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Susan Hayward School of Dancing
Category: Education Specialty Schools Dance Schools Dance Schools [Edit]
496 6th StMontara, CA 94037
(650) 728-7519
2 reviews for Susan Hayward School of Dancing
2 reviews in English
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Review from Juliet S.
San Martin, CA
11/10/2010
I couldn't possibly say enough good things about this school. I was a ballet dancer at Susan Hayward's school, and like many others, was able to go on to dance professionally thanks to her guidance. Sue never gave up on me, even though I started late, and I'm sure didn't display a lot of talent. She gives each and every dancer the same individual, solid and supportive training, regardless of level, age or talent. If you are willing to dedicate yourself, she will see you to your highest potential.
Anyone that's ever danced at Susan Hayward's school will tell you it's not your average dance studio. The ambiance, family atmosphere, professionalism and constant sense of beauty and joy will make it a favorite memory and place for any dancer lucky enough to attend. When I talk with other alumnus we all say it's our happy place and fondest memory of dance.
I now have a son who dances, and I plan to have him be under the same loving guidance that I know will prepare him not only for a future in dance (if he desires) but will give him a strong work ethic, love of the arts and strong values. The commute for us will be around an hour (no joke) but it's worth it. I really want my son to experience the RAD training and there simply isn't a school in the SF Bay Area that is better at preparing dancers for the world of classical ballet, while still maintaining a loving and fun environment. -
Review from Brooke G.
San Francisco, CA
1/20/2008
It is hard to know where to start reviewing Susan Hayward's School of Dance. I took ballet classes here for 15 years when I was growing up, approximately 5 times a week once I was in high school. By the time I was done, Sue and the other girls and teachers nearly seemed like family.
So, before I get all nostalgic, let's start with the logistics. The school is located in the old Montara Grammar School, which means a big, beautiful , Mission revival building. For the dancers, this means three large studios. The upstairs one has a a full wall of windows and the other two are filled with mirrors and barres. From what I remember, they have put down marley floors here as well, which is a great non slip dance surface. Downstairs is the Mirror Room and the Auditorium. The auditorium has a stage, used for some of the performances, and nice hardwood floors. I used to love this space because you actually had enough room on the diagonals to get a good jump sequence in.
The classes offered here cover ballet, tap and jazz, although I only ever took ballet. The ballet classes are modeled after the Royal Academy of Dance teaching style (Sue's English). The RAD system prepares you to take examinations at increasingly advanced levels. I didn't realize growing up how great this was. It gives the dancers goals, makes you work for something, and draws some of the attention away from who gets to be the Sugar Plum Fairy. However, it can also be a downer for those who don't pass....and some of those examiners are crotchety and tough. There are two different sets of exams: the Grade exams and the Vocational Exams (check out http://rad.org). From my experience the Grade exams are more about expression and different styles while the Vocational exams are for those serious about ballet technique.
Throughout my 15 years learning ballet here, Sue and her fellow instructors were always great at providing personal, supportive attention and managing class dynamics. Every year Sue put on a winter production and a spring show, giving us all wonderful performance experiences, although I am sure it was an extraordinary amount of work for her to choreograph, cast, and manage set and costume design for new shows every 2-5 years. It was clear from the beginning that not all of us would go on to be professional dancers, but Sue always gave everyone the role they deserved and would be most comfortable with. Even if you aren't going to dance with the San Francisco Ballet, the coordination and grace you learn doing ballet helps with almost everything else in life.
While it has been awhile since I danced here, I can tell you that Sue always put all of her time, energy, and affection into teaching us and that this dance school was nearly my second home growing up. Definitely check it out: http://www.shaywarddan...
