About
Dancenter offers classes in dance and performing arts, including ballet, tap, jazz, modern, hip hop, contemporary, Latin, belly dance, yoga, and pre-dance. Dancers can take part in both recreational dance classes and company or Ballet Repertory activities that may include conventions, master classes, and work toward competing in the YAGP ballet competition. Teen dancers have chances to choreograph and show their work at Choreography Night, and all dancers have a showcase opportunity each June at the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium.
• Ages: 3–18 years old
• Schedule: Office hours on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and Monday–Friday from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.; studio hours Monday–Friday from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Dancers can begin at three years of age with pre-dance, and starting at age seven they can choose graded classes in ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, modern, and Latin dance. Dancenter also has classes for adults and dancers with disabilities. The studios have state-of-the-art sprung floors covered with Marley where applicable, and the dancers’ safety and well-being are stated as the primary focus.
Dancenter has been celebrating dance since 1986 and is the oldest continuously owned dance studio in Santa Cruz County. Ruth Fisher introduced dance for preschoolers to the recreation departments of Santa Cruz County more than thirty years ago and pioneered the first dance program in Santa Cruz for people with special needs and challenges. When she opened Dancenter, her goal was to include everyone in the community who would like to dance, and the program states that all abilities, ages, shapes, and sizes are welcome. The teachers are trained professionals, many with degrees in dance, theatre, and related subjects.
Dancenter serves Santa Cruz County with dance classes for all ages and levels and offers classes for all ages and abilities. It serves the cities of Santa Cruz, Aptos, Capitola, Watsonville, Soquel, and surrounding areas, and participates in festivals and community events such as the Capitola Art and Wine Festival, National Dance Week, Great America, MAH, and Santana Row's Dancing at the Row. Families can check the “What to Wear” page so dancers are ready for class.
Last updated July 7, 2026.
• Ages: 3–18 years old
• Schedule: Office hours on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and Monday–Friday from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.; studio hours Monday–Friday from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Dancers can begin at three years of age with pre-dance, and starting at age seven they can choose graded classes in ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, modern, and Latin dance. Dancenter also has classes for adults and dancers with disabilities. The studios have state-of-the-art sprung floors covered with Marley where applicable, and the dancers’ safety and well-being are stated as the primary focus.
Dancenter has been celebrating dance since 1986 and is the oldest continuously owned dance studio in Santa Cruz County. Ruth Fisher introduced dance for preschoolers to the recreation departments of Santa Cruz County more than thirty years ago and pioneered the first dance program in Santa Cruz for people with special needs and challenges. When she opened Dancenter, her goal was to include everyone in the community who would like to dance, and the program states that all abilities, ages, shapes, and sizes are welcome. The teachers are trained professionals, many with degrees in dance, theatre, and related subjects.
Dancenter serves Santa Cruz County with dance classes for all ages and levels and offers classes for all ages and abilities. It serves the cities of Santa Cruz, Aptos, Capitola, Watsonville, Soquel, and surrounding areas, and participates in festivals and community events such as the Capitola Art and Wine Festival, National Dance Week, Great America, MAH, and Santana Row's Dancing at the Row. Families can check the “What to Wear” page so dancers are ready for class.
Last updated July 7, 2026.
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