Where Dance Becomes Something More.
DANCE IS WHAT BRINGS US TOGETHER. GROWTH IS WHAT KEEPS US HERE.
For over twenty years, re.DEFINE Dance Studio has been more than a place to train in hip hop dance and choreography.
It is a place where dancers of all ages discover confidence, build lifelong friendships, challenge themselves creatively, and become part of a community that continues long after the music ends.
Whether you are taking your very first dance class or continuing your journey as an experienced dancer, we believe dance has the power to shape lives far beyond the studio.
Founding Members • Paramount Theatre, Oakland • 2006
OUR STORY
Twenty years ago, re.DEFINE did not begin with a business plan or a vision of opening a dance studio.
It began with a simple invitation.
At the time, founder Michael “Mappy” Mappala was directing his own adult dance company while teaching hip hop full-time at a local studio. A few parents and the studio owner encouraged him to create a youth dance team so young dancers could receive additional training beyond their weekly classes.
So he said yes.
What started as one rehearsal a week became one of the most meaningful and rewarding journeys of his life.
As those dancers grew, so did re.DEFINE. Some continued dancing into adulthood. Some became teachers and directors. Many became lifelong friends.
Today, what began as one youth dance team has grown into a community where dancers of all ages continue to discover themselves through dance.
The vision was not fully defined in the beginning. It grew with every dancer, every rehearsal, every challenge, and every season. re.DEFINE was never built all at once. It was shaped by every person who became part of it.
Today, Juniors still rehearses on Sundays during the very same time slot where that original team began. It's a meaningful reminder that while re.DEFINE continues to grow, its heart has always remained the same.
What We Believe
BUILD STRONG FOUNDATIONS
Learn rhythm, coordination, musicality, and the fundamentals of hip hop movement.
GROW CONFIDENCE
Celebrate small wins while becoming more comfortable moving and learning alongside others.
EXPRESS YOURSELF
Explore creativity through music, movement, and self-expression.
FIND COMMUNITY
Practice kindness, respect, focus, and teamwork while building meaningful friendships.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
At re.DEFINE Dance Studio, we believe dance should be both challenging and encouraging. We celebrate progress over perfection and create an environment where dancers feel supported as they grow at their own pace.
Whether someone is preparing for the stage or dancing simply because they love it, every achievement matters.
EVERYTHING WE DO IS ROOTED IN THESE SIX VALUES.
re.DEFINE Dance Co • World of Dance Bay Area, Vallejo • 2013
Confidence
Learning to believe in yourself.
Creativity
Finding your own voice through movement.
Community
Growing together and supporting one another.
Leadership
Leading with humility, kindness, and respect.
Excellence
Always striving to become better than yesterday.
Joy
Never forgetting why we started dancing.
Every class, rehearsal, team, and dancer is part of one community. Although each program serves a different purpose, they all share the same heart: creating a place where people feel welcomed, supported, challenged, and inspired to become the best version of themselves.
OUR CULTURE
People often ask what makes re.DEFINE different.
It is not one class.
It is not one teacher.
It is not one performance.
It is the feeling people have when they walk through our doors.
A place where hard work and encouragement exist together.
Where teachers genuinely care.
Where dancers support one another.
Where families become part of the community.
Where everyone belongs.
What We Hope You Find Here
When you join re.DEFINE, we hope you find more than great dance classes or performances.
We hope you discover confidence.
Creativity.
Meaningful friendships.
A love for learning.
A place where you are encouraged to grow.
And a community you are proud to call home.
Because while dance may bring us together, growth is what keeps us here.
A Story We’ll Never Forget
“I don’t want another dance family.”
One of our youngest dancers was moving away after her final performance with us.
Backstage, we told her how proud we were and how much we would miss her.
She looked back at us and quietly said those six words.
They reminded us that re.DEFINE has never been just about dance.
It is about the relationships we build.
The confidence we nurture.
The community we create.
Sometimes, it becomes a second family.
COME VIBE WITH US
Whether you're taking your very first class or continuing your dance journey, we'd love to welcome you into the re.DEFINE family. Come vibe with us. We'll save you a spot.