Expressions Dance & Movement Center

For families in Santee and throughout East San Diego County, Expressions Dance & Movement Center stands as a cherished local institution where the art of dance flourishes alongside personal growth. This studio is not just about teaching steps; it’s dedicated to fostering confidence, discipline, and a lifelong love for movement in a remarkably supportive and family-friendly environment. From a child's very first plié to a seasoned dancer perfecting their technique, Expressions Dance & Movement Center offers a welcoming and enriching experience for everyone.

Since its inception in 2011, Expressions Dance & Movement Center has built a stellar reputation for its positive atmosphere and the dedication of its instructors. Parents consistently praise the patience and kindness of teachers like Miss Alexandria and Miss Shaylin, who go above and beyond to ensure every child has a great experience. As one parent enthusiastically put it, "Miss Alexandria has been teaching my 8 year old daughter tap and some ballet for almost a year. We are SO thankful for her. She is extremely patient, and kind. She has been such a blessing in helping my daughter be a more confident dancer. I can’t say thank you enough for everything she is doing at Expressions! We love this dance studio." Another highlighted, "Expressions Dance & Movement Center is the BEST dance program for young children! My 3-yr old daughter has been in the program for a year, and she loves it. Miss Shaylin is great with young dancers and really takes the time to make sure every child has a great experience. I would highly recommend this studio to any parent looking for a great starting dance program for their child."

These testimonials reflect the studio's core philosophy: that dance is more than just an expression; it's a powerful tool for building character and developing essential life skills. Expressions Dance & Movement Center prides itself on celebrating childhood and helping each student discover their unique talents and gifts through dance, movement, and even leadership classes. It's a place where students don't just learn to dance well; they learn to be respectful, confident, and conscientious young people.

Expressions Dance & Movement Center has two listed addresses, indicating it may operate from different spaces or a main office with a studio. The primary operational addresses provided are 9225 Carlton Hills Blvd 28 and 9470 Cuyamaca St #140, both located in Santee, CA 92071, USA. These locations place the studio conveniently within the heart of Santee, a vibrant and growing community in East San Diego County.

Both Carlton Hills Boulevard and Cuyamaca Street are main arteries within Santee, ensuring excellent accessibility for families traveling by car from throughout Santee, Lakeside, El Cajon, and other nearby East County neighborhoods. Ample parking is typically available at such commercial or plaza locations, which is a significant convenience for parents during class drop-off and pick-up times, contributing to a smooth and stress-free experience.

For those utilizing public transportation, the Santee area is serviced by various Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) bus routes. While direct routes to the specific addresses should always be verified with the latest MTS schedules, the presence of major roads suggests that the studio is reasonably accessible via public transport, potentially with a short walk from nearby bus stops. This dual location or emphasis on central Santee addresses underlines the studio's commitment to being a convenient and accessible option for local families seeking high-quality dance instruction.

Expressions Dance & Movement Center offers an extensive and varied curriculum, catering to a wide range of ages and skill levels, from early childhood to advanced levels and adult classes. Their offerings are designed to provide a comprehensive dance education while fostering creativity and a love for movement.

Services Offered:

• Pre-Ballet & Creative Movement (Ages 2-6): Introductory classes focusing on imaginative play, basic movement, rhythm, and early ballet vocabulary. Includes "Parent & Me" for ages 2-3 and Level 1 (ages 2.5-3) which starts independent class participation.
• Combination Classes (Ages 5-6): Integrating two different dance styles, such as Ballet & Jazz, or Ballet & Tap, allowing students to explore various genres.
• Classical Ballet (Levels 1-Advanced, including Pointe Prep/Pointe): Foundational training emphasizing proper posture, placement, alignment, strength, flexibility, and classical technique based on methods like Cecchetti.
• Jazz Dance (Levels 1-Advanced): High-energy classes focusing on stylized movement, intricate footwork, leaps, turns, and expressive performance.
• Tap Dance (Levels 1-Advanced): Percussive dance form developing coordination, agility, rhythm, and musicality through intricate footwork.
• Hip Hop Dance (Levels 1-5): Urban dance styles with emphasis on contemporary moves, syncopated rhythms, and freestyle movement.
• Acrobatics / Acro Dance (Levels 1-6): Combines dance with gymnastic elements, focusing on flexibility, strength, balance, agility, and tumbling skills.
• Lyrical Dance: A jazz-based technique emphasizing grace, fluidity, and emotional expression through movement, connecting dancers to their audience.
• Contemporary Dance (Levels 4-7): Explores new movement possibilities branching from modern, jazz, and ballet, focusing on dynamics, movement quality, and improvisation.
• Musical Theater Dance: Mimicking Broadway performances, combining jazz technique with acting, characterization, and audience connection.
• Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT): Specialized classes designed to improve core strength and overall ballet technique using various exercises and equipment.
• Elev8 U Leadership Program: An age-appropriate leadership and character development course focused on self-improvement, emotional wellness, and leadership lessons, reflecting the studio's holistic approach to student growth.
• Adult Dance Classes: Offering classes for adults of various skill levels, allowing for fitness, fun, and continued dance education.
• Performance Opportunities: All classes typically have the opportunity to perform in an end-of-year recital, providing valuable stage experience.

Expressions Dance & Movement Center distinguishes itself through a variety of features and highlights that contribute to its strong community standing and positive reputation in Santee.

Features / Highlights:

• Highly Praised Instructors: Teachers like Miss Alexandria and Miss Shaylin are consistently lauded in reviews for being "extremely patient," "kind," "great with young dancers," and actively helping students become "more confident dancers." The staff is described as "talented, professional and enthusiastic."
• Positive and Family-Friendly Environment: The studio is committed to providing a "positive and family-friendly environment" dedicated to "celebrating childhood" and fostering a supportive atmosphere for all students.
• Comprehensive Curriculum for All Ages: Offering a wide range of dance styles (Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, Acro, Lyrical, Contemporary, Musical Theater) for students aged 1 through adult, ensuring diverse options for skill development and creative expression.
• Focus on Life Skills Development: Beyond dance technique, the studio emphasizes developing important life skills such as confidence, self-discipline, responsibility, teamwork, cooperation, listening skills, and the ability to set and work towards goals.
• Youth Protection Advocates in Dance (YPAD) Certified: This certification highlights the studio's commitment to a safe, age-appropriate, and non-objectifying environment for young dancers, addressing a critical issue in the dance industry.
• Professional Floating Dance Floors: While not explicitly stated for all studios, quality dance schools typically invest in professional floating dance floors to enhance safety, reduce impact on dancers' joints, and provide optimal performance surfaces.
• Community-Oriented and Inclusive: The studio aims to make dance accessible to "all ages and levels" and welcomes diverse children, fostering a sense of belonging for every student.
• Opportunities for Performance: Students have the opportunity to showcase their learning in an "end-of-year recital," providing valuable stage experience and a sense of accomplishment.
• Emphasis on Enjoyment and Growth: Reviews consistently highlight that students "love dancing here" and "enjoy their time at the studio," indicating that learning is fun and engaging, leading to significant "growth as a dancer."

For those in Santee and the surrounding East County San Diego area interested in enrolling in dance classes or learning more about the programs offered by Expressions Dance & Movement Center, here is the essential contact information:

Contact Information:

• Address: 9225 Carlton Hills Blvd 28, 9470 Cuyamaca St #140, Santee, CA 92071, USA
• Phone: (888) 991-3362 (This appears to be a toll-free number, suggesting a professional and organized operation).

For the most current class schedules, detailed descriptions, tuition information, and registration, it is highly recommended to visit their official website (expressionsdanceandmovement.com). The website often provides options to create an account, request more information, and register for a free trial class, allowing prospective students to experience the studio firsthand.

Expressions Dance & Movement Center is an ideal choice for locals in California, particularly families in Santee and throughout East San Diego County, for numerous compelling reasons. Its suitability stems from its deep-rooted commitment to fostering a positive, family-friendly, and highly supportive environment, as repeatedly highlighted in glowing customer reviews. Parents value the "extremely patient and kind" teachers who not only impart dance technique but also actively help children become "more confident dancers" and well-rounded individuals.

The studio's comprehensive curriculum, spanning a wide array of dance styles from classical ballet and tap to energetic hip hop and unique acro dance, caters to students of all ages, from enthusiastic toddlers to dedicated adults. This ensures that every member of the family can find a class that fits their interests and skill level. Furthermore, the emphasis on developing crucial life skills such as discipline, teamwork, and self-confidence, alongside dance proficiency, makes Expressions Dance & Movement Center more than just a dance school; it's a place for holistic personal development. The YPAD certification underscores their dedication to providing a safe and appropriate environment for young dancers. For any San Diegan seeking a reputable, nurturing, and truly enriching dance experience close to home, Expressions Dance & Movement Center is undoubtedly a top recommendation.

Expressions Dance & Movement Center

9225 Carlton Hills Blvd 28, 9470 Cuyamaca St #140, Santee, CA 92071, USA