Just Dance Academy - San Rafael, California

Stacey B.

My daughter has been attending Just Dance Academy for 11 years now and this truly is her home away from home. Her “dance family” is so important to her, this includes all of the warm, welcoming, talented teachers, and dancers. Everyone is supportive and encouraging.
Ms. Deanna, and Ms. Jenna have created an environment that is inclusive to all level of dancers, despite their size, gender or commitment to dance. They are so devoted to giving all dancers a solid dance foundation, while providing them with a love of dance.
My daughter has not only grown as a dancer but has gained a level of confidence that I thought she would never possess, considering I had to stand in the curtains on stage for the first couple of years during the recitals. She was so shy Ms. Deanna would hold her hand and skip with her around the room for the beginning 15 minutes of class and this lasted a year; Ms. Deanna was so patient and loving. This is an example of the care and compassion your child will receive at JDA.
My daughter is now a competitive dancer with JDA. I can say that when she hits the stage she exudes confidence, her technique is strong and you can see she has had the right training; she absolutely loves it. Who knew she would love preforming solos – no more standing in the curtains!
I am so thankful to have found JDA, and I am beyond grateful for everything they have done for my daughter. There will be lots of tears shed the day she graduates and moves onto to college.

Jodi C.

My daughter has been dancing here for 6 years after trying a couple of other places We truly love JDA. Deanna is not only an amazing teacher, but so kind, encouraging and responsive. Jenna, the co-director, is also so, so fabulous, and my girl admires them both. She has learned so much dance technique and choreography, but also has made friends, built her confidence, and dance has become her passion Thank you JDA

Tes H.

Our daughters (12 and 15) have been taking classes at JDA in ballet, jazz, contemporary, tap, and hip hop for almost 10 years. They love their teachers, their classes, and the friendly/supportive atmosphere of the studio (something that is actively promoted by Miss Deanna and her teachers). As a parent, I love the diversity of dance styles, the family-oriented JDA community, and the balance between skill-building and keeping dance fun.

Our daughters also participate in the studio's competition program. Every year I am so grateful that Miss Deanna and the other teachers, like Miss Jenna and Mr. Kyle, keep routines classy and entertaining and take the same "positive coaching" approach to the competitions as they do to the regular studio classes. Watching our kids on stage looking great and having fun in such a competitive environment makes me proud to be part of the JDA family.

Allison ?. W.

I danced here from 3rd to 11th grade. Most instructors are great here, but blatant favoritism has been shown by two instructors in particular. It is completely unabashed in front of the dancers, but if either were ever confronted about it by parents it would be denied. But if you're not a favorite student, it's well known. Special attention is given to certain girls over others, even if other dancers show initiative in wanting to improve. Unfortunately, one of the instructors that does this is the owner, Miss Deanna, and the other instructor used to be one of Deanna's favorite students, Miss Jenna.

This place is great for any dancer who wants to do styles other than ballet or isn't serious about ballet. If your child is serious about ballet, consider classes at Marin Ballet or Marin Dance Theater instead. They actually have a set style of ballet they teach and when they put their dancers en pointe, they actually pay attention to make sure they have the proper fitting shoes so they can thrive as dancers. Unlike what happened to me here.

I give JDA 4 stars because it was my childhood home away from home, but minus a star due to Deanna so obviously picking favorites and ignoring the needs of other students.

Anna B.

Conveniently located with a great amount of parking. My daughter is taking classes there and we like the down-to-earth feel of this studio, unlike other studios we've been to in this area that are full of snooty families. The owner Deanna is very responsive via email and is usually at the studio.

Carolyn R.

Experienced and thoughtful instructors devoted to the individual attention one needs to perfect a skill. Excellent group classes too.

Andrew M.

Keeping dance fun for all ages.

The W.

The best place ever