks us in. No connection was made during the class. I won't sign her up. Maybe they have gotten too big they don't care about the kids anymore.

An awesome Taiko* group, the heart beat of the San Francisco Cherry Blossom Festival since 1968…read more Generations of families have grown up with the distinct sound of SFTD as well as learning from Tanaka Sensei. Want to beat the drum? Want to know the difference between Don, doko, tsuku? Want to learn to dance to teke teke teke teke tet don don? Beginner classes start the first Tuesday of each month, at two locations, one in SF and one in South San Francisco. Bring your enthusiasm and your curiosity and Dojo will take care of the rest. Its the best workout in town with infinitely more to gain. Classes give a distinct family feel towards each student, a very supportive environment. So don't be afraid just come on by. *Taiko is a highly addictive substance that will leave you exhausted and giddy at the end of the night, but waking refreshed wanting more, even when your hands hurt.

I participated in the Downtown branch of the school for a bit over two months. Perhaps I've been…read morespoiled because I first learned taiko in an intimate setting in Japan where everyone was really dedicated, but my overall experience was unpleasant. My main problems with my experience are related to the teachers and the resources: First, the ads for this class seemed imply that they would all be taught by Tanaka Seiichi. However, he was only really there every other week, while the class was led by student instructors during the other times. The most frustrating bit is that if you're in the beginners' group, there is no coordination between the instructors about what is being taught each week. So, the part you worked to improve over the last week is not being inspected during this week--you essentially make very slow progress, which just exacerbates the situation because can accomplish only so much during a once-a-week class. The second issue I had was that there were just too many people for the number of drums that were available. Most of the 20 or so drums that we used were makeshift ones, which is forgivable (especially since most people had never touched a drum in their lives), but it's not really okay when you have to share that drum with another person for the 2.5 hours or so of class. They really need to bring more drums from their South SF location, advertise less, take less students or...just something!

Russ is great! I work on rudimental drumming and he helps me to build strength, precision and stick…read morecontrol. He has a nice little teaching studio on the peninsula which is very convenient. Russ is very knowledgeable, patient and passionate about the music.

Russ is an outstanding Drum instructor. He is very flexible, pleasant and willing to set up…read morepractice routines and percussion training tailored to everyone's skill level and interests. His critiques are detailed and make you want to get better. Ive been checking in with him a few times a month (I'm an intermediate, 15 yr on drums adult) and highly recommend him- not only for beginners, but for intermediate players as well that want to get to the next level. There are some things that just cant be learned from a youtube video or book- but Russ can help you understand. He has a huge selection of knowledge on not only percussion, but music in general. His lessons and instruction are worth every penny to me, best in the SF bay area!

I have been taken lessons for over 1 year and I am happy I chose this school over others. Amanda is…read morevery friendly and always greets everyone with a smile. My teacher Collin is super experienced and have great techniques. I am a mature piano learner and found this experience to be just delightful.

A friend told us about this school, and honestly, it's been such a great experience from the start…read more From day one, during the consultation, the owners truly listened to our story and took the time to match us with the right teacher. They connected us with Mr. Jonathan, and he's been amazing -- super patient, creative, and always keeps the lessons engaging. One thing we especially love is that Mr. Jonathan encourages the kids to improvise at the end of lessons, and sometimes he even picks up his guitar to play along. It makes the music feel so much more fun and alive! We've had substitute teachers a few times, but honestly, no complaints whatsoever! The school also hosts recitals twice a year, which has been a huge confidence boost for the kids. They get recognized for all their hard work, and they actually look forward to performing -- and yes, they love the rewards too! We couldn't be happier with how much our child has grown and thrived here.