Young children in a Pre-Primary ballet class at Westside Academy of Dance
Young children in a Pre-Primary ballet class at Westside Academy of Dance

Enroll Now for Spring 2025 at Westside Academy of Dance

Spring Semester Registration is Officially Open!

Semester Begins January 6, 2025

Don’t miss the opportunity to train with Los Angeles’ premier ballet institution. Click Here to Register for the 2024/2025 School Year and take the first step towards achieving your dance aspirations at Westside Academy Of Dance. For young men looking to explore the art of ballet, we offer specialized programs. Boys’ Registration Link Available Here.

Your support helps us continue our legacy of excellence. Support The Company: The Legacy Continues.

Westside Academy of Dance, formerly known as Westside School of Ballet, provides unparalleled dance education for students of all ages and skill levels. Discover the perfect class for you or your child by exploring the links below:

Adult Classes

Studio Rentals

Dance Classes for Every Age and Level

For our youngest dancers, under the age of 3, please explore our engaging Parent & Me class offerings, designed to introduce toddlers to the joy of movement and music in a supportive environment.

Young children in a Pre-Primary ballet class at Westside Academy of DanceYoung children in a Pre-Primary ballet class at Westside Academy of Dance

Pre-Primary (Age 3) – Introduce your little one to the fundamentals of ballet in our Pre-Primary class, specifically designed for 3-year-olds.

Primary Ballet (Age 4/5/6) – Build a strong foundation in ballet with our Primary Ballet classes, tailored for children aged 4 to 6.

Young ballet students in Ballet I class, Westside Academy of DanceYoung ballet students in Ballet I class, Westside Academy of Dance

Ballet I – Progress to Ballet I and further develop technique and artistry in a structured and encouraging setting at Westside Academy of Dance.

Ballet II – Continue your ballet journey with Ballet II, expanding your skills and preparing for more advanced levels.

Dancers in Ballet III & III+ class at Westside Academy of Dance performing combinationsDancers in Ballet III & III+ class at Westside Academy of Dance performing combinations

Ballet III & III+ – Refine your technique and build strength in Ballet III & III+, designed for intermediate dancers at Westside Academy of Dance.

Ballet IV & IV+ – Elevate your ballet training in Ballet IV & IV+, focusing on pre-pointe and more complex movements at Westside Academy of Dance.

Advanced ballet students in Ballet V & V+ class at Westside Academy of DanceAdvanced ballet students in Ballet V & V+ class at Westside Academy of Dance

Ballet V & V+ – For advanced dancers, Ballet V & V+ offers rigorous training to hone your skills and prepare for professional pursuits.

Ballet VI & VI+ – Master advanced techniques and refine your artistry in Ballet VI & VI+, the highest levels of training at Westside Academy of Dance.

A young ballerina in Ballet VII class at Westside Academy of Dance demonstrating pointe techniqueA young ballerina in Ballet VII class at Westside Academy of Dance demonstrating pointe technique

Ballet VII – Reach the pinnacle of your training in Ballet VII, designed for pre-professional dancers aiming for a career in ballet.

Boys-Only Ballet – Explore the strength and athleticism of ballet in our Boys-Only Ballet classes, tailored to young male dancers.

Teen Ballet class at Westside Academy of Dance, students practicing at the barreTeen Ballet class at Westside Academy of Dance, students practicing at the barre

Teen Ballet – Teen Ballet classes offer a welcoming environment for teenagers to engage with ballet, whether beginners or experienced dancers.

Pas de Deux – Enhance your partnering skills and explore the artistry of Pas de Deux in our specialized class.

Adult ballet class at Westside Academy of Dance, students in first positionAdult ballet class at Westside Academy of Dance, students in first position

Adult Classes – Adults of all levels can enjoy the beauty and discipline of ballet in our Adult Classes, perfect for beginners to advanced dancers.

Jazz – Broaden your dance horizons with our Jazz classes, exploring rhythm, style, and dynamic movement.

Our Enduring Legacy in Dance Education

Yvonne Mounsey teaching passé to advanced students at Westside Academy of DanceYvonne Mounsey teaching passé to advanced students at Westside Academy of Dance

Yvonne Mounsey, co-founder of Westside Academy of Dance, instructing Upper Division students

Westside Academy of Dance, formerly known as Westside School of Ballet, stands as Los Angeles’ longest-running and most respected ballet school. Established in 1967 by Yvonne Mounsey, a distinguished New York City Ballet alumna (Yvonne Mounsey’s Biography), and Rosemary Valaire, a former soloist with the Royal Ballet (Rosemary Valaire’s Biography), our academy has been a beacon of dance excellence for over half a century.

Our mission is rooted in fostering artistic development and the relentless pursuit of excellence in each student. Year after year, students from Westside Academy of Dance have been awarded prestigious scholarships to renowned ballet company schools and summer intensive programs. This consistent achievement reflects the exceptional quality of training provided by our faculty, comprised of instructors with extensive performance careers in professional ballet companies worldwide.

A cornerstone of our training philosophy at Westside Academy of Dance is the rigorous study of classical ballet repertoire and ample performance opportunities. For over 50 years, Westside Ballet (WSB), our non-profit performing division, has served as Southern California’s leading pre-professional training company. Comprising approximately 100 dedicated dancers aged 8 to 18, WSB offers invaluable stage experience. Furthermore, every registered student at Westside Academy of Dance, from Pre-Primary (age 3) to Level 7, is offered a performance opportunity in our annual Year-End Demonstration, celebrating the accomplishments of our entire school community.

Our esteemed Alumni network includes dancers who have graced the stages of numerous prestigious professional companies, including New York City Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, San Francisco Ballet, Houston Ballet, Pennsylvania Ballet, Los Angeles Ballet, Sacramento Ballet, and Kansas City Ballet. Join the ranks of successful dancers who began their journey at Westside Academy of Dance.

Grateful Sponsors

Project RELEVÉ offers a vital pathway for you to support the impactful programs of Westside Ballet of Santa Monica, the non-profit pre-professional training company affiliated with Westside Academy of Dance. For over 40 years, Project RELEVÉ has been instrumental in nurturing the Los Angeles ballet community.

Thanks to the generous support from the dance community and beyond, Westside Ballet can maintain high-caliber professional performances, expand our need-based scholarship program, and cultivate partnerships with numerous community organizations. These collaborations are essential to advancing ballet education and appreciation throughout Los Angeles.

Please consider contributing to the non-profit Westside Ballet of Santa Monica. Your donation directly supports the future of dance. Click here to learn more and make a donation.

We extend our sincere gratitude to our sponsors, including The Huntley, Santa Monica’s iconic hotel, and the steadfast support of:

  • The City of Santa Monica
    Huntley Santa Monica Beach LogoHuntley Santa Monica Beach Logo
  • Il Forno Trattoria
  • Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors
  • Los Angeles Department of Arts and Culture
  • Lyft
  • Ovation Entertainment
  • Rotary Club of Santa Monica
  • Santa Monica College Board of Trustees
  • The Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce
  • Santa Monica College
  • Urth Caffé

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