Danspace

Located in the Rockridge neighborhood of Oakland, CA, Danspace offers technical training within a caring environment and with a focus of fostering artistry. Founder Beth Hoge created the school in 1979, inspired by her teacher Alfredo Corvino. Her intent to teach classical ballet with musicality and in synchrony with functional anatomical execution has inspired many of her students. Hoge’s idea to bring “ballet to real bodies” has helped to battle preconceived notions about what a body that dances looks like. Claudine Naganuma started teaching at Danspace in 1995, became the Studio Manager in 2005, and served as the Director of the school from 2015-2021. Her company dNaga continues to be in residence at Danspace. In 2007, Naganuma in partnership with the local Parkinson’s community and with the support of the Mark Morris Dance Group officially created the first Dance for PD® program outside of Brooklyn. Weekly Dance for PD®, Oakland classes are held on Thursday mornings and taught by Naganuma, a certified Dance for PD® instructor, as well as In-Person classes on Saturdays at Danspace through the 5390 Miles Avenue entrance.

For more information about the classes available for those with Parkinson’s disease, for young children, and adults, please visit their website below.