STUDIO & WORKSHOP FAQ
WHERE IS THE BANDALOOP STUDIO?
1601 18th St. (at Peralta)
Oakland, CA 94607
WHAT’S THE CLOSEST BART STATION?
West Oakland BART is about a 14-16 minute walk from the studio. Directions from West Oakland BART to the studio can be found here.
DRIVING DIRECTIONS FROM SF:
Driving from SF, stay in the right lane off the bay bridge towards 880, take the first exit off the bridge at West Grand Ave. Continue up West Grand and turn right on Peralta (just before Mandela Parkway). Studio is at the corner of 18th and Peralta.
Am I ready for an Open Level Workshop?
An Open Level workshop welcomes movers of all levels beginner to professional, and gives a detailed introduction to BANDALOOP’s Culture of Safety and basic equipment usage. An Open Level workshop is the prerequisite to our more intermediate/advanced level workshops. Our Open Level workshops are designed so that every level of dancer from beginner to professional can learn together in a supportive and challenging environment. Experienced movers may apply to waive the prerequisite to attend advanced level intensives by sending a video and short description of your movement/dance experience to workshop@bandaloop.org.
CAN I TAKE BOTH WORKSHOPS IF Open LEVEL AND INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED ARE OFFERED in the same day?
We don’t generally recommend this, as BANDALOOPING can be physically demanding, and fatigue can be counter productive and unsafe. If you are an experienced mover who regularly trains at a more intensive pace, you may self-elect to take both workshops.
CAN I TAKE JUST ONE DAY?
Generally these workshops sell-out and registration is for all days. If you can only attend one day, please email workshop@bandaloop.org and we’ll do our best to work with you. We cannot guarantee our ability to prorate one day and you may have to pay the full fee.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR/BRING?
"Close-to-skin" layer (optional)- We don’t like the harness rubbing on skin! The best way to minimize "harness hickeys" is a leotard or biketard that is made of slippery (lycra) material. This can be worn UNDER regular dance clothes if preferred. It is not necessary, regular dance clothes do work alone, but we have found more ease and less harness rubbing friction with a leotard or biketard of some sort.
DANCE CLOTHES- please bring danceable clothes- Do not expect to dance in jeans, skirts or short shorts. Please bring dance pants that allow for as much range of motion as possible and come down lower than the knee, and a top that covers the full torso (no half tops or shorts!)
You will want arrive hydrated and not too full or too hungry. It is a good idea to bring some water and a light snack.
WHAT is my harness size?
We use Metolius Waldo Harnesses for our education programming. We have the following harness sizes in our stock:
XXXS (waist 22”-24”)
XXS (waist 24”-26.5”)
XS (waist 26.5”-29”)
S (waist 29”-31.5”)
M (waist 31.5”-35”)
L (waist 35”-39”)
L/XL (waist 33”-42”) *this is a full-body harness
Some smaller youth sizes are also available.
WHAT IF I’M Sick, INJURED OR UNABLE TO ATTEND?
Please contact us as soon as possible! Email workshop@bandaloop.org.
CAN I FILM OR TAKE PHOTOS AT THE WORKSHOP?
Yes! We love when students capture workshop or class footage. Please label media as a ‘workshop with BANDALOOP’ and tag us @bandaloopstudios.
DO YOU HAVE ONGOING CLASSES?
We have 2 weekly drop in classes on Tuesdays and Wednesday evenings. We also offer 8 week series, weekend workshops, and summer intensives. For youth, we have semester long afterschool classes, as well as summer camps and intensives.
I’ve taken several workshops, can i do this work on my own?
BANDALOOP’s rigging for vertical dance and aerial work is done by qualified professionals. Our rigging team consists of certified mountain guides, professional rock climbers, theatrical riggers, and rope access technicians. This diverse set of vertically inclined professionals work closely with our logisticians and risk management team in keeping our dancers safe as they perform on buildings, bridges, and cliffs globally. BANDALOOP does not condone any student rigging or participating in aerial or vertical dance outside the classroom without the supervision of qualified professionals. You and others can be injured or killed. If you are interested in hiring a professional rigger, contact workshop@bandaloop.org.
CAN I BRING FRIENDS OR FAMILY TO WATCH?
Yes. Please let us know so we can tell the other students.
WHERE CAN I STAY IN THE AREA?
A few options close to the studio:
The downtown Marriott and Courtyard by Marriott in Oakland.