Our Story
10th time recipient of Youth America Grand Prix Outstanding School Award & recipient of New York City Dance Alliance Oustanding School Award
WSPA was founded in the summer of 1991 by Malu Rivera-Peoples and Karen Dycaico. In a successful collaboration with the City of Daly City Parks and Recreation Department, a state-of-the art dance studio in the Larcombe Clubhouse was built to begin a summer dance program of 35 students and three instructors. Its first performance was at the Pacelli Gymnasium celebrating the new renovated park.
To date, WSPA has an enrollment of over a thousand students training in dance, music, and theater. It has found its new home in a 14,000 square feet of land with 6 lovely studios
surrounding a courtyard at the Doelger Arts Center in Daly City. It has a staff of 22 teachers and 10 office personnel. Its programs include pre-professional training in classical ballet, pointe, character, and variation classes. It also offers ethnic dance classes in Russian and Polynesian traditions and a department of Broadway musical theater classes. Tap, jazz, and hip hop are also offered to all levels of ability. For the pre-schoolers, there are combination classes of ballet
n’ tap. WSPA has a music room where private classes in piano, voice, and musical theater are taught. The students’ talents and achievements are presented in a weekend of performances with lavish productions at the Year-End showcase, marking the culmination of another year of
wonderful dance and performing arts training.
WSPA is extremely proud of its students and programs. Fully understanding that not all will pursue a career in the performing arts, WSPA’s legacy of hard work, discipline, and putting your best foot forward’ will always stay with them for a lifetime. These are the factors that make WSPA a unique and valuable addition to the community at large.
Goals and Objectives
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To provide a high standard of training to every student.
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To develop physical and mental discipline through hard work, dedication, and perseverance; and instill a respect and love for dance.
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To build the confidence and self-esteem of each student.
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To provide a learning experience in professional theater through performances and participation in quality productions.
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To provide an avenue for young talents aspiring to become performing artists, choreographers and teachers.
Dance is for everyone. It is the most natural medium of expression for the very young. It is fun and uninhibited, yet disciplined and refined. The goal beyond dance is to make each child feel special, unique, and beautiful. Each beginner or advanced student is closely monitored in their training. Parents are constantly made aware of their child's progress. For the serious student, a training program taught by renowned dance masters is provided. In addition to dance, a musical theater program is a delightful supplement to your child's training. A child who sings and dances is a happy child.