Dancing School

For over five decades, The Dancing School in Selma, California, has been a cherished cornerstone of the Central Valley’s performing arts scene. Founded in 1972 by Deanna Moser Driscoll, a former dancer with The San Francisco Ballet, this studio has grown from a single class in The Odd Fellows Hall to a vibrant institution that has touched the lives of thousands. It's more than just a place to learn dance steps; The Dancing School is dedicated to fostering strong, well-educated dancers through the physical and mental discipline inherent in dance. Through exposure to and appreciation of all facets of the art, they strive to help each student develop a positive self-image, experience the joy of dance, and achieve their maximum potential.

The legacy of The Dancing School is deeply rooted in family and passion. Deanna Moser Driscoll’s daughter, Beth Zobian, who grew up dancing at the studio from the age of three, returned in 1999 to co-direct the school, eventually taking over leadership. Beth, a former member of The Fresno Ballet and The Fresno Jazz Co., shares her mother’s dedication to providing quality dance education in a nurturing atmosphere. This generational commitment ensures a consistent and beloved teaching style that students, like one who drives an hour just to attend, find incredibly rewarding. The teachers are described as "enthusiastic, encouraging," and able to instill discipline while keeping classes fun and engaging. The Dancing School is truly a place where students of all ages can find their rhythm and become part of a supportive dance family.

The Dancing School is centrally located at 2015 2nd St, Selma, CA 93662, USA. This address places the studio in the heart of Selma, a vibrant community within California's Central Valley. The historic building, which was once a bank, a youth center, and a dentist's office before its renovation by Deanna Moser Driscoll, now offers a dedicated and inviting space for dance.

Being on 2nd Street, a key thoroughfare in Selma, ensures easy access for local residents. The town's compact nature typically means that the studio is conveniently reachable whether by car, on foot, or by bicycle for those living nearby. While specific details on parking availability are not always extensively advertised, the central location in a smaller town usually provides accessible street parking or nearby public lots. This prime spot in Selma not only makes it convenient for daily classes but also integrates The Dancing School deeply into the fabric of the local community, making it a readily accessible hub for dance education for families throughout Selma and its surrounding areas.

The Dancing School offers a carefully curated selection of dance classes, primarily focusing on foundational techniques, catering to a wide range of ages and skill levels, from young children to adults.

• Creative Dance/Ballet (Ages 3.5 - 5.5): Introduction to dance for preschoolers, focusing on imaginative movement, basic ballet steps, and rhythm to build a love for dance in a fun and engaging way.

• Ballet/Tap Combination Classes (Ages 5.5 - 8): Combining the grace of ballet with the rhythm of tap, these classes provide a comprehensive introduction to two fundamental dance styles for young beginners.

• Ballet/Jazz Combination Classes (Ages 6-9 and 8-11): Integrating the technique of ballet with the dynamic energy of jazz, these classes develop versatility, musicality, and coordination for slightly older children.

• Adult Ballet: Dedicated ballet classes for adult learners, suitable for those new to ballet, returning after a break, or seeking a gentle yet effective way to stay active and graceful.

• Intermediate Ballet: Structured ballet classes for students with some prior experience, focusing on refining technique, expanding vocabulary, and developing artistry.

• Pre-Pointe/Pointe I & II: Specialized training for students demonstrating the necessary strength and technique for pointe work, requiring enrollment in another ballet class to ensure proper preparation and safety.

• Tap Dance: Classes focused on mastering rhythmic footwork, precision, and musicality, an integral part of The Dancing School's curriculum.

• Jazz Dance: Classes that emphasize energy, style, and rhythmical accuracy, building on classical techniques with a contemporary flair.

• The 2nd Street Dancers: The performing group of The Dancing School, established in 1983, offering advanced students opportunities to perform at various community events and beyond, showcasing their skills and passion.

• Private Lessons: While not explicitly listed as a standard offering, the individualized attention mentioned in reviews suggests the possibility of private instruction for targeted skill development.

The Dancing School in Selma distinguishes itself through several key features and highlights that underscore its quality and community focus.

• Half-Century Legacy of Excellence: Celebrating over 50 years, the school boasts a rich history of dance education in Selma, indicating deep roots in the community and a proven track record of nurturing talent.

• Founding Director's Extensive Background: Deanna Moser Driscoll, a former San Francisco Ballet dancer, brings professional experience and classical training (including from Madame Maria Baldina of The Russian Imperial Ballet and Peter Van Moydon of The Royal Netherlands Ballet) directly to the students.

• Family-Run and Nurturing Atmosphere: The continuity of leadership from mother to daughter (Deanna to Beth Zobian) creates a warm, family-like environment where students feel supported and valued, fostering a sense of belonging.

• Emphasis on Core Dance Disciplines: A strong focus on classical ballet, tap, and jazz provides students with a solid foundation in fundamental dance techniques, which are crucial for any aspiring dancer.

• Dedicated and Encouraging Teachers: Customer reviews consistently highlight the "enthusiastic, encouraging teachers" like Ms. Nikki and Ms. Beth, who are patient yet serious about technique, providing one-on-one attention as needed. Many instructors grew up within the school, embodying its heritage.

• Development of Holistic Skills: The school's mission goes beyond just dance steps, aiming to develop physical and mental discipline, a positive self-image, and confidence that extends into all areas of a student's life.

• Home of The 2nd Street Dancers: This dedicated performing group provides advanced students with invaluable opportunities to showcase their skills at community events, enriching the local arts scene and offering real-world performance experience.

• Historic and Dedicated Studio Space: Operating from a renovated historic building on 2nd Street, the studio provides a unique and long-standing physical home for dance in Selma, with multiple dedicated studios.

• Proven Student Satisfaction: Testimonials, including one student driving an hour and another whose daughter has "really enjoyed the experience" for two years, underscore the high level of student enjoyment and perceived value.

For those interested in discovering the joy of dance or continuing their training at The Dancing School in Selma, here is the essential contact information:

Address: 2015 2nd St, Selma, CA 93662, USA

Phone: (559) 899-7686

Mobile Phone: +1 559-899-7686

Email: bethzobian@gmail.com

Prospective students and their families are encouraged to contact The Dancing School directly via phone or email, or visit their official website, for the most current class schedules, registration information, and details on specific programs for children and adults. You can also find more information on their website about the staff and their rich history.

For residents across California, particularly within the close-knit community of Selma and the broader Central Valley, The Dancing School offers an exceptionally suitable and valuable resource for dance education. Its profound legacy, nurturing environment, and commitment to foundational training make it an ideal choice for a diverse range of local individuals.

Firstly, the school's half-century history is a testament to its enduring quality and positive impact on the community. For families in Selma, choosing a studio with such deep roots and a proven track record, run by a family passionate about dance (from founding director Deanna Moser Driscoll to current director Beth Zobian), provides a sense of trust and continuity. This stability is invaluable for parents seeking a long-term artistic home for their children, where they can grow from creative movement to advanced techniques within a consistent and supportive framework.

Secondly, The Dancing School's dedication to teaching core dance disciplines like ballet, tap, and jazz ensures that students receive a strong, well-rounded technical foundation. This is crucial for developing versatile dancers and for instilling the discipline, posture, and coordination that benefit all aspects of life. The emphasis on "enthusiastic, encouraging teachers" who are "patient but serious" about ballet means that students are challenged to excel in a positive atmosphere, promoting confidence and a love for learning. The fact that students are willing to travel an hour to attend classes speaks volumes about the quality and engaging nature of the instruction provided.

Finally, the school's role as the home of "The 2nd Street Dancers" provides unique performance opportunities, allowing advanced students to share their talents with the local community and beyond. This integration with local events and the cultivation of performing artists further enriches Selma's cultural landscape. Whether a young child is just discovering the joy of movement, a teenager is looking to refine their skills, or an adult wishes to rekindle a passion for dance, The Dancing School offers a welcoming, professional, and deeply enriching experience that makes it perfectly suitable for any local Californian seeking quality dance education.

Dancing School

2015 2nd St, Selma, CA 93662, USA