- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Academy of Performing Arts San Diego
Categories: Arts & Entertainment Performing Arts Education Specialty Schools Dance Schools Active Life Fitness & Instruction Dance Studios Performing Arts, Dance Schools, Dance Studios [Edit]
5120-C Baltimore DrLa Mesa, CA 91942
Neighborhood: La Mesa
(619) 460-4500
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 9 am - 11:30 am
Mon-Thu 4 pm - 9:30 pm
Fri 4 pm - 7 pm
Sat 9 am - 2 am
Sun 9 am - 5 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
16 reviews for Academy of Performing Arts San Diego
16 reviews in English
-
Review from Ronnel R.
Chula Vista, CA
3/11/2012
I just have to say, on behalf of my group and on a personal level, this is one of the best experiences we've ever had. We rented the largest studio for 4 hours to get our flash mob looking extremely clean and professional.
One of the best things was that the staff there was absolutely amazing. We actually had our rental period time four hours after the studio officially closed. Even so, we were able to keep our time and were able to push things through.
The studio was large and air conditioned. So much so, that we actually couldn't stop dancing! The space was large enough to accommodate all of our 30 member group.
I will definitely come back, and plan another rental period with APA. We were so happy with the experience and friendliness of the staff, we'll definitely be back for more! I highly recommend this space for anyone who wants to take their group and rent out a studio to practice in front of mirrors! This place is amazing. -
Review from Bettie S.
La Mesa, CA
4/21/2012 Purchased a Yelp Deal
This is my first review of anything, anywhere:0)
But wanted to put my stamp of approval on APA.
My friend, and dance buddy Cher started out a couple of months ago with one discounted pass to Zumba!
After that we were hooked, and we both bought gym memberships. Which at the time seemed pretty pricey, but you can go as much as you like. Plus, you can't put a price on your health, and body!
When I miss a class now, and again because of business. I feel really left out. We have our favorite instructors. But won't say who they are:0) The 're all great!
Some of the ladies in the group have been going for years. And know the routines. Now, I'm just getting to know which way to go:0)
Now I can Zumba for an non stop hour straight without dying. But I still complain they are killing me:0)
Must be part of my personality!
Starting to like my zumba lustiest body:0) -
Review from JaeBamf L.
Spring Valley, CA
3/11/2012
My first time here yesterday was the pinnacle of great first experiences. I run a flash mob group and decided to rent out a studio space to work on our upcoming routine. It turns out that whoever booked our group gave us a four hour time slot that began right after the studio closed...;; On Saturdays, APA closes at 2pm and we were booked for 2-6 somehow.
Regardless, the owner of this place decided to stick around and was more than happy to let us dance there after normal business hours. He insisted to we take the largest room which was cool and could easily accommodate our 30 person group and much more. And when we ran a half hour over our allotted time, he was kind enough not to charge us. Very hospitable. And very reasonably priced. Definitely coming back. -
Review from Nicole H.
Irvine, CA
9/15/2011
Before I left for college in September 2009 this was my home. Literally! I went to school went home to eat for an hour then went to APA to dance until my feet fell off. Everyone is so close like a family here that you will definitely enter something special when you join!
It doesn't matter what your age or level you are. You can be 40 and want to try dance for the first time. All the teachers know how to incorporate you in to the class so you learn as much as possible and everyone is so encouraging that it makes you better faster.
This place was definitely my safe haven in high school. Everyone is so warm and welcoming; and the dance teachers are the best in the business! I grew so much as a dancer and a person; and I went to a performing arts high school. I was so sad when I had to go away for college I didn't want to leave the amazing home and family I had found.
I can't wait to go back and visit the next day of dance!
I miss all of you! -
Review from Holly I.
Carlsbad, CA
2/26/2012
After dancing on broadway for 15 years I moved to San Diego. I needed to find a studio that has adult classes. After searching I found APA love the studio and teachers. So glad I found this studio!!
-
Review from Kelsey L.
San Diego, CA
4/14/2012
good selection of classes to offer. i come here once in a while for jazz. i feel like thats what they special in. hip hop i'd rather go to culture shock. but the jazz classes are great here!
-
Review from Katie P.
El Cajon, CA
3/6/2012
I agree with other posts that there is a lot of focus around scholarship students at this studio. The young dancers also work the front desk. I have had questions about my class packages and was recently mislead with a Groupon deal, and would prefer to have a manager or the owner around to talk about it with. Due to my busy schedule, I have also wasted a lot of money here from buying class packages that expire in 30 days. I prefer the welcoming environment and more worker/adult friendly class packs from Culture Shock Dance Center.
-
Review from Taylor G.
Solana Beach, CA
6/7/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I LOVE APA!
I just received a month pass as a gift and I'm obsessed. I have never taken a real dance class in my life and be warned, these kids are serious about what they do. Even the beginner's classes are rife with experts, just taking the time to hone their craft. However, the teachers have been extremely considerate of me and other adult novices. They really take the time to show personal attention and encouragement whenever they can.
Also- the zumba classes will kick your ass into shape faster than you can say 1000-calorie-workout.
It seems that a Groupon special was recently advertised for APA... so hurry up and buy a dance pack now so you can blend in with a few of the other beginners, haha!
Sadly, Ti's morning yoga classes have low attendance. He's amazing.
Teran and Erin are the best zumba masters I've ever met.
Michael and Karina teach a fabulous salsa class for ALL levels, with more attention than you'll get at any of the other studios or clubs they teach at.
I do think that some of the classes seem a bit too full at times. APA has "scholarship" dancers who are seemingly in every class, sometimes. From what I understand, they audition for the program, and then get classes free in exchange for running the sign-in counter. Most of these students don't seem to register ahead of time for the class, and no strict cap on attendance is enforced, resulting in somewhat crowded classes... I've noticed this in the jazz classes the most. -
Review from Alli M.
San Diego, CA
9/15/2011
DANCE CLASSES: 2 stars
YOGA/ZUMBA/PILATES: 5 stars
Dance classes:
I am a beginning adult dancer.When I take a beginning class I would HOPE that I am not also in a class with a bunch of students who triple their pirouettes and follow a 32 count combo.
Well, I was wrong most of the time. I truly believe the instructors at APA are excellent, but the set up of the classes favors scholarship students who are extremely experienced. Even the "Basic Ballet" class on Monday nights was very crowded and very very hard. I mean, I wanted BASIC- explain terms to me, demonstrate, and correct my form. Nope- the "scholies" took over and we adults were ignored. The teachers teach to most of the class- which are those awesome dancers.
The classes are also overly crowded. You are supposed to sign up online but many of the students don't and then they just fill up the classroom until you are kicking/elbowing each other as you practice.
The best basic classes are on the weekend- cause they are not overcrowded and they have mostly working adults who, like me, want to dance for fun and exercise. (P.S. for beginner ballet TAKE NATALIE ON SUNDAYS...class is small and she really takes the time to explain and correct you! 5 stars for her!)
**I really hope that if I ever go back to APA that things change! I liked most of the instructors a lot and think they do a great job teaching. I'd just like to see them teach at a level that is more appropriate for the class and not just for their favorites. Favoritism is also pretty apparent and disheartening if you have no idea what is going on and feel like you'd benefit from a little attention.
It's a shame that I don't think I'll go back for dance classes that often.
YOGA/ZUMBA/PILATES:
These classes are not as crowded and the instructors are awesome. Someone else on Yelp mentioned Ti's class- he is really good. His energy is so calming and his adjustments are fantastic.
Precyous's zumba class works you out and she is so much fun to have as an instructor!!!!
Pilates is also a great small class. You get the personal attention you need if you are new to the workout style. -
Review from vaughn e.
Oakland, CA
1/3/2008
APA has been around for quite sometime. before culture shock opened, i used to go to APA whenever i could, to take some hip hop (even though i looked incredibly dorky doing it...i love me some hip hop dance). it offers quite a bit...jazz dance, ballet, hip hop, tap, pilates, and yoga.it's in a warehouse/garage type space that gives you a real urban, underground feel, like in some dance movie about a ballerina who surreptitiously takes jazz classes in a hidden dance studio.
they do host quite a few dance companies, which is cool.
i'd say the top teacher there is xavier hicks. this man is like...one of the premier ballet dancers in town. i think he even danced with the famed alvin ailey company but i could be wrong. ballet is not my thing but i give big ups to the brother.
my favorite hip hop teachers there are david ross and erik s. david teaches super fast though. he's good natured and all, but you better be on top of your shit if you take his class. i really enjoy his choreography but i'm not on that level. erik is pretty cool. he has the best hiphop mixes....try to cop a cd off of him for 10 bucks if you can. -
Review from TK L.
San Diego, CA
6/10/2011
Teachers are great! But some classes have been exclusively considerate of scholarship students at APA, and other novices feel left out.
Many scholarpship students are taking beginning classes (most of them are already really goooood!! ) with us who have to work day jobs instead of dancing for a living. I understand they need to practice and take classes, but I hope teachers could pay more attention to non-professional students. Sometimes, I felt bad when Arwen always (She's a great dancer though) commented on just scholies, and ignore others.
I really hope APA allay this concern (I am so sure that this is the reason many people quit after they try few times), and flourish more! -
Review from chrisy s.
Baton Rouge, LA
8/19/2011
I have been taking classes here since October 2010. This is a non-pretentious dance studio that is engaging for all levels & offers all forms of dance. The instructors are competent, creative & encouraging. The pricing is reasonable & package options practical. Ideal for adults who want to revisit their dancing days without too much commitment.
-
Review from Laurie M.
Los Angeles, CA
1/26/2011
A great place to learn , train , and workout.....My two sisters and I have taken many classes here and the energy from the teachers, staff and dancers have made our dance experience a positive one...They offer everything from Classical ballet , Modern, Jazz, Contemp , and World dance to name just a few .. Apa is very good at keeping current with dance and what's going on around the country...Especially all the workshops they offer....If you are looking for a place to train or get back in to dance or just to have fun this is the place to be...
-
Review from E P.
Fort Collins, CO
1/26/2008
APA is a great studio for adults! If you hate taking classes with preteens who are way better than you, come to APA. Of course, they have a ready supply of gifted adult dancers that not only provide inspiration, but also provide practical technique tips. Classes range from stretch/strength, jazz (including a leaps and turns technique class), lyrical, all levels of ballet, hip-hop, modern, and tap. They offer many classes after 5pm for all of us who have to work day jobs instead of dancing for a living. They also have a great selection on Saturday and Sunday, and they start late enough to give you time to work off that hangover before class!
Of course, if you can't afford the steep prices, sign up for dance classes at Mesa College, whose faculty teach at Culture Shock and other dance centers. For less than $50, you take class twice a week for a whole semester from the best dance teachers in SD! They also put on a show at the Lyceum Theater in Horton Plaza at the end of every semester, FUN! -
Review from m. k.
San Diego, CA
6/18/2009
APA is really a great studio.
They have two really spacious studios with high ceilings that other places seem to be lacking. You can take classes on a pay-as-you-go basis or buy a dance pack. They don't make you sign up for one class a week or any one routine, you can drop in and use a class out of your pack when you have time. They offer all levels, all times, and there's a varied group of dancers -- some just hobby, some on their way to a bigger stage, and all ages.
I especially love Katie and Kevin's classes; they make the classes [Even abs and arms!] a lot of fun. Even the ballet classes aren't so serious and suffocating like they can be in other studios.
I'll be dancing here for a long time. -
Review from Amanda G.
La Mesa, CA
6/26/2009
I love APA! I have been taking here since I graduated college in 2005 and I don't think I'll ever stop! The studio is in a convenient location for me and they offer a wide variety of classes. They are also constantly adding new classes/teachers in the mix! I used to take a bunch of classes, before I moved out of mommy's house. Miriam's jazz class was great. I think she still teaches on the weekends. Travis' turns and leaps class was also really helpful for me. I've also dabbled in their pilates, ballet and contemporary classes. Now I am strictly a Katie fan! I can only afford class once a week, and I will never miss hers! She does a great job with the technique class and really pays attention to the levels of the students that are in attendance on a class by class basis. She's great! I've also had Kevin P. and Crischell sub for Katie and they are good, as well. However, I'm a Katie snob!
