Roundhill Studios

For over a year now, Roundhill Studios has been a cherished destination for dance enthusiasts in San Jose, California, and the broader Bay Area. This esteemed studio is not just a place to learn dance steps; it's a vibrant community where passion for movement is ignited, technical skills are meticulously honed, and genuine connections are formed. Whether you're a seasoned dancer returning to the barre or a complete beginner eager to explore the world of ballet and other dance forms, Roundhill Studios offers an environment that is both rigorous and wonderfully enjoyable.

At the heart of Roundhill Studios' success is its director and lead instructor, Donna Maruoka. Known for her strong technical expertise and ability to maintain a great sense of humor, Donna makes every class a fulfilling experience. She challenges students thoughtfully while ensuring they have a fantastic time, often leaving with smiles on their faces. This unique blend of disciplined instruction and a fun, supportive atmosphere is what truly sets Roundhill Studios apart in the Californian dance scene.

The studio offers professional and recreational ballet instruction for students of all ages and skill levels, emphasizing good technique and an appreciation for classical music and art. Beyond regular classes, Roundhill Studios enriches its students' lives with distinctive performance opportunities. These annual events, like the intimate "Winter Interlude" and the grand "Maiden's Visit" full-length ballet, provide invaluable stage experience and a true sense of accomplishment. It's a place where the art of dance comes alive, fostering confidence and a lifelong love for performance.

Many local families commend the studio for its affordability, especially considering the high quality of instruction and the comprehensive experience it provides. With convenient parking and a welcoming atmosphere, Roundhill Studios makes professional dance education accessible and enjoyable for everyone in California looking for a rewarding creative outlet.

Roundhill Studios is conveniently located at 1043 Garland Ave, San Jose, CA 95126, USA. This central San Jose address makes the studio highly accessible for residents throughout the Silicon Valley and surrounding communities. Its position in a well-established area of San Jose ensures ease of travel from various parts of the Bay Area, including Santa Clara, Cupertino, Campbell, and Milpitas.

For those traveling by car, Garland Avenue offers direct access and good connectivity to major roads and highways in San Jose, such as Stevens Creek Boulevard, Bascom Avenue, and the nearby Highway 280 and Highway 87. This robust road network facilitates smooth and efficient commutes for students and families coming from different parts of California. A significant highlight for many attendees is the availability of "plenty of parking outside," which adds a layer of convenience often appreciated in busy urban areas.

While specific public transportation routes should always be confirmed with the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA), San Jose boasts an extensive bus and light rail system. The studio's location within a residential and commercial area suggests that it is likely served by nearby bus stops, providing an alternative transportation option for students who prefer not to drive. This accessibility ensures that the opportunity to experience high-quality dance instruction at Roundhill Studios is available to a broad spectrum of the local Californian population.

The ease of reaching Roundhill Studios, coupled with its convenient parking, makes it a practical and appealing choice for anyone in California looking to pursue their passion for dance without logistical hassles.

• Professional and Recreational Ballet Instruction: Offering high-quality ballet classes for students of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to more experienced dancers.
• Children's Dance Programs: Specific classes designed to capture children's attention and interest in dance, focusing on foundational techniques and creative movement. Pre-Ballet (ages 3.5-5), Level 1 (ages 6-8), Level 2 (intermediate), and Level 3&4 (intermediate/advanced) ballet classes are available.
• Adult Ballet Classes: Catered programs for adult dancers, including Adult Level A (beginners or returners) and Adult Level B (several years experience, faster pace).
• Pointe Class: Specialized instruction for beginning and intermediate level pointe work, incorporating barre and center floor exercises as abilities allow.
• Private Dance Lessons: Available for all levels, offering one-on-one personalized instruction throughout the week and weekends, depending on schedule and availability.
• Diverse Dance Styles: While ballet is a core focus, the studio also hosts dance classes in other styles from various instructors and organizations, providing a wide range of options to try.
• Performance Opportunities: Students can participate in annual productions, including the "Winter Interlude" (in-studio presentation of small dance pieces with dinner and dessert) and "Maiden's Visit" (a full-length ballet performed in a local theater).
• Costume Creation: Unique to the studio, costumes for major productions like "Maiden's Visit" are exquisitely made by Donna's mother, adding a special, personalized touch to performances.
• Studio Rental: Offering studio space (Studio A: 37'x36', Studio B: 24'x24', Studio C: 30'x20') for classes and rehearsals, equipped with floating floors, marley flooring, mirrors, and barres.
• Emphasis on Technique and Humor: Instruction is rigorous in technique while maintaining a great sense of humor, ensuring an enjoyable and effective learning environment.
• ABT National Training Curriculum: Proudly includes the ABT National Training Curriculum (Primary through Level 5), which combines high-quality artistic training with dance health and child development basics. Donna Krasowski Maruoka is an ABT certified teacher.
• Cecchetti Instructor: Donna Maruoka is also a Certified Cecchetti Instructor, providing expertise in another renowned ballet method.

• Expert and Engaging Instructor (Donna Maruoka): Donna is consistently highlighted for her strong technical prowess, rigorous teaching methods, and exceptional sense of humor. She makes classes effective, challenging, and highly enjoyable, motivating students to return.
• Unique Performance Opportunities: The studio offers distinctive annual productions that are a major highlight:
  • Winter Interlude: An intimate in-studio presentation of small dance pieces, followed by a communal pasta dinner and dessert, fostering a strong sense of community.
  • Maiden's Visit: A full-length original ballet, written and choreographed by Donna herself, performed in a local theater with exquisite, custom-made costumes by Donna's mother. This provides significant stage experience.
• Holistic and Nurturing Environment: While rigorous in technique, the studio maintains a fun and supportive atmosphere where students feel comfortable and leave with smiles. It's described as a place that combines discipline with nurturing care.
• Affordable Pricing: Students find the pricing very good for the quality of instruction and the comprehensive experience, making dance accessible.
• Convenient Parking: Ample parking outside the studio adds to the convenience for attendees, a practical benefit in San Jose.
• Variety of Dance Forms: While excelling in ballet for all levels, the studio also hosts other dance classes from various instructors, offering a wide range of options to explore.
• Commitment to All Ages: The studio successfully captures the interest of children while also providing challenging and fulfilling classes for adults, demonstrating a broad appeal.
• High-Quality Facilities: The studio spaces are equipped with floating floors, marley flooring, mirrors, and barres, providing an optimal environment for dance training.
• Internationally Recognized Curriculum: Inclusion of the ABT National Training Curriculum and having a Certified Cecchetti Instructor demonstrates a commitment to recognized, high-standard ballet training methods.

Address: 1043 Garland Ave, San Jose, CA 95126, USA

Phone: (408) 241-1193

Mobile Phone: +1 408-241-1193

For the vibrant and diverse community of California, particularly those in San Jose and the wider Bay Area, Roundhill Studios stands as an exceptionally suitable and enriching local establishment for dance education. Its unique blend of rigorous training, a fun and supportive environment, and distinctive performance opportunities makes it an ideal choice for residents of all ages and dance backgrounds.

The studio's convenient location at 1043 Garland Ave in San Jose ensures superb accessibility for local families. With ample parking readily available, integrating dance classes into a busy Californian schedule becomes seamless and stress-free. This practicality allows more individuals to pursue their passion for dance without logistical burdens.

What truly makes Roundhill Studios resonate with local users is the inspiring leadership of Donna Maruoka. Her ability to deliver technically strong instruction while maintaining a great sense of humor creates an environment where students are challenged to grow but always enjoy the process. This balance is crucial for fostering long-term engagement and a genuine love for dance, whether for a child taking their first ballet steps or an adult returning to the barre. The positive atmosphere ensures that everyone feels welcome and supported, making it a "home" for dancers.

The studio's commitment to providing unique and fulfilling performance opportunities, such as the intimate "Winter Interlude" and the grand "Maiden's Visit" ballet, offers invaluable experiences that extend beyond the classroom. For local families, these events provide a tangible goal for their hard work, fostering confidence, teamwork, and cherished memories. The personal touch of exquisite, custom-made costumes further enhances these experiences, making them truly special.

Furthermore, the perceived affordability of classes, coupled with the high quality of instruction and facilities, makes Roundhill Studios an excellent value proposition for Californians. It demonstrates that professional-level dance training, coupled with a supportive community, can be accessible to many. In essence, Roundhill Studios is more than just a dance school; it's a community cornerstone that enriches lives through the beauty and discipline of dance, perfectly suited to the active and culturally appreciative spirit of California residents.

Roundhill Studios

1043 Garland Ave, San Jose, CA 95126, USA