San Diego Danceworks

Since 1990, San Diego Danceworks has been a source of inspiration for the dance world. The unique vision of Barbara Rinaldo, who has served as its director since 1993, has been a driving force behind the studio's success. At the North Clairemont location of Mt. Soledad Business Park, we built two state-of-the-art dance studios with sprung flooring to ensure our dancers’ safety. Dancing is a beautiful and powerful art form that we believe is transformative. Our instructors are skilled, compassionate, and able to recognize the individual needs of each student. We help our students express their feelings and be creative. This builds confidence because it shows that they can think independently and follow through with their ideas. Barbara Rinaldo, M.F.A. – Director, Lead Instructor Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Barbara studied in New York City with David Howard, Zena Rommett, and Marty Sokol. From 1978-80, she was a principal dancer with the North Carolina Dance Theatre. From 1983-86, Barbara performed with the Ellen Sinopoli Dance Company in Albany, NY. In 1983, Barbara received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Ballet from the North Carolina School of the Arts. In 1988, she received her Masters of Fine Arts in Dance from the University of Michigan, where she studied with modern dance greats Peter Sparling, Judy Rice, and Bill DeYoung. From 1986-92, Barbara was an Assistant Professor at Towson University (Maryland), where she was Chair of the Dance Department. While at Towson, Barbara received choreography grants from the Michigan State Council for the Arts, Towson University, Meet the Composer, Inc., and the Morningside Festival in New York City. For ten years, Barbara was a teaching artist for the Visual and Performing Arts Department and Young Audiences of San Diego.

San Diego Danceworks is a well-loved dance studio with devoted and highly professional instructors. Ms. Barbara remains the highlight of many lovely reviews as a dedicated and understanding dance instructor. The studio took quick action during the recent challenges and offered virtual instructions on platforms like Zoom, which were very engaging. The dedication and hard work by the teachers are noticeable, and there is a sense of community within the studio. Several parents express their delight, as the students' skills and dancing techniques have significantly improved. They credit the quality of lessons and the fun their children have in these lessons and see the significant difference, given the change in their skills and techniques. The studio is much recommended, especially for children who want to learn how to dance in a welcoming and accommodating environment. Prices are very fair, and the studio has great rates, too. Many concluded the review by indicating that the studio is just as significant as a home for them, which still stands out. So, if you have kids who love to dance, San Diego Danceworks is the best place for them to be.