Applause Performance Academy

APA has been my home for two years now. It is a great environment for every personality, where they all come together to share their love for the arts. Whether you take class for fun or to pursue a serious future in performing, the teachers and ohana of Applause Performance Academy offer amazing support, dedicated training, and most of all, genuine happiness. A range of many ages mix in different leveled classes, that are suited for each students' needs. The teachers truly invest in your talent and potential whether it is offering individual help to a student in, out, or after a class. Styles of dance including ballet, contemporary, lyrical, hip hop, modern, musical theatre, technique, jazz, tap and a conditioning class for strengthening and maintaining flexibility for dancers are offered in addition to voice and acting classes. If a welcoming studio with a BIG heart is what you are looking for, I truly recommend Applause Performance Academy.- S.B. student of APA

I found this place 6 years ago & signing up for classes here was the best (and smartest) thing that I ever did for myself. I'll have to say that when I first got here everyone knew each other. I could tell I was walking into a family that had known each other for years. Which made me nervous cuz that's why I left my previous dance studio in the first place. But Applause welcomed me with open arms & by the second week I felt like one of their own. As the years went by the family only got bigger & bigger because that's the kind of place applause is. Not only do they have amazing teachers in dance, voice, & acting but they also have FANTASTIC workshops from broadway stars & other accredited people that I was able to put on my résumé. Sadly, I do not dance at Applause anymore. Thanks to my mentors at Applause, I've been living in NYC for 2 years where I am now applying all my training to peruse the dreams that I had when I signed up for classes at this studio 6 years ago. Whenever I come back to Hawaii, I always make sure that Applause is one of the first places I go back & visit.

I was a student at APA when I was very young and I loved it more than anything else. Because my dad was in the army we moved to the mainland for a little more than four years and I thought everyone would forget about me. To my surprise I had a whole dance family waiting for me when I returned, because of my time at APA I am now pursuing a career in performing arts. They have amazing teachers that really care about you and your safety, the won't push you so hard you get hurt, but they make sure you are the best you can be. Even though the studio is small it is the best possible place to go if you want to be an amazing dancer!

The school stinks and dirty! You can smell and see it the moment you open the door. (This isn't exaggeration. It is a fact). How I wish the department of health will look into this. It feels ewwwyyy to sit on their couches. Why can't they not clean the place and make it look presentable? It is suppose to be a place to learn, not a place to get germs and get sick from it. Receptionists are not that friendly at all. Very poor customer satisfaction! Hope the owner will fix all these problems.

Worst place for lessons. It's more like a club. If you're new, then you don't belong, so don't even bother! Very small waiting area with not enough chairs. Most people wait in their cars or stand, it can really make you claustrophobic. The director is very unprofessional and uninvolved. They only care about their recitals and don't really teach fundamentals of dance. Most costumes and dances they choose are way too sexual, ESP for the younger kids. Such a waste of money!

The experience at APA is what you make of it. Could it be cleaner? Yes. Could it use a higher degree of professionalism? Yes. BUT.... APA provides a home base for local and non-locals which is important for military families who are always moving. The Owner/Director and her family put 110% into creating a space where children/teens can develop in a safe environment. If you're a type A parent, this place will drive you crazy but if your kid is a creative artist, he or she will feel right at home. Bottom line: Although it's a business, APA is all about the kids and rightfully so. :)

When my daughter first shared her interest in the performing arts I was very worried about my shy child. APA embraced her and stresses the fact there are no cliques. I envisoned a bunch of snobby partents bragging about their children. I was pleasantly wrong. The instructors are supportive not only of the children but clueless parents as myself. My child has "come out of her shell" and is now hooked on dancing AND performing.

If you are looking for a studio that develops the whole child, then Applause is the place for you. The Kashimotos and their talented cadre of instructors know every student by name and understand the importance of balancing fun with discipline. APA has taught my daughter not only performance art but her study habits have improved as well. Moreover, I have noticed a tremendous growth in confidence combined with humility, perseverance, and a positive work ethic.

APA has taken my kids in like their own family. Showing them the love, support, and skills they need for each rehearsal, class, or whatever it may be. They are all very professional, with vast experience that they share with their students. My wife comes from a performing arts background and sees the true professionalism and skills that are being taught. We are so thankful for our kids to get such an opportunity to be part of the amazing things APA has to offer!

This is the most amazing place to do plays at and every one who says otherwise is probably a competitor. The director is soooo dedicated and when conflict comes up in a performers lives she is prepared and knows what to do.