Business Details
45 Years
experience
Professional Dance Training in Moraga
Founded in 1981, the California Academy of Performing Arts (CAPA) has trained thousands of dancers in professional-level technique, nurturing talent from age three through high school. Our internationally renowned instructors include Broadway performers, former San Francisco Ballet artists, and choreographers with global experience, fostering a legacy of excellence. CAPA students routinely gain admission to elite programs at Juilliard, Boston Ballet, Alvin Ailey, and NYU Tisch, with many alumni joining top professional companies worldwide. We emphasize technical mastery, artistic expression, and character development through structured curricula tailored to individual growth. Our commitment to safety, respect, and inclusivity creates an environment where dancers build lifelong skills while pursuing their passions.With over 40 years of success, we remain dedicated to preserving the integrity of dance education while adapting to evolving industry standards. Our annual productions, including The Nutcracker and June Show, offer performance opportunities that reinforce discipline and teamwork. As a community-focused institution, we prioritize transparent communication and personalized support for students and families. Our leadership team, including co-founders Joan Robinson and Doyle Borchers, combines decades of experience with ongoing professional development to maintain our status as a premier Bay Area dance academy. This enduring dedication to quality has established CAPA as a trusted institution for dance education in Moraga and beyond.
Services
Ballet Training
Tap Classes
Jazz Dance
Nutcracker Production
Summer Workshops
Private Lessons
Ensemble Programs
College Prep
Performance Teams
Dance Therapy
Details
- Year established: 1981
Highlights and features
- Over 40 years of proven success developing professional dancers
- Faculty includes Broadway and international performers
- 85% of students gain acceptance to top university programs
- Zero-tolerance policy for bullying ensures safe learning environment
- Structured progression from toddler classes to pre-professional training
What people say
World-class instructors
Professional performance opportunities
Structured level advancement
Supportive community atmosphere
College placement success
Services
Ballet Training
Structured ballet instruction from foundational positions to advanced pointe work. Certified instructors focus on proper alignment, technique progression, and performance artistry. Classes emphasize musicality, grace, and discipline while preparing students for professional opportunities or college auditions through systematic training that builds strength, flexibility, and artistic expression.
Nutcracker Production
Annual professional-grade Nutcracker and Concerto performances featuring 200+ local dancers. Students rehearse extensively for this community tradition, gaining experience in full-length classical ballet roles. The production includes elaborate costumes, professional staging, and opportunities for advanced students to earn principal roles through competitive auditions.
Ensemble Programs
Progressive performance ensembles for dancers aged 5-18, including Daisy, Rose, and Aurora companies. Participants develop stage presence, teamwork, and advanced choreography retention. Ensembles perform in two major productions annually while building camaraderie through collaborative artistic experiences under professional directors' mentorship.
Summer Workshops
Month-long summer programs offering concentrated dance instruction in multiple styles. Designed to maintain technical proficiency year-round while preparing for level advancements. Faculty includes guest artists from major companies, providing specialized master classes that broaden students' artistic perspectives and performance capabilities.
College Prep
Comprehensive college application guidance and audition preparation for dance majors. Includes personalized portfolio development, mock auditions with industry professionals, and success strategies for conservatory programs. Over 85% of participants gain admission to top-tier institutions like Juilliard, NYU Tisch, and Boston Conservatory through this structured support system.
People
Joan Robinson
Founder & Artistic Director
Established CAPA in 1981 after studying with renowned choreographers. Oversees curriculum development and faculty training while maintaining connections with major dance companies worldwide. Continuously updates teaching methods to reflect industry standards.
Doyle Borchers
President & CEO
Co-owner since 1999 with extensive arts administration experience. Manages business operations while supporting artistic vision through strategic planning and community outreach initiatives that strengthen CAPA's regional presence.
Cathy Demos
General Manager
Coordinates daily operations and student services since 2005. Implements safety protocols, manages performance logistics, and serves as primary parent liaison. Holds decades of dance education management experience that ensures organizational efficiency.
Questions
What age groups do you teach?
We offer classes for children starting at age three through high school students in structured divisions: Primary (3-6), Technique (7-12), and Pre-Professional (13+).
How do student placements work?
Teachers evaluate progress annually with director approval. Advancement depends on technical mastery, attendance, and readiness rather than age, ensuring appropriate skill development for each dancer.
What performance opportunities exist?
All students participate in June Showcase performances. Enrolled students may audition for The Nutcracker and Concerto shows, with advanced dancers earning roles through competitive selection.
Are parent volunteers needed?
Yes, we rely on parent assistance for productions, costume management, and backstage support. Volunteer hours help maintain our community-focused operation and reduce overall expenses.
What safety measures are in place?
We enforce strict supervision during classes and rehearsals, with zero tolerance for bullying. Dressing rooms require adult chaperones for young dancers, and all staff undergo background checks for child protection.
How do I register for classes?
Enrollment occurs online through our portal during designated periods. New students may schedule free trial classes before registration deadlines to experience our teaching methods.
Reviews (4)
Carol Z.
Nov 13, 2021
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My daughter and I had been a nanny to a family that has been attending CAPA Dance Academy for last 8 years. When quite young these two girls took lessons at a dance studio in the area however, they weren't really being trained to dance , they just looked cute dancing around. Since going to CAPA, we've seen such growth and maturity in these two now pre teen and teen aged young ladies; and as for dance, in these 8 years, they've gone from running around a dance class to absolute professional dancers. We enjoy both the Summer Showcase and the holiday Nutcracker performance in
Jenny C.
Mar 23, 2014
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My daughter has been dancing at capa since she was 4 years old. She is now 13 and is very committed to dance. We have been so very grateful for the high quality instruction across many different dance area including an amazing contemporaty instuctor who is an gifted choreogqrapher, an awesome tap/hip hop instructor, a excellent ballet program with a totally committed ballet mistress and equal quality in jazz. We were very tentative in taking all of the classes available in the early years as we are a family that didnt want to "pigeon hole" our daughter too early. Instead we encouraged
Chris H.
Aug 17, 2013
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My girls have been dancing at CAPA since they we 2. The older one is about to head off to college and the younger one is entering her sophomore year. I am convinced that their achievement during high school and natural leadership ability is a direct result of their experience at CAPA. To be sure, CAPA is not for everyone. If you pander to your children and protect them from challenging, demanding and rigorous experiences then this program will be to much for you. If on the other hand your interest is to build character, toughness, and a desire to win based on personal merit alone then CAPA is a
K. N.
Sep 28, 2012
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Our daughter has been at CAPA for 10 years. What a great environment for a young girl and teaching opportunities are beyond dance. It's a very strong community of committed dancers where the older dancers nurture and mentor the younger girls. The instructors are very strong at the advanced level. CAPA promotes diverse dance training, i.e., Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, Tap, Hip-Hop. Nutcracker performances are each December and are an annual tradition in the community. Wonderful performances by dancers of all ages.
