Castro Valley Performing Arts Opens Studio on Somerset Avenue

The sign is up and toes are tapping on the brand new hardwood floors.

Castro Valley Performing Arts (CVPA) is in the works of relocating its to a new state-of-the-art facility on Somerset Avenue. Close to 200 of the 700 CVPA students will use the facility for various styles of dance.

CVPA studio director Janet Nordgren-Taddie said the move is due to a new learning center opening at the Santa Maria shopping center in January.

"We would have to keep our music down," she said, which would pose a problem for dance practices.

The new building, which formerly housed , has all the qualities she and her students are looking for. Jo Backster got to test out the new hardword floors on Tuesday during a tap class for women in their 50s.

"It has a spring to it," she said. "And the space, the mirrors, the floors — just the general openness about it is great. And parking's a lot easier."

Nordgren-Taddie started renovating the building in July. Last week the CVPA sign went up.

Aside from two separate rooms where classes can simultaneously take place, the facility also has wireless Internet for students and parents to enjoy, including in the back patio.

There are currently two other CVPA facilities in Castro Valley — and another