Sunset Academy of Dance

My daughter is in her second year at Sunset and loves the studio, teachers (Lisa for tap/​jazz and Mario for hiphop) and the amazing year end performance. I’m surprised and dismayed to see a couple of bad reviews attacking the studio; Lisa has never been anything but totally kind to my daughter and a great teacher. Sure, she requires the kids to listen and put forth effort, but how could you possibly teach young kids to dance well otherwise? This may not be the place for spoiled entitled kids who are never told no (and their parents…) but if you really want your kid to be part of something creative and wonderful, give Sunset a try. You’ll be thankful years down the road when your kid has great memories and great moves on the dance floor.

Obviously, no one finds Sunset based on Unilocal.Each year they have more and more kids audition for their competition hip hop teams. I’m finding it strange that someone from 6 years ago felt it necessary to write such a negative review now. Yes, the teachers are tough on the students. However, I don’t see how its any different than another team sport. Every coach wants the best out of their students. I know these teachers push the kids when they know they can do better and judging on how they do at competitions, it pays off. They have faith that even the little ones can master complicated choreography. Anyone who says they are shocked at the content of a hip hop dance or music obviously shouldn’t have their kid in hip hop. If you actually want to compare, my children have never had to wear anything other than appropriate costumes. In fact, have you seen what jazz/​tap young students wear at competitions? There are 6 year olds with fake lashes and two piece out fits. Thankfully, that ain’t sunset because the comp groups are all hip hop. I think that says Lisa DOESN’T sell out to the «Dance Moms/​Pageantry» part of the dance world. These kids from young to teens all walk out of these competitions a little taller and better dancers. The camaraderie that our comp team groups have developed among the kids and parents is also getter better each year. They are a kind, generous, smart, and fun group of parents that enjoy watching their kids enjoy what they are doing. Ki S. and Sarah S. obviously have time to only give mostly negative reviews out of very few reviews. I’m sorry you both are so bitter, but don’t take it out on Sunset. If you had followed through on your daughter’s committment Sarah, you would have seen a different ending at the June show. My daughter wanted to quit until she saw the comp groups dance at the June show and has been hooked ever since. Leave the reviews to the folks who actually still attend Sunset. That’s what really counts.

I began dancing when I was 3 at an amazing studio ran by former professional dancers. At the time, Lisa was a student; a year or so later, she became my teacher. Years later, the studio closed and Lisa opened Sunset Academy of Dance. In the beginning, she was decent. As I got older, I watched Sunset Academy go from a mediocre studio taught ran by a mediocre dancer (s) to a complete disaster. Essentially, Sunset Academy almost completely abandoned all other forms of dance and mostly caters to hip-​hop, because it makes the most money. That is cool– I like hip-​hop. However, Darnell’s «style» of what he calls «hip-​hop» is disgusting, unbelievably offensive, and overtly sexual– mind you these are all children under eighteen and as young as six. I am in my twenties, grew up in San Francisco, and am far from a prude, yet I found her dance show so appalling that I had to leave midway through. I left the studio six years ago, and am truly disappointed in Lisa– she completely sold out.

This is my 9 year old daughter’s third year taking classes here. The past two years she had a decent experience. This year however, she was in a class with the owner of the studio, Lisa. it was her first time having Lisa as a teacher and unfortunately she lacks patience, has a short temper and yells at the kids a lot. I understand ‘strict’ but how she yells and the snappy mean things she says is totally inappropriate and crosses the line. I tried to enjoy watching my daughter in her class and the yelling was so unbearable I had to leave the building! Sadly I had to remove my daughter from the class in the middle of the season because Lisa’s negative energy and atrocious yelling was leaving her stressed out and in tears. The other teachers in the past were fine. If you’re considering putting your kid in one of Lisa’s classes, you may want to observe it first so you can see what I’m talking about and then decide.

From the front, this looks like a tiny little studio with maybe a couple of students, but this is not the case. It is a REAL dance studio that teaches hip hop, jazz, and tap. The school enters the major competitions around the Bay Area and win!!! The teachers are tough, but really love their students. If you are interested, you should go see their major show at the beginning of June with all the students.

My daughter’s second year with Sunset and it keeps getting better and better. This is a place she can feel supported in her goals and has made new friends. Her teachers, Karen and Lisa, have helped her and her classmates to have fun and enjoy themselves while challenging them to do their best and work as a group. The end of year shows are fun, high energy events that introduce kids to performing in a perfect, no pressure, emphasis on the dancers and teamwork, atmosphere. Teachers set the example for them to encourage one another and they all do– from the littlest kids to the teens.
As far as the other review– phone is not the best way to make initial contact here– try stopping by the studio when classes begin in the fall (check schedule) or emailing first. there is no receptionist to answer the phone since they are busy attending students when the studio is open– students are top priority here.

NO STARS!!! i’ve called them several times in the past, NO ONE has ever returned my messages. Very unprofessional. I had friends try to call and leave messages and they haven’t returned their calls as well.

This dance studio is totally brilliant and awesome!
In my late twenties, when I decided to challenge myself and show myself I could do it way better than I had in the past, I tried out Sunset Academy of Dance. I took hip hop with Darnell & Mario and tap with Lisa. They are the best dance teachers I’ve ever met and had. These fantastic teachers really know their craft. As someone in which dance was a once in a while hobby, I loved coming here every week. There’s no pressure to be perfect or to pick up steps quickly. You were learning for enjoyment and were challenged but not where you would be totally frustrated and quit.
As an adult who attended their classes, I was respected and treated well. They have a passion for what they do. Every routine and every piece of music played is age appropriate.
I don’t take any classes now since there wasn’t anymore adult, hip hop classes since for us adults, life gets in the way and there’s low turnout for class. Plus, I’m a SATHM now and wouldn’t have time for tap. I do miss dancing and them all!

This is a great little dance studio for dancer’s of all levels and interests– Everything from beginner dance for little kids (3 yrs) to hip hop for teens and everything in between. Every year the studio wins many awards at dance competitions. Lisa and Christina are wonderful people and great instructors! Only points off are for the small waiting area for the dancers parents.