Berkeley Parents Network
Google Custom Search
Home Members Post a Msg Reviews Advice Subscribe Help/FAQ What's New

Dance Classes for Teens & Preteens

Berkeley Parents Network > Reviews > Classes & Lessons > Dance > Dance Classes for Teens & Preteens


Questions More Recommendations on These Pages

Dance Class for 12 year old

June 2012

My 12 year old would like to take dance, and has been taking at Katie's Dance Studio, in El Cerrito. She likes it, but the class is only offered one day a week. She would like to attend a dance studio or take classes several times a week, not just once (that is, something like three jazz dance classes per week). She is a beginner. We live in El Cerrito, and ideally, I do not want to drive far. Thanks! El Cerrito mom


My daughter thoroughly enjoyed dancing at Cerrito Dance Arts in El Cerrito from 7 years old through high school. There is a variety of dance styles and classes offered: Jazz, Tap and Ballet. Maryse Young has run the program for many years. Address is 1534 Kearny St. El Cerrito. The following info comes from their web posting: CERRITO DANCE ARTS CENTER cerritodancearts.com Please call us with any questions at: 510.527.9255 (office). 510.234.2780 (studio ). or email us at: dance@cerritodancearts.com. or stop on by for a drop in class! wen
If your daughter likes Katie's, I'd recommend taking more classes there. The prices are very competitive, and the price goes down the more classes you take. I'd call Katie and get some recommendations on additional classes to try out; find a couple more classes (either jazz, hip hop, or whatever she wants to try), so she can have multiple teachers, and be there more days. A happy Katie's mom

How do pre-teens learn to dance to pop music?

Jan 2012

This is kind of a silly question, halfway in between ''reommendations'' and ''advice.'' How does a not- naturally-great-dancer pre-teen kid learn how to dance in a not-ridiculous-looking way to Top 40 dance music? I see my child's friends moving to this music in ways that look pretty cool, but have no idea how they're learning to do that. Is there a modern equivalent of the 1970s' ''Soul Train,'' videos that can be rented, etc.? I wouldn't mind knowing how not to look like an idiot on the dance floor myself! Anonymous


They learn from videos on youtube or interactive game systems such as wii or xbox. The latter are actually fun for adults too. They're easier to learn from (moves are repeated and you can choose level of difficulty) and you can see yourself on the tv screen to see how you actually look. It's also a great workout. Ask among your friends to see who has one of the consoles with a dance game, see if you (or your child) can try it out. You can also rent consoles (just Google it) or buy them used (Craigslist is a great place for wii). New Dancer
I'd say use a Wii and get one of the Just Dance (1-3) programs. You and your kid can learn a lot of steps to popular songs. Good exercise for you, too! soul trainer
I think this is a great question. I would recommend any of the dance games, i.e, Wii Just Dance, Michael Jackson the Experience. The songs are fairly current and you will get some dance moves that don't look completely ridiculous. On the goofiest side kids can do a whole dance routine when the song comes on at school dance and it's lots of fun. Also Youtube videos. That's where I taught myself how to do the Dougie. They have tutorials! Totally wish I had that when I was in middle school. Also, I love Michelle Obama and Beyonce Let's Move: http://youtu.be/mYP4MgxDV2U Awesome! Lots of great moves and lots of fun. dancing mama

Beginning dance class for 12-y-o boy

Feb 2011

I am looking for a beginning dance class for a 12 year old boy. He has a fair amount of experience performing in musicals, but would really benefit from a bit of dance training. He isn't the most coordinated guy and I don't want to put him into a situation where he'd feel awkward or uncomfortable, I just want him to learn more about how to dance. anon


Call Katie at Katie's Dance Studio in El Cerrito. There are boys in many of their classes, and I know there is at least one ''boys only'' class. They teach tap/jazz, hip hop, ballet, acrobatics, etc. Katie is the owner--925-229-2695. heidilee
Luna Kids Dance might be a good fit for your son: http://lunadanceinstitute.org/current-schedule/

Dance Instructor for Quinceanera

March 2009

I'm looking for a dance instructor for the 10 teenagers in the court for my daughter's upcoming quinceanera. We need someone to get together with the kids for a few times to teach them a choreographed dance of the waltz and/or alternative dance. ak


Laurie Ann Lepoff of Social Dance for Shy People & Klutzes is a wonderful dance teacher with 29 years experience. She's based in Oakland and teaches a lot of different dances including waltz. She's creative, non-judgmental, fun and good with young people. Her website is www.stepsontoes.com. You can also call her at 510-444-4621. enjoy the party

Summer dance class for 15-year-old

June 2007

Looking for summer dance classes for 15 year old girl with several years of dance experience mostly in enthnic dances of middle east. She is interested in exploring other dance forms (Ballet, Hip Hop, Jazz, etc.) Any recommendations is greatly appreciated.


Cerrito Dance Art on Kearney at Potrero is a great little studio. Maryse Young teaches tap (for adults as well as kids) as well as jazz and ballet, her college age son will be teaching a tap/jazz class this summer, and her mother teaches a class in Hawaiian dance for adults. They're all excellent dancers and great teachers. I highly recommend it. got my tap shoes

Dance class for 13-year-old ice skater

Jan 2007

My daughter stopped competitive ice-skating and wants to start dancing, she likes modern dance especially, but is interested in all kind of dancing. Does anybody recommend a good dance institute in Berkeley? Thank you! anon


My daughter took dance at Destiny Arts when she was younger and really liked it. They have hip hop, modern and african dance, and martial arts. Here is their website and phone number. http://www.destinyarts.org. (510) 597-1619. Nadja

Dance class for 16-year-old novice

Aug 2002

Can any recommend a place for a 16 1/2 year old to do ballet or jazz dance? She has very little experience and is currently more than a bit out of shape ( actually she is heavy) but a long time ago used to do some ballet and has a real gift for movement ( modern would be probably the best for her, given that she is not long legged , but she says she prefers ballet or jazz). Thanks for any suggestions. Suzanne

Recommended:

  • Danspace
  • Destiny Arts Center
  • Shawl-Anderson Dance Studio

    Recommendations from 2000

    My daughters have been taking a class in swing, salsa,walze, etc for months now at Julia Morgan on College Ave. It is a fun class with a great instructor. The population has been up and down, and right now it is down. We could use some students in the class. The class for teenagers meets at 7:00 PM Friday. Adults meet at 8:00 PM. The class is $5 for the kids. I don't know how much he charges for the adults. Go down the walkway on the south side of the building. Up the brick steps. It is the studio on your left. Try it out! Sunsol (Jan 2000)


    A senior girl recommends swing dancing classes in response to the "Advice Needed" mom who is interested for some social dancing classes for her son. Visit http://www.zootsuitswank.com. There's a live band every Sunday night at Live Oak Park Rec Center, 6:30 for the class, dance begins at 7:30. $9 includes the lesson ($6 after 7:30). All ages welcome, but late teens through 20's predominate. Michael (April 2000)
    Home   |   Post a Message  |   Subscribe  |   Help   |   Search  |   Contact Us    

    this page was last updated: Aug 11, 2012


    The opinions and statements expressed on this website are those of parents who subscribe to the Berkeley Parents Network.
    Please see Disclaimer & Usage for information about using content on this website.    Copyright © 1996-2013 Berkeley Parents Network