The Looking Glass Studio Of Performing Arts

Welcome to The Looking Glass Studio Of Performing Arts, a long-standing and cherished institution in Redlands, California. For over 50 years, since its founding in 1974, this studio has been a cornerstone of arts education in the Inland Empire, providing effective and affordable drama and dance classes to generations of students. More than just a place to learn technique, The Looking Glass Studio fosters a warm and welcoming environment, striving to be a true "dance family" where individuals of all ages and aspirations can explore their creative potential and build lasting confidence.

The studio's rich history began in San Bernardino and, in 2018, it gracefully transitioned to its current Redlands location, continuing its legacy of excellence under new leadership while maintaining its foundational values. This move has allowed the studio to evolve while staying true to its roots. As one long-time patron reflected, recalling their journey from the San Bernardino days to the Redlands relocation, the studio offers a sense of continuity and a renewed passion for dance. While experiences can vary for individuals, as with any long-standing establishment, the prevailing sentiment from many current families is overwhelmingly positive: "We have been attending the Looking Glass Studio of Performing Arts in Redlands for 6 months now and are very pleased. The owner, staff, instructors, parents, and students that we have interacted with are warm and welcoming. They love teaching anyone who wants to learn whether it is as a hobby or to become a professional. We love the diversity of all the people and the classes offered. Definitely a hidden gem that we hope more discover!" This highlights the studio's enduring commitment to its community and its mission of nurturing artistic talent in a supportive atmosphere.

The Looking Glass Studio Of Performing Arts is conveniently located at 1150 Brookside Ave suite l, Redlands, CA 92373, USA. This well-situated address in Redlands, a vibrant city in the Inland Empire, ensures excellent accessibility for residents throughout the region. Redlands is known for its historic charm and active community, making it an appealing setting for a performing arts studio. Brookside Avenue is a key thoroughfare, facilitating straightforward navigation for families and students traveling from various parts of Redlands, Loma Linda, Mentone, Yucaipa, and other surrounding areas in Southern California.

The studio also has a second location at 624 W State St, Redlands CA, 92373, allowing for expanded class offerings and greater convenience. Both locations are typically situated in areas with accessible parking, which is a significant benefit for parents during busy drop-off and pick-up times. This ease of access allows local users to seamlessly integrate dance, acting, and singing lessons into their daily routines, solidifying The Looking Glass Studio Of Performing Arts as a practical and highly desirable destination for arts education in the region.

The Looking Glass Studio Of Performing Arts provides a diverse and comprehensive curriculum across dance, acting, and singing, catering to a wide range of ages and skill levels. Their services include:

• Kinder-Theatre (KT) Program (Ages 3-6): Specially designed classes for the youngest performers, including Kinder-Theatre Ballet/Tap and Kinder Musical Theatre. These classes introduce fundamental movements and concepts in a playful and engaging way.
• Junior (JR) Level Classes (Ages 7-Teen): Programs for school-aged children and pre-teens, covering a variety of dance styles and acting.
• Teen (TN) Level Classes (Ages 13 and up): Advanced classes for teenagers, designed to deepen their technique and performance skills across various disciplines.
• Adult (AD) Classes (18+): Offerings for adult learners, allowing individuals to pursue their passion for dance or try something new, such as Adult Tap.
• Ballet and Pointe: Comprehensive ballet instruction, from foundational steps for beginners to advanced pointe work, focusing on classical technique, grace, and strength.
• Jazz Dance: Dynamic classes that teach contemporary jazz techniques, emphasizing isolations, turns, leaps, and expressive choreography.
• Hip Hop: Energetic classes introducing fundamental hip-hop moves, rhythm, and style, suitable for various age groups.
• Lyrical/Contemporary Dance: Classes that blend elements of ballet, jazz, and modern dance, focusing on emotional expression, fluidity, and storytelling through movement.
• Tap Dance: Rhythmic classes that develop intricate footwork, musicality, and coordination through percussive sounds.
• Acro Dance/Tumbling: Classes that combine dance with acrobatic elements, enhancing flexibility, strength, and agility, including basic tumbling skills like cartwheels and handstands.
• Acting Classes: Programs for various age groups focusing on theatrical skills, improvisation, scene work, and developing stage presence.
• Musical Theatre: Integrated classes that combine singing, dancing, and acting, preparing students for stage performances in the style of Broadway productions.
• Technique-Only Classes: Specific classes like "Ballet/Modern Technique" and "Leap & Turns" that focus purely on refining technical skills without preparing for a performance.
• Performance Opportunities: As a "performance focused studio," they provide one major recital annually in June ("Looking Good" recital) and seek numerous other performance opportunities throughout the year at venues like Disneyland, Senior Centers, local Parades, and community theaters, offering invaluable stage experience.
• Free Trial Classes: New students are offered one free trial class (excluding private lessons and workshops) to experience the studio's environment and teaching style before committing to enrollment.

The Looking Glass Studio Of Performing Arts distinguishes itself through several key features and highlights that make it a prominent and cherished institution in Redlands, California:

• Decades of Experience and Legacy: Founded in 1974, the studio boasts over 50 years of experience in performing arts education. This long-standing history reflects a deep commitment to the community and a proven track record of nurturing talent, with many former students even becoming teachers.
• Warm and Welcoming "Dance Family" Environment: Many current customers praise the studio for its inviting and inclusive atmosphere. The owner, staff, instructors, parents, and students are described as "warm and welcoming," fostering a sense of belonging and community.
• Diverse and Comprehensive Curriculum: The studio offers a wide array of dance styles (Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Tap, Lyrical, Contemporary, Acro), alongside acting and musical theatre. This diversity allows students to explore multiple facets of the performing arts and become well-rounded artists.
• Performance-Focused Approach: Unlike some competition-focused studios, The Looking Glass Studio is primarily "performance focused." This means abundant opportunities for students to showcase their skills in annual recitals ("Looking Good") and at various community venues, building confidence and stage presence.
• Commitment to Individual Growth: The studio is dedicated to teaching "anyone who wants to learn whether it is as a hobby or to become a professional." They foster growth, encourage confidence, and guide students, helping them "grow so much" as dancers and individuals.
• Experienced and Dedicated Staff: The instructors are highly praised for their teaching abilities and their dedication to student development, creating a "constructive and challenging curriculum" while maintaining a "safe, positive environment." The current operations are run by Kelly Allen Uminski, the daughter of the founders, maintaining the family legacy.
• Accessibility and Affordability: The studio has historically provided "effective, affordable" classes, making quality arts education accessible to a broader community. The provision of free trial classes further demonstrates their commitment to welcoming new students.

For more information on class schedules, enrollment, or any other inquiries about The Looking Glass Studio Of Performing Arts, please use the following contact details:

• Address: 1150 Brookside Ave suite l, Redlands, CA 92373, USA (Primary Location)
• Additional Studio Location: 624 W State St, Redlands CA, 92373
• Phone: (909) 359-2972
• Mobile Phone: +1 909-359-2972 (Also listed as a text number: 909.361.9732)
• Email: lgsparedlands@outlook.com
• Website: For the most current information, including detailed class schedules, registration, and announcements, it is highly recommended to visit their official website, which can be found by searching "The Looking Glass Studio Of Performing Arts Redlands CA."

The Looking Glass Studio Of Performing Arts in Redlands stands as an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended local point of interest for families and individuals throughout the Inland Empire region of California. Its rich history spanning over five decades underscores its deep roots in the community and its proven ability to provide consistent, high-quality arts education. For local residents, this studio offers a unique blend of professional instruction across dance, acting, and singing, coupled with a profoundly "warm and welcoming" environment that feels like a true "dance family."

For parents, the studio's commitment to nurturing growth, fostering confidence, and offering a "constructive and challenging curriculum" in a "safe, positive environment" is invaluable. The diverse range of classes, catering to all ages from pre-schoolers to adults, ensures that every family member can find an engaging artistic outlet. Furthermore, its "performance focused" approach, providing numerous opportunities to shine on stage at various local venues, offers practical experience and builds invaluable stage presence. For anyone in Redlands and the surrounding California communities seeking a long-standing, community-oriented performing arts studio that values both technical excellence and personal well-being, The Looking Glass Studio Of Performing Arts is a true hidden gem, offering a welcoming space to learn, grow, and have fun.

The Looking Glass Studio Of Performing Arts

1150 Brookside Ave suite l, Redlands, CA 92373, USA