Website for East Bay Center for the Performing Arts: http://www.eastbaycenter.org/

Re: East Bay equivalent to Blue Bear School of Music?
I'm a professional musician in Oakland who, as a student, studied long ago at the East Bay Center for the Performing Arts in Richmond and still have fond memories of the place. As an east bay musician and teacher (with no current connection to the school now), I have frequently recommended this school to students looking for very reasonably priced and/or sliding scale private lessons, as well as performing opportunities and a full arts program.

This school is a TRUE community-minded non-profit with a full music and arts program, reasonably-priced classes and private instrumental lessons priced comparably to (actually even less than) Blue Bear's ($35 per hour lesson, $27 for 45 minutes) and some scholarships available. The school has been around for 42 years and has an extremely distinguished faculty, some with doctorates in music, etc.

Unlike a couple of other schools in this area who in my opinion are in it only to make a profit and whose teachers have no particular credentials, the teachers at the East Bay Center are truly recognized musicians with credibility in the community. The place is a real community center that complies with the letter as well as the spirit of nonprofits by making music education affordable to everyone, even people who can't afford high rates. It's a true melting pot with a great vibe and great music going on all the time.

Re: African dance classes for kids?
Try the East Bay Center for the Performing Arts in Richmond. Betty Ladzepko (AKA Miss Betty) is a well known and respected African dance teacher and she has classes for kids from age 3 on up! http://www.eastbaycenter.org --love the EBCPA

Re: Ballet in Richmond or Pinole for 4-year-old
Check out the East Bay Center for Performing Arts on Nevin in Richmond. They have fabulous dance classes and I know they have ballet for young kids. www.eastbaycenter.org Good Luck

Re: Ballet for 3-year-old Pinole girl
East Bay Center for the Performing Arts for children's ballet, private music lessons, hip-hop, mexican music and dance, west african music and dance, theater, steel drums, jazz, chamber music etc. This place has a whole lot to choose from for great creative lessons. Check out their website at http://www.eastbaycenter.org/sub2/classes_lessons_htms/special.htm happy parent

Re: Non-formal dance class for child
The East Bay Center for the Performing Arts in Richmond offers a class called Dance Exploration that's perfect for that age. Their phone number is 510-234-5624 and they also have a website. Mara