Dance Academy USA Reviews
We Love DAU!!
DAU is the new home for our daughter, Ceci pursuing her dream to be a dancer. Our daughter Ceci joined Dance Academy USA production company directly last year. It’s such a wonderful experience for Ceci. From day one she knew nobody there till now she made so many good friends and learnt a lot of amazing dance skills. We are greatly impressed by how organized the school is, personal care from all wonderful staff, systematic classes offering, and great professional instruction for all level dancers. DAU is the best dance school for dance talents and all levels. Ceci really enjoys everyday’s life at DAU. She makes good friends and her effort is being recognized. Now DAU is another home for us. Ceci can’t wait to be there all the time. We love DAU!!
Wensheng S. 2021 - Yelp
The Best Studio!
The best dance studio in the area. We tried a few, but this one is the best. Well organized, lots of class options and very high quality of dance instruction. My kids are taking tap and breakdance. Special shout-out to Mr. Neal who teaches breakdance. He is so fun and energetic and creates such a positive environment in the class.
G. D. Jan, 2024 - Yelp
Inclusive and Welcoming
My daughter who is a senior in high school transferred to DAU from another local studio and joined their competitive performing company. As a teen, it was difficult for her to leave friends she had grown up with and make new ones. But the teachers, staff, and dancers were inclusive and welcoming. She has since moved on to high school dance team and no longer dances at the studio, but her younger sister has taken dance class once a week with Miss Joy. She is in the 2nd grade and really enjoys her class and has a lot of fun. I like that this studio offers many options for different levels and abilities. For the “hardcore” dancers it offers very challenging and competitive programs. For the hobbyists, they offer fun and enjoyable classes in a clean, well-run environment.
Laura M. 2023
Fun dance studio
My toddler boy, 3 years old, had fun dancing here during the summer. Friendly teachers and easy online system. They seem inclusive and I like that. It's good scheduled social interaction during times when he's not in preschool.
Ruth L. - Yelp - 2022
DAU helped shape my life
I went to DAU for 15 years starting from when I was the age of 2/3 to the age of 17/18. I'm a senior in college now and being a few years removed has given me the chance to reflect on my time there. It really was my family, and my constant throughout my entire life. I had amazing instructors, I made friends at the studio and I learned skills that I still use in every area of my life. I am no longer dancing regularly, and I miss it every day, but my organization skills, independence, and general preparedness are all qualities that I have to thank DAU for teaching me.
Being a dancer with DAU taught me the value of hard work and what it means to be a part of a team. I competed on the production hip hop team for 4 years and if you don't know your part and nail it each time, you could be letting the whole team down. You win together and you lose together, so you've really got to put in the effort and give everything your all. That's the same dedication I've brought into every job and internship I have had thus far, and that's the same dedication I'll bring in to any job I may get post-grad. I get complimented on this work ethic and understanding of teamwork frequently by teachers, bosses and peers.
This past summer, I interned for a small film production company in LA. I landed the job when I was interviewing with the producer and she was critiquing a writing assignment I had handed in to be considered for the position. She apologized for being harsh, but I just responded by saying I genuinely appreciate the value of constructive criticism because I was a dancer for 15 years. She literally hired me on the spot. She told me that's not something she can teach a 21-year-old and it's a character trait she values greatly. At DAU, I learned exactly how valuable constructive criticism is in a safe, motivating environment when I was young and I'll be forever grateful for it.
My teachers helped me improve as a dancer and a person constantly. It was the exact kind of structure that I needed growing up. Little things like packing my dance bag for conventions led to my ability to anticipate every thing I might need on any outing whether it's work-related, school-related or for fun. Being prepared and resourceful are the best qualities a film student could possess and I learned those skills long before college when I was at DAU.
All the older dancers at the studio were my role models who really inspired me to be a leader and push myself that little bit extra. Now I'm the Director of Recruitment for Sorority Life at Chapman University. I'm in charge of 700 women as they navigate finding their "home" on campus. I joined a sorority in the first place because I knew how amazing it feels to have a community that supports you, I always had DAU.
I hope everyone is doing well over there. I miss all my teachers and the Carter family (the owners) all the time, they were a huge part of my life. I still watch all the DAU videos on social media, I know their dancers just keep getting better and better.
Lauren T. - Yelp - 2019
Had a Blast!
My daughter attended a friend day with a student from there and had a blast. Was impressed with the studio size and teachers! Highly recommend it to dancers of all ages.
Julie M. - Yelp
The Teachers Have Been Such a Huge Part of Our Lives!
I have 3 daughters who all started dance at the age of 2.5. Dance Academy USA was our choice after looking around a few different places. It has been 18 years since our oldest daughter started here. Since then she had graduated and still misses dancing here. My other 2 still are very active in the DAU community. Both girls are on the Competition Team and have been for a long time. The teachers have been such a huge part of our lives! They have not only taught them dance, but how to be great people. They say it takes a village and the wonderful DAU staff has helped tremendously in raising my 3 girls. Ms. Jane is such an amazing mentor. She teaches in such a loving way. They have taken the skills learned at Dance Academy USA, and have gone to win many scholarships at various dance conventions. My girls take all genres at Dance Academy USA, such as Jazz, Contemporary, Tap, Hip Hop, Lyrical, Turns and Technique, Ballet, and Pointe. If you are looking for a studio that teaches with love but trains them to be strong dancers, DAU is the perfect place!
Lisa L.
Amazing Adult Dance Classes!
Unlike all other reviews written by the parents, I am writing from my own experience. And this review is only for Marcie Shapiro. Marcie is my first jazz dance teacher. When I joined her class, I knew nothing about jazz dance, I thought it was another kind of workout, but soon I fell in love with this "workout". My first-ever recital was Marcie's class. Everyone told me all sorts of stage fright stories... I should have been scared because only 4 of us were on a huge stage, but I wasn't. Marcie made us feel so confident that even when we made mistakes, we felt it was choreographed that way. :-)
The classes I am taking are Adult Jazz and Adult Tap. My classmates are of all different ages, from young moms to me (Oh! Did I mention that I am a few years away from 70?); and all levels, from beginner beginners to experienced dancers. Somehow Marcie magically makes all of us learn with great pleasure and confidence; the beginners don't feel too frustrated or challenged to come back, and the more experienced never feel bored. And she always carries a BIG smile to light up our day even on a rainy day.
I broke away from DAU for a few years because of a schedule conflict. Before rejoining her class, I took jazz and tap from several different instructors, you see, my review is not biased from only taking classes from one teacher. Marcie has a knack for teaching. I watched her teach toddlers... all the babies were so happy and laughing throughout the class. I watched "West Side Story" choreographed by her in 2021 (Sunnyvale), and the play was amazing. I am very grateful that before my legs go out, I have Marcie's class to fulfil my life with joy.
Wendy C. - 2023 - Yelp
Brilliant and Caring Dance Teachers
Dear Dance Academy teachers and amazingly kind support staff,
Lavender and parents would like to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the opportunity of auditioning for Joffrey Ballet Summer Intensives.
Participating in the audition itself has been a privilege and both physically as well as mentally demanding. It was rewarding being taught a Ballet and a Jazz / Contemporary class by Joffrey teachers.
Even getting prepared with the correct attire and hair style in the morning, lining up and introducing yourself, receiving a number was a valuable learning experience for future auditions.
We were absolutely surprised when Lavender received a letter of acceptance for Jazz & Contemporary, especially since she had been focused on USFS competitive figure skating (and ballet with the SF Ballet school). She only started her Jazz and Lyrical/Contemporary classes with Dance Academy USA 🇺🇸 🥰 last summer!
We didn’t think she would have much of a chance with her biggest challenges being mobility/flexibility and shyness. The audition was primarily an opportunity to show up and practice presenting in front of the judges.
Thank you Miss Corrine, Miss Myky, Mx Mel, Miss Angel for being such brilliant and caring dance teachers! Lavender has been learning so much and has been experiencing tremendous joy dancing and being in this creative bright environment!
We enrolled Lavender for 2 weeks in the Joffrey Ballet NYC Jazz & Contemporary Intensive and hope she will represent DAU in a positive way.
Katrin K. - 2024
Wow What an Amazing Studio
My 12 year old daughter loves to dance and play softball. She asked me to check out places to dance and we were recommended to check out DAU. Wow what an amazing studio and they have classes for all ages and even beginners just starting out at the age of 12. We will be signing up soon.
Kevin B.
I Highly Recommend This Studio
Dance Academy USA is a very long-standing studio in the Cupertino area and has built there clientele to where it is today. They are professional and courteous to their students and parents. They also have a office on site where any questions can be answered without interrupting the instructors. I highly recommend this studio
Gloria S., San Jose, CA - 2024
We Love DAU!!
We love DAU!! It’s a community of incredible teachers and staff that not only offer challenging technique classes but a place for my daughters to build confidence and friends. Jane, the director, is a mother of 3 girls and treats the students like her own. We couldn’t be happier with DAU!
Sara C. 2023
Very Creative Choreography and Fun Music!
I attended a recital and was very impressed by the poise and enthusiasm of the students and instructors! Very creative choreography and fun music!
Lisa A. 2023
Best Place!
Best Place! You feel welcomed immediately when you first walk in by all the staff and instructors. It is tons of fun to dance or even watch the class. I would definitely recommend this dance studio.
Lisa B.
I Wish I Started Earlier!
I’ve danced here at DAU for only two years and I wish I started earlier! The faculty is filled with kind, patient, and talented teachers. A thing I love most about DAU is their teacher to student connection; Teachers make it their goal to really connect and learn about their students. You go into class and you automatically feel welcomed by the teachers and the class. These past two years dancing at DAU was an experience I hold so close to my heart because I got to explore other styles of dance while being surrounded by numerous amazing teachers and dancers! I would recommend DAU to any new dancers and experienced dancers who are looking to grow as a dancer and as a person!!
Lilian M.
Well Organized and Well Run!
After 5 years on the competition team with a small local studio, we were devastated when it became a COVID casualty. We were looking for a new dance home. Happily, DAU became just that place! My daughter loves the instructors, and I have seen such growth in her technique and performance over the last year. She has especially enjoyed learning from Ms. Tami and Ms Gabby. They have really helped her excel. She has had a great time making new friends and being a part of the production company. After thinking she would never find a place to call her dance home, she now cannot wait to rush into DAU each dance day.
The new facilities are beautiful and well laid out. The multiple studios make it possible for them to offer multiple dance styles all throughout the afternoon to multiple ages. It has also been super convenient to have a large location to spread out to practice for upcoming competitions and prepare for conventions.
Everything is very organized and well run. We receive constant email communications from the office regarding our upcoming competitions, picture days, special days at the studio, even recital news. There is a constant stream of email information available. They even send out an email to all parents of the studio, the Thursday Update, each week letting you know of everything going on. Ms. Crystal does an excellent job of keeping the production company in line (which is no small task) and keeping us informed on upcoming schedules for fittings, pictures, competitions and conventions with all their associated paperwork, and ordering all our necessary gear. She has helped make transitioning to a new production team very easy.
We have been very pleased with our move to DAU and have encouraged others to join us.
Stacy H. 2022 - Yelp
An Amazing Environment
An amazing environment for dancers of all ages! Staff is a wonderful group of people that teach a hardworking and talented group of students. Caring and sweet environment for the whole family!
Ellie O.