Uptown School of Dance

About Uptown School of Dance

Uptown School of Dance, located in Whittier, California, offers a comprehensive and welcoming environment for dancers of all ages and experience levels. Led by artistic directors and owners Alanna Valdes and Julie Mauk, alongside Uptown Academy of Classical Ballet Program Director Jack Grudnitski, the studio provides high-quality dance instruction across a diverse range of disciplines. Our curriculum includes foundational techniques in Ballet, Jazz, and Tap, alongside popular styles such as Hip Hop, Contemporary, and Musical Theater. A cornerstone of our offerings is a robust ballet program, meticulously rooted in the esteemed Vaganova Method. This classical training system emphasizes whole-body integration, expressive arm movements, and precise execution, particularly in allegro work. This program nurtures dancers from beginner stages through pre-professional levels, catering to students aged five and older. We are proud to be affiliated with The Society of Classical Ballet, offering annual formal examinations to assess student mastery of the Vaganova syllabus, with successful candidates receiving certificates and medals. Specific vocabulary for male students is also incorporated throughout the levels. Our dedicated team of dance instructors includes JC Cadena, Nicole Geis, Izzy Rush, Triston Ngo, TC Villegas, Vita Bunina, and Cassidy Kittredge, who guide students with passion and expertise. We are currently preparing for our 2025-2026 season, with classes commencing on Monday, August 11. Registration is open for Level 2 and below. We invite everyone to join our dance family, explore their passion, develop their skills, and express themselves creatively. For registration assistance or class inquiries, please email us at uptownschoolofdance@gmail.com.

Styles offered at Uptown School of Dance