Dance Street West

For over 35 years, Dance Street West has been a beloved fixture in the Glendora, California community, serving as a vibrant hub where passion for dance flourishes and young artists discover their calling. Located conveniently on historic Route 66, this esteemed studio is more than just a place to learn steps; it's a supportive "dance family" dedicated to instilling confidence, fostering excellence, and nurturing the dreams of every student. For locals across Glendora, San Dimas, Covina, and the wider San Gabriel Valley, Dance Street West offers a truly enriching experience for dancers of all ages and levels.

Under the dedicated guidance of Ms. Shannon, who took over the studio in August 2021 from its original owner, Dance Street West continues its legacy of providing quality instruction in a warm and welcoming environment. As highlighted by numerous satisfied parents, the instructors genuinely care for each student, providing valuable feedback on their successes and challenges. This personalized attention, combined with a commitment to age-appropriate material and a focus on healthy development, sets Dance Street West apart as a responsible and inspiring choice for dance education in California.

The studio prides itself on creating a positive atmosphere where dancers support each other, free from the "bickering or 'girl drama'" sometimes associated with other studios. This emphasis on a cohesive and encouraging community ensures that students not only hone their technical skills but also build character, teamwork, and lasting friendships. For Californians seeking a nurturing and professional dance environment that truly values its students, Dance Street West stands as a beacon of artistic excellence and community spirit.

Dance Street West is centrally located at 509 E Rte 66, Glendora, CA 91740, USA. This advantageous position on East Route 66, a well-known and easily navigable thoroughfare, ensures excellent accessibility for families residing in Glendora and the surrounding San Gabriel Valley communities. Nearby cities such as San Dimas, La Verne, Azusa, and Covina can all reach the studio with relative ease.

The location on Route 66, while historic, is also practical for daily commutes, allowing parents to integrate dance classes seamlessly into their schedules. While specific parking details are best confirmed directly with the studio, commercial areas along main roads typically offer convenient parking options. The ease of access is a significant benefit for busy Californians, minimizing travel time and making consistent participation in dance programs more feasible.

The studio's long-standing presence in Glendora since 1987 also speaks to its strong ties within the local community, making it a familiar and trusted establishment. This established presence, combined with its accessible location, solidifies Dance Street West as a convenient and reliable choice for dance education for local residents.

Dance Street West offers a diverse range of dance classes tailored to various age groups and skill levels, ensuring a comprehensive and engaging learning experience for every student.

• Classical Dance Forms:
  • Ballet: The foundational art form for all dance, teaching control, balance, strength, and grace. Offered for all levels, including Teen and Adult classes, with a focus on classical technique and terminology.
  • Pointe: Advanced ballet technique for eligible students, building on classical ballet foundation.
• Contemporary Dance Styles:
  • Lyrical: Blends ballet and jazz, emphasizing emotional expression and dancing to the "lyrics" of music, requiring intermediate technique.
  • Contemporary: A fluid and expressive style that often tells a story, combining elements of ballet and jazz with modern movement, requiring intermediate technique.
• Popular & Energetic Styles:
  • Tap: A fun and rhythmic form of dance that focuses on intricate footwork and percussive sounds. Available for all levels, including Teen and Adult classes.
  • Jazz: Teaches various styles including classical, Broadway (like Fosse), and funky jazz, requiring strong technique. Offered for all levels, including Teen and Adult classes.
  • Hip Hop: A popular and high-energy dance craze, offering many different styles for all ages, from beginner to professional, including classes for Teens and Adults.
• Specialized Programs:
  • Combos (Combination Classes): Ballet/tap combination classes designed for young dancers, divided into "Dance Beginnings" (very young), "Beginning Combo" (4-6 yr olds), and "Intermediate Combos" (as they progress). These often include fun themed days like dress-up or acting.
  • Musical Theater: Combines acting with dance, training students for the style seen in musicals, where they learn to sing, dance, and act out songs.
  • Tumbling: Focuses on acrobatic moves like cartwheels, walk-overs, aerials, and handsprings, which are often incorporated into various dance styles, and also helps with flexibility.
  • Tech, Strength, Conditioning & Stretch Classes: Dedicated classes for technique specific to jazz and lyrical (turns, leaps, kicks, leg holds), and strength/stretch/conditioning to build a proper dancer's body, prevent injuries, and enhance lines.
• Classes for All Ages: Programs cater to toddlers (starting from very young, e.g., 2), preschoolers, children, teens, and adults, ensuring age-appropriate and skill-level-appropriate instruction. The studio specifically offers "Teen Classes" for beginners who prefer to learn with their age group.
• Performance Opportunities: Students participate in an annual show, typically held at Mt. San Antonio College, providing an exciting stage experience. Every class gets to perform a number, ensuring all students have a chance to shine.
• Trial Classes: Parents have the opportunity to attend classes before enrolling their children, allowing them to experience the environment and teaching style firsthand.

Dance Street West is distinguished by its long-standing presence, nurturing approach, and comprehensive dance education. Several key features contribute to its positive reputation in the Glendora community.

• Over 35 Years of Community Service: Established in 1987, the studio has a rich history and deep roots in Glendora, demonstrating consistent quality and commitment to the local community.
• Nurturing and Supportive Environment: The instructors and staff, particularly Ms. Shannon, are described as "warm and welcoming" and genuinely "care for each student." This creates a "safe and welcoming atmosphere" where children can thrive without "bickering or 'girl drama'."
• Age-Appropriate Material: Parents appreciate that the material taught is "age appropriate, not too 'mature'," ensuring content suitable for young dancers.
• Variety of Classes and Styles: The extensive offering of ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, lyrical, contemporary, musical theater, and tumbling allows students to explore different passions and find what makes them "most happy."
• Focus on Holistic Development: Beyond dance steps, the studio aims to instill confidence, passion, and a desire for excellence. Students learn commitment to a team and how to be part of a group, contributing to their overall personal growth.
• Experienced Instructors: The staff specializes in their chosen fields and often boasts professional musical backgrounds, providing high-caliber instruction. Ms. Shannon herself has a background with the California Ballet Company and has choreographed musicals.
• Reasonable and Transparent Pricing: The studio is praised for the "reasonableness of pricing for classes" and providing "early notification of costume prices." All transactions are "above board, and stated," which is a significant relief for parents managing their budget.
• Once-a-Year Performance: The single annual recital (often at Mt. San Antonio College) simplifies the performance schedule for families while still providing a professional and exciting stage experience for every student.
• "Dance Family" Atmosphere: The studio fosters a strong sense of community, where dancers are seen as "extended sisters" who "love and support each other."
• Trial Class Opportunities: The ability for parents to attend classes before enrolling provides transparency and helps ensure a good fit for the student.
• Focus on Healthy, Happy Dancers: The instruction is geared towards creating "healthy happy dancers" by combining technical training with an emphasis on positive experiences.

For more information on class schedules, tuition, or to inquire about enrollment, please contact Dance Street West:

Address: 509 E Rte 66, Glendora, CA 91740, USA
Phone: (626) 963-3999
Mobile Phone: +1 626-963-3999

For families in Glendora and the surrounding San Gabriel Valley, Dance Street West stands out as an excellent and trustworthy choice for dance education. Its long-standing presence on Route 66 signifies a deep connection to the community and a history of reliable service. The studio's commitment to providing a "safe and welcoming atmosphere" where children are nurtured, challenged, and inspired is a recurring theme in positive feedback from parents.

The wide variety of classes, from classical ballet to energetic hip hop and comprehensive musical theater, ensures that every child can find their passion. The emphasis on age-appropriate material and the transparency in pricing are significant benefits that resonate with local parents. While one review mentions concerns about some "dance moms," the overwhelming sentiment points to a supportive and positive "dance family" environment, where instructors truly care for each student. Dance Street West is not just about teaching steps; it's about building confident, disciplined, and happy dancers who feel a strong sense of belonging, making it an invaluable asset to the local California community.

Dance Street West

509 E Rte 66, Glendora, CA 91740, USA