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Best Dance Classes For Kids In The Bay Area

(credi:t JOSEPH EID/AFP/Getty Images)

Dance classes are an excellent way to provide a positive outlet for all of the excess energy so many kids have. Dance can help children develop coordination, rhythm and balance. Dance classes can also foster self-esteem, team spirit and help improve muscle tone and posture in an enjoyable environment. With the multitude of dance styles and studios in the Bay Area, here is a list of five of the best studios for kids.

For The Love Of Dance
2483 Old Middlefield Way, Suite B
Mountain View, CA 94043
(650) 861-0650
www.fortheloveofdancemv.com

Conveniently located just outside the heart of Mountain View, For the Love of Dance is a combined ballet, tap and jazz studio, offering dance lessons from kids age three and up through adults. Classes for the littler ones are focused on fun and foundational skills such as rhythm, concentration and teamwork in order for children to develop a passion for dance. Older children can advance their skills through barre exercises and pointe work. The studio also offers lyrical, hip hop and musical theater classes.

San Francisco Youth Ballet Academy
3149 Vicente St.
San Francisco, CA 94116
(415) 731-2237
www.sanfranciscoyouthballet.org

The San Francisco Youth Ballet Academy offers classical ballet training to children ages three and above. The disciplined curriculum nurtures flexibility and physical fitness through a study of French and Russian ballet. Children are grouped according to age, and separate classes are available for boys, and also for contemporary, hip hop and jazz. The studio also offers birthday party packages for ages three and up that include a 45-minute class and craft.

Sunshine Dance And Cheer Studio
1569 Olivinia Ave., Suite 121
Livermore, CA 94551
(925) 493-7481
www.sunshinedanceandcheer.com

Sunshine Dance and Cheer Studio offers instruction in a variety of dance styles and has a strong focus on dancing as a form of self-expression. The studio has classes in break dancing, hip hop, ballet, tap and jazz. It also offers cheerleading instruction to develop teamwork, self-confidence and physical fitness. Ages toddler through adult are welcome.

Hula Hulau 'O Nalua / Ote'a Api School Of Polynesian Dance
42285 Osgood Road, Suite D
Fremont, CA 94539
(510) 657-4852
www.pacificexchangeprod.com

The family-run School of Polynesian Dance offers training in traditional Polynesian and Tahitian dancing. The Fremont-based school welcomes children ages four and up. Children can enroll in a variety of classes from hula to ote'a, and have the opportunity to participate in a number of performances. Dance groups are also available for special events.

Dance Academy USA
21269 Stevens Creek Blvd., Suite 618
Cupertino, CA 95014
(408) 257-3211
www.danceacademyusa.com

Located in the Oaks shopping center across from De Anza College, Dance Academy USA is a large facility with seven rooms and 35 instructors. The studio offers a variety of classes including hip hop, break dancing, lyrical, jazz, tap and ballet. With over 200 classes per month, dance instruction is available for kids ages two and above. The studio also offers special Baby Sensory classes which foster brain development through fun and games for newborns through 13 months.

Joanna Metheny is a freelance writer covering all things South Bay. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
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