At CDA we believe that the professional experience of all our instructors, smaller classes and our commitment to each student’s progress sets us apart from other studios. Owners Jennifer and Robbin Shahani both come from extensive backgrounds in dance and creative business management.
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California Dance Academy does not focus on one particular training style but instead incorporates the very best attributes of the Royal Academy of Dance (British), Vaganova (Russian) and Cecchetti (Italian) schools of technique. We emphasize correct placement from an early age and proper development of full body coordination, strength and musicality to train dancers that are solid technicians as well as compelling performers.
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No. On the contrary, American ballet companies generally do not desire dancers who were only trained in one specific method nor do they usually care in which method a dancer trained. Just as America itself is a melting pot, the American dance community values dancers who have received a blend of all the best training and are therefore the most versatile dancers. Studying only one technique, while desirable in many parts of the world, is simply not in the best interests of young American dancers.
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Certification in dance can be as simple as paying a fee and taking a multiple choice test where “A knowledge of ballet vocabulary is helpful…” to full-fledged certification which can take years of study. Consequently, accreditation or certification is not necessarily a guarantee of good teaching credentials. The faculty at California Dance Academy all come from professional dance backgrounds, which we find to be much more useful in teaching proper technique and performance quality.
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At CDA we start children as young as 3 years old. Your child should be potty trained, able to separate from you and capable of following instructions. This gives them the opportunity to develop musicality, rhythm, memorization, and coordination. We also have a lot of FUN as we help develop and prepare the student for the fundamentals of formal dance training.
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We offer a full range of classes to satisfy every dancer’s needs. We have Pre-Ballet/Tap for our youngest students (ages 3 – 4), along with Hip-Hop, Jazz, Contemporary, Tap, Lyrical, Ballroom and of course Ballet classes for students beginning at age 5. Pointe is offered for older students.
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Most girls who begin their training by age 8 can usually expect to be placed on pointe between age 11 and 12. We will take into account the technical progress of the child, their commitment to dancing, as well as physical development to determine if they are prepared. We often remind parents and children that it will not harm students to start on pointe at an older age. Going on pointe too early, on the other hand, can result in bad habits or even damage to the body. We carefully monitor students at this crucial stage to ensure appropriate progress.
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At CDA we feel it is necessary to give hands-on corrections for each child so that they can properly learn how to perform the steps given to them. Many transfer students have commented that prior to arriving at CDA, they never received personal corrections! They are usually very pleased with how quickly they progress with this kind of attention.
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We generally limit our youngest classes to 8 or 10 students per class and our upper division classes to about 20 dancers. This allows the teacher to attend to the needs of every child.
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At CDA there are viewing windows for all three studios. You are free to watch your child at any time. You will see exactly how the instructor is running the class and how your child is progressing. If you ever have any questions about what you see, please feel free to ask us so that you may better understand our training methods.
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Certainly! This year we will be offering both our Musical Theatre/Hip Hop Dance Camps for students ages 5 – 18, as well as our Summer Ballet Intensive for Intermediate students ages 11 and up, and regular classes for those that want only a few classes a week. Please check the website regularly for the latest information and details.
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1) Each year our dancers have the option of performing in The Nutcracker at the Madrid theatre in Canoga Park. It is a full-length production that many have said looks like a professional production. Most children who participate return in subsequent years so they can continue to be a part of this amazing show.
2) Our Spring Showcase is performed at a professional venue such as CSUN or Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza in May or June of each year. The younger dancers perform pieces that they rehearse during the last 15 - 20 minutes of class for a couple of months, while our more advanced students study and perform excerpts from a classical ballet such as Swan Lake, La Bayadere, or Giselle. This provides the dancers the unique opportunity to experience what it is like to be a part of a corps de ballet.
3) In addition, CDA directors are continually in search of community events at which to perform. This is a great way to support the community as well as give our dancers extra performing opportunities. Most recently, our dancers performed at the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life, and have been invited to perform every year at St. John Eudes' Summer Carnival.
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Yes. Families with more than one student receive a 10% discount off the entire family's tuition.
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Enrollment is ongoing. Give us a call and we can set up your FREE TRIAL CLASS today! We would love to set your child on the path to proper training, in a supportive atmosphere that fosters great friendships and a lifetime love of dance. Call us at 818–341-0525.
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Yes. Please check the schedule or call the studio at 818.341.0525 to find our latest offerings. We are continually trying to expand our range of classes available for adults.
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Private coaching can be arranged through the studio office in coordination with the instructor.
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Yes, we have three studios available, ranging in size from over 1800 square feet and the smaller one is about 900 square feet. Please click here for more information, or call 818-341-0525 to book your space.
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