The Dance Academy Del Mar
is the premier studio that nurtures dancers with passion, precision, and artistry.

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Inspiring the next generation of dancers is what we do best.

Our Classes

At The Dance Academy Del Mar, we are dedicated to providing a high standard of teaching while infusing fun and creativity into every class. Our mission is to inspire dancers of all levels, nurturing each child’s unique gift and encouraging them to reach their full potential.

Led by world-class instructors, each class provides personalized attention to cultivate both technical excellence and creative expression.

Current Classes — Royal Academy of Dance, Ballet, Pre Pointe, Pointe, Jazz, Hip Hop, Tap, Contemporary, Lyrical, Acro, Baby&Me, Stretch & Conditioning, Musical Theater, and Adult Dance Classes

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Three young girls in ballet outfits standing together in a dance studio, smiling and holding each other's waists, with a dance instructor and other girls in the background.

Dance Classes in Del Mar at The Dance Academy Del Mar - Where Passion Meets Artistry

If you are searching for dance classes for adults near me, The Dance Academy Del Mar is ready to welcome you. Located at Del Mar Highlands Town Center in Carmel Valley, San Diego, our dance academy serves students of every age — from babies taking their first steps to adults discovering or rediscovering the joy of movement.

Our certified instructors bring professional training, genuine passion, and personalized attention to every class, making this the dance school near me that families across Del Mar, Carmel Valley, and greater San Diego trust for exceptional dance education.

Dance Styles and Programs at Our Dance Studio in Carmel Valley

At The Dance Academy Del Mar, we are dedicated to providing a high standard of teaching while infusing fun and creativity into every class. Our mission is to inspire dancers of all levels, nurturing each child's unique gift and encouraging them to reach their full potential.

The Dance Academy Del Mar is a full-service dance studio in Carmel Valley serving students from 18 months through adulthood across a wide range of dance styles and disciplines. Led by world-class instructors, each class provides personalized attention to cultivate both technical excellence and creative expression — whether your child attends dance classes in Del Mar Highlands once a week or trains multiple days.

Programs available at our dance academy in Del Mar include:

  • Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) Ballet Program

  • Classic Ballet and Ballet Academy

  • Baby and Me

  • Toddlers and Tiny Tots

  • Pre-Pointe and Pointe

  • Jazz

  • Tap

  • Contemporary

  • Acro

  • Hip Hop

  • Stretch and Strength

  • Musical Theater

  • Adult Dance Classes

  • Summer dance camps in Del Mar and kids’ dance summer camps

  • Dance birthday parties in Del Mar

Every program is structured to advance dance knowledge, support artistic growth, and build genuine skill in a professional, caring environment — because at The Dance Academy Del Mar, every child's unique gift deserves to be nurtured and celebrated.

Royal Academy of Dance Experience

The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) is one of the world’s most prestigious ballet education programs, celebrated for its excellence in training and performance. The Dance Academy Del Mar is proud to be the only studio in San Diego offering this internationally recognized curriculum, nurturing both technique and artistry in every dancer.

Ballet instructor assisting young girl during ballet class at the barre in dance studio.

Our Philosophy

Centers on instilling not only technical skill but also the joy and discipline of dance, creating a lasting impact that stays in a child’s heart forever. Our mission is to make a positive difference in the life of every child that walks through our door, if they dance once a week or six days a week.

As the only studio in San Diego offering the prestigious Royal Academy of Dance program, we provide unparalleled training in a warm, nurturing, and safe environment where every child feels valued.

With experienced teachers who are passionate about both teaching and motivating, we cultivate a sense of belonging, empowering each student to grow with confidence and reach their fullest potential. At TDA, we are more than just a dance studio—we are a home away from home, where families and dancers thrive together.

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  • Three young girls in ballet outfits are sitting cross-legged on the dance floor with their arms outstretched, participating in a dance class. Colorful feathers are scattered around and falling from above as they smile and enjoy the activity.
  • Ballet class in a dance studio with a teacher and multiple students practicing at the barre.
  • Young students dancing in a dance studio with mirrors, some kneeling and some standing, under ceiling lights, with the sign 'The Dance Academy Del Mar' on the wall.
  • Young ballet students practicing in a dance studio, some jumping with pom-poms, wearing lavender leotards and pink ballet slippers.
  • A group of eight ballet dancers in burgundy leotards and white tights practicing in a dance studio with mirrored walls and ballet barres.
  • Young ballet students practicing with a colorful parachute in a dance studio, accompanied by an instructor, with mirrors on the wall and a sign that reads 'The Dance Academy Del Mar'.
  • A girl is performing a handstand on red gym mats in a dance studio with a large mirror and a group of girls watching in the background.
  • Young girls in blue dance costumes practicing ballet in a dance studio, standing in front of mirrors.
  • Ballet dancers practicing at a ballet barre in a dance studio.

Performance Opportunities

Throughout the year, The Dance Academy Del Mar offers an array of exceptional opportunities for our dancers to shine on stage.

From our elegant Spring Ballet performance to the vibrant Summer Recital, students have the chance to showcase their talent on stage at a professional theater.

We also provide a distinguished platform through the timeless Nutcracker production, where our dancers experience the magic of this holiday classic.

In addition, students can elevate their skills with RAD exams, furthering their technical development, and those who aspire for excellence can participate in elite ballet competitions, testing their abilities on a prestigious level.

These experiences are designed to inspire, challenge, and celebrate the growth of every dancer.

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Ballet dancers in white tutus performing on stage with falling snow or confetti.
Logo of The Dance Academy Del Mar with the tagline 'Ignite the Passion' on a colorful brushstroke background.

The Studio

The Dance Academy Del Mar is conveniently located in the beautiful Del Mar Highlands Town Center, just off the 5 freeway on Del Mar Heights Rd and El Camino Real.

Beautiful boutiques, restaurants, Salons & Spas, Cinéopolis movie theatre, Handel’s Ice Cream and the fabulous new Sky Deck, you will find there is plenty to do for our dancers and families.

12843 El Camino Real
Suite #201
San Diego, CA 92130


Phone: 858-925-7445

 
  • Interior view of a dance studio with a large mirror wall, wooden floor, ballet barres, and a logo on the wall that reads 'The Dance Academy Del Mar' with the slogan 'Ignite the Passion.'
  • A modern shopping center with multiple store signs including Vuori, The Dance Academy, Club Pilates, Rumeur Linge, and Tucci. The building has large windows, a glass staircase, and tiered architecture with open space on top, set against a partly cloudy sky.
  • Reception area of The Dance Academy Del Mar, featuring a wall mural of a dancer surrounded by colorful flames, with seating and a reception desk.
  • Group of ballet dancers in pink leotards and white tights jumping simultaneously in a dance studio with a mirror and ballet barres.
  • Reception area at The Dance Academy Del Mar with a black desk, a computer, a TV, and a flower vase, with black doors labeled Studio 1 and Studio 2, and wall art with the academy's name and a quote.

Certified Instructors and the Royal Academy of Dance Program

The faculty at The Dance Academy Del Mar are professional dance instructors in Del Mar with real-world performance backgrounds and recognized teaching credentials. Every instructor brings technical mastery alongside a genuine dedication to nurturing each student's individual potential.

Our dance academy in San Diego holds a distinction shared by no other studio in the region — we are the only studio in San Diego offering the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) program. The RAD is one of the most respected ballet education programs in the world, delivering structured, progressive ballet education from beginner through advanced levels. Students in the RAD program follow an internationally recognized syllabus and have the opportunity to sit official RAD exams, earning credentials validated worldwide.

As a ballet studio in San Diego committed to this standard, The Dance Academy Del Mar provides advanced dancers and beginners alike with instruction grounded in proven methodology, consistency, and artistic integrity. This is what separates a professional dance academy in Del Mar from an ordinary studio.

Our Faculty

is comprised of highly skilled and passionate instructors dedicated to nurturing the potential of every student. With years of professional experience and a deep love for teaching, our educators blend technical expertise with a genuine commitment to inspire and motivate.

Meet Our Teachers
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Young man smiling, wearing a black hoodie and denim jacket, outdoors near a white building.
Young woman outdoors with long dark hair, smiling, showing a prominent red scar on her forehead.

Performance Opportunities That Build Stage Presence and Artistic Confidence

Throughout the year, The Dance Academy Del Mar offers an array of exceptional opportunities for our dancers to shine on stage. These are not informal showcases — they are fully staged productions at professional theaters, giving every student meaningful stage presence experience from a young age.

Our annual performances include the elegant Spring Ballet performance in San Diego, featuring excerpts from classical repertoire, where students have the chance to showcase their talent in a professional theater setting. The beloved Nutcracker ballet in San Diego for kids is a cherished annual tradition, welcoming students from age 3 through adults into a professional full-length production performed alongside guest artists. Our vibrant summer recital brings the entire studio together, celebrating every dancer across all styles and all ages.

Students can also further their technical development through RAD exams, earning internationally recognized credentials that validate their progress. Advanced dancers who aspire for greater achievement may participate in ballet competitions, testing their skills at a prestigious competitive level. These performance milestones are carefully crafted to inspire, challenge, and celebrate the growth of every dancer — building the confidence they carry long after the curtain falls.

Begin Your Dance Journey at The Dance Academy Del Mar

The Dance Academy Del Mar is located at Del Mar Highlands Town Center, serving families across Del Mar, Carmel Valley, and the greater San Diego area with professional dance lessons and programs for every age. Whether you are looking for dance classes near me for yourself, your toddler, or your school-age child, we have a program ready for you. Contact us at The Dance Academy Del Mar — we are here to guide you on your dance journey.

The Dance Academy in Del Mar Reviews

  • A woman with shoulder-length wavy brown hair, blue eyes, and a bright smile, wearing a pink top, earrings, and a necklace, with a blurred holiday-themed background.

    "We love The Dance Academy Del Mar! I can't say enough good things... professional, kind, talented, family feel, accommodating, and wonderful teachers. The owner and teachers are so kind and talented, and we absolutely love this studio!"

    Jodie T.

  • A young woman with long dark hair tied back, wearing a sleeveless light gray turtleneck top, looking to the left against a plain beige background.

    "The studio is immaculate. We have visited other dance studios in our area that are not as welcoming and left us feeling like just another number. However, when we visited TDA, we automatically felt at home and Ms. Francine made my girls feel so welcome."

    Lily F.

  • A young woman with long brown hair, light skin with freckles, smiling outdoors with a blurred green and yellow background.

    "The teachers are passionate, experienced, and truly know how to teach and also challenge and motivate each child in a positive and encouraging way, ensuring they always feel supported. The studio feels like a home away from home."

    Cat D.

Contact Us

We are here to guide you on your dance journey. Whether you have questions about our classes, performances, schedule, or want to learn more about how we can support your child’s development, our team is ready to assist you.

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Ballet students sitting on the floor in a dance studio listening to their instructor.
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Frequently Asked Questions

  • The Dance Academy Del Mar offers a full range of adult dance classes in Del Mar, including adult beginner ballet, jazz, hip hop, contemporary, stretch and conditioning, and Silver Swans ballet for adults aged 55 and over. Classes are available for all levels, from complete beginners to experienced dancers.

  • Children can begin dance classes as young as 18 months through our Baby and Me program. This class pairs parents and little ones together for creative movement, music exploration, and introductory ballet in a nurturing, age-appropriate setting.

  • The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) is one of the most respected ballet education programs in the world. The Dance Academy Del Mar is the only studio in San Diego offering the RAD curriculum. Students follow a structured, internationally recognized syllabus and may sit for official RAD examinations to earn credentials recognized globally.

  • Yes. The Dance Academy Del Mar offers summer dance camps in Del Mar for children and teens. These camps provide immersive dance training across multiple styles in a fun, energetic environment. Summer programs are a great option for kids' dance summer camps as well as students looking to continue training and develop new skills during the summer break.

  • The Dance Academy Del Mar is located at 12843 El Camino Real, Suite 201, San Diego, CA 92130 — inside Del Mar Highlands Town Center in Carmel Valley. The studio is conveniently accessible from Del Mar, Carmel Valley, Solana Beach, Rancho Santa Fe, and surrounding communities.