Principal Creative & Performing Arts

If your dancers loves tap, hip hop, or jazz, and that’s where they want to live, that’s awesome! However if you really want to improve your technique and improve as a dancer, we will always recommend adding ballet to your class load.

Ballet is the foundation for many other forms of dance. Ballet promotes technique, strength, flexibility, teaches vocabulary, and general class etiquette. However not all styles require knowledge of ballet. Also, not all dancers enjoy ballet. If your dancers loves tap, hip hop, or jazz, and that’s where they want to live, that’s awesome! However if you really want to improve your technique and improve as a dancer, we will always recommend adding ballet to your class load. Dancers on our performance jazz teams are required to take ballet. Hip Hop team dancers are excluded, but are required to take additional classes.

For our youngest dancers (ages 5–7), we recommend at least one year of ballet or jazz before auditioning. Many of our team dancers began with our preschool and early elementary classes—this foundation helps them develop body awareness, rhythm, and confidence early on.

For our youngest dancers (ages 5–7), we recommend at least one year of ballet or jazz before auditioning. Many of our team dancers began with our preschool and early elementary classes—this foundation helps them develop body awareness, rhythm, and confidence early on.

For our youngest dancers (ages 5–7), we recommend at least one year of ballet or jazz before auditioning. Many of our team dancers began with our preschool and early elementary classes—this foundation helps them develop body awareness, rhythm, and confidence early on.

For our youngest dancers (ages 5–7), we recommend at least one year of ballet or jazz before auditioning. Many of our team dancers began with our preschool and early elementary classes—this foundation helps them develop body awareness, rhythm, and confidence early on.

For dancers that would like to learn the skills needed to teach classes in the future, we offer a Teacher’s Aide program. The cost is $50/mo to TA one class per week for the season. TA’s training would include their time in the classroom, as well as weekly 30 min meetings on zoom or in person.

These classes have a separate tuition table and do not count in the weekly class tuition structure. These types of classes may be used to improve individual technique, or create dances for competition/recital. Space is subject to availability of dancer(s), teacher, and rooms being open.

These classes have a separate tuition table and do not count in the weekly class tuition structure. These types of classes may be used to improve individual technique, or create dances for competition/recital. Space is subject to availability of dancer(s), teacher, and rooms being open.

All 90 min classes are $89/mo. They are outside of the tuition chart below.

Checks must be made out to SMALL FRY DANCE CLUB. Zelle payments can be sent to Small Fry Dance Club LLC. The email address is chapetonj@smallfrydanceclub.com. We accept all major credit cards. Credit cards are subject to processing fees (see below). A 2.75% transaction fee is applied to all credit card payments. You do have the option to pay any fees by cash or check.

Technique classes will cover a wide range of topics throughout the year. Turns, tricks, leaps, flexibility, as well as overall strength and conditioning are covered. Multiple levels available. These classes do not perform on stage at recital. Recommended for those with goals to progress more quickly. Required for most team dancers.

Tap focuses on rhythms and patterns in footwork through proper technique, as well as personal style and producing clear sounds. Classes include a variety of tap styles from Broadway to Rhythm tap. These classes are for dancers who like rhythm, precision footwork, and creative styling. Exercises focus on building flexibility of the knee and ankles, coordination, and speed of movement. As students progress through each level curriculum will become increasingly more complex and intricate.

Musical Theatre is the fusion of singing, dancing, and acting with performance on stage. Classes include breathing and singing technique practice, acting and improvisation activities, as well as dance technique and performance. These classes are for dancers who like the spotlight, drama, singing, and telling a story through dance. Exercises focus on increasing flexibility, strength, confidence, and performance. As students’ progress through each level curriculum will become increasingly more complex and intricate.

Lyrical dance combines techniques of classical ballet and jazz, as well as some modern elements. Classes include warm up, isolations, stretches, across the floor progressions, and choreography combinations. These classes are for dancers who like precision and rhythm, physical challenges, and personal style and expression particularly with lyrically expressive songs. Exercises focus on increasing flexibility and strength, rhythms and isolation of body parts, and expressing personal style.

Jazz dance combines techniques of classical ballet and modern dance with current forms of popular dance. Classes include warm up, isolations, stretches, across the floor progressions, and choreography combinations. These classes are for dancers who like precision and rhythm, physical challenges, and personal style and expression. Exercises focus on increasing flexibility and strength, rhythms and isolation of body parts, and expressing personal style.

Hip Hop is the pinnacle of self-expression. Classes include warm up, moving across the floor, style explorations (popping, locking, waving, gliding, etc.), and freestyle circles. These classes are for dancers who like self-expression, physical challenges, and healthy competition. Exercises focus on increasing flexibility and strength, precision and creativity, and find your own style.

Contemporary blends several types of dance into its own unique style. It includes elements of ballet, jazz, modern, and even hip hop. Often compared to lyrical, there are similarities, but often times dancers that exceed in one, may not in the other. These classes are for dancers who like creative challenges, connecting dance to other mediums, and physical challenges that require persistence and practice. Exercises focus on increasing flexibility and strength, total body connectivity, and creative problem solving.

Hundreds of years old, and steeped in tradition, ballet is a great place to start learning dance for beginner dancers. Strength, flexibility, terminology, and technique are all covered in this class. Dancers that truly want to progress in level for various styles, will want to make sure to have 1 or more ballet classes on their schedule each week. You will notice a difference over time in your dancer’s abilities and focus.

Semi-private lessons are also available. These would be for groups of 2-5 dancers. If you want to get extra work in with friends, this is a great option. We can work with you to choose the right style and focus for your time, and line you up with the appropriate teacher.

Private lessons can be used for a variety of reasons. Some examples are outlined below: Progress more rapidly in a specific style (team goals or level placement goals). Improve technique. Group class support. Individual learning needs. Explore new styles. Interest in auditioning for a performance team. Moving through performance track and then competition track training in order to compete a solo, duet, or trio.

This page will explain the options you have for your dancer, should you be interested in a private or semi-private lesson each week. Private lessons can be used for a variety of reasons such as progressing more rapidly in a specific style, improving technique, group class support, individual learning needs, exploring new styles, interest in auditioning for a performance team, moving through performance track and then competition track training in order to compete a solo, duet, or trio.

Styles offered include ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, contemporary, lyrical, and musical theatre. We now teach kids between the ages of 2 and 18.

Hana Yamawaki began taking dance classes at Small Fry Dance Club when she was 3 years old, then moved onto Principal Creative and Performing Arts at 5. She joined the competitive Hip Hop dance team when she was 9 years old, also competing in solos and duet numbers. Hana has trained in hip hop, contemporary, jazz, lyrical, and ballet. She became a teacher’s assistant in 2021 and was a TA for the mini Hip Hop team in the 2022-23 season. Hana attends Carlmont High School. There, she has been a member of their varsity dance team since her freshman year. She is excited to improve her choreography and leadership skills, prepared to help guide students on their special dance journeys.

Emma Hsieh started dancing when she was four years old, starting with ballet and tap at Westlake School for the Performing Arts before moving to Peninsula Ballet Theatre and finally Principal Creative and Performing Arts in 2017. Now, she trains in ballet, lyrical, contemporary, jazz, and musical theatre and is on the studio’s performance teams. In 2022, Emma became a teacher’s assistant for Saturday Ballet I, then, in 2023 she started volunteering at the City of San Mateo Parks and Recreation Center as “Dance Crew,” helping teach more classes for the community. She currently goes to Aragon High School. There, she was in the musical production, Grease, and has been the dance program’s student director, leading and choreographing many pieces, since her sophomore year. Emma is so excited to be a coach and continue to connect with and teach younger dancers!

Julia began dancing at the age of four, starting at Small Fry and then moving up to Principal Arts the following year, where she became a founding member of the performance teams program. She has continued to expand her range of styles, and now trains in ballet, contemporary, lyrical, musical theatre, and jazz, as well as being a part of the Senior Jazz, Senior Lyrical, and Intermediate/Senior Musical Theatre Teams. In addition, Julia has trained with various other faculty. At 14, she was accepted to Alonzo King LINES Ballet’s advanced summer program, where she trained under faculty such as Alonzo King, Robert Moses-Kin, and Carmen Rozestraten. At 15, Julia was also accepted to join Heat Convention’s pre-professional dance company, Heat Force, and is now returning for a second season, training under faculty including Kavita Rao, Heather Morris, and Maggie Doty. In May 2025, Julia was also named Teen Regional Headliner by Headliners Dance Competition. Through her experiences, she has maintained a love for movement and the studio that got everything started for her, and she hopes to pass on her passion for dance to the next generation as a coach!

Emi has been dancing since the age of two, and has been at PCPA since the age of five. She has trained in ballet, lyrical, musical theatre, contemporary, and jazz. Since 2017 she has been on Performance Teams competing in multiple styles through groups, quads, trios, duets, and solos. Emi has been a Teachers’ Assistant since 2019 and has assisted many classes of various genres. In the 2022-23 Season she was a TA for the Jr Musical Theatre Team, which she now co-teaches. She also teaches a performance trio and substitutes for other classes. Her teaching experience has adapted over the past years and she is looking forward to taking on bigger responsibilities as a coach and being able to connect with more young dancers to help them along their dance journeys.

Ms. Danie grew up in Western Colorado training under the school of Aspen Santa Fe Ballet, where she gained a foundation both in classical ballet and contemporary. In pursuit of furthering her ballet training, she attended Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet under the leadership of Darla Hoover and Noelani Pantastico where she performed works including George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker and Serenade as well as other classical works such as Giselle. After graduating from CPYB she joined Alonzo King LINES Ballet’s Training Program where she performed works by Alonzo King, Brett Conway, Maurya Kerr, and Gregory Dawson.

After a short break, we are happy to have Elseana back in the buildling! Elseana Skowronski grew up in Oakhurst, CA and started dancing at age 7. Although she started in only one jazz class a week, her interests quickly broadened to include ballet, tap, hip-hop, contemporary, and eventually pointe, and modern dance. While her main focus was training at her local studio, she also explored other opportunities in the dance industry. Elseana attended several dance conventions and intensives throughout California, including the California State Summer School for the Arts (CSSSA) month-long dance intensive in Valencia, CA in the summer of 2014. Additionally, Elseana participated in “The Nutcracker” under the Valley Performing Arts Council for 5 years, dancing alongside the Sacramento Ballet in several roles, including Angel, Candy Cane, and Flower. Elseana is currently the Assistant Elite Team Director at Yosemite Dance Company, where she choreographs for and coaches elite level dancers, ages 5 to 18. After transferring from Fresno City College, Elseana received her Bachelor of Arts in Dance from San Francisco State University in December 2020.

As early as he can remember, Jeric was born a performer, dancing with and for groups of people at the age of 5. While participating in his school’s dance productions, he picked up on various dance styles such as Hip Hop, West African, Fosse, Belly, Ballet, Contemporary, and more. Exploring his own groove, Jeric choreographed for high school rallies and became lead coach when he graduated. With over 7 years of teaching experience, he has taught at several dance studios, high schools, and college programs. Outside of school, Jeric has trained with multiple dance teams, has had the opportunity of auditioning for America’s Got Talent with Str8jacket and dancing backup for Filipino celebrities. Jeric is a former team captain and choreographer for a couple dance companies, but now pursuing new goals in his career. Dance constantly gives Jeric the motivation and purpose to work towards bettering himself and his community. Jeric believes anyone can positively benefit from dance by working hard, embracing self discipline, developing confidence, trusting the journey, and thus reaping the reward of self discovery.

Lainie Pennington grew up in Portland, OR where she received her formative ballet training at Oregon Ballet Theatre School under the direction of Damara Bennett, Anthony Jones, and Katarina Svetlova. There she performed both children’s and professional roles in George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker and Walpurgisnacht, as well as classical works such as Don Quixote. She then studied contemporary dance at NW Dance project under the direction of Sarah Slipper, performing works by Franco Nieto, Andrea Parson, Rebecca Margolick, and James Gregg. Lainie received a BFA in Dance from Western Washington University in Bellingham, WA. After graduation, she moved to San Francisco and began working with Margaret Jenkins Dance Company. Throughout this time Lainie has taught ballet, lyrical, contemporary, and gymnastics to children of all ages. When not dancing or teaching, you can find her riding her bike in Marin, cooking for friends, or hanging out with her cat Winnie.

Leo Morimune began his extensive training receiving a full scholarship to San Francisco Ballet for 8 years. Graduated School of the Arts San Francisco, where he trained in Modern, Afro Haitian and Choreography. His professional dance career started at age 10 and transitioned to becoming a industry dancer after moving to LA. He has danced for San Francisco Ballet/Opera, artists such as Paula Abdul, 50 cent, Carlos Santana, Nick Jonas, Bjork to name a few. TV shows like American idol, brands like Gucci & Nike. Balanced his career by pursuing stage performing by also performing on Off broadway shows and most recently Lincoln Center NYC. Some of Leo’s teaching credits include being a faculty at LA’s dance studios such as EDGE Performing Arts Center and Debbie Reynolds. While polishing pre professional dancers for the audition phase, he completed over 10 years of tour on numerous convention circuits (LADM, WCDE, HW Vibe, Dance jamz) guest taught at universities such as LMU, Princeton, and Long Beach University. In the past decade been invited to teach/direct internationally in Japan, Costa Rica, Canada, and Mexico. Currently based in the bay, Leo guest instructs for domestic and international dance events through out the year. When he’s not traveling he is looking forward to sharing back his knowledge of dance/industry to the next generation of aspiring artists in his hometown.

Sawyer has been dancing for the majority of her life, starting her first dance classes at age four. She continued dancing and choreographing throughout high school and college. Her favorite styles include contemporary, musical theatre, and hip hop. Sawyer loves experimenting with genre-blending in dance and has choreographed across a range of modalities, from staging flash mobs around the San Mateo Community, to choreographing for musicals. She loves getting to witness students discovering themselves through movement, and hopes to use the dance studio as an avenue to help build students’ strength and self-confidence. Sawyer draws inspiration from artists such as Ohad Naharin, Alvin Ailey, and Irmgard Bartenieff and seeks to embody a holistic approach to pedagogy that nurtures students as artists, athletes, and people. Outside of PCPA, Sawyer teaches and choreographs with several companies in the Bay Area, and also teaches English at De Anza college. In her free time, Sawyer can be found hiking, reading, drawing, and watching seasons of Survivor. Sawyer is an English Major and minored in dance at Chapman University.

Shanna’s love and passion for dance has been present throughout her life. Starting at the age of four, competing and training in all types of dance, Shanna knew she had found her calling. Performing in hip hop troupes such as, Positive Steps, and Culture Shock, Shanna was able to discover her true love of dance, hip hop. Training in avenues ranging from college, to conventions, and master classes, her main goal was to explore what the world of hip hop meant to her, and she found her answer in teaching. She has since gone on to choreograph routines that have received awards such as; Best Choreography, Precision, the Showstoppers Essence of Hip Hop Award, and many more. Through her dancing and teaching style, Shanna strives to communicate her love and enthusiasm for life and the arts, to all that she is able to work with. Shanna is also currently a teacher with Triple Threat Performing Arts and she is excited to continue working with our dancers on a more regular basis moving forward.

Aaron Alferez has been dancing since 2009. In middle school, he started out tutting and breakdancing. From 2012 to 2016, during his high school years, Keone Madrid became an inspiration to him, and he began learning dances from Keone’s dance videos from YouTube. He also found his joy for teaching dance when he taught choreography to his peers for school rallies and performances. From 2016 to 2020, attending Skyline College, he continued to teach his peers, and studied ballet, jazz, modern, and contemporary to round out his dance experience. Post college, he continues to train himself in various styles of hip hop dance such as waacking, locking, and house. He also studies filmmaking to round his knowledge as an artist, and hopes to inspire people with his dance videos.

My name is Lilian “Lily” Suarez (she/her), and I’ve been passionate about dance since the age of 8. I trained at Just Plain Dancin’ in Southern California under Terry Shulke and Mandy Rogers, earning regional and national titles such as Starpower’s First Overall Teen Soloist and Riverside City College’s Advanced Senior Soloist. I also performed with the modern company Points of View and danced four years with the Riverside Polytechnic Varsity Dance Team. Over the years, I developed a deep love for choreography and teaching, creating routines and technique classes for various performances and recitals. I hold two Bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and English from San Francisco State University and am currently pursuing a Master of Arts at the University of San Francisco. My background in psycho-education, combined with my knowledge of child and adolescent development, enhances my ability to support the emotional and social needs of young dancers. My favorite styles to choreograph are Contemporary and Lyrical, as they allow for rich emotional expression and creative storytelling through movement, something I find incredibly rewarding as both a teacher and choreographer. I teach Lyrical, Contemporary, Jazz, and Technique, and I deeply enjoy guiding dancers through the foundations of strong technical training while encouraging them to find their own artistic voices. Whether in a high energy jazz class or a more introspective lyrical piece, my goal is always to create a supportive and inspiring environment where dancers can grow not just in skill, but also in confidence and self-awareness. The dance community has always played a pivotal role in my life, offering me a sense of belonging and strength throughout my adolescence. Now, as an instructor, I feel incredibly privileged to give back and share the lessons and experiences that shaped me. I look forward to contributing to and growing within this wonderful community, and I am eager to further my work with young dancers at PCPA.

Joshua began as a hip hop dancer when he was 10, competing in dance conventions for 3 years, during which he rounded off his dance training with jazz, ballet, contemporary, and tap. Discovering his passion for ballet, he attended Bay Pointe Ballet under the tutorship of Bruce Steivel, where, in addition to ballet, was versed in character dance and partnering. When he started his first year studying Dance and Environmental Science at San Francisco State University, Joshua also started his professional dance career at the age of 17, dancing with Foley Dance, performing neoclassical-Georgian ballets around the Bay Area. Joshua also danced with the New Ballet Studio Company in Cinderella, The San Jose Nutcracker, and Fast Forward (a contemporary ballet showcase). Additionally, Joshua has also taught dance of many different styles to many different ages; his teaching ranges from Tap to Ballet, and from toddlers to grandparents. He can’t wait to share his experiences with his students!

Christa’s love for dance started at the age of three when her Mom enrolled her in tap class and she never looked back. She kept dancing adding ballet, and jazz to her dance forms as well as performing in the Davis Jazz Choir and her local musical theater company (DMTC). She studied tap at the Davis Art Center under Jere and Julie Curry, Bill Strickland and Lee Harry for 8 years. While attending Palomar College she studied tap under Valerie Clark for 2 years. In 2009, She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Arts with an emphasis in child development from Sonoma State. Christa has a great combination of dance training, teaching experience, and early childhood education exposure! Her teaching experience includes Echale (Stanford University), Davis Art Center, and Gretchen Higgins Elementary School. Her favorite dance styles are tap and musical theater. Christa is passionate about teaching young dancers. Combining her love for music, dance, teaching and children is a dream come true. Christa is also a dance mom. All three of her kids have danced in our Small Fry and Principal Arts programs over the years. Her oldest is now a member of our Senior Teams and her youngest just edged out of Small Fry into our PCPA Program. Apart from being a teacher in our Small Fry program, she also heads up our Musical Theatre Department. She can’t wait to meet you and your dancer!

Stephanie started dance lessons at Doreen’s School of the Dance at the age of 3 years. After 13 years of training in Ballet, Tap, and Jazz she found her love for teaching at that same studio. At only 16 she began teaching Pre-ballet, Ballet, Tap, and Jazz. During her 4 years at Doreen’s, she became a member of Dance Master’s of America with a teaching certificate. Under her mentor Mimi Costa-White-Past President of Dance Masters of America, Stephanie traveled to Las Vegas and New York for National Conventions. In 2007, she went off to San Jose State University to further her education in Dance and Psychology. In her time there she studied with Gary Masters, Fred Mathews, Janie Scott, Heather Cooper, and Maria Basile. Furthermore, she studied all levels of Ballet, Jazz, Modern, and Choreography. During College she paid her way by teaching dance classes for recreational centers and studios. In 2010, she graduated with two degrees and a passion for working with young children. She currently teaches dance classes for Pre-K level in various styles. Stephanie is also enrolled in child development classes and applying for Credentials/ Masters Program to teach young children.

Jana loves working with beginning level students and preschool dancers. She is most motivated to help students discover dance and movement. Jana has been teaching through out the Bay Area since 1998. In 2007 Jana founded Small Fry Dance Club. Jana has since focused on growing SFDC. Jana hopes to bring the same drive and passion to Principal Creative & Performing Arts. Her goal is to mold and develop amazing dancers through both programs.

The Principal Creative & Performing Arts program offers age-appropriate curriculum for all ages between 18 months and 18 years, including a variety of dance styles.

PCPA is a creative and performing arts program that requires dancers to be both artists and athletes. Our ultimate goal is to instill dance intensity and drive inspired by much more than trophies and sequins.

If you are moving up from a Dance & Performance class you’re in the right place. You will need to create a new account by clicking the button below. Be sure to let the office know you intend to inactivate your Small Fry account and continue with PCPA.

All things WONKA! Come with me, and you’ll be, in a week of pure imagination.

Come alive as we sing, dance, and act our way through the greatest week. Re-imagine and rewrite your dreams! Be sure to catch the end of the week performance.

Come defy gravity with us as we dance through the week; figuring out all our feelings on whether we want to be green or pink. “You’re the one the Wizard has been waiting for.”

Our very own Joshua Jung will be in to lead an adult hip hop class. You can use the button below to register. The class will be held at the same time, 7:30pm on Monday nights, from 11/24-12/15. Leo will return in January.

You’ve asked us for a while now and we are excited to bring back our first adult dance class in a number of years. Our very own Leona (Leo) Morimune will be teaching a weekly Mixed Level Jazz Funk Class. We will be offering this as a drop-in class for $20/visit. No commitment. Come when you can!

Our very own Teacher Josh will be hosting an adult hip hop class for the next 4 weeks, starting on 11/24.

Our very own Teacher Josh will be hosting an adult hip hop class for the next 4 weeks, starting on 11/24. Every Monday at 7:30pm. $20/class – Spots are limited. To learn more and to save your spot in class, click the button below.

Leo’s Jazz Funk Class is on a break while Leo is away for an international gig. Our very own Teacher Josh will be hosting an adult hip hop class for the next 4 weeks, starting on 11/24. Every Monday at 7:30pm. $20/class – Spots are limited. To learn more and to save your spot in class, click the button below.

Get your pop on! We will shift our focus to dancing for the camera vs. stage. Daily reel to share with friends, family, and neighbors!