Business Details
39 Years
experience
Award-Winning Dance Education in Belmont, CA
Liv DanceArts, established in 1987, is a premier dance studio rooted in over 30 years of excellence. Located in Belmont, California, we specialize in high-quality, technique-driven dance education for students aged 3 and up. Our faculty comprises professional dancers and educators with degrees in dance performance and pedagogy, dedicated to fostering a nurturing environment where students grow into confident, expressive artists. With a focus on ballet as the foundation, our curriculum spans lyrical, jazz, contemporary, and hip-hop, supporting dancers at every levelfrom beginners to those pursuing professional careers.Recognized as a National Dance Education Organization member since 2018, our award-winning competitive program, LDA Elite, has earned accolades such as the ADCC Studio of Excellence Award and Star Dance Alliance Power Ranking Award. Our alumni have been accepted into top-tier programs at institutions like NYU, Pace University, and the School of American Ballet, underscoring our commitment to quality over quantity and individualized attention.
Services
Ballet
Lyrical
Jazz
HipHop
Contemporary
Pointe
Competitive Dance Program
Pre-Level Classes
Adult Dance Classes
Summer Dance Sessions
Details
- Year established: 1987
Highlights and features
- We offer over 30 years of excellence in dance education.
- Our faculty includes professional dancers and educators with degrees in dance.
- We provide personalized attention in a nurturing environment.
- Our competitive program has received multiple accolades.
- Our alumni have been accepted into top dance programs nationwide.
Associations and certifications
- National Dance Education Organization
- National Honor Society for Dance Arts
What people say
Exceptional training
Supportive community
Award-winning faculty
Nurturing environment
Successful alumni
Services
Ballet
Ballet classes at Liv DanceArts focus on foundational techniques, including posture, alignment, and precision. Students learn classical terminology and develop strength, flexibility, and artistry. Our curriculum prepares dancers for advanced studies and professional opportunities.
Lyrical
Lyrical classes blend ballet and jazz, emphasizing emotional storytelling through movement. Students explore fluidity and musicality, guided by instructors with professional performance backgrounds. This style fosters creativity and artistic expression.
Jazz
Jazz classes at LDA focus on sharp technique, rhythm, and performance energy. Students master styles from Broadway to modern jazz, benefiting from faculty expertise in professional dance companies and competitive choreography.
Competitive Dance Program
LDA Elite offers advanced dancers personalized training and competition opportunities. The program has earned accolades like the ADCC Studio of Excellence Award, with a focus on technical excellence and artistic growth.
Pre-Level Classes
Pre-Level classes introduce ages 36 to dance fundamentals through playful, structured activities. Students build coordination, balance, and a love for movement while learning basic technical skills in a nurturing environment.
People
Kristen Portner
Artistic Director, Owner/Lead Faculty
Kristen Portner, NYU-trained, founded LDA Elite and reshaped Liv DanceArts as a leader in dance education. With decades of experience, she mentors students toward professional and academic success.
Brittney Wassermann
Lead Faculty
Brittney Wassermann, a former student and professional dancer, teaches advanced ballet and elite classes. With 31 years of involvement, she brings expertise in technique and competitive training to LDA.
Charity Caldwell
Lead Faculty
Charity Caldwell, a lead faculty member, has performed with renowned companies like Smuin Ballet. She specializes in mentoring dancers through technical and artistic challenges with personalized guidance.
Camryn Babcock
Lead Faculty
Camryn Babcock, a lead instructor, combines professional performance experience with pedagogical expertise. She focuses on developing well-rounded dancers through structured, genre-specific training at LDA.
Lauren Irwin
Studio Manager/Lead Faculty
Lauren Irwin manages studio operations and teaches lead classes. Her background in dance education ensures smooth program execution while maintaining LDAs commitment to technical excellence and student growth.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We offer ballet, lyrical, jazz, hip-hop, contemporary, and pointe classes, all rooted in technical excellence.
Is ballet required for enrollment?
Yes, ballet is mandatory for all students to build foundational skills and ensure technical proficiency across genres.
Do you have a competitive dance program?
Yes, LDA Elite is our award-winning competitive program with personalized training and performance opportunities for advanced dancers.
What are class sizes?
We cap classes at 15 students for pre-levels and 25 for levels 1–7 to ensure individualized attention.
Are there performance opportunities?
Yes, we host two annual performances in December and June, with participation required for levels 1–7.
How are students placed in classes?
Placement considers age, experience, and faculty evaluations during the first week of classes to ensure proper skill alignment.
Reviews (4)
Lauri Stutt
Oct 23, 2021
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LDA is an amazing dance studio that is focused on technique, choreography and building confidence. Kris (the owner) has established a supportive environment for all dancers and it trickles all the way through from staff to students and parents. We have been with LDA/PBS for 6 years and hope to develop both our daughters love of dance for many more!
Deepa Bhatnagar
Dec 28, 2017
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My daughter has been going to this school for 7 years now. The teachers are passionate, provide great feedback to the students, and instruction is fun yet very technical, and really . My daughter refuses to go anywhere else. She absolutely loves the school!
Kimberley Farrar
Sep 06, 2017
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Our dance-obsessed daughter has attended this school for 12 years now, and we couldn't be happier! She has grown from a little girl who just wanted to prance around in leotards, to an accomplished dancer, thanks to the wonderful education she has received here! The teachers are all amazing talented professionals, and there is a focus on great technique and attention to detail, which shows in the incredible quality of the twice yearly performances, and in the success of the competition dance team over the past few years. It has been a joy to be part of such a great organization, and we cannot thank
Alison Taylor
Sep 04, 2017
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Our daughter has been attending this school for 6 years, and she couldnt be happier with that choice. The teachers see each student as a real individual, knowing just how to encourage, correct, and inspire each one. They know the days that our daughter needs warmth and encouragement, and the days when shes ready to be pushed to take new risks. There is a lot of camaraderie and support among the girls at the school, and particularly on the dance team. Our daughter has learned not only strong dance technique, but also the values of dedication, teamwork, and persistence. Thanks to the entire
