Business Details
39 Years
experience
Premier Dance Classes in Oakdale, CA | Valley Oak School of Dance
Valley Oak School of Dance has been a cornerstone of dance education in Oakdale, California, for over three decades. Founded in 1987, our studio provides comprehensive instruction in ballet, tap, and jazz, catering to students aged three and up. We prioritize technical mastery while nurturing performance artistry, creating a supportive environment where young dancers develop confidence, discipline, and lifelong friendships. Our experienced instructors, including owner Leslie Ozbirn and faculty with decades of combined teaching experience, emphasize proper technique and positive reinforcement.With a legacy of producing confident performers and fostering community through annual productions and local performances, we remain committed to excellence in dance education. Our alumni consistently credit the studio for instilling values that extend beyond dance, impacting their academic, professional, and personal lives. This enduring commitment to holistic development has made us a trusted institution in the Central Valley region.
Services
Ballet
Tap
Jazz
Pointe Classes
Performance Training
Details
- Year established: 1987
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of proven dance education expertise in the Central Valley
- Our faculty includes certified instructors with professional performance backgrounds
- We provide age-appropriate technical training with performance opportunities
- Our alumni consistently achieve success in dance and life pursuits
- We maintain small class sizes for personalized attention and growth
What people say
Lifelong friendships
Supportive environment
Technical excellence
Passion for dance
Family-like atmosphere
Services
Ballet
Our ballet program builds technical foundation through age-appropriate instruction. Students begin with creative movement at age 3, progressing through classical techniques, pointe work, and performance training. Certified instructors emphasize proper alignment, terminology, and artistic expression while maintaining small class sizes for personalized attention.
Tap
Tap classes combine percussive footwork with upper body movement. Starting with basic rhythms at age 3, students develop syncopation skills and musicality. Advanced classes focus on complex patterns and performance techniques while maintaining the joy of creating music through movement in a supportive learning environment.
Jazz
Jazz instruction blends ballet and modern techniques with contemporary styles. Students aged 8+ learn Broadway, Latin, and lyrical jazz while developing flexibility and performance energy. Our program emphasizes safe progression through technical training and creative expression in a positive, encouraging atmosphere.
Pointe Classes
Specialized pointe training for committed ballet students aged 13+. Requires minimum three weekly ballet classes and instructor approval. Focuses on proper technique, foot strength development, and safe progression while maintaining artistic quality in a supportive, technically rigorous environment.
Performance Training
Comprehensive performance preparation through biennial productions, rodeo appearances, and community events. Students learn choreography, stagecraft, and ensemble work while developing confidence and stage presence under professional direction in a nurturing, family-oriented environment.
People
Leslie Ozbirn
Owner/Director
Leslie founded Valley Oak School of Dance in 1987 after studying at Ballet Arts of Modesto and universities in Utah. With decades of teaching experience, she creates a nurturing environment that emphasizes technical excellence and character development through dance education.
Petra Inglis
Instructor
A native of Oakdale, Petra began dancing at VOSD in 1989 and returned as faculty in 2001 after earning her BA in Dance from CSU Long Beach. She teaches ballet, tap, and jazz while maintaining strong community connections through dance education.
Chelsea Day
Instructor
Chelsea has taught at VOSD for 15 years after graduating from California State University Stanislaus. Starting dance at age 3, she brings extensive experience in jazz and modern techniques while maintaining the studio's tradition of excellence.
Makayla Hauser
Instructor
A VOSD alumna, Makayla earned her BFA from San Jose State University. Currently dancing professionally with Sacramento Dance Company, she shares her expertise in ballet, tap, and jazz while inspiring students through her active performance career.
Questions
What dance classes do you offer?
We offer ballet, tap, and jazz classes for ages 3 and up, including specialized pointe classes for advanced ballet students.
How are students placed in classes?
Students are placed by age and ability, with pre-ballet for 3-4 year olds and progressive levels through advanced training.
Are there performance opportunities?
Yes! We offer biennial productions, Oakdale Rodeo performances, community events, and Disneyland appearances for qualified dancers.
What makes your studio unique?
Our 30+ year legacy combines technical excellence with character development in a nurturing environment that becomes a second home for many families.
How do I enroll my child?
Contact us via phone or email to schedule a trial class. Registration details and class schedules are available on our website.