Dance Connection

Welcome to Dance Connection, a highly acclaimed and deeply cherished dance studio located within the vibrant Cubberley Community Center in Palo Alto, California. For over three decades, since its founding in 1987, Dance Connection has been a cornerstone of the Bay Area dance community, committed to fostering a love for dance in students of all ages and abilities. From a child’s very first exploration of movement in a preschool combo class to the rigorous training of pre-professional dancers, Dance Connection provides a comprehensive and encouraging environment where every individual can thrive.

In the dynamic and diverse landscape of California, finding a dance studio that balances technical excellence with a genuinely supportive and inclusive atmosphere can be a true gem. Dance Connection consistently delivers on this front, earning widespread praise from families who have experienced its transformative impact firsthand. Our dedicated faculty, many of whom are highly experienced dance professionals, are celebrated for their ability to connect with students, inspire confidence, and ignite a profound appreciation for the art form. Dance Connection is more than just a place to learn steps; it’s a community where self-expression flourishes, joy is found in movement, and lasting memories are made. Whether you're a beginner curious about dance or an experienced student seeking advanced training, Dance Connection in Palo Alto offers an enriching journey for everyone.

Dance Connection is strategically located at 4000 Middlefield Rd, #L5, J1, J2, J3, J4, Palo Alto, CA 94303, USA. This places the studio firmly within the expansive and community-centric Cubberley Community Center in South Palo Alto. The multiple studio spaces, including L5, J1, J2, J3, and J4, are spread throughout the Cubberley campus, ensuring ample room for various classes and activities to run simultaneously.

The Cubberley Community Center itself is a well-known landmark, making Dance Connection easily accessible for residents across Palo Alto, as well as those commuting from neighboring cities such as Mountain View, Los Altos, Menlo Park, and Sunnyvale. Visitors can typically find the "J" building (housing J1-J4) by turning left at the main street light entrance to Cubberley and following the road behind the gyms, near the tennis courts. Studio L5 is also located within the Cubberley complex, and directions are clearly provided on the Dance Connection website. The center boasts abundant parking, which is a significant convenience for parents during drop-off and pick-up times, minimizing stress and allowing families to focus on the dance experience. This central and well-connected location within a vibrant community hub makes Dance Connection a practical and appealing choice for families seeking accessible and high-quality dance education in the Bay Area.

Dance Connection offers a wide and impressive variety of dance classes and programs, catering to a broad spectrum of ages, skill levels, and interests. Their comprehensive curriculum is designed to provide a well-rounded dance education, from foundational steps to advanced performance.

Services Offered:

• Preschool & Kinder Combination Classes: Engaging ballet/tap combo classes for young children (starting from age 3), often incorporating creative movement and monthly acrobatics.
• Graded Dance Classes: Structured classes in various styles including Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, Contemporary, Lyrical, and Musical Theatre, designed to progress students through different skill levels.
• Acro/Flexibility Classes: Specialized classes focusing on acrobatics and enhancing flexibility, often integrated into other dance forms.
• Breakdance/Breaking: Instruction in this athletic and artistic street dance style.
• Pre-Professional Ballet Company: A rigorous training program for upper-level ballet students, including intensive training, individual coaching, and professional performance opportunities. Dance Connection Ballet Company is a full member company of The Ballet Alliance.
• Competitive Performing Company (DCPC) & Hip Hop Crew: Opportunities for dedicated students to join competitive teams and perform at regional competitions.
• Jazz Dance Teams: Structured teams for students focusing on jazz dance.
• Adult Classes: A variety of dance styles offered for adult learners, allowing them to explore dance or continue their passion.
• Additional Training Opportunities: Access to dance conventions and workshops for further skill development and exposure.
• Summer Camps: Engaging summer programs designed to provide immersive dance experiences, often focusing on various themes or styles for different age groups.
• Online/Zoom Class Options: Demonstrating adaptability, Dance Connection provides virtual class options to ensure continuity of training.

Dance Connection is highly regarded in the Bay Area for its distinctive qualities and commitment to providing an exceptional dance experience. Several features and highlights consistently receive praise from its dedicated community.

Features / Highlights:

• Experienced and Encouraging Teachers: The faculty, including highly praised instructors like Cindy, Brooke, Corey, Rachel, and Jennifer, are known for being wonderful with kids, very encouraging, and inclusive, creating a positive learning environment.
• Good Variety of Classes: The studio offers a wide array of dance styles and levels, ensuring that students can explore different genres and progress in their chosen paths.
• Inclusive and Supportive Environment: Reviews consistently highlight the welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, making all students feel valued regardless of their skill level or aspirations.
• Opportunities for Advanced Training: Students have access to additional training through dance conventions and competitive teams, allowing them to further hone their skills and gain performance experience.
• Proven Adaptability: The studio effectively managed through challenges like the pandemic, offering both in-person and Zoom online classes, ensuring a consistent and uninterrupted dance experience for students.
• Holistic Development: Beyond just dance steps, the school fosters self-expression, joy in dancing, and appreciation for the art form, contributing to the students' overall personal growth.
• Accredited Pre-Professional Programs: The Ballet Company is a full member company of The Ballet Alliance, signifying a high standard of training and performance for advanced ballet students.
• Award-Winning Recognition: Dance Connection has received accolades such as The Daily News People's Choice Award for Best Dance Studio, Bay Area Parent Magazine “Family Favorite” Winner for Best Dance Classes, and KRON4's “Best of the Bay” recognition.
• Long-Standing Reputation: Founded in 1987, the studio has a long history of serving the community and a well-established reputation for quality dance education.
• Dedicated Non-Profit Arm: The Palo Alto Dance Connection Youth Ensemble (PADCYE) is a 501c3 non-profit organized to foster the love of dance in youth through enrichment, community outreach, and scholarships.
• World-Class Facilities: The studio boasts state-of-the-art dance floors (including sprung floors and Marley surfaces), full-length mirrors, sound systems, and comfortable waiting areas, with some studios even offering observation windows for parents.

For inquiries regarding class registration, schedules, dance teams, or any other information about Dance Connection, please use the contact details provided below. Their dedicated staff is ready to assist you in finding the perfect dance program for you or your child.

Contact Information:

Address: 4000 Middlefield Rd, #L5, J1, J2, J3, J4, Palo Alto, CA 94303, USA

Phone: (650) 322-7032

Mobile Phone: +1 650-322-7032

Dance Connection stands out as an exceptional choice for locals in Palo Alto and the broader Bay Area, offering a dance experience that is both comprehensive and deeply enriching. Its suitability for the local community is evident in several key aspects. Firstly, the sheer variety of classes offered – from preschool tap/ballet to advanced jazz, hip hop, and pre-professional ballet – ensures that every age and skill level finds a fitting place to learn and grow. This diverse curriculum makes it a one-stop destination for families with children of different ages and interests, fostering a consistent and convenient dance education pathway.

Secondly, the consistently praised teaching staff, known for their encouragement and inclusive approach, creates a nurturing environment where children not only develop strong dance skills but also gain invaluable confidence and self-expression. This supportive atmosphere is particularly important in a competitive region like the Bay Area, where a positive learning experience can shape a child's long-term relationship with the arts. The state-of-the-art facilities within the Cubberley Community Center, combined with the convenience of its central location and ample parking, further enhance its appeal for busy local families. Moreover, Dance Connection’s resilience and adaptability, particularly in offering online options, demonstrate a commitment to serving its community through all circumstances. For Palo Alto residents seeking a top-tier dance education that prioritizes both technical excellence and holistic development, Dance Connection is a highly recommended and cherished local institution.

Dance Connection

4000 Middlefield Rd, #L5, J1, J2, J3, J4, Palo Alto, CA 94303, USA