About
Danspace Children’s and Youth Division offers classes in ballet, modern, jazz, and creative movement. The program also includes Summer 2026 Weekly Classes for ages 8 and up, as well as Summer 2026 Camps, Master Classes, Workshops, and Weekly Classes. Additional activities connected to the school include the Corvino Weekend Workshop, Feldenkrais at Danspace, Nutcracker Storytime, Spring Storytime Performances, and Dance for PD.
• Ages: 6–18 years old
• Schedule: Summer Program 2026 Children’s Division runs July 6–August 21; office hours are Monday to Friday 2:00–4:00pm, Saturday 10:00am–12:00pm, and Sunday 10:00am–12:00pm
Danspace was founded in 1976 by Beth Hoge and has been at its current Rockridge neighborhood location since 1985. Danspace is the only Bay Area school inspired by the Corvino approach, and all faculty have trained in this approach, which emphasizes a clean, classical technique free of mannerism, with focus on musicality, artistry, purity of line, balance, and coordination that lead to more flexibility and strength. From Serendipity to Adult Division classes, there is a consistent philosophy and technical approach, and in Beth’s class, intermediate and advanced teen students, adult division students, and teachers all learn and dance together.
Danspace describes its mission as offering a positive learning experience in a caring and supportive environment, teaching the art of dance while respecting the individual, and rooting its approach in contemporary principles around education and childhood development with attention to the whole child. The school states that it focuses on safety and a technical approach that respects human bodies, and it practices what founder Beth Hoge calls “casual rigor,” with faculty who do not yell or disparage students and who use gentle repetition, imagery, and explanation. Danspace states that anyone who wants to dance is a dancer and can learn and master Classical Ballet technique regardless of natural flexibility, rotation, or body type, and it aims to create a family atmosphere free from competitiveness, where empowerment through a strong self-image is achieved.
Beginning at Level 3, Danspace expects consistent attendance and commitment from students while creating a schedule so students at all levels have time for life outside of dance. New students at every level are welcome to join at any time, and the school notes that it specializes in training adult beginners, particularly adults who have never danced before. Danspace provides extra shoes on days students forget their dance bag, water cups when water bottles are left behind, and leotards, tights, and shoes that can be exchanged as students outgrow theirs, and students are asked to remember their clothes, shoes, and water bottle, have a snack before coming to dance, and arrive on time to class.
Danspace’s faculty have all trained in the Corvino approach, which the school notes creates cohesion in students’ experience across different teachers and levels. The school highlights community connections through “Things We Love,” which include Mary Armentrout Dance Theater, dNaga, COterie DAnce Company, Oakland Ballet Nutcracker, and Mark Morris Dance Center. Studio 2 and Studio 3 dance floors were gifted to Danspace by the Margaret Jenkins Dance Company, and their installation was made possible by David Hoge, Paul Dresher of New Performance Traditions, and Claudine Naganuma of dNaga.
Last updated June 21, 2026.
• Ages: 6–18 years old
• Schedule: Summer Program 2026 Children’s Division runs July 6–August 21; office hours are Monday to Friday 2:00–4:00pm, Saturday 10:00am–12:00pm, and Sunday 10:00am–12:00pm
Danspace was founded in 1976 by Beth Hoge and has been at its current Rockridge neighborhood location since 1985. Danspace is the only Bay Area school inspired by the Corvino approach, and all faculty have trained in this approach, which emphasizes a clean, classical technique free of mannerism, with focus on musicality, artistry, purity of line, balance, and coordination that lead to more flexibility and strength. From Serendipity to Adult Division classes, there is a consistent philosophy and technical approach, and in Beth’s class, intermediate and advanced teen students, adult division students, and teachers all learn and dance together.
Danspace describes its mission as offering a positive learning experience in a caring and supportive environment, teaching the art of dance while respecting the individual, and rooting its approach in contemporary principles around education and childhood development with attention to the whole child. The school states that it focuses on safety and a technical approach that respects human bodies, and it practices what founder Beth Hoge calls “casual rigor,” with faculty who do not yell or disparage students and who use gentle repetition, imagery, and explanation. Danspace states that anyone who wants to dance is a dancer and can learn and master Classical Ballet technique regardless of natural flexibility, rotation, or body type, and it aims to create a family atmosphere free from competitiveness, where empowerment through a strong self-image is achieved.
Beginning at Level 3, Danspace expects consistent attendance and commitment from students while creating a schedule so students at all levels have time for life outside of dance. New students at every level are welcome to join at any time, and the school notes that it specializes in training adult beginners, particularly adults who have never danced before. Danspace provides extra shoes on days students forget their dance bag, water cups when water bottles are left behind, and leotards, tights, and shoes that can be exchanged as students outgrow theirs, and students are asked to remember their clothes, shoes, and water bottle, have a snack before coming to dance, and arrive on time to class.
Danspace’s faculty have all trained in the Corvino approach, which the school notes creates cohesion in students’ experience across different teachers and levels. The school highlights community connections through “Things We Love,” which include Mary Armentrout Dance Theater, dNaga, COterie DAnce Company, Oakland Ballet Nutcracker, and Mark Morris Dance Center. Studio 2 and Studio 3 dance floors were gifted to Danspace by the Margaret Jenkins Dance Company, and their installation was made possible by David Hoge, Paul Dresher of New Performance Traditions, and Claudine Naganuma of dNaga.
Last updated June 21, 2026.
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