Kids N' Dance

Welcome to Kids N' Dance, an established performing arts studio located in Oakland, California, where young artists can explore the exciting worlds of aerial silks, circus arts, and dance. For years, we have aimed to provide a space where children can discover new passions, develop unique skills, and express themselves creatively. Owned and managed by the same individuals behind Expression Arts, Kids N' Dance has been a haven for many children, helping them build confidence, physical agility, and a strong sense of community with their peers. Our programs are designed to be engaging and inspiring, encouraging children to push their boundaries in a fun and challenging environment. We strive to offer memorable experiences, whether through a summer camp introduction to aerial silks or ongoing sessions where new and exciting elements are always being introduced. We believe in the power of performing arts to foster discipline, teamwork, and artistic appreciation, and we are committed to nurturing the talents of the next generation of performers.

Kids N' Dance is conveniently located at 3840 MacArthur Blvd, Oakland, CA 94619, USA. This central Oakland address provides excellent accessibility for families across the city and surrounding East Bay areas. MacArthur Boulevard is a major thoroughfare, ensuring straightforward navigation whether you are arriving by car or utilizing public transportation. The location is easily reachable from various residential neighborhoods, schools, and local amenities, making it convenient for parents to integrate performing arts classes into their children's busy schedules. While specific parking details are not always universal, main thoroughfares often provide on-street parking or nearby public lots. The accessibility of our studio is a key factor in our commitment to serving the local community, ensuring that aspiring young performers have a nearby place to develop their skills and explore their artistic passions. We encourage prospective families to visit our studio to get a sense of our facilities and the vibrant energy within. Our aim is to make participation in the performing arts as convenient and accessible as possible for the families of Oakland and beyond.

Services Offered:

• Aerial Silks Classes: Instruction in aerial silks, allowing students to learn acrobatic maneuvers and artistic expression while suspended from fabric.
• Circus Arts Programs: Comprehensive training in various circus disciplines, providing a unique blend of athleticism and artistry.
• Dance Classes: A wide array of dance styles, including ballet, hip hop, and other forms, catering to diverse interests and skill levels.
• Summer Camps: Intensive summer programs, such as aerial silks camps, designed to introduce new skills and provide an immersive performing arts experience.
• Ongoing Sessions/Lessons: Regular classes scheduled throughout the year to allow for continuous skill development and artistic growth.
• Youth Troupes/Performance Teams: Opportunities for dedicated students to join performing troupes, gaining experience in rehearsals and public performances.
• Skill Building: Programs focused on developing physical agility, strength, flexibility, coordination, and artistic expression.
• Community Building: Emphasis on fostering a supportive peer community among students within the programs.

Features / Highlights:

• Diverse Performing Arts Curriculum: Kids N' Dance, along with Expression Arts, offers a broad spectrum of classes including popular aerial silks, a unique offering that attracts many students, alongside various dance styles and broader circus arts.
• Engaging Instructors: Certain instructors, such as Moca Rae, are highlighted by parents for being "fabulous" and creating enjoyable learning experiences where children are always excited to share what they've learned.
• Community for Troupers: The circus program, in particular, has been noted as a "haven" for children, where they can build a strong sense of community with their peer troupers, fostering belonging and camaraderie.
• Opportunities for Skill Development: The programs provide avenues for children to develop significant physical skills, artistic expression, and self-discipline through rigorous training.
• Performance Opportunities: Students in the troupes gain valuable experience through extensive practice and multiple public performances, providing real-world stage exposure.
• Emphasis on Artistic Growth: The core aim is to cultivate a love for the art of circus and dance, encouraging children to explore their creative potential.
• Long-Standing Presence: As a studio that has been active for a period, it has built a community and trained numerous young performers in the Oakland area.

Contact Information:

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

Phone: (510) 531-4400

Mobile Phone: +1 510-531-4400

For families in Oakland and the wider California East Bay, Kids N' Dance offers a distinct and engaging opportunity for children to delve into the world of performing arts, particularly unique disciplines like aerial silks and circus arts, alongside various dance styles. Its convenient location on MacArthur Blvd makes it readily accessible for regular attendance, a key factor for busy local families. The studio has successfully built a community where many children have found a "haven," developing strong bonds with peers and discovering a passion for artistic expression. The positive experiences shared by parents, especially regarding the excitement their children feel after sessions and the dedication of specific instructors like Moca Rae, highlight the potential for joyful learning and skill development.

However, it is important for locals to be aware that some long-term participants and their families have raised significant concerns regarding safety protocols, training intensity, and the emotional environment within certain programs, particularly for competitive troupes. These concerns include inadequate warm-ups, extended practice hours, and alleged instances of inappropriate communication from some staff members. While the intention of management is believed to be positive, the feedback underscores a need for increased accountability, vulnerability, and ongoing training to ensure a consistently safe and nurturing space for all children. For families considering Kids N' Dance, it is advisable to engage directly with management about these points, and perhaps observe classes or speak with current participants, to ensure alignment with their child's needs and well-being priorities. The potential for artistic growth and community building remains, provided that these critical areas of concern are transparently and effectively addressed for the benefit of all young performers.

Kids N' Dance

3840 MacArthur Blvd, Oakland, CA 94619, USA