Expression Arts

Welcome to an in-depth look at Expression Arts, a specialized performing arts theater and training facility located in Oakland, California. For families and young aspiring performers across the Golden State, particularly those in the East Bay, Expression Arts offers a unique and intensive pathway into the world of circus arts. This article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and factual overview of what Expression Arts is, its offerings, and what makes it a notable point of interest within the local performing arts landscape. We will explore its convenient location, outline the specific services and programs it provides, highlight its key features, and offer essential contact information, ensuring you have the details needed to understand this unique training environment.

Expression Arts positions itself as a "holistic circus training facility." It works with "focused, dedicated students to let them flourish," emphasizing a commitment to their success and treating each one as a "capable individual." The philosophy articulated by Expression Arts is that "learning happens best when students are happy." They also state a focus on teaching students to "listen to their bodies, as circus is an extremely rigorous sport, and to speak up for themselves," aiming to teach through "explanation, not negative reinforcement." This mission to cultivate both artistic skill and personal development is at the core of their programs, which are primarily application or audition-only, indicating a focus on committed students.

Expression Arts is located at 3840 MacArthur Blvd, Oakland, CA 94619, USA. This address places the facility within the vibrant MacArthur Boulevard corridor in Oakland, making it a generally accessible location for residents throughout the city and surrounding East Bay communities. MacArthur Boulevard is a significant and well-known thoroughfare, contributing to the studio's visibility and ease of navigation.

Regarding accessibility, the studio's location on MacArthur Boulevard likely benefits from various AC Transit bus routes that operate along this main road, providing public transportation options for students and families. For those who utilize public transit, this can offer convenient connections from different neighborhoods in Oakland and potentially from nearby BART stations. For individuals traveling by car, MacArthur Boulevard typically offers a mix of street parking options. While parking availability can vary depending on the time of day, the established nature of the area generally provides possibilities for finding a spot. The overall accessibility of Expression Arts makes it a practical choice for local families seeking specialized circus arts training.

Expression Arts specializes in holistic circus training, offering programs primarily for youth that range from foundational skill development to pre-professional performance opportunities. Their services are application or audition-based, indicating a focus on dedicated students.

• Complete Circus Training Program: This is a core offering for students aged 6-18 years. It's designed to expand students' circus arts skill set through tailored instruction in a wide variety of specialties. These include:
  • Aerial apparatuses: Lyra, aerial silk, trapeze, hammock.
  • Acrobatics and Pacro.
  • Contortion.
  • Juggling.
  • Musicality through dance.
  • Clowning.
  The program aims for students to perfect their abilities in flexibility, strength, and performance. It serves as preparation for joining the Cirque Masquerade Troupe or for ongoing training while performing with the troupe. This program involves intensive, weekly classes.
• Cirque Masquerade Troupe: This is an audition-only, pre-professional youth circus troupe. Troupe members intensively develop their skills in their chosen specialties and perform in professional circus productions. Cirque Masquerade productions are described as unique, immersive experiences, representing some of the most innovative youth circus shows in the Bay Area. It is noted as the Bay Area's largest-scale youth performance company and one of the largest and most advanced in America. Auditions are highly competitive.
• Performance Opportunities: Students in the Complete Circus Training program have the option to perform a solo or group act in a student showcase. Cirque Masquerade Troupe members perform in professional-level circus productions.
• Progressive Skill Development: Classes within the Complete Circus Training Program are structured into levels (e.g., Level 1-3, Level 4-5 which is invitation only), indicating a progressive learning pathway.

It is important to note that the review provided indicates that Expression Arts also operates or is closely associated with "Kids n Dance," suggesting a broader scope of youth dance offerings, though the primary focus of "Expression Arts" appears to be circus arts. The programs are intensive, with troupe members potentially training from 3-30 hours per week, especially leading up to performances.

Expression Arts, as a performing arts theater and training facility, presents several features and highlights primarily centered around its specialized circus arts programming for youth.

• Specialized Circus Arts Focus: A defining highlight is its exclusive focus on "holistic circus training," offering a unique niche within the performing arts scene in Oakland. This specialization provides in-depth instruction across various circus disciplines.
• Pre-Professional Youth Troupe (Cirque Masquerade): The existence of Cirque Masquerade is a significant feature. It offers an audition-only, highly competitive, and intensive pre-professional pathway for young, dedicated performers, leading to large-scale, immersive circus productions. This provides exceptional performance experience.
• Diverse Circus Skill Training: The "Complete Circus Training Program" covers a broad spectrum of circus skills, including aerial silks, lyra, trapeze, acrobatics, contortion, juggling, and even musicality through dance and clowning. This comprehensive approach allows students to develop a well-rounded circus skill set.
• Commitment to Student Flourishing: According to their stated philosophy, Expression Arts aims to let "focused, dedicated students flourish" by putting them first and treating them as "capable individuals," believing "learning happens best when students are happy."
• Emphasis on Physical Development: The training programs are designed to greatly improve students' strength, flexibility, control, and form, which are fundamental to circus arts.
• Associated with Kids n Dance: The connection to "Kids n Dance" suggests a broader family of programs catering to youth in dance and movement, potentially offering different entry points for younger children.

However, it is crucial to present a balanced view based on provided customer reviews, which highlight significant concerns regarding student well-being and management practices. These concerns include:

• Safety Concerns: Issues such as "inadequate warm-up, inadequate breaks, extended time upside-down, & a persistent culture of pushing through pain & injury" have been raised. Rigorous schedules, particularly leading up to performances (6+ hour practices, nearly daily leading up to shows, multiple shows per weekend), have led to concerns about physical safety.
• Emotional Manipulation & Inappropriate Behavior: Allegations of erratic behavior from an instructor (Esme), switching between positive and "disparaging & belittling language," playing favorites, and making inappropriate comments (e.g., about body figure, "ADD" comment) have been reported by multiple troupe members.
• Lack of Accountability and Training: Parents expressed concern about a "complete lack of accountability & curiosity to do something about the numerous concerns." Management (Kris and Marielle) were described as "deflecting & taking no ownership or corrective measures" when confronted with these issues. A senior troupe member who raised concerns was reportedly "abruptly removed from the troupe & essentially called a liar."

These serious concerns are critical for potential participants and their families to be aware of when considering Expression Arts.

For those interested in learning more about Expression Arts and its programs, or for any inquiries regarding applications and schedules, here is the essential contact information:

Address: 3840 MacArthur Blvd, Oakland, CA 94619, USA

Phone: (510) 816-1646

Mobile Phone: +1 510-816-1646

Email: ExpressionArtsCA@gmail.com

Prospective students and their families are encouraged to reach out directly via phone or email to inquire about current program availability, application processes, tuition fees, and to address any questions they may have regarding the intensive nature of the training or the studio environment. Direct communication is recommended for the most current and specific information.

Expression Arts offers a highly specialized and intensive pathway into the world of circus arts for youth in Oakland and the broader California region. For local families with children aged 6-18 who demonstrate exceptional focus and dedication, and who are specifically interested in a rigorous, pre-professional circus training program, Expression Arts provides a unique opportunity to develop skills across various aerial and ground disciplines. The chance to perform in large-scale productions with the Cirque Masquerade Troupe is a significant draw for aspiring young artists looking for advanced stage experience.

However, it is imperative for local families to consider the full scope of experiences reported by existing and former participants. While the studio aims to cultivate a love for circus and provides extensive training, the serious concerns raised by multiple families regarding student safety, emotional well-being, and management accountability cannot be overlooked. These issues, including reports of inadequate breaks, pressure to perform through pain, and alleged emotional manipulation and belittling language from an instructor, suggest that while the artistic training may be strong, the overall environment may not be universally supportive or safe for all children. Therefore, for locals considering Expression Arts, thorough due diligence, including in-depth discussions with management about their safety protocols and staff training, is strongly advised to ensure the program aligns with their expectations for a child's holistic well-being in a performing arts environment. The potential for high-level circus training is evident, but the reported challenges underscore the need for careful evaluation by families.

Expression Arts

3840 MacArthur Blvd, Oakland, CA 94619, USA