Adult Class FAQ

• How much do adult classes at ODC cost?

  IN-PERSON CLASSES 

   1 in-person single class: $23 (*Arts Access members: $14)
   5 in-person class card: $105 ($21/class)
   10 in-person class card: $200 ($20/class)
   20 in-person class card: $380 ($19/class)
  Drop-ins welcome!

  NEW STUDENTS DEAL:  $14 for your first class at ODC. Then, 4 class card: $68 ($17 per class) – 30-day expiration, must be purchased within 7 days of first class to receive the discounted rate.
   

  *ARTS ACCESS: ODC proudly offers subsidized class rates for those where price is a barrier via our Arts Access program. Learn more at odc.dance/artsaccess

  ONLINE CLASSES:

   Online single class: $15
   3 online class card: $37.50 ($12.50/class)
   6 online class card: $69 ($11.50/class)
   $19 Household (2 or more dancers on one device)

  $1 off per class is available for In-Person classes, and $0.50 per class for Online Classes for those paying with cash or check at the ODC Front Desk. 

  All class cards (except for New Student Special, valid for 30 days) are valid for 90 days after first use.

  
  To sign-up for ODC Classes please visit: odc.dance/schedule
  
  All class cards (except for new student deal) are valid for 90 days after first use.

  ODC and Rhythm & Motion Class Price Increase - FAQ

  When do the new price changes go into effect?
  May 1, 2026. 

  Didn't class prices increase in Sept 2025? 
  Yes. In September 2025 class prices increased by $1 per class only for those classes purchased with a credit or debit card. This increase helps cover the cost of the $80,000+ in annual credit card processing fees through our scheduling and POS system, MindBody. (An average of 3.9% of the purchase price). Class prices remained the same for purchases made by cash/check.

  Why is there another price increase in May 2026 - so soon after the last one?
  The $1 increase per in-person class and $.50 per online class across the board (credit, cash and check) is happening 3-years after our last across the board price increase in April 2023. This change accounts for the need to help increase faculty pay and rising operational costs. A cash/check discount for class purchases through the ODC front desk will continue to be offered.

  PAYMENT-RELATED QUESTIONS
   

  If I pay in cash or check, class prices remain the same? 
  Yes! If you pay in-person at the front desk with cash or check, you will not be charged the additional $1 per in-person class. There are no MindBody processing fees associated with cash or checks. (Now, if a check bounces, that’s a different story.)

  Can I prepay a large amount by cash or check and have it added as a credit to my MindBody account, so I can use that balance to pay for classes and avoid the $1 per-class credit card fee?
  Yes.

  If I purchase a gift card for a friend with cash or check, are the classes eligible for the cash/check price? 
  Yes. A gift card, when redeemed, will be treated like cash on the recipient’s MindBody account.

  Isn’t using a debit card like cash? Why are debit cards subject to the additional $1/class charge?
  While some businesses do treat debit cards like cash, our system, MindBody, doesn't allow us to separate debit from credit cards - they’re both processed through the same network and incur similar fees. Because of that, the additional $1 applies to both types of cards. We recommend paying with cash or checks at the front desk to save money. 

  Aren’t businesses allowed to pass along the credit card processing fees directly to the customer through a surcharge fee? The cost will be less expensive than the $1/class.
  Under California law (Honest Pricing Law - SB 478 enacted on July 1, 2024), businesses cannot add a percentage-based credit card surcharge. They may reflect credit card costs in the overall pricing structure. Since processing fees vary by card type, bank and other factors, we’ve chosen a simple and transparent $1/class charge for credit and debit card transactions.

  CLASS & PROGRAM-SPECIFIC QUESTIONS
   

  Does this price change affect both ODC and Rhythm & Motion classes?
  Yes - both ODC and Rhythm & Motion adult drop-in classes.

  Will the price of workshops like the Community Showcase or Global Dance Passport also go up?
  No. Workshop pricing is not impacted by this change - workshops are priced according to specific programming.  

  Will Online Classes also increase by $1 if paid by credit/debit card?
  The price of an online class will increase by 50 cents per class starting May 2026. This smaller increase will also cover credit and debit card fees and reflects the lower operational costs of online classes compared to in-person classes which use studio space and on-site resources.
  
  Can I pay for my online classes with cash or check at the ODC Front Desk to avoid a 50 cent per class increase?
  Yes.

  Will the Arts Access class price also increase by $1?
  Yes, if an Arts Access class is paid with a credit or debit card the price is $14. If the class is paid by cash or check, the class price will be $13.

  Will Youth & Teen class prices also increase?
  Youth & Teen classes will not increase prices for the 2026-2027 school year.

  I’m part of a third-party program like Active & Fit or Silver & Fit. Does this affect me?
  No, the $1 increase does not apply to third-party services. Your pricing and access are subject to the terms of that service.

   

• Price Increase Student Concerns and Clarifications

  Will this make class unaffordable for some people?
  We are working to keep prices equitable by giving students a cash/check payment option.  We will continue to offer discounts like Arts Access (for seniors on a fixed income, students, working artists, public school educators, those who are unemployed, and more); promotions like our new student specials; and work exchange opportunities for anyone who might find the price to be a barrier.
  
  Didn’t ODC continue to raise money throughout this year? Why do you need to raise prices now?
  Yes, ODC School regularly fundraises as a part of our Annual Fund. Like many other schools and organizations, each part of ODC  (our dance company, presenting theater, health program, and school) has discrete fundraisers for its programs throughout the year to bring in donor support to help keep our costs affordable overall. For the School, the Annual Fund supports not only general operating expenses, but also teacher, accompanist, and administrator salaries, Youth and Teen Scholarships, and Art Access Classes. This scheduled increase to class prices for May 2026 will further make up the gap that our class fees simply do not cover, especially the $80,000+ annual credit card processing fees. In truth, we need to both fundraise and implement gradual increases now and again to keep our operations running smoothly.

  Are the added fees going to instructor raises or staff salaries?
  The general May 2026 increase will help with broader operational costs, including facility upkeep, staffing, and inflation-related expenses. It will also provide a percentage per student pay increase for our instructors. 

  Can you just absorb the credit card processing fees instead of passing them on to students?
  We’ve been absorbing these fees for years, but with current economic conditions and over $80,000 per year in fees, it’s no longer sustainable without negatively impacting other aspects of our programming. This increase helps us continue providing excellent classes in a beautiful studio space without a large base price increase for everyone.
  
  With all these increases and fundraising drives, what is being done to fix the roof? We are tired of dancing around buckets!
  Oh, we hear you! We hate the leaky roof too! Here's the deal: over the past 5 years our Facilities Director has worked diligently to implement fixes to our roof and each year he has surprised us with constructive improvements. However, we have come to the end of the roof's lifecycle and it's time for a replacement/upgrade. This poses a major capital expense (removal, installation, parts, labor, teacher support during operations interruptions, etc.) that cannot be drawn from our Building Maintenance or Annual fund, due to the immense scope and cost of the project. This doesn't mean that we are not taking this process seriously: our Facilities and Executive Teams are working with our Board of Directors to recruit major new institutional funding to support the replacement of the Commons Roof.
   

   
• What is Arts Access?

  Arts Access is ODC’s organizational-wide program that offers a limited number of additional subsidies for performance tickets and classes for those where price is a barrier.

  For adult dance classes, Arts Access is an additional 43% subsidy to the drop-in rate. To qualify, students must complete a short application. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and approved applicants will be enrolled in the Arts Access program from 3-12 months. After that point in time, they are welcome to reapply. 

  Apply online at odc.dance/ArtsAccess

• When should I arrive for class?

  For in-person classes, please plan to arrive 15-minutes before the start of your class. This will give you time to check in, change, stretch and do anything else you need before class. First-time students should be prepared to fill out a new student registration form upon check-in. 

  For online classes, registration is closed 15 minutes prior to the beginning of the class. We will be emailing the zoom link 20 min prior to the class. If you have any issues receiving the zoom links, please contact frontdesk@odc.dance.

   

• What is your reservation/cancellation policy?

  Pre-registration for classes open 7- days in advance.

  ODC and Rhythm & Motion offer a 2-hour cancellation policy for classes (not including workshops). Class credit will be returned to your ODC account to re-book for future use if canceled 2 or more hours before the class start time through MindBody or by emailing frontdesk@odc.dance or calling 415-863-6606. A no-show WILL NOT be automatically canceled, and the missed class will be forfeited. If you have an unpredictable circumstance after the 2-hour cancellation period (sickness, accidents, etc), please contact the front desk as soon as possible so we can accommodate you. The Client Relations Associate team will always be happy to assist you with any questions or concerns regarding cancellations and modifications.

  For Youth & Teen Program cancellation policies, please visit the Youth & Teen webpage or email us: registration@odc.dance

  Please note:

  • Class cards are not transferable and are for individual use
  • New Students must create an ODC Mindbody online account in order to register for class
  • All ODC Class Cards are valid for 90 days from the day of the first use, except New Student Special Class Cards, which are valid for 30 days from the day of the first use. Class cards cannot be paused.
  • Students may not enter class 10 minutes after class begins
     
• What should I wear?

  Unless otherwise specified in the class description, there is no dress code for adult dance classes. Wear comfortable clothing that you feel good in.

  Recommended footwear:
  Contemporary – barefoot or socks you can dance in
  Rhythm & Motion Fusion, Hip Hop, House Dance – supportive sneakers (no black soles, please)
  Tap – tap shoes
  Ballet – ballet shoes
  Flamenco – flamenco shoes or hard-soled shoes with a thick-heel; no open-toe sandals

• Are there showers and lockers?

  Showers are available - bring your own soap and towel. There are lockers for day use. Please bring your own lock. Alternatively, you are welcome to bring bags inside the room you will be dancing in. (Please note: ODC is not responsible for lost and stolen items, so please keep an eye on your personal belongings.) 

• What are the parking options?

  -Street parking – two hour, metered and somee all-day parking spots.
  -A pay parking garage behind Wells Fargo at 16th and Hoff St. (3 ½ blocks away)
  -A pay parking garage on 2351 Mission St, between 20th and 19th  Sts. (2 ½ blocks away)

  -There are several bike racks located in the front of our main entrance. Please bring your own lock. Bikes are not permitted inside the building. 

• What is the policy for class cards and extensions?

  For $15, you may extend your 5-class, 10-class or 20-class card for 30 days. This must be extended within 30 days of the expiration date. Extensions are not valid for the New Student Special. Class cards are valid for one person only and are non-transferable and non-refundable. If a student becomes ill or injured, extension is contingent upon receipt from your medical practitioner. There are no refunds for class cards. By purchasing a class card, you are agreeing to these terms and conditions. You may purchase class cards and single classes online or in-person.

• What is the refund policy for workshops?

  Workshops are non-refundable. There are no prorated credits/refunds for absences. Some workshops offer a trial/drop-in period at the beginning of the session. If a student must discontinue due to illness or injury, credit may be issued for the remaining classes, contingent upon receipt of a note from your medical practitioner. Students registered for workshops must still check in at the front desk before each class.

• How do I sign up for a drop-in class?

  We encourage you to pre-register online on MindBody to secure your spot. Drop-ins are also welcomed. Need help pre-registering? Email frontdesk@odc.dance. 

  No one will be admitted into class 10 minutes after the posted start time, including those who have pre-registered. 

• When can I start a class?

  All classes (except for workshops) are on-going. Unless specified, drop-ins are welcome. Class registration is open 8 days before each class begins. 

• How do I know if a class is cancelled?

  For class cancellations please check the adult class schedule. Please note that last minute cancellations/substitutions are sometimes unavoidable and we will do our best to communicate cancellations to the public as soon as possible. 

• What are the recommended classes for beginners?

  We recommend you begin your training with the following classes.

  Monday
  9:00-10:00am | Aging Backwards - Essentrics (ONLINE)
  12:00-12:45pm | Basic Pilates + Stretching (ONLINE)

  Tuesday
  1:00-2:00pm | Stretch, Strength & Tone (ONLINE)
  2:00-3:00pm | Hula  - Absolute Beginner (ONLINE)
  6:00-7:00pm | Belly Dance - Absolute Beginner (ONLINE)

  Wednesday
  4:30-5:30pm | Hip-Hop - Beginning (ONLINE)
  7:30-8:00pm | Beginning Pointe (ONLINE)

  Thursday
  12:00- 1:00 | Feldenkrais (ONLINE)
  5:30-6:30pm | House Dance Basics (ONLINE)
  6:00-7:15pm | Ballet - Beginning (ONLINE)

  Friday
  9:00-10:00am | Essentrics (ONLINE)
  1:00-2:00pm | Absolute Beginner Ballet (ONLINE)

  Saturday
  9:00-10:30am | Embodied Ballet (ONLINE)
  9:00-9:45am | Pilates Mat - Beginning/Intermediate (ONLINE)
  10:30-11:30am | Essentrics (ONLINE)
  11:30-1:00pm | Belly Dance - Absolute Beginner (ONLINE)
  12:30-1:30pm | Contemporary - Beginning (ONLINE)

  Sunday
  1:00-2:00pm | Baroque Dancing in Place (ONLINE)
  2:30-3:30pm | Hip-Hop - Beginning (ONLINE)

• What are the recommended classes for professional dancers?

  Hone your craft with the following advanced level curriculum.

  Contemporary
  - Amy Foley: MW 11:00-12:45am
  - Janice Garrett: TUES 11:30am-12:30pm
  - Kristin Damrow: TH 11:00am-12:00pm, SAT 1:45-2:45pm

  Ballet
  - Sandra Chinn: MON 10:30-11:45am
  - Kaori Ogasawara: WED 12:00-1:00pm
  - Jennifer Polyocan: FRI 10:30-11:45am
  - Christopher Lam: SUN 11:30am-12:45pm

  World Dance
  - Māhealani Uchiyama: TH 1:00-2:00pm

  Vernacular Dance
  - Tap - Advanced, Sam Weber: MON 5:00-6:00pm
  - Intermediate Hip Hop, Angelica Perez: MON 7:00-8:00pm, FRI 7:30-8:30pm

  MASTER CLASSES & WORKSHOPS W/ VISITING GUEST FACULTY AND TOURING ARTISTS
  Check monthly schedule

• Can I purchase a gift card for ODC classes?

  Yes! Gift cards are available for purchase here. Please note, any gift cards used to purchase a discounted class card are still subject to the same expiration dates. 

  Any other question? Email us!

  frontdesk@odc.dance or call us at 415-863-6606

• How can I become a teacher at the ODC School?

  Since ODC Dance Commons opened in 2005, our faculty has been essential to our thriving dance community. The diversity and expertise of our teachers enrich our curriculum, and contribute to our expansive program. We celebrate both our longstanding, and newer ODC and Rhythm & Motion faculty members. While each class and instructor are unique, all faculty share a passion to impart their knowledge in a place that values accessibility, joy, and community.

  Learn how to become a teacher at the ODC School.

Photo by Kyle Adler Photography