Business Details
31 Years
experience
Premier Dance Classes for Children and Teens in San Francisco
Steppin' Out Dance Studio Dance Studio was founded in 1995, building upon the legacy of Betty May Dance Studios which served San Francisco's Mission District since the 1930s. Our studio offers comprehensive dance education in diverse styles including ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, and creative movement. With over 30 years of combined teaching experience, our instructors prioritize technical excellence while fostering self-expression and confidence in young dancers aged 3-18. We maintain a nurturing environment that accommodates all skill levels from beginners to advanced students, with structured semesters featuring fall and spring classes, summer camps, and performance opportunities.Our curriculum integrates yoga and tumbling components to enhance physical development, while our danceABILITY program ensures inclusive access for young adults with diverse needs. Through consistent methodology and personalized placement guidance, we help students progress at their optimal pace while maintaining a strong community connection in San Francisco.
Services
Ballet Classes
Tap Dance Instruction
Jazz Dance Training
Contemporary Dance
Creative Movement
danceABILITY Program
Summer Dance Camp
Birthday Party Rentals
Yoga for Children
Tumbling Workshops
Details
- Year established: 1995
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of combined teaching experience from certified instructors
- Our curriculum integrates dance, yoga, and tumbling for holistic development
- We provide personalized placement guidance for optimal student progression
- Our danceABILITY program ensures inclusive access for diverse learners
- We host annual performance opportunities for all enrolled students
Services
Ballet Classes
Our ballet program develops proper technique and classical form for ages 3-18. Students progress through structured levels focusing on positions, vocabulary, and choreography. Classes incorporate elements of creative movement and tumbling to enhance overall dance development while maintaining traditional ballet methodology.
Tap Dance Instruction
Tap dance curriculum emphasizes rhythm, sound production, and footwork coordination. Classes are offered for all levels from beginners learning basic steps to advanced students mastering complex combinations. Instruction integrates musicality and performance elements to develop well-rounded tap dancers.
Creative Movement
Designed for ages 3-6, our creative movement classes introduce dance fundamentals through imaginative play and exploration. Students develop spatial awareness, rhythm, and basic ballet positions in a fun environment that nurtures creativity and physical development for early childhood dancers.
danceABILITY Program
This specialized program provides adaptive dance instruction for young adults aged 16+. Our supportive environment accommodates diverse abilities with modified techniques in tap and jazz. Classes focus on individual strengths, body awareness, and choreographic expression through personalized instruction and collaborative learning.
Summer Dance Camp
Two-week summer program combines dance instruction with arts & crafts and outdoor activities. Designed for ages 6-12, the camp includes field trips, structured dance classes, and recreational activities. Participants develop technique while enjoying a fun, comprehensive summer dance experience in San Francisco.
People
Angela Rose Dorantes
Owner & Director
Angela founded Steppin' Out Dance Studio Dance Studio in 1995 after training at Betty May Studio since age 4. With professional experience since 1994 including musical theater direction and national competition coaching, she brings decades of expertise to our programs. Certified in children's yoga instruction, Angela continues Betty May's legacy while expanding dance education opportunities in San Francisco.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer for children?
We offer ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, and creative movement classes for ages 3-18, with specialized programs for different skill levels.
How do you determine class placement for new students?
Class placement considers age, experience, and ability level. New students aged 8+ require a placement class with our director to ensure proper level assignment.
Do you offer summer programs for dancers?
Yes, we provide two-week summer camps combining dance instruction with arts & crafts and outdoor activities for ages 6-12 in San Francisco.
Are there performance opportunities for enrolled students?
All students participate in our annual year-end performance at the conclusion of the spring semester, showcasing their progress and achievements.
Do you have special programs for students with diverse needs?
Our danceABILITY program offers adaptive instruction in tap and jazz for young adults aged 16+, focusing on individual strengths and inclusive learning.
What are your class schedules like?
We offer classes Monday-Saturday during two semesters: September-January and February-May, with specific times varying by age group and skill level.
Reviews (6)
Kelli Rowe
Nov 27, 2021
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Came here for a class taught by Chris Bautista and it was amazing. My friends and I took the Cardio Fit/Hip hop fit class? that Chris was subbing for and man, was that a workout! We really didn't know what we were getting ourselves into, but everyone was super inviting. Chris is an amazing instructor, too bad he doesn't teach this class regularly. Although the pace was quick, we were able to pick up the steps and choreography. It doesn't really matter honestly if you get the moves down or not, just keep moving and dance! The class involved a simple dance piece with some fitness (pushups/squats
Dara Oliver
Jan 03, 2018
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Love this dance studio-Angela, Dora and Vanessa are all so sweet, talented and welcoming! Can't wait for the recital:)
Richard F.
Mar 29, 2017
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My daughter, Mia, is 3. She's now taking her second class at Steppin Out. Both Angela and Dora are wonderful - kind, generous, and the most patient teachers in the world. Mia loves them and her class. Hightly recommended.
J. P. S.
Mar 24, 2017
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Steppin' Out is a great dance studio for the littles and a true community gem. My daughter loves the preschool-age class. We started taking her when she was 2.75 years old and it was the cutest thing you've ever seen. She has wanted to continue going to dance all this time. All the teachers we've had are wonderful, including our newest teacher, Dora.
Lisa R.
Mar 16, 2017
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My daughter loves Steppin' Out Dance and my entire family loves, Angela, the owner. Angela runs the studio with the perfect mix of, warmth, patience and dance background. She is professional and has a strong knowledge for how to teach children how to dance. Instruction is kept fun and playful but the technique is being taught and the kids are getting a solid foundation of dance principles whether it's ballet, tap, tumbling. the annual dance performance is the perfect way for the kids and families to celebrate all that they've learned and accomplished. My daughter also had
Lili B.
Dec 13, 2014
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Angela, the director of Steppin' Out, is a natural genius with children. She is so patient, enthusiastic, and respectful. Her classes are all about self-confidence and joy. I have two daughters, both now 20-somethings, who grew up with Steppin' Out. Angela's influence on their lives has been enormous. And if you happen to have a child with a disability, as I do, check out her classes for children and young adults with special needs. You will be blown away!
