Principal Creative & Performing Arts

- 1528 S El Camino Real #208, San Mateo, CA 94402

Principal Creative & Performing Arts (PCPA) is a premier dance studio nestled in the heart of San Mateo, California, serving as a vibrant hub for the performing arts community on the Peninsula. This is not just a dance studio; it's a creative and performing arts program dedicated to cultivating both the artist and the athlete within every dancer. PCPA's ultimate goal is to instill a love for dance that is driven by passion and personal growth, rather than just trophies and accolades. With a wide array of classes ranging from classical ballet to high-energy hip hop, PCPA caters to dancers of all ages and skill levels, from preschoolers taking their first steps to adults rediscovering their love for movement. As a women- and Latino-owned business, the studio proudly brings a diverse perspective to the Bay Area dance scene, fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone who walks through its doors.

Since its founding in 2007, PCPA has taught thousands of dancers in the Bay Area, earning numerous accolades including being voted "Best Dance Studio" on the Peninsula by Bay Area Parent readers multiple times. The studio’s commitment to building a supportive family environment is a cornerstone of its philosophy. Students are encouraged to develop strong fundamentals, technique, and discipline, all while being part of a community where they can feel safe, supported, and free from judgment. The staff at PCPA consists of professional instructors with diverse dance backgrounds and college degrees, ensuring a high level of expertise in every class. Whether a dancer's goals are personal or professional, the well-rounded group of instructors is dedicated to helping them achieve their dreams. This focus on both technical excellence and emotional well-being is what sets PCPA apart and has made it a cherished "first dance studio" for many families in the San Mateo area.

The studio also offers a free trial class for new dancers, providing an excellent opportunity to experience the positive atmosphere and quality of instruction firsthand before making a commitment. This transparency and welcoming approach reflect the studio’s belief in building trust and strong relationships with its students and their families. PCPA's dedication to creating a place where people belong is evident in its community-focused initiatives and its commitment to being a safe space for all, including the LGBTQ+ and transgender communities. This comprehensive approach to dance education, combining professional training with a focus on personal growth and community, makes PCPA a top choice for anyone in California looking to embark on their dance journey.

Location and Accessibility

Principal Creative & Performing Arts is conveniently located at 1528 S El Camino Real, Suite 208, San Mateo, CA 94402, USA. Situated in a safe and central area of San Mateo, the studio is easily accessible from highways 101, 280, and 92, and is also close to public transportation. The studio occupies a 7,000-square-foot space on the second floor, with four dance rooms and two lobbies, providing ample space for classes and waiting families. A key feature of PCPA is its extensive commitment to accessibility. The facility offers a wheelchair accessible entrance, a wheelchair accessible parking lot, a wheelchair accessible restroom, and wheelchair accessible seating, ensuring that every individual can participate comfortably. In addition, the studio provides a variety of free parking options, including a parking garage, a parking lot, and free street parking, which is a major convenience for families in the Bay Area.

Services Offered

• Adult Dance Classes: Classes designed for adults of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced dancers.
• Creative Dance: Classes that focus on fundamental motor skill development for preschool-age children.
• Classical Ballet: Comprehensive training in classical ballet technique, including pointe classes.
• Jazz Dance: Energetic classes that teach jazz technique, style, and choreography.
• Hip Hop Class: High-energy classes that explore various hip hop and urban dance styles.
• Modern Dance: Classes that focus on expressive movement and contemporary techniques.
• Musical Theatre Camp: A fun, immersive camp that combines dance, acting, and singing.
• Private Lessons: One-on-one instruction for personalized attention and accelerated skill development.
• Summer Dance Camps: Thematic and intensive camps for kids and teens during the summer break.
• Weekly Classes: A wide variety of regular, scheduled classes for school-age students and teens.

Features and Highlights

• Latino- and Women-Owned: A proud local business that is both women- and Latino-owned.
• Extensive Accessibility: Offers a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, restroom, and seating.
• LGBTQ+ Friendly & Transgender Safespace: A truly inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of the community.
• Free Trial Class: New dancers can try a class for free to experience the studio's environment.
• Abundant Parking: Free parking is available in a parking garage, lot, and on the street.
• Community Focus: The studio fosters a supportive and positive family environment where students feel a sense of belonging.
• Voted Best Dance Studio: Recipient of numerous awards, including multiple "Best Dance Studio" awards from Bay Area Parent.

Contact Information

Address: 1528 S El Camino Real #208, San Mateo, CA 94402, USA

Phone: (650) 393-5593

What is worth choosing

Choosing Principal Creative & Performing Arts for your or your child's dance education is a decision to join a community that values passion, discipline, and inclusivity. For families in the California Bay Area, PCPA offers a unique blend of professional training and a nurturing environment. The studio’s commitment to being a "Transgender Safespace" and "LGBTQ+ friendly" is a powerful statement of its values, ensuring that every person who enters feels respected and secure. This dedication to creating a welcoming and inclusive community is a significant factor in why many parents choose PCPA, as one reviewer noted they were "so happy with our experience" and felt "listened to with any concern."

While some reviews mention negative individual experiences, the overwhelming sentiment from the community and the studio’s numerous awards, including being in the Bay Area Parent Hall of Fame, speak to the overall quality and positive impact of the program. The studio's emphasis on building strong fundamentals and technique, combined with a wide variety of classes from ballet to hip hop, ensures that students receive a comprehensive and well-rounded dance education. The opportunity for a free trial class is an invaluable feature, allowing prospective students to see if the studio's environment and teaching style are the right fit for them. The abundance of free parking options also makes visiting the studio a stress-free experience, a major benefit for anyone in the bustling San Mateo area.

Furthermore, PCPA's recitals are described as an "incredible experience" that is "skillfully put together," reflecting the high level of professionalism and care that the studio brings to its performances. These recitals and other performance opportunities give students a chance to shine and celebrate their hard work. The studio's "good for kids" reputation is built on its ability to create a fun and engaging environment that also teaches valuable life lessons. The fact that the studio is women- and Latino-owned also makes it a business that many in the community are proud to support. In essence, PCPA is worth choosing because it provides not just dance training but a safe, supportive, and inclusive community where dancers of all ages and backgrounds can thrive and build a lifelong love for the performing arts.

Principal Creative & Performing Arts

1528 S El Camino Real #208, San Mateo, CA 94402, USA