DANCE ACADEMY

Sign up for clases here!

Transformative dance training that empowers aspiring professional dancers

At Crescendo Dance, we’re proud to nurture the next generation of professional dancers right here in Santa Cruz, California. Our thoughtfully designed curriculum blends technical excellence with a holistic approach, that fosters not only strong, capable dancers but confident, creative individuals.

Creating a safe place to reach excellence

Positivity First
Our teaching method and evaluations will always be positive. Our goal is to develop very capable dancers without tearing them down. We balance feedback with a 5:1 ratio of complements to critiques.
Building Healthy Relationships
We move beyond anti-bullying to growing health relationships. We aim to create a safe place and that starts with how everyone treats each other within the walls of the studio. We teach conflict resolution skills, teammate encouragement, and healthy boundaries.
Focused On Mental Health
We promote taking care of dancers’ mental health. We teach breathing techniques to help with pre-performance anxiety, tips to improve emotional regulation, and healthy conflict resolution skills.
Body Love, Not Just Body Positivty
At CDA, we showcase that different body shapes are beautiful. Especially when they don’t look like stereotypical dancers. Our halls are full of dance photos of all genders, shapes, and sizes, and we encourage dancers to have healthy relationships with food and exercise.
Dance Longevity is our Goal
We teach dance with safety and well-being in mind. We teach anatomy, monitor jumps and physical strain on dancers' bodies, and supply knee pads for floor work. All this so our dancers can avoid wear-and-tear injuries, and dance for a very long time.
Clear Expectations all Around
Our goal is to communicate openly and upfront. This includes expectations of dancers and parents, behavior during competitions and performances, and financial commitments. We strive to limit last minute changes.

What drives us

Promoting Dance beyond Crescendo Dance Academy

We’ve carefully designed the curriculum (from our tiny program to our most advanced classes) to open up as many professional avenues as possible. Once a dancer turns 12, we’ll work with them to choose the professional track they want to focus on. In addition, we’ll teach a different audition technique every month and we’ll help the dancers apply for prestigious summer intensives. 

Not interested in becoming a professional dancer? Then we’ll discuss the desired role of dance and how to leverage it to best achieve another life goal. 

CDA isn’t the end goal. Its the launching pad. 

Dancers are the drivers of their own growth

Every dancer grows at their own pace with unique goals. We help dancers set those goals and build a personalized path to reach them. We also encourage students to check in with their bodies. Some days call for a push, others call for patience.

Whether aiming for a dance career or simply using dance as a tool for personal growth, we help dancers define what success looks like to them.

Upcoming Opportunities and Messages

Auditions coming soon

June 6, 2025

Ready to take your dancing up a notch? Check out the Crescendo Dance Academy Company.  What to know about Crescendo Dance Academy’s Auditions Process What

Read More

Auditions coming soon

June 6, 2025

Ready to take your dancing up a notch? Check out the Crescendo Dance Academy Company.  What to know about Crescendo Dance Academy’s Auditions Process What

Read More

Reserve your place

Contact the director

Location: Capitola Mall Suite G07

1855 41st Avenue, Capitola 95010

Info@CrescendoDance.com 

Events

Parent’s Night Out 

Birthday Parties 

Fundraiser Info