Westlake School for the Performing Arts (WSPA)

For over three decades, the Westlake School for the Performing Arts (WSPA) has been a leading institution in the San Francisco Bay Area, dedicated to cultivating artistic talent and fostering a love for the performing arts. Located in Daly City, California, WSPA is much more than just a dance studio; it is a comprehensive arts center where students of all ages and abilities can explore dance, music, and theater in a supportive, professional, and inspiring environment. Whether you're a young aspiring dancer dreaming of the stage or an adult looking for a fun and engaging way to stay active, WSPA offers programs tailored to meet diverse needs and aspirations.

Founded in 1991 by Malu Rivera-Peoples and Karen Dycaico in collaboration with the City of Daly City Parks and Recreation Department, WSPA has grown from a summer program with 35 students to an institution now serving over a thousand students. Its commitment to excellence and its belief in the transformative power of the arts have made it a beloved and respected presence in the local community. WSPA’s philosophy extends beyond mere technical training, aiming to instill qualities like hard work, discipline, self-confidence, and teamwork that will benefit students throughout their lives, whether or not they pursue a professional career in the arts.

The exceptional quality of instruction and the nurturing environment at WSPA are consistently praised by its dedicated families. As one parent enthusiastically shared, "My daughter has been part of WSPA since 2019, and we absolutely love the supportive environment and the exceptional training she receives here. Currently, she is enrolled in the Ballet Performance Program, Musical Theatre Performance Program, and Tap Performance Program. The comprehensive curriculum at WSPA is designed to nurture well-rounded performers, and it’s clear in my daughter’s development as a true Triple Threat. Her hard work, dedication, and growth as a performer are a direct reflection of the high-quality instruction and mentorship she receives." This testimonial beautifully illustrates the profound impact WSPA has on its students, guiding them to become not just skilled performers but confident and dedicated individuals.

The Westlake School for the Performing Arts (WSPA) is conveniently located at 200 Northgate Ave, Daly City, CA 94015, USA. Situated in the heart of Daly City, the studio boasts a fantastic 14,000 square feet facility with six spacious studios surrounding a welcoming courtyard at the Doelger Arts Center. This central location makes WSPA highly accessible for families and individuals residing throughout Daly City, as well as neighboring communities across the San Francisco Peninsula, including South San Francisco, San Bruno, Colma, and parts of San Francisco itself.

The studio's address ensures ease of access, typically offering ample parking options that alleviate common Bay Area commuting concerns. Its prominent presence within a dedicated arts center provides a professional and inspiring environment for students. For those utilizing public transportation, the location is generally well-served by local transit options, making it a feasible destination for students from various parts of the region. This accessibility is key to WSPA's mission of providing top-tier performing arts education to a wide and diverse segment of the California community.

• General School Programs: Designed for children who wish to take dance for exercise, coordination, discipline, and fun. Classes are grouped by age and skill level, providing an understanding and appreciation of the art form with a lower intensity of training.

• Performance Programs: Patterned after a young performing company, with students advancing through junior, junior apprentice, apprentice, and company status. These students represent the school at national and international competitions and dance festivals, requiring high training intensity and strong commitment.

• Pre-Professional Ballet Division: An audition-based program for students aged 9 and up with at least two years of experience, designed to prepare them for a professional career in classical ballet. Focuses on intense training, technical development, and artistic merit, with opportunities to compete in prestigious ballet competitions.

• Diverse Dance Styles: Comprehensive training in ballet, pointe, contemporary, hip hop, jazz, lyrical, tap, Polynesian dance (Hula/Tahitian), and musical theatre. Also offers ethnic dance classes in Russian traditions.

• Musical Theatre Programs: Dedicated musical theatre classes and a Musical Theatre Performance Program for students aged 8-18, focusing on developing "triple threat" performers through acting, singing, and dancing techniques. Members participate in performances and competitions in various professional and community service venues.

• Music Programs: Private classes in piano, voice, and musical theater are taught in a dedicated music room.

• Tumbling/Acrobatics: Classes to enhance flexibility, strength, and acrobatic skills, often integrated with dance training.

• Summer Dance Intensives and Camps: Including specialized Hip Hop Intensives, Musical Theater Camps, and Kinder Dance Camps (introducing theatre, dance, arts, and crafts for young children), as well as Performance Dance Camps for serious students.

• Performance Opportunities: Regular opportunities for students to showcase their talents, including lavish Year-End Showcases, annual recitals, and participation in various community and competitive events.

• Early Childhood Programs: Creative Movement classes for ages 3-4 years, preparing them for future dance training.

• Established Legacy: Over 30 years of experience in providing high-quality performing arts education, with a proven track record of student success and artistic excellence.

• Comprehensive Curriculum: Offers a wide array of dance styles, music instruction, and musical theatre programs under one roof, catering to holistic artistic development.

• Expert and Passionate Educators: A dedicated staff of experienced dance, music, and acting educators who take pride in their teaching, adapting to each student's unique learning ability and fostering growth in a structured yet fun environment.

• Nurturing and Supportive Environment: Consistently praised for its warm, welcoming, and judgment-free facility that encourages creativity, self-expression, and confidence building.

• Pathway to Professionalism: Offers pre-professional programs (e.g., Ballet Performance Program, Musical Theatre Performance Program) that prepare serious students for potential careers in the performing arts. Alumni have gone on to prestigious universities and professional roles.

• Award-Winning Institution: Recognized with accolades such as the Youth America Grand Prix Outstanding School Award and the New York City Dance Alliance Outstanding School Award, showcasing its national recognition for excellence.

• Focus on Life Skills: Beyond artistic technique, WSPA emphasizes the development of crucial life skills such as hard work, discipline, teamwork, collaboration, reliability, integrity, and leadership.

• Vibrant Community: Fosters a strong sense of community and family among students, parents, and staff, leading to lasting relationships and a supportive network.

• State-of-the-Art Facilities: Boasts a 14,000 square feet space with six lovely studios, providing ample and professional-grade training environments.

• Extensive Performance Opportunities: Provides numerous chances for students to perform on stage, from annual recitals to national competitions and international dance festivals.

Address: 200 Northgate Ave, Daly City, CA 94015, USA

Phone: (650) 757-1244

Mobile Phone: +1 650-757-1244

For residents of Daly City and the wider San Francisco Bay Area, the Westlake School for the Performing Arts (WSPA) stands as an unparalleled resource for anyone seeking to engage with the world of dance, music, and theater. In a region that values innovation and excellence, WSPA delivers a comprehensive and deeply enriching experience that caters to all ages and aspirations.

Families across California will find WSPA an ideal environment for their children's artistic and personal development. The studio's commitment to nurturing well-rounded performers, as highlighted by satisfied parents, ensures that students gain not just technical proficiency in various dance styles (from classical ballet to energetic hip hop and cultural Polynesian dance) but also crucial life skills such as discipline, confidence, and teamwork. The opportunity for young talents to participate in challenging performance programs and even compete nationally and internationally provides an exceptional pathway for those with serious artistic ambitions, right here in their local community.

Beyond the rigorous training, WSPA prides itself on fostering a warm, welcoming, and judgment-free atmosphere. This creates a supportive "dance family" where students feel safe to express themselves, build lasting friendships, and truly thrive. The extensive range of programs, including summer intensives and classes for adults, means that WSPA serves as a lifelong learning center for the performing arts, accessible to anyone in the Bay Area, regardless of their current skill level or age.

Ultimately, by choosing Westlake School for the Performing Arts, locals are not just enrolling in a series of classes; they are investing in an institution with a decades-long legacy of excellence, dedicated to inspiring the next generation of performers and cultivating individuals who embody hard work, discipline, and a lifelong appreciation for the arts. It is a place where talent is discovered, skills are honed, and dreams are given the stage they deserve, right here in Daly City, California.

Westlake School for the Performing Arts (WSPA)

200 Northgate Ave, Daly City, CA 94015, USA