Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Premier Dance & Music School in San Jose Since 1975
East West Music and Dance has been cultivating artistic excellence in performing arts for 50 years. Established in 1975, we provide comprehensive dance and music education through group and private instruction in Jazz, Ballet, Tap, Contemporary, Lyrical Hip Hop, and Acrobatic Dance. Our state-of-the-art facility in San Jose features three large studios and dedicated music lesson rooms, serving students from San Jose, Cupertino, Saratoga, and surrounding areas. With instructors holding college degrees from institutions like Juilliard and UC Berkeley, we combine technical mastery with creative expression.Our curriculum emphasizes age-appropriate choreography, personalized attention, and progressive skill development. As a family-friendly studio, we foster confidence and discipline through annual productions, showcase performances, and community events. Our directors bring decades of professional experience from Broadway, San Francisco Ballet, and local theater productions. We maintain continuity through long-term instructors who average 10-20 years of tenure, ensuring consistent training for students at all levels.
Services
Jazz Dance
Ballet Classes
Tap Instruction
Hip Hop Workshops
Contemporary Dance
Lyrical Classes
Acrobatic Training
Private Music Lessons
Summer Dance Camps
Performance Company
Details
- Year established: 1975
Highlights and features
- 50 years of combined teaching experience with professional instructors
- State-of-the-art dance studios and dedicated music lesson rooms
- Instructors from Juilliard, UC Berkeley, and professional dance companies
- Family-friendly environment with personalized student attention
- Annual productions and community performance opportunities
What people say
Amazing community
Excellent training
Professional instructors
Confidence building
Annual productions
Services
Jazz Dance
Our Jazz Dance program combines technical precision with creative expression for ages 8-18. Classes focus on proper technique, rhythmic patterns, and performance quality. Students progress through structured levels while learning choreography that emphasizes musicality and style. The curriculum prepares dancers for competitive and performance opportunities.
Ballet Classes
Offering Ballet training from beginner to advanced levels, our program emphasizes proper alignment, turnout, and classical technique. Pointe work is introduced at appropriate levels with qualified instructors. Classes include age-appropriate repertoire and performance opportunities in annual productions.
Acrobatic Training
Our Acrobatic Arts certified program develops flexibility, strength, and tumbling skills in a safe environment. Classes are structured by skill level with progressive mastery of cartwheels, handsprings, and aerials. Acro training complements dance technique while emphasizing proper conditioning and injury prevention.
Private Music Lessons
We offer personalized music education in piano, flute, guitar, ukulele, and voice. Lessons are tailored to individual goals with experienced instructors who balance technical training and creative expression. Students participate in recitals and receive performance coaching to build confidence and stage presence.
Summer Dance Camps
Our six-week summer program includes themed camps and intensive workshops for ages 5-18. Camps combine technical training with creative projects and performance preparation. Specialized workshops focus on specific dance styles, choreography, and performance skills with guest instructors from professional dance companies.
People
Pam East
Co-Director
Pam East founded the studio in 1975 after receiving UC Berkeley's Outstanding Dance Award. She holds a Bachelors in Dance from San Jose State University and developed the Orchesis Dance program at Westmont High School. With decades of experience in musical theater choreography and performance, she continues to shape the studio's artistic vision.
Erin East
Co-Director
Erin East trained at Interlochen Arts Academy and Juilliard before performing on Broadway in 'Swing!'. She earned Magna Cum Laude distinction in Dance from SJSU and directs the studio's creative programming. As a certified yoga instructor and personal trainer, she integrates holistic wellness into dance education.
Jena Wijtman
Performing Company Director
Jena Wijtman graduated from Cornish College of the Arts and danced with Caroline Liviakis Dance Company. Certified through Dance Masters of America and Acrobatic Arts, she brings expertise in contemporary choreography and performance training. She has directed the Performing Company since 2018.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We offer Jazz, Ballet, Tap, Contemporary, Lyrical Hip Hop, and Acrobatic Dance classes for ages 3-18 with specialized summer workshops and performance opportunities.
Do you have adult dance classes?
Yes, we offer adult dance classes in Jazz, Hip Hop, and Ballet with flexible scheduling options during evening and weekend hours.
How do I register for classes?
Registration is available online through our website portal or by contacting our front desk directly during business hours for assistance with enrollment.
Are there performance opportunities?
Yes, we provide multiple performance opportunities including annual productions, community events, and competition teams with showcase performances throughout the year.
What qualifications do your instructors have?
Our instructors hold college degrees in dance from institutions like Juilliard and UC Berkeley, with many having professional performance experience and teaching certifications.
Do you offer trial classes?
Yes, we offer trial dance classes for new students to experience our programs before committing to full enrollment.
Reviews (4)
Phyllis Yang
Aug 24, 2021
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East West Music and Dance is by far the BEST music and dance studio! My oldest daughter started in 2014 as a tiny tot and now is part of the performing company. Her sister started dancing at East West Music and Dance a couple of years ago and also loves it. The studio is family-owned, led by Ms. Pam and Ms. Erin. Both are an absolute joy to work with and give personalized attention and recommendations to their students.
They are also both great communicators! I truly feel like part of their dance family. What I like most about the studio is that it not only does an excellent job teaching different dance styles and techniques, it does so in a nurturing, caring and inclusive environment that promotes confidence and self esteem. I feel so fortunate to have found East West Music and Dance. It is definitely a gem.
They are also both great communicators! I truly feel like part of their dance family. What I like most about the studio is that it not only does an excellent job teaching different dance styles and techniques, it does so in a nurturing, caring and inclusive environment that promotes confidence and self esteem. I feel so fortunate to have found East West Music and Dance. It is definitely a gem.
Priya Ananthanarayanan
Aug 23, 2021
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My daughter has been learning dance at this studio for 6+ years. She has grown to learn and love more than one form of dance and they slowly but surely inculcate the love of dance in their students and without any pressure. The staff and administrations are always professional and accommodative. A great dance studio overall!
Al Perry
Apr 16, 2020
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It's really amazing to watch a person grow from a 3 - 4 year old to an adult. Dance, when taught in a family friendly environment, is such a gift to be given to that young person. Besides enhancing physical and mental health, the student realizes confidence, healthy friendships, and team building! East West Music and Dance is an amazing gift to give to your child. Visit this wonderful studio, and see the pure joy of creative movement, art and accomplishment written across the smiles of the students who learn there. I am privileged to have spent some time there, witnessing what dance taught in this wholesome environment can bring to a child. The ability to be their best self!
Amanda Bartley
Jan 13, 2018
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My daughter has seen such tremendous growth in her dancing in the past year and half since coming to East West Music and Dance. She especially loves dancing with the performing company. My son just started his first piano lessons and is really enjoying it too. I love that I can schedule both of my kids at the same time!
