Beth Hoge in a beautiful pose while seated in a chair. Beth wears a purple shirt and black pants.

History

Danspace was founded in 1976 by Beth Hoge. After her professional career in New York, she had an idea for a school that would offer ballet training which would not overtax the average body. The school was founded with the idea of encouraging adults of all ages to explore the art of classical ballet. Adult ballet and pre-ballet for six year olds was taught. In 1980 a children’s division was started and creative movement was added to the list of courses. The school has been residing at its location in the Rockridge neighborhood of Oakland, CA since 1985. Danspace continues to offer a positive learning experience in a caring and supportive environment, respectful of the individual.

Danspace today

Danspace is the only Bay Area school inspired by the Corvino approach, which teaches a clean, classical technique free of mannerism, with great emphasis on musicality, artistry, purity of line, as well as balance and coordination which ultimately lead to more flexibility and strength. This approach is taught by dedicated and respectful staff in the areas of ballet, modern, jazz and creative movement; and has the necessary elements to enhance and expand one’s natural vocabulary of movement.

Danspace’s faculty have all trained in the Corvino approach, meaning there is a cohesion to our students’ experience across different teachers and across different levels. From Serendipity to Adult Division classes, there’s a consistent philosophy and technical approach.

a young dancer in arabesque poses with an adult dancer in a lunge
Beth Hoge giving corrections during class with a teen student practicing next to her.

Our philosophy

Dance training (like all of the arts) is a year-round commitment. Unlike seasonal sports, dance is meant to be practiced regularly, in order to train safely, continue to grow and build strength and flexibility, and to progress in our technical development.

We practice what our founder Beth Hoge refers to as “casual rigor.” Our classes are fun, encouraging, and supportive, while maintaining high expectations for each student’s approach to their training. Unlike what you may see in media portrayals of classical ballet training, our faculty never yell or disparage students. We use gentle repetition, imagery, and explanation to support our students’ progress. At Danspace, we genuinely believe that anyone who wants to dance is a dancer and has the capacity to learn and master Classical Ballet technique, regardless of natural flexibility, rotation, or body type.

Training for children and youth

At Danspace it is important to both educate and inspire children to achieve their utmost in a way that respects their individuality. With proper encouragement children can become confident about their abilities, and experience the exhilaration of moving their bodies through space. Although Danspace has launched many young dancers into professional careers, it is not our primary focus. Danspace creates a family atmosphere free from competitiveness, where empowerment through a strong self-image is achieved.

Commitment and time

While our classes are rigorous and rooted in Classical Ballet technical training and development, we believe that great dancers can be formed while also having time for friends, school, and other activities. Beginning at Level 3 we do expect consistent attendance and commitment from our students, but we also create our schedule so students at all levels have time for their life outside of dance.

Supporting the whole child

Parents experience a range of emotions in deciding to support their child’s dance training. If you danced as a kid and had a great experience, maybe you are excited and thrilled your child wants to dance. If you had a difficult experience or have only experienced ballet in the media, perhaps you’re a little wary or nervous of your child’s desire to take dance classes. At Danspace, our approach is rooted in contemporary principles around education and childhood development – we care for the whole child. From having extra shoes on the days you forget your dance bag, to water cups for the day your water bottle gets left behind, to leotards, tights, and shoes you can exchange as you outgrow yours, our goal is to make each and every student feel welcome and encouraged in our studio. (That said, please try to remember your clothes, shoes, and water bottle, have a snack before coming to dance, and arrive on time to class 🙂.)

Two young dancers stretch during serendipity
Adult dancers pose with Beth Hoge, Danspace's founder.

Training for adults

Danspace wishes to impart the simple secrets that unlock the beauty of dance for all bodies, all ages and all dancers. Based on the Corvino approach, adults have an opportunity to study the principles of movement, furthering their understanding of technique and achieving their full potential. 

We specialize in training adult beginners, particularly adults who have never danced before. Our community of adult students are welcoming, friendly, and enjoy moving together. New students at every level are welcome to join at any time.

Our approach

Our desire is for our students to have the ability to dance for their whole life, meaning we focus on safety and a technical approach that respects our human bodies. All physical practices have a risk for injury, but we do not needlessly push our students beyond their physical limits. We work with each student to develop their strength, flexibility, and organization, so they may dance safely and have long careers. 

This approach to dance training comes from our founder Beth Hoge, who created Danspace in 1976 to share her love of and knowledge of Classical Ballet technical training. Her love and care for each and every person who steps into the lobby has soaked into the foundation of Danspace. We are so grateful and fortunate Beth continues to teach and share her knowledge and wisdom with all of us. In Beth’s class, you’ll see our intermediate and advanced teen students, adult division students, and teachers, all learning and dancing together. 

If you have questions about what we do, how we do it, or what to expect from training at Danspace, please email us: info@danspace.com. Our faculty and staff are happy to share more and answer any questions you may have.

Beth Hoge, Danspace's founder, wears a purple shirt and stands in the middle of a group of 6 dancers in black leotards and pink tights, posed.
5 dancers look through the lobby window at a class in progress

Things We Love

Appreciations

Studio 2 and Studio 3 dance floors were gifted to Danspace by the Margaret Jenkins Dance Company and their installation was made possible by David Hoge, Paul Dresher of New Performance Traditions, and Claudine Naganuma of dNaga. Danspace is so grateful for this contribution and extends our deepest thanks to everyone who participated.