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The Dance Academy Del Mar
4.9 ★★★★★ 59 Google reviews · Ballet school in San Diego, California
Plan your first class
- Free trial / first class new students can usually try a class free or at a discount — call ahead or check their schedule to book your first one
- Ages classes for ages 3–6 — check the schedule for the right level for your dancer
- Adult classes classes for grown-ups, including absolute beginners — it's never too late to start at the barre
- Pointe pointe and pre-pointe work for dancers who are ready — the pre-pointe strengthening comes first
- Recitals end-of-year performances and shows — ask about costume and performance fees when you enroll
- Summer intensive holiday and summer intensive programs — these fill early, so ask about dates and auditions
- Today see hours ·
- Phone (858) 925-7445
- Website & schedule thedanceacademydelmar.com — enroll and see the live class schedule
Hours
| Monday | 3–8:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 9–11 AM, 3–8:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 9–11 AM, 3–8:30 PM |
| Thursday | 12–8:30 PM |
| Friday | 3–7:30 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–2 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The programs they offer
“I’ve been enjoying Adult Ballet/Silver Swans at this fantastic studio for over 2 years, and it’s been sooooo fun and rewarding!”
“My daughter has been dancing here since she was little and takes classes in multiple genres, and the growth we’ve seen - both as a dancer and as a person - has been incredible.”
How they train
What families & students say
“While I am not going to be replacing Misty Copeland anytime soon, I have seen so much progress and have so much fun learning technique.”
“Professional, caring and motivating teachers have supported my “Beginner” status as an older adult looking to rediscover the joy of dance and fitness.”
“My daughter feels comfortable, happy, and confident expressing herself here, and we truly appreciate the supportive and inspiring environment the studio provides.”
“She has grown so much as a dancer and has such confidence and poise even at almost 6 that she has gained from her experience with working with Ms Francine and her incredible staff.”
“It’s been a joy to watch her grow her skills and bring them together in the studio’s performances.”
“I’ve been enjoying Adult Ballet/Silver Swans at this fantastic studio for over 2 years, and it’s been sooooo fun and rewarding!”
From the reviews
Our daughters (ages 10 and 7) have been dancing at The Dance Academy Del Mar for several years, and it's been an incredible experience. The RAD ballet program provides the perfect blend of structure and joy, with Francine masterfully balancing discipline and merit-based achievement while keeping classes fun and…
My daughter has been dancing at The Dance Academy in Del Mar since 2022 and we love it there! She has grown so much as a dancer and has such confidence and poise even at almost 6 that she has gained from her experience with working with Ms Francine and her incredible staff.
We’ve been so lucky to have my daughter at this dance studio for the past five years. The teachers have nurtured her love for dance from the very beginning. She started with ballet and has had the chance to explore tap, lyrical, jazz, and even acrobatics—quickly discovering a new passion for acro.
We have been coming to the Dance Academy Del Mar for over six years. Both of my girls dance at the studio. My older one loves the RAD program for learning ballet. She also takes jazz and lyrical. My younger one prefers hip-hop and jazz classes. There’s a little something for every ballet student.
Adult ballet at The Dance Academy Del Mar
The Dance Academy Del Mar runs classes for grown-ups — confirmed on their own site. If you've never taken ballet, or you're coming back to it after years away, this is for you — and a good studio genuinely welcomes a nervous first-timer. A few things worth asking before you go. First, which class to start in — look for one labeled "absolute beginner" or "adult beginner" rather than an open or "all levels" class, so you learn the fundamentals at the right pace. Second, drop-in or term — many adult programs let you pay per class to try it, then move to a term or monthly package once you're hooked. Third, what to wear — comfortable clothes you can move in, plus socks or bare feet, are plenty for a first class; you won't need a leotard or ballet shoes to walk in the door. It's never too late for first position.
Your first ballet class at The Dance Academy Del Mar
Nervous about walking into your first class? Almost everyone is — and a good studio expects beginners, whether your dancer is five or you're returning at fifty. Here's what to know. What to wear: comfortable clothes you can move in, with socks or bare feet; a leotard and tights are nice if you have them, but not required, and pointe shoes are years down the road — never day one. What to expect: class usually starts at the barre with slow, simple movements to warm up, then moves to the center — follow along, copy the teacher, and don't worry about getting it "right" the first time. Arrive early: come 10–15 minutes ahead to change, find a spot, and let the teacher know it's a first class so they can keep an eye out. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.
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🩰 Free trial class — check their site