Peninsula Dance Academy

We have had our daughter taking ballet here for over three years and she loves the classes and the teachers! I also like that there is a ranked order to the class, better more interested students up front and the newer less motivated students in back. But I am of the mindset that not all participating kids get a trophy — that just promotes mediocrity! Try hard at PDA and you will be rewarded, so thank you Heba for keeping this culture!
I would and have recommended this school for ballet!

Heba is a great dancer herself.
As far as teaching pre-​ballet to young ones is concerned, I’m not so sure. The class size is really big — at least 30+ students. The students do not get a lot of attention, especially given how little they are and probably need more personal attention.
The teacher sits up in front of the class and more experienced students in the front row and newbies and not so great dancers in the last row. My daughter often complaints that she cannot see what the teacher is doing, although Heba insists that this should not be a problem since the front is all mirrors — but really it’s hard to look at the mirrors when you’re lying down.
We’ve been going for a few months. I think it’s a good class for older kids.

Sandra L — don’t review a place you’ve never been to. It’s irresponsible and in fact, is also rude. Perhaps the phone connection was bad. Perhaps you should have paid a visit to find out for yourself.
Here’s a review from someone who actually knows what this studio offers. My daughter has been going here for a year and a half and it is wonderful. Teacher Heba is an incredibly well trained dancer, having studied and now teaches the Russian Vaganova method. She moved here to start the studio with her husband Matt. She’s no «dropout.»
Most ballet studios don’t let the highly trained instructors teach the pre-​ballet classes. Usually you get an assistant or student teacher. Not here. From day 1, your child will be taught by the best.
This studio is anything but rude or arrogant. They are wonderful people who work nonstop to make this place great. And the prices are in line or cheaper than other good studios. Check around.
And yes, it’s mostly ballet. That is the specialty. But their tap instructor is very good and the tap class regularly competes around the area.
My daughter loves ballet and it’s because of Peninsula Dance Academy.

My 5 year old daughter has been taking Ballet lessons (Pre-​Ballet II & III) here since Sept ’11 and loves it! Its affordable for the Bay area and the class sizes are smaller (6 – 12) so every child gets attention. I had looked at some of the other big name schools nearby and was appalled at the number of kids in a beginner class; the one I viewed had nearly 40!
Proper technique is taught here along with stretching and choreographed dances. Its not just running around to music. There’s a Nutcracker performance in December and a recital in June. My daughter can’t get enough Miss Heba! She’s now coming twice a week and learning so much.

Peninsula Dance Academy has accomodated all three of my kids in their dance of choice. I can’t praise the teachers enough with their patience and understanding. From my 4 year old to my 9 year old, PDA gives each child the individual assistance they require. PDA has taught my kids to appreciate all types of dance. PDA is like a second family, my kids love the staff, teachers and other students! Thanks PDA!

Peninsula Dance Academy has drastically changed my dance technique!!! I had moved there from another studio and in that first year I was there I had a completley different outlook on all kinds of dance. The teachers are focused, tough, and incredibly nice! This studio deserves the best because it gives the best!

PDA is amazing! I’ve danced for four years in school and this is the first studio I ever joined and I love it! I’ve been dancing here for about 5months and I’ve been improving so much. Heba is a great teacher and she’s very patient with her students. The studio isn’t too big so there’s a greater sense of community. Definitely the place to go for high quality dance lessons.