best dance programs in Oakland, CA

Hello, craft aficionados, and welcome to Crafts Zone! This is your portal into a realm where imagination and education intertwine. Our bespoke crafting workshops are designed to engage both your creative flair and your thirst for knowledge. To keep you abreast with the latest trends and techniques in crafting, we've devoted a fifth of our sessions entirely to learning. Prepare yourself for an exciting journey of creating and connecting as these constitute the major portion of our workshops, a staggering 70% to be precise! You'll be offered ample opportunities to convert your innovative concepts into tangible creations and also get to know other art enthusiasts. Embrace the joy of crafting something magnificent along with forging friendships with like-minded individuals. And we certainly can't overlook the aspect of relaxation! Here at Crafts Zone, we set aside 10% of our time to simply unwind and recharge. We fully endorse the therapeutic effects of crafting and are firm believers in the stress-relieving properties of creative expression. So, come and soak in the serene, artistic ambiance. Be sure to keep an eye out for our forthcoming workshops. At Crafts Zone, your creative voyage is just getting started!

Parents looking to introduce their children to Irish Dance in a safe, fun and supportive environment should look no further than the McBride School of Irish Dance. Founded in 1967 by Ann McBride, ADCRG, the McBride School has been providing quality Irish Dance instruction for over 50 years. Ann McBride and her daughter, Eileen McBride-Parker, have long shared a passion for teaching and are dedicated to fostering an appreciation of Irish Dance and Culture in their students. Accredited and registered with An Coimisiun Le Rince Gaelacha (CLRG) and the Irish Dance Teacher Association of North America (IDTANA), Western U.S. Region, the McBride School is proud to provide a safe, fun, and supportive environment for dancers of all levels. Join the McBride School and discover the joy of Irish Dance today!

It is with this spirit that Temple Beth Abraham (TBA) is proud to endorse the Committee on Jewish Laws and Standards’ December 6, 2006 decision to permit Conservative rabbis to perform commitment ceremonies and allow the ordination of gays and lesbians. We also enthusiastically support the USCJ’s decision to revise its hiring policies and consider applicants for United Synagogue jobs regardless of sexual orientation. At TBA, we strive to create a synagogue community in which all members and visitors feel welcome and included. We are dedicated to providing an environment where everyone can come together in prayer and study, in celebration and grief, in joy and in sorrow. We look forward to continuing to provide this welcoming atmosphere for all of our members and visitors.

Our specially designed Gymboree Play & Music classes are the perfect way to give your little one the best start in life. Combining new technology with classic learning techniques, our classes are designed to engage young minds and promote physical, cognitive, and social/emotional development. With an extensive range of options to choose from, there’s something for babies and toddlers up to 5 years of age. For over 40 years, Gymboree Play & Music has been the global leader in early childhood development programs. Our unique curriculum is designed to foster creativity and confidence in young children, with a focus on social/emotional, cognitive, and physical development. Get your little one off to the best possible start with our specially designed classes, which use a mix of new technology and classic learning techniques to keep their interest and promote their growth. With classes suitable for babies and toddlers up to 5 years old, Gymboree Play & Music has something for everyone.

At Mr. D’s Music Club, kids of all ages have the opportunity to explore music and creativity in a safe and inspiring environment. What started as a one-week summer camp in 2011 has blossomed into a full-fledged after school program and summer camp that serves hundreds of kids each year. The club is owned and operated by Stephen Duffy, an award-winning singer and songwriter with over two decades in the music industry. Stephen has produced and composed over a hundred albums and has been commissioned to compose for theater, dance, and video. He is currently the music director at Glenwood School in San Rafael, California, and is dedicated to helping children discover the joy of music. Mr. D's Music Club is widely recognized for its quality programs and the inspiration it brings to young kids. With the guidance of Stephen Duffy and his team of passionate instructors, kids of all ages can explore music and creativity in a safe and inspiring environment.

At the Academy of Hawaiian Arts, hula classes are designed to help haumāna (students) to master their skills. While it takes dedication and time to become proficient in hula, the physical discipline of the dance is often overlooked. For those who are interested in learning hula, it is recommended to understand the basics first. Students enrolled in classes at the Academy of Hawaiian Arts are able to learn at a much faster rate than those who have never taken classes before. Regardless of experience level, everyone is invited to come and learn hula. The Academy of Hawaiian Arts offers an exceptional hula program with classes designed to help students hone their skills. The physical demands of hula are often disregarded when first starting, but with dedication and time, the dancer can become proficient. For those who are looking to start learning, it is best to have a basic understanding of hula before beginning. At the Academy of Hawaiian Arts, students who have taken classes or are currently enrolled are able to learn two times faster than those who have not taken classes. Everyone is welcomed to join the program regardless of experience level.

At AXIS, we are dedicated to encouraging collaboration between high profile choreographers and innovative dance makers, to create significant and impactful dance works. We build bridges between contemporary dance, integrated dance, and disability culture, and provide programming and events for all ages and abilities. Our pre-professional training ground provides aspiring disabled dancers and choreographers the opportunity to hone their craft. We are committed to creating opportunities for disabled people to engage in dance, both locally and abroad, by promoting access, inclusion, and equity in dance and the wider community. Our dedication to collaboration leads to unique and meaningful works that benefit all involved.

Danspace was founded in 1979 by Beth Hoge, a professional dancer in New York with a vision for a school that would offer classical ballet training without the strain on the body. The school opened with adult ballet and pre-ballet for six year olds, with a children's division and creative movement added shortly after. In 1985, Danspace moved to its current location in Oakland's Rockridge neighborhood. Danspace continues to offer an enjoyable learning experience in a supportive environment, with a focus on the individual. The school's teaching staff are committed to providing a safe and encouraging environment for progress. All classes are based on the Corvino approach, with an emphasis on technique, musicality, artistry, and the development of strength and flexibility. Click here to download our brochure about Beth and learn more about her approach.

Co-founder Deborah Vaughan has used her artistic leadership to make DDT a leading company in the dance world. Combining traditional and contemporary styles, DDT has created a unique and inclusive repertoire that has earned it national and international acclaim. Under Vaughan’s direction, the company has traveled to various countries, including Nigeria, Jordan, Germany, Zimbabwe, and Cuba, and performed throughout the United States. In an effort to further the African American dance form, DDT has collaborated with many influential musicians, singers and composers. Names like Hugh Masekela, the Edwin Hawkins Singers, Cab Calloway, Omar Sosa and Anthony Brown are just a few of the artists that have worked with DDT to further advance the African American dance art form. With such a unique and dynamic presence, it’s no wonder DDT is one of the most recognized dance companies in the world.

At East Bay Dance Center, parents and visitors can find a spacious and comfortable studio for their children to learn the art of dance. Our studio features hardwood floors, air-conditioning, a stage and a lobby for parents and visitors to relax in. Located in the Glenview District of Oakland, just off Park Boulevard, the studio is surrounded by a variety of restaurants, cafes, shops and businesses for everyone’s enjoyment and convenience. Our experienced staff offers professional and warm dance instruction for children of all ages. We are proud to offer classes that will help children to learn, grow and express themselves through dance. Contact us today to inquire about a trial class and learn more about the East Bay difference!

Kids ‘N Dance ‘N Theater Arts has been a part of Bay Area culture since 1996. What started out as a small dance studio in Lafayette has now evolved to become On Stage, a program that offers a wide range of activities from dance to musical theater to circus arts. With the opening of our large facility in Oakland, we are now able to offer an even broader range of programming for children. Our founder, Kris Mueller, has a passion for inspiring students. Our instructors, curriculum and approach to teaching help students to express their creativity and build their self-esteem. We believe that children should be encouraged to explore their talents by engaging in activities that are both fun and educational. We strive to create experiences that bring out the best in each student.

With the help of generous donors, we are able to provide memorable experiences to our diverse community. From families to students, Oakland Ballet Company is proud to inspire and educate all ages with the beauty of dance. We invite you to join us in our mission of giving back to the community. Your support and donations are what keep the art of dance alive and accessible to all. From the young to the old, Oakland Ballet Company is committed to providing the highest quality of dance to our diverse audience. We greatly appreciate your investment in us.

At our facility, we focus on providing parents and their children with comprehensive training in various areas, ranging from technique and strength, to physical education and biomechanics. Our experienced instructors teach students how to master self-defense and self-discipline, while exploring the history and music behind the movements. We understand that parents want their children to learn and gain the most from their training sessions. That's why we provide a personalized approach, with our experts designing custom programs to suit the individual needs of the student. With us, parents can rest assured that their kids are receiving the best instruction and guidance. Finally, we offer an added bonus of introducing students to maculelê and music through instruments and songs. Our goal is to ensure that our students are having fun while they are learning and developing their skills. We believe that the combination of physical and mental training will help them maximize their learning experience and fitness results.

At Linda Dorsey School of the Arts (LDSOA), we strive to provide an environment that nurtures the intellectual, emotional, character, and social development of our students. Our experienced faculty of instructors are passionate about teaching the performing arts, and use it to build confidence, self-esteem, and teamwork in our students. We offer a variety of classes in dance, acting, singing, and performance. LDSOA is a 501(c)3 Non-Profit Organization founded in Teaneck, NJ in 1998, and now located in Oakland, CA at 3700 E. 12 Street. We are proud to share space with Kuida Te Fitness Center, and are committed to providing fun and engaging performing arts education to children and adults alike. With our unique approach, we hope to help students develop the skills and discipline to succeed in their future endeavors.

We are an organization of Third World artists, cultural workers, and community organizers of color committed to working in the San Antonio and other Oakland neighborhoods to support a creative environment that improves the quality of life for our communities and advocates for progressive, systemic social change.