7 Reasons to Choose Valverde School of Performing Arts in Rancho Cucamonga, California

I have taken a variety of extracurricular classes like jazz dance, voice, and piano from different teachers, establishments as well as participating in community programs. Because I have been involved both as a student and also as a parent of a student, I've come to a basic understanding that if you are going to pay to be taught a skill, then I'm going to choose an effective teacher/program that will best aid me in attaining success. Because the selection for teachers, schools and/or programs is plentiful in Rancho Cucamonga, consumers can make a tailored choice that will most fit their personal needs.

Our family was referred to the Valverde School of Performing Arts (VSPA). During a Church Carnival at our parish, we first saw a dance performance by the Expressions group from VSPA. We were amazed at the professionalism & discipline shown by these young girls who made up the Expressions group. While we were watching their show, a friend from church mentioned that his daughter was also taking voice lessons there.

At that time, our girls were already enrolled in ballet & hip-hop with the City and voice lessons with Tootsie Guevarra; therefore, we did not check VSPA out until after the sessions ended. I wished we had joined the VSPA family sooner; however, when we finally did register, we were extremely happy with what we found out.

Benefit 1: The First Class is Free
Presently, would be students are offered the opportunity to try classes at no charge for the first time. This is a great option especially when the student-to-be is a young child who may or may not like the subject being taught. It allows parents the chance to discover whether or not to devote time, money and effort in a particular class. For most parents and students, to 'like' or enjoy the class is a pertinent fact that contributes to the personal success of the individual taking the class. Parents are always allowed to observe their children in class should they feel the need to even after the first class.

Benefit 2: Plenty of Classes to Choose From
Variety is key. At VSPA, the selection of classes offered are numerous and also considers classes that tailor to different age levels. For those thinking of taking a performing arts class can usually find one that fits them at VSPA. To just name a few, classes include: jazz dancing, hip-hop, lyrical dancing, ballet, tap, private voice, piano, guitar, drama, musical theater, theater make-up, yoga, jazzercise, ball room dancing, gymnastics, and choir.

Benefit 3: Owners are Active Participants in the Everyday Operation
Frank and Yesenia Valverde are not only the owners of VSPA, but are also actively involved in teaching classes. Having observed them as teachers, one will discover that their goals and mission statement are truly genuine. Because they are there during operation hours, they have the ability to listen to parent concerns, suggestions and implement modifications as needed. They truly welcome every child and demonstrate individualized attention for each child while teaching.

Benefit 4: Teachers/Staff are Friendly, Encouraging and Welcoming
Janice Valverde, Frank's mother, is their on-site business manager. She handles everything from new registrations, manning the phones, to interacting with parents/students between classes. She is very approachable & proactive which makes her quite effective when problems or concerns arise. Overall, you can always be greeted with a smiling face from any of the staff members. Morale at VSPA is positive which makes learning easier for the students.

Benefit 5: Students Have Opportunities to Perform in Public
In the summer, dance/drama/choir students are given the opportunity to perform in a grand show produced for the whole school complete with a stage, lights, costumes and audience. In July 2007, the production titled "A Star is Born" was held at the Cultural Center in Victoria Gardens. In the fall, music students are allowed to perform in a recital to showcase what they have learned during the year. In October 2007, the annual recital is scheduled to be held at Central Park. Besides the annual shows, Expressions, VSPA's performing troupe, perform throughout the community during the year. The shows are a good experience for the students which allows them to showcase their new skills in front of an audience, raise their confidence, and levels of self-esteem.

Benefit 6: Students are Able to Make-up Missed Classes
VSPA is considerate of family/student schedules. They understand that unexpected or other commitments may pose a conflict in scheduling. They will allow students to make up classes that they have missed. Students are encouraged to participate in other classes that are offered at other time slots. If an equivalent class cannot be found, then they will allow other classes to serve as substitutes. This gives students the opportunity to experience other forms of performing arts. Moreover, parents/students are not prohibited from leaving a class that does not interest them; in fact, there are no long term contracts that forces parents/students to pay in advance for long periods of class time.

Benefit 7: Large Facility that can Accommodate Students, Parents and Siblings during Class-transitions
VSPA has recently relocated their school to accommodate the growing number of students. They have 2 large dance floors complete with full mirrored walls, lobby area, lunch area, play area, 2 bathrooms, and 3 music rooms. The dance areas also have 2 way mirrors to allow parents to observe their children in class without distracting them with their presence; the 2 way mirrors was implemented to help parents feel more secure about leaving their children in class as well as assists in building the confidence of students and skill of being independent.

My real litmus test to the quality of this school is the enthusiasm & energy I observe from my own children when it is time to go to their class. Before VSPA, it was a struggle to get my children ready for class. Now, they can't wait to get started at VSPA. They are more willing to perform in front of others and have since participated in talent shows held at church & by Hawaiian Tropics. Why not try a FREE class to see if you get the same results at VSPA?