Hama Dance Center
LA’s home for jazz technique and artistry
12117 Moorpark St., Studio city CA 91604
Master Teacher Hama
Meet Hama!
Hama was born in Tokyo and moved to NY in the early 1960’s. In NY, he found his lifelong mentor, the great.. Luigi. Hama taught for him for years and in the early 70’s moved to L.A. to begin his career. In the 1990’s he founded the Jazz Dance L.A. Foundation, that provided a performing forum for L.A. jazz choreographers and dancers. He is an icon in L.A and is beloved by all.Β For over 30 years Hama has provided a space for dancers to create, teach, and live a life of dance,Β discipline, and excellence.
Welcome to Hama Dance Center!
Save time and Sign your Release Forms Now!
Sign Up And Join Our Open House
September 19th, 2026
Save Your Spot!
New Classes
CHECK OUT WHAT IS HAPPENING @HDC!!!
MEET OUR TEACHERS
Terri Best
GUEST TEACHER
CLASS SCHEDULE
Monday
Kana Miyamoto
BALLET
BEG/INT
10:00-11:30am
Pre Pay Here
Hama
JAZZ
INT/ADV
11:45-1:15pm
Pre Pay Here
Nichelle Bane
STARTING
9/14/26
HDC LEGACY CLASS
-Doug Caldwell
INT/ADV
1:30-3:00pm
Pre Pay Here
Tuesday
Stephanie Kim
BALLET
BEG/INT
10:00-11:30am
Pre Pay Here
POINTE
11:30-12:pm
$10.00
Risa Arisue
JAZZ
INT LEVEL
12:00pm-1:30pm
Pre Pay Here
Wednesday
Kana Miyamoto
BALLET
BEG/INT
10:00-11:30am
Pre Pay Here
Amy Schadt
HAMA TECHNIQUE
INT/ADV
11:45-1:15pm
Pre Pay Here
Eric Ellis
Β JAZZ
INT
1:30-3:00pm
Pre Pay Here
THURSDAY
Stephanie Kim
BALLET
BEG/INT
10:00-11:30am
Pre Pay Here
CHAKRA GROOVE CLASS
2:00-3:30pm
Pay Amy Directly
FRIDAY
Kana Miyamoto
BALLET
BEG/INT
10:00-11:30am
Pre Pay Here
Amy Schadt
JAZZ
INT/ADV
11:45-1:15pm
Pre Pay Here
SATURDAY
Eric Ellis
Β JAZZ
INT
10:00-11am
Pre Pay Here
Risa Arisue
JAZZ
INT
11:15am-12:45pm
Pre Pay Here
Amy Schadt
HAMA TECHNIQUE
INT/ADV
1:00-2:30pm
Pre Pay Here
Amy Schadt
STARTS SEPT. 12TH
TURNS CLASS
ALL LEVELS
2:45-3:45pm
Pre Pay Here
Sunday
Jeni Jones
JAZZ
Open LevelΒ
8:30-9:45am
Pay Jeni Directly
Kana Miyamoto
BALLET
BEG/INT
10:00-11:30am
Pre Pay Here
Denise Leitner
GUEST TEACHER!
September 13th, 2026
12:00-1:30pm
Pre Pay Here
HDC LEGACY LAUNCH
Nichelle Bane -Doug Caldwell
INT/ADV
1:30-3:00pm
Pre Pay Here
INT/ADV BALLET with JULIA BOURLINA β Daily
Monday, Wednesday & Friday 5:30p β 7:30p
Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday 6:30p β 8:30p
Sunday 5:00p-7:00p
2hrs $35 Check in w Julia
**Payment methods**
Cash, Checks
Credit Cards
Venmo
Being The Groove
The Roots and Foundations of Jazz Dance
Memories
Bernard Brown
Pat Taylor
Stacey Strickland
Follow Our Insta Journey
Amy Schadt, Artistic Director
Amy trained in the Luigi lineage of jazz dance under founder Takeshi “Hama” Hamagaki, beginning her relationship with the studio in 1993 as a work-study student. She has since trained as an instructor, led the children’s program, and performed with the Jazz Dance LA company before stepping into her role as Artistic Director.
In this role, Amy oversees the studio’s artistic vision, faculty, and programming, working to preserve Hama’s technique and legacy while expanding the studio’s reach across LA’s dance community.
Interested in collaborating? Amy welcomes inquiries from studios, schools, and organizations looking to bring in workshops, teaching opportunities, classes, or intensives. Reach out at amy@hamadancecenter.com to start the conversation.
Master Hama Technique Teachers
Amy SchadtΒ and Kristen Wilkinson are the Master Teachers of the Hama Technique, carrying forward the legacy of founder Takeshi “Hama” Hamagaki’s Luigi-lineage jazz training for a new generation of dancers.
Together, they offer Master Classes, Workshops, and Choreographic Residencies, bringing original works to students through an immersive, hands-on creative process. They are also available to stage original repertory on professional and pre-professional dance companies.
Hama Dance Center β Filming Policy
Filming & Media Policy
At Hama Dance Center, we occasionally capture photo and video content to share the studio, our classes, and our dancers through our promotional materials and social media.
When Filming Happens
- Filming generally occurs after class concludes, outside of regular instruction time.
- In some instances, an instructor will film during class. When this happens, the instructor will let students know in advance. Students may choose to step out of frame or opt out of being filmed at any time, even after initially agreeing to participate.
Consent
- All dancers must have a signed Release FormΒ and a signed Filming Consent Form on file.
- Filming is optional β it is up to each dancer whether they choose to participate in after-class filming. No one is required to stay or take part.
- Release forms cover the use of photo/video content for promotional materials, including social media, the website, and studio marketing.
- Parents/guardians must sign on behalf of any dancer under 18.
Our Commitment
At Hama Dance Center, our priority is always training and creating a safe space for our dancers. Filming is a small part of what we do β it will never take precedence over that focus.
Questions
Dancers or parents with questions about this policy, or who wish to opt out of filming, should speak with the front desk or studio director directly.