Danspace Children’s and Youth Division
Danspace, 473 Hudson Street, Oakland, CA 94618
About
Danspace Children’s and Youth Division offers classes in ballet, modern, jazz, and creative movement. The program also includes Dance for PD® and Feldenkrais as part of its dance and movement offerings.
• Ages: 6–18 years old
• Schedule: Year-round dance training with a Spring Semester (January 26–May 16) and Summer Program (June 1–August 22); 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 a children’s division was started in 1980. The school’s mission states that it offers a positive learning experience in a caring and supportive environment and is dedicated to teaching the art of dance while respecting the individual. Danspace’s faculty have all trained in the Corvino approach, and Danspace is the only Bay Area school inspired by this approach.
The program teaches a clean, classical technique free of mannerism, with emphasis on musicality, artistry, purity of line, balance, and coordination. From Serendipity to Adult Division classes, there is a consistent philosophy and technical approach, and dance training is described as a year-round commitment. Faculty do not yell or disparage students and use gentle repetition, imagery, and explanation. The approach is rooted in contemporary principles around education and childhood development and is described as caring for the whole child, with a stated belief 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.
New students at every level are welcome to join at any time. Extra shoes, water cups, and exchangeable leotards, tights, and shoes are provided to support students, and families are asked to remember clothes, shoes, and a water bottle, have a snack before coming to dance, and arrive on time to class. The program notes a focus on safety and a technical approach that respects human bodies so students may dance safely and have long careers.
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. The program highlights plentiful, free street parking in the neighborhood and proximity to Rockridge BART station, and it lists Mary Armentrout Dance Theater, dNaga, COterie DAnce Company, Oakland Ballet Nutcracker, and Mark Morris Dance Center as “Things We Love.”
Last updated March 23, 2026.
• Ages: 6–18 years old
• Schedule: Year-round dance training with a Spring Semester (January 26–May 16) and Summer Program (June 1–August 22); 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 a children’s division was started in 1980. The school’s mission states that it offers a positive learning experience in a caring and supportive environment and is dedicated to teaching the art of dance while respecting the individual. Danspace’s faculty have all trained in the Corvino approach, and Danspace is the only Bay Area school inspired by this approach.
The program teaches a clean, classical technique free of mannerism, with emphasis on musicality, artistry, purity of line, balance, and coordination. From Serendipity to Adult Division classes, there is a consistent philosophy and technical approach, and dance training is described as a year-round commitment. Faculty do not yell or disparage students and use gentle repetition, imagery, and explanation. The approach is rooted in contemporary principles around education and childhood development and is described as caring for the whole child, with a stated belief 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.
New students at every level are welcome to join at any time. Extra shoes, water cups, and exchangeable leotards, tights, and shoes are provided to support students, and families are asked to remember clothes, shoes, and a water bottle, have a snack before coming to dance, and arrive on time to class. The program notes a focus on safety and a technical approach that respects human bodies so students may dance safely and have long careers.
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. The program highlights plentiful, free street parking in the neighborhood and proximity to Rockridge BART station, and it lists Mary Armentrout Dance Theater, dNaga, COterie DAnce Company, Oakland Ballet Nutcracker, and Mark Morris Dance Center as “Things We Love.”
Last updated March 23, 2026.
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