In the mid-1970s, as a wave of mothers entered the workforce, Action Day Schools emerged to offer families a nurturing place where children could learn and grow. Determined to provide the kinds of enriching activities that stay-at-home parents could traditionally offer, the school introduced a dance program. And so, on April 5, 1976, in a small classroom on Moorpark Avenue in San Jose, the first dance class took place.
This modest beginning was just the start. The dance program, known as Action Day Dance Academy, flourished quickly. Soon, each of Action Day’s 11 locations had its own studio, offering professional-level dance classes conveniently onsite. By the late 1990s, the academy had grown to over 800 students, showcasing their talents in a dazzling annual recital at the grand Center for the Performing Arts in downtown San Jose. From 1976 to 2009, more than 15,000 dancers passed through its studios, many going on to dance through college or even perform professionally—a testament to the academy’s legacy.
In 2009, recognizing the desire among students for something more, Action Day expanded its vision. Students wanted not only to dance but to perform as part of a team. In response, the West Valley Dance Cats team was born, bringing together 20 dancers eager to compete and showcase their talents. That first season was unforgettable, with performances including a memorable holiday parade at Disneyland’s Main Street USA, marking the beginning of many awards and accolades.
The team continued to grow, and by 2015, the program had blossomed into the West Valley Dance Company (WVDC), with teams for various age groups, including Dance Kittens, Tom Cats for all-boys hip hop, and high school All Stars. With WVDC’s success in regional and national competitions, demand for more space became clear. In April 2015, WVDC opened its first independent studio at 1226 S. Bascom Avenue—a beautifully designed space with Tiffany Blue accents, crystal chandeliers, and plush seating, making each dancer feel special.
WVDC’s expansion continued with the opening of a second studio in Willow Glen in 2016, near the bustling Lincoln Avenue, where dancers of all ages could grow their skills. That year, the company’s annual recital production of Peter Pan marked a new milestone, complete with a flying cast and three sold-out shows.
WVDC’s journey didn’t stop there. Over the years, new studios opened across San Jose and Mountain View, each designed to offer dancers a unique environment to learn and thrive. From boutique dance rooms to lounges and a dedicated space for competition teams, each location offered something special. In 2020, when the world faced unprecedented challenges, WVDC kept dance alive by shifting to virtual classes and even a virtual recital to celebrate the resilience and passion of its students.
In 2021, WVDC added yet another layer to its offerings with ballroom dance classes, followed by the introduction of an Acrobatic Arts program, including Tiny Tumblers for toddlers, Buddy & Me classes, and advanced Acro courses. Now, nearly five decades since that first dance class in a small classroom, West Valley Dance Company stands as a vibrant community where dancers of all ages and abilities find joy, growth, and inspiration—where every step forward is a celebration of the love of dance.
