About Oakland
Oakland, California is located opposite the city of San Francisco in the San Francisco Bay. Oakland is the eastern part of the metropolitan region that stretches around the Bay. To the southeast of Oakland is San Jose, and other nearby areas include San Leandro and Berkeley. Oakland has a population of just under 400,000 as of 2010, and it spans an area of 78 square miles. The Spanish took over the area now known as Oakland at the end of the 18th century.
The land grant Rancho San Antonio was established in the area in 1820, and the Gold Rush reached the region in 1849. With the Gold Rush, the area became a logging community and a major center for goods. Horace W. Carpentier acquired the land as a townsite in 1851 and named it Oakland for the Oak trees that grew in the region. While the city was on a decline in the 1960s, in the 70s efforts were started to rejuvenate it.
Dance Shoot Options in Oakland
Oakland has plenty of options you can consider for your next dance shoot. Not to mention that nearby San Francisco is full of companies that service Oakland too. When you find your dance shoot location in Oakland, then you can find some companies to help you with the details.
- Studio
Having the right studio space is vital for any dance shoot. Make sure your Oakland dance shoot location has what you need. The kind of dance shoot you are planning will greatly impact the size of the venue so make sure you know all the details.
- Lighting
A good lighting setup is a great way to enhance the mood of your dance shoot. Oakland and San Francisco have plenty of professional lighting crews you can hire, in addition to companies that you can rent equipment from.
- Transportation
The San Francisco Bay region is known for congested traffic, and that can be seen in Oakland. Choosing to hire a private company can make it easier for you to get around the city, leaving you more time to focus on the details of your dance shoot.
Dance Shoot Companies in Oakland
There is no reason to take on all that work on your own. You can choose from several companies to hire for your Oakland dance shoot location.
- 5 STARS Limousine Connection
5 STARS Limousine Connection is one of the top-rated private car companies serving Oakland and nearby areas. They provide party buses, SUVs, limos, sedans, and more for any kind of event. You can easily book their services online any time of day, and they offer to chauffeur 24/7. No matter how many passengers need to ride with you, they will have a vehicle to fit your needs.
- Full Out Studios
Full Out Studios in Oakland has a 5,000 square foot space that you can rent for any kind of dance shoot. The venue has been used for some creative projects including fitness and dance classes. There are three rooms in the warehouse you can rent, and each one has a sound system and related features.
- DTC Lighting and Grip
You can trust DTC Lighting and Grip to provide lighting gear and similar equipment for a range of creative projects. They have experience in photo shoots, film sets, and more. DTC has been serving the entire San Francisco Bay area for more than three decades. You can rent a few pieces of lighting gear or an entire truck package.
Pros and Cons of Dance Shoots in Oakland
Even in sunny California, every city has its ups and downs. If you want to have an Oakland dance shoot location, then you should make sure to consider the pros and cons of the area.
Advantages
- San Francisco
A major advantage of Oakland is how close it is to San Francisco. Visitors can take advantage of all the amenities found in the Bay Area. The transportation network makes it quick and easy to get from Oakland to San Francisco.
- Art collections
Similar to San Francisco, Oakland has a beloved art scene. There are art galleries all around the city, featuring pieces from a number of talented artists. In addition, there are many places in Oakland where you can take a quick art class.
- Great weather
The weather in Oakland is sunny and warm almost all the time and it rarely rains. If you enjoy sunny blue skies and warm weather, Oakland will appeal to you.
Disadvantages
- Crime rate
Oakland has one of the highest crime rates when it comes to Southern California cities. The overall crime rate is 209% above the national average, while the violent crime rate is 235% higher.
- Humidity
During the summer season, humidity in Oakland can quickly become overwhelming. Humidity can reach between 75% and 80% in the summer.
- High prices
Oakland is one of the most expensive communities in the Bay Area. The cost of living is higher than in many other California cities, and you can expect to pay a lot for everyday expenses too.
Famous Locations in Oakland
- Lake Merritt
If you are wanting to enjoy some beautiful outdoor spaces while in Oakland then Lake Merritt should be at the top of your list. There is a lakeside park that stretches for seven miles and features picnic areas, a wildlife sanctuary, and a center where visitors can rent kayaks and canoes. There are also a number of beautiful gardens near Lake Merritt, including a sensory garden, an edible garden, and a Bonsai Garden.
- Jack London Square
Jack London Square is one of the best places for visitors to Oakland to enjoy some maritime fun. The square is named after Jack London, a famous American author who spent time working on the docks. There is a replica of London’s Alaskan cabin located in the square, and it is surrounded by many well-known restaurants. Jack London Square also features a walking trail and plenty of oceanside views.
- Children's Fairyland
Children's Fairyland can be found in Oakland, California, near Lake Merritt and Lake Merritt Park. The attraction has been around since the 1950s and is said to be the inspiration behind Walt Disney. Children’s Fairyland was designed to look like a storybook come to life, and it features several iconic fairy tales. There is a puppet theatre, kiddie rides, and a child-sized version of the Jolly Roger pirate ship.
