Dance 1

What am I looking for in a dance class, or any class for that matter? Getting something for my money. At Dance 1 in Redondo Beach, not only do you get quality dance instructor in a variety of dance styles, but you get SOOOOOO much more.
There are toddler and younger children dance classes, which are fun, engaging, and they learn dance and major movement coordination.
There are a variety of adult dance classes, that you can buy a dance pass card, where you can come and go as it fits in your schedule. It is punched by the instructor each time you take a class, no worries about makeup classes. There are dance classes, such as tap (day and evening), contemporary, ballet (day and evening) all levels, jazz, and hip hop. They also provide Yoga Dance Barre and Yoga classes as well.
Once your dancer (which I see both boys and girls in class) is ready to begin Ballet 1 (usually around 6 or 7 years old), then the magic of life lessons begins. The students learn technique and are corrected by the instructor to keep the dancers training correctly but also to prevent injuries. They practice at the barre, they stretch and then they practice in the center, learning various steps and then routines. The ending of the class is a freestyle dance time, where a variety of music is played and a lot of times the teacher will stop in between and ask about music interpretation and the differences in the music. Oh, and not to forget one of the great things, that I have not seen elsewhere… the journal. From Ballet 1 through the performing company members they are to keep a journal where they record, after their class, what they are working on and more importantly what they are proud of, that they did in class. So great to take the time to focus on the positive of what the student is doing.
At this studio, you don’t move into the next level of ballet just because of your age or that you took ballet 1 last year… instead, there are a variety of steps and technique that the student needs to complete and meet to be promoted by their instructor. The promotion is earned through the hard work in class, being responsible to bring your journal and supplies, and your appearance of hair in bun that you are ready for class.
While being professional in all the above aspects, they still are inspiring the love of dance.
There are two recitals each year, which are optional. You can opt for your dancer to do both, one or none. The winter recital is in a theater on stage and the spring recital is on a stage in a park.
Check this studio out if you are looking for the whole package for your dancer. This is a wonderful «family» to belong to.

Francesca is a very enthusiastic teacher and she motivates every one who attend her classes. Thank you Dance 1!

Our daughter has been going to Dance 1 since she was 5, Mrs. Francisca is doing and excellent job in all areas. She has top notch teachers that are doing an awesome job in teaching the girls new steps all the time. The facility is huge with many rooms depending on the level of what your child is at. Just recently went to performance and was absolutely impressed with the level of all the students were able to perform Including the seniors tap dance performance. As far as price absolutely a great deal $ 125 a month and you can make up classes. It’s so nice to see a business be so successful and still be personable.

The best environment for learning proper technique, teamwork and grace. Non– competitive, supportive classes. Everyone is encouraged to respect one another regardless of age or skill level. My 14 year old aughter has learned more in 2 years than many her age have learned in 5. It really is a family of dancers. There is a homework room, a student lounge, private dressing rooms, several bathrooms. It is all about the dancers for Miss Francesca.

I am on the new redondo ballet company that Francesca teaches i have been dancing with dance1 since i was 9 im 13 now even though the new studio is bigger attitudes haven’t changed its a great place for kids and adults to hope to see you soon

My daughter who is now 7 has been a student of Francesca since age 2. We’ve followed Francesca from Manhattan Beach, to Westchester (where we live) down to Redondo where her studio is now located. Francesca is a fantastic teacher and a wonderful human being! We love her and are thankful to be a part of the Dance1 family.

My daughter has been dancing here for several years. She started with ballet and expanded to tap at the end of last year. She loves it and can’t wait to go to class every week. I can clearly see her improving (though I was never a dancer and probably am not a good judge). The new studio is wonderful and I love being able to watch every class through the window. All the teachers and staff are very friendly and approachable.

My children started dancing here a couple years ago. We started when it was located next to the RB North Post office. Now located across the street in a new, large multi room studio. The floors are brand new so you are not allowed to wear street shoes inside.
My son used to take the kids mini hip hop class on Wednesdays at 1pm with Ryan. The instructor had a lot of energy and was able to motivate the kids. My son on the other hand wanted to play ball. The owner allowed me to put my daughter in his place since we had already paid for the session.
I like that the owner is flexible when it comes to payment, make-​ups and starting new classes (3 students and they will create a new class). I pay by cash or check each session.
Now my daughter started dancing Ballet/​Tap combo when she was two years old. This class for the youngest children is a good class to get your little one’s feet wet. You may find children crying, dancing or running around. Some children will take direction and learn the dances while some are still learning how to be in this dance studio environment and learning how to behave.
The toddler class begins with share, ballet, tap and finally free dance.
My daughter has been moved up by age level two times now. Each time the class has been more controlled, the kids are given more direction, terminology and choreography. She does not want to miss her ballet class ever and she can’t wait for me to get her hair and outfit ready. Her favorite teacher is Miss Francesca who now teaches the dance company during my daughter’s class time. There are several new teachers, with different teaching styles, and she still insists on going to class each week. She turns four in 6 days.

I can’t say enough about Francesca and Dance 1!!! My daughter loves going to her weekly class. Francesca is warm and encouraging with the students while being firm at the same time. My daughter has learned so much since starting with Dance 1 five months ago.

I am rating this based on children’s classes — I have not attended one of the adult classes.
My girls attended a trial ballet/​tap class for ⁴⁄₅ year-​olds during Bring a Friend week. I chose this studio based on the Unilocal reviews, and when I contacted Francesca, the owner, to find out when we could attend a trial class she was very quick to respond with several possibilities and the studio’s dress code.
The class is a combo of ballet, tap and free dance. Francesca is very patient with the children, and listens to each one, but still keeps everyone on task. She has some very fun games that get the kids excited, and also has very good structure for the ballet portion and uses the proper French terminology. She finds a very good balance between teaching proper dance techniques and allowing for creative movement. I felt that my girls learned a lot and got to express their individuality as well.
The class lasts an hour, and the kids can break for water.
We had ballet shoes, but not tap, and she was kind enough to let us borrow them so that the girls can practice, even though we will not be enrolled in the class for another month. Very thoughtful.
I tried a few classes at different studios in the South Bay over the years, but I always felt they were either too strict and not family-​friendly or too loosey-​goosey and not worth an investment for kids to learn. This seems to be the happy medium — family-​friendly, full of learning opportunities, and fun.

I was visiting my old stomping grounds in the South Bay and running some errands while I was there and I found this studio near the little P.O. on Artesia. I walked in to find some information about their classes and the music was so loud I had to leave.
I know a lot of people like their music loud but I am not one of those people. Maybe I will come back again when they have ballet… I assume ballet classics are pretty quiet.

We tried several other studios in the area with classes for preschoolers, and this is the BEST! Francesca completely understands children and treats them with respect. She knows exactly what to expect from 2, 3, and 4 year olds– and she makes it fun for everyone. She explains everything to the parents without judging the children when they just want to explore other things instead of dance. I can’t recommend her and this studio enough!!!
***This review was written before the studio moved and expanded (there’s a lot of talk about town how the studio is different now)…

We followed Francesca to this studio, and my daughters are currently taking ballet, tap and lyrical… We love that this studio is small and has a very positive family-​friendly vibe. Classes have no more than 10 dancers, which really makes a difference in learning technique. My daughters want to take more classes!