California Academy of Performing Arts: Premier Dance Training in Moraga

California Academy of Performing Arts Introduce

For over 35 years, the California Academy of Performing Arts (CAPA) has been a cornerstone of dance education in Moraga, California, and a beloved institution for families across the East Bay. More than just a dance studio, CAPA is dedicated to nurturing a lifelong love for movement and music, providing high-caliber training in a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment. For locals in the California region, especially those in the Lamorinda area and beyond, CAPA offers unparalleled access to professional-level dance instruction that emphasizes not only artistic technique but also crucial life skills.

Founded in 1981 by Joan Robinson and Ronn Guidi (then Artistic Director of the Oakland Ballet Company), CAPA was established with the vision of offering the "children of the suburbs" access to the finest professional dance training. This dream has flourished, with CAPA growing from its initial 110 students to over 400 students weekly, encompassing more than 1,800 student hours. The philosophy at CAPA extends beyond the steps and choreography; it's about the process as much as the product. They focus on teaching important life skills through the art of dance, fostering discipline, confidence, perseverance, and teamwork. As their history proudly states, "CAPA has been teaching young people the art of dance and fostering a love of movement and music for 35 years! CAPA is a special place where the emphasis is on the process as much as the product. Here at CAPA we focus not just on teaching our art, but on teaching important life skills through our art, and on creating a safe, supportive and nurturing environment for our students." This holistic approach ensures that students develop not only as dancers but also as well-rounded individuals, making CAPA a truly valuable asset to the California community.

California Academy of Performing Arts is ideally situated at 370 Park St Suite E, Moraga, CA 94556, USA. This location places it conveniently within the Rheem Valley shopping center, specifically in the same complex as the Rheem Theater. This central spot in Moraga makes it highly accessible for residents of Moraga, Lafayette, Orinda, and other nearby East Bay communities. For those arriving by car, there is often ample parking available in the rear parking lot (behind the Rheem Theater), which serves as the main entrance for Studios A, B, and C. Studio D also has an entrance on the Park Street side, next to Amoroma. The studio's proximity to major roads, including Moraga Road and Rheem Blvd, facilitates straightforward driving access from various parts of the wider Bay Area. While Moraga is not directly served by BART, the studio is a short drive from the Lafayette and Orinda BART stations, with local bus connections also available, providing public transportation options. This strategic and easily navigable location ensures that families and students can conveniently attend classes and participate in the studio's extensive programs, integrating their dance education seamlessly into their busy schedules. The vibrant atmosphere of the shopping center also adds to the convenience, offering nearby amenities for parents and students.

California Academy of Performing Arts offers a comprehensive and meticulously structured curriculum in various dance disciplines, catering to students from preschool age through pre-professional levels. Their programs are designed to build strong technical foundations while fostering artistic expression.

Youth Dance Programs (Ages 3-18):
- Early Childhood Dance: Classes for children as young as 3 years old, such as "Intro to Dance" (movement-based) and "Beginning Dance" (half Ballet, half Tap), providing a foundational introduction to movement and rhythm.
- Core Disciplines: Offers extensive training in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, and Contemporary dance. Classes are structured in progressive levels (e.g., Ballet 1, Jazz 1, Tap 1, etc.) to ensure appropriate development.
- Pre-Professional Training: Advanced levels in ballet and other genres, preparing dedicated students for potential college dance programs or professional careers.
- Acro: Classes focusing on strength, flexibility, muscle control, and balance, incorporating gymnastic skills into dance.
- Performance Ensembles: Various performing ensembles (e.g., Daisy Ensemble, Aurora Ballet Company) that provide students with regular stage experience in productions.
Adult Dance Classes: While primarily focused on youth, CAPA may offer open-level adult classes in specific styles, providing opportunities for adults to engage in dance for fitness and enjoyment.
Annual Nutcracker Production: A highly anticipated holiday tradition in Lamorinda, offering students a significant opportunity to perform in a professional-level ballet production with elaborate sets and costumes.
Annual June Showcase: A major annual event where all students have the opportunity to perform and showcase their progress in various dance styles.
Summer Dance Programs: Intensive summer sessions and workshops designed to enhance skills, explore new techniques, and provide a concentrated dance experience during school breaks.
Master Classes & Guest Artists: Opportunities for students to learn from renowned guest artists and choreographers, enriching their artistic exposure and training.
Teacher Assistant (TA) Program: A program for older, experienced students to gain teaching experience and mentorship.

California Academy of Performing Arts is distinguished by several key features and highlights that affirm its status as a premier dance institution in the Bay Area. These elements underscore its long-standing reputation for excellence and its profound impact on its students.

Exceptional Faculty Caliber: CAPA boasts a staff of highly experienced and professional teachers, many of whom have international performing and choreographing credits in professional companies, theatre, movies, and television. This ensures a level of dance education that is considered unparalleled locally.
Holistic Approach to Education: The studio emphasizes teaching important life skills—such as discipline, dedication, teamwork, and confidence—through the art of dance, fostering well-rounded individuals.
Rigorous and Progressive Curriculum: A carefully designed curriculum ensures that students receive conservatory-caliber training, progressing through structured levels that build strong technical foundations in various dance forms.
Renowned Annual Productions: The annual "Nutcracker" ballet and the "June Showcase" are beloved community traditions, providing students with invaluable professional performance experience on a large stage.
Proven Student Success: CAPA dancers routinely gain acceptance into prestigious college and summer dance programs at institutions like The Bolshoi Ballet, Boston Ballet, Joffrey, San Francisco Ballet, Alvin Ailey, and UCLA. Many graduates also go on to professional careers in dance and related fields.
Nurturing and Supportive Environment: Despite its rigorous training, CAPA maintains a safe, welcoming, and nurturing atmosphere where students feel supported and encouraged to explore their passion for dance.
Strong Community Ties: With over 35 years of history, CAPA has deep roots in the Lamorinda community, with many staff members being alumni who return to teach, fostering a strong sense of family and tradition.
Versatile Offerings: Provides comprehensive training in multiple genres, including ballet (often a cornerstone), jazz, tap, and contemporary, ensuring a well-rounded dance education.

For those in the California region interested in connecting with California Academy of Performing Arts, here is their contact information:

Address: 370 Park St Suite E, Moraga, CA 94556, USA

Phone: (925) 376-2454

Their official website (capadance.net) is an excellent resource for detailed information on class schedules, registration, tuition, upcoming performances (like the Nutcracker and June Showcase), and faculty biographies. They also provide various email contacts for specific inquiries, such as info@capadance.net.

In conclusion, the California Academy of Performing Arts (CAPA) is a truly exceptional and highly valued institution for locals across California, particularly those residing in the East Bay. Its long-standing legacy of providing professional-level dance training, coupled with a deep commitment to teaching life skills through art, makes it far more than just a dance school. For families seeking a nurturing yet challenging environment where their children can thrive artistically, build confidence, and prepare for potential careers or simply a lifelong love of dance, CAPA stands as a premier choice. The convenient Moraga location, renowned faculty, diverse program offerings, and thrilling annual performances like the Nutcracker and June Showcase all contribute to its unparalleled appeal. CAPA embodies the spirit of artistic excellence and community enrichment, making it an ideal destination for any Californian passionate about the performing arts and the holistic development of young talent.