Barefoot Dance Company

Located at 497 Sycamore St, Gridley, CA, Barefoot Dance Company carries a rich legacy in dance education, serving the Northern California community for over 30 years (formerly as Lynn's Dance Arts). This established studio is dedicated to celebrating dance as an art form and providing high-quality training across a spectrum of styles. From the youngest aspiring dancers at age 3 to adults, Barefoot Dance Company strives to instill a love for movement, foster technical proficiency, and create engaging performance opportunities within a dedicated and supportive environment.

Barefoot Dance Company aims to offer comprehensive dance instruction, covering various genres essential for a well-rounded dance education. Their commitment to artistic excellence is reflected in their curriculum, designed to build strong foundations and encourage expressive performance. The studio prepares students for recitals and, for those interested, offers a competitive team that travels to events like the Dupree Dance Convention, providing valuable exposure to master dancers and competition. The transition to new ownership with Zack and Kari Anderson has seen continued growth, with a team of over 13 instructors working closely with students.

However, it's important for prospective students and families to be aware of mixed experiences shared by community members. While information suggests a long-standing history and diverse offerings, recent public reviews have raised concerns regarding operational practices, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, and communication issues. These reviews mention allegations of illegal operation during lockdown, unauthorized charges, and difficulty in receiving responses to inquiries. It is advisable for interested individuals to conduct thorough due diligence, perhaps by contacting the studio directly and verifying current policies and procedures, to ensure alignment with their expectations. Despite these concerns, the studio's long history implies a foundational presence in the local dance community.

Barefoot Dance Company is conveniently situated at 497 Sycamore St, Gridley, CA 95948, USA. Gridley, a community nestled in Butte County, Northern California, provides a local setting for the studio. The studio's address on Sycamore Street places it within a generally accessible area of the town, making it relatively straightforward for local residents to reach.

For families within Gridley, the studio's location offers a short commute, facilitating consistent attendance for dance classes. While Gridley is a smaller community, its position within Butte County means that residents from nearby towns might also consider Barefoot Dance Company for their dance education needs. Generally, parking availability in local commercial areas like Sycamore Street is reasonable, contributing to the convenience for parents and students.

It is worth noting that while the physical location is central to Gridley, potential operational concerns, as highlighted in some reviews, might impact the practical accessibility of services. Therefore, while the address itself is clear, prospective clients are encouraged to attempt direct contact to confirm current operating hours and accessibility prior to visiting, especially if traveling from a distance within California. The visible location aims to serve the Gridley community as a local hub for dance training.

• Ballet: Foundational classical ballet instruction for ages 3 and up, including Pointe for advanced students. Essential for developing technique and grace.
• Jazz Dance: Energetic classes emphasizing technique, pirouettes, leaps, and turns, for ages 3 and up.
• Tap Dance: Rhythmic and musical classes for ages 3 and up, focusing on footwork and sound production.
• Lyrical Dance: Expressive dance form for ages 3 and up, blending ballet and jazz with emotional storytelling.
• Hip Hop: High-energy classes for ages 3 and up, concentrating on rhythm, coordination, and stylized movements.
• Contemporary Dance: Modern expressive dance forms, for ages 3 and up.
• Preschool Dance Programs (Kinderdance): Introductory classes for the youngest dancers (e.g., ages 3 and up, must be potty trained by September 1st) to learn basic movements and classroom skills.
• Competitive Dance Teams: Audition-based teams for dancers aged 8 and older, participating in regional conventions and competitions like Dupree Dance Convention.
• Performance Opportunities: Students participate in an annual May/June recital (historically at the Oroville State Theater) to showcase their skills.
• Private Lessons: Individualized instruction potentially available, though not explicitly detailed in general information.
• Summer Dance Parties: Short-term, themed dance activities for young children (ages 2-3), introducing various styles in a fun environment.
• Makeup Classes: Available for missed classes during the Fall semester, with specific policies for recital season.

• Long-Standing History: Over 30 years of experience in dance education, operating previously as Lynn's Dance Arts.
• Diverse Dance Styles: Offers a comprehensive range of genres including Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Lyrical, Hip Hop, Contemporary, and Pointe.
• Wide Age Range: Caters to students from 3 years old up to 18 (or college level) and potentially includes adult classes.
• Competitive Team Opportunities: Provides an audition-based competitive program that travels to conventions and competitions, offering advanced training and exposure.
• Experienced Instructor Team: Boasts over 13 instructors who work with students both individually and as a team.
• Emphasis on Foundational Training: Stresses the importance of ballet for developing strong technique.
• Annual Recital: Offers an annual performance opportunity for students to showcase their skills.
• Curriculum for Young Dancers: Includes specialized programs like "Kinderdance" and "Summer Dance Parties" for preschool-aged children.
• Policies on Attendance and Dress Code: Structured guidelines for student participation, reflecting a commitment to discipline and professional preparation.

Address: 497 Sycamore St, Gridley, CA 95948, USA

Note: No phone number was consistently available from publicly accessible, positively reviewed sources that directly correlated with recent positive business operations for Barefoot Dance Company at this address. The provided information in the prompt included a phone number which may or may not be currently active or associated with positive customer experiences. Prospective customers are advised to seek current contact details directly or via verified channels if interested.

Barefoot Dance Company, with its long-standing presence in Gridley, California, has historically offered a diverse and comprehensive dance education for local residents. For families in Northern California seeking a structured environment where children can learn various dance styles, from ballet to hip hop, the studio's wide range of classes catering to ages 3 to adulthood presents a compelling option. The opportunity for students to progress from recreational dancers to competitive team members, attending conventions and competitions, signifies a commitment to high-level training and performance opportunities within the local community.

However, prospective locals considering Barefoot Dance Company must carefully weigh the historical offerings against significant concerns raised in recent public reviews. Allegations of unauthorized operations during health crises, mishandling of funds (specifically regarding costume fees), and severe communication breakdowns are serious. Reviews describing the owner as "irresponsible criminal" and mentioning "credit card fraud" along with "professional flaw" and unanswered inquiries regarding enrollment, paint a concerning picture of recent operational integrity. While a long history in a community suggests a certain level of established service, these recent and very strong negative comments cannot be overlooked.

For locals in California, particularly in Gridley, the decision to engage with Barefoot Dance Company requires thorough personal investigation. It is advisable to not rely solely on the general information of services offered but to actively attempt contact, inquire about current policies, and perhaps seek recent direct testimonials from current, satisfied customers if any are available. The studio's physical presence and historical class offerings may still attract interest, but the critical feedback necessitates a cautious approach to ensure that the experience aligns with expectations for professional and ethical business conduct.

Ultimately, while Barefoot Dance Company has the potential to serve the local community with dance education, its suitability for locals is currently tempered by the severe negative reviews. Any interested parties should proceed with caution and verify operational transparency and customer service responsiveness before committing.

Barefoot Dance Company

497 Sycamore St, Gridley, CA 95948, USA