The Dance Academy Del Mar is one of San Diego's few certified homes of the Royal Academy of Dance — an internationally recognized ballet curriculum offered at a select number of studios worldwide. Founded by Ms. Francine Garton, a classically trained professional with over 25 years of experience and three award-winning studios, The Dance Academy Del Mar delivers world-class training in a warm, safe, and nurturing environment.

Dance students of every age and skill level are welcomed here — from toddlers discovering creative movement for the first time to adults returning to class after years away. For families across Del Mar, Carmel Valley, and surrounding San Diego neighborhoods searching for the best dance studio for kids near me, The Dance Academy Del Mar is the place where dancers truly grow.

Our Dance Education Philosophy

The dance education philosophy at The Dance Academy Del Mar is grounded in a lasting truth: the joys and discipline of dance remain within a child's heart forever. Instruction here is purposeful and progressive — combining rigorous dance technique with genuine encouragement and personal expression. Students are not simply pushed through a syllabus. They are guided through a progressive curriculum that respects each dancer's individual pace, ability, and potential.

Every dance lesson is structured to develop the whole student. Technical precision, artistic confidence, and stage presence are developed together. Dance instructors at The Dance Academy Del Mar are professional dancers and certified educators who bring both formal credentials and genuine care to every session. This combination of expertise and dedication defines the studio's approach to dance education.

The Royal Academy of Dance program forms the foundation of the studio's classical ballet track, providing a graded, structured pathway from beginner to advanced levels. Students who complete RAD grades earn internationally recognized certifications — credentials that reflect real technical achievement and open doors to further training and opportunities worldwide. Very few studios in San Diego offer access to this program, and The Dance Academy Del Mar is proud to be among them.

Dance Programs Offered at The Dance Academy Del Mar

The Dance Academy Del Mar offers a full range of dance programs and dance classes to meet dancers at every stage of development. Dance students have access to:

• Baby & Me: creative movement and music for ages 18 months and up, with parent participation

• Twinkle Toes / Tiny Tots: an introduction to ballet, tap, and jazz for young beginners

• RAD Ballet: the Royal Academy of Dance syllabus, structured for graded classical ballet training

• Classic Ballet and Ballet Academy: focused classical training for intermediate and advanced dance students

• Pre-Pointe and Pointe: specialized dance lessons building toward advanced ballet technique

• Jazz: energetic classes drawing from Broadway and contemporary styles

• Tap: rhythm-focused training that builds musicality and coordination

• Hip Hop: street-dance-inspired classes for rhythm, personal expression, and individual style

• Contemporary / Lyrical: expressive movement merging ballet, modern, and jazz

• Acro: dance technique combined with acrobatic elements, including tumbling, walkovers, and aerials

• Stretch and Strength: conditioning and flexibility training for improved performance and injury prevention

• Musical Theater: a blend of movement, performance skills, and theatrical expression

• Adult Dance Classes: inclusive dance lessons for adults of all levels, from beginners to returning dancers

• Dance Camps and Summer Programs: intensive seasonal training for accelerated development

Each program is part of a connected, progressive curriculum designed to build on the last. Students progress with purpose, and every advancement is recognized and celebrated within the studio's close-knit dance community.

Professional Performance Opportunities for Every Student

At The Dance Academy Del Mar, dance students do not just train — they perform. The studio produces three major professional productions each year, giving every student the opportunity to develop real stage presence and experience the professional stage firsthand.

• Spring Ballet: Excerpts from the Classics: classical ballet repertoire performed at a professional theater venue

• Summer Recital: the highlight of the dance year, showcasing every age and style across three performances at the Poway Center for Performing Arts

• The Nutcracker: a full-length professional production featuring guest artists of the highest caliber, performed each December

These performance opportunities are not reserved for advanced students. Every dance student — from the youngest Baby & Me participant to senior-level performers — has a place on stage. Students pursuing further recognition can also participate in RAD exams, elite ballet competitions, and dance team opportunities that allow serious dancers to measure and showcase their progress at a competitive level.

Why Choose The Dance Academy Del Mar

Families across San Diego searching for the best dance studio choose The Dance Academy Del Mar for reasons that go far beyond a class schedule. The studio is among a select group of San Diego dance academies offering the Royal Academy of Dance program — a prestigious, internationally recognized curriculum with graded exams and globally validated certifications. The faculty includes a former Bolshoi Ballet soloist and a Guinness World Record holder, bringing an extraordinary depth of professional dancers' experience to every class and rehearsal.

Class sizes are kept small so that every student receives real, individualized attention. Dance instructors know their students by name, track their progress personally, and invest in each dancer's growth. Parents consistently describe The Dance Academy Del Mar as a home away from home — not as a phrase, but as a reflection of the genuine belonging that defines the studio's dance community.

For families researching The Dance Academy Del Mar and what sets it apart from other options, the answer is clear: this is a studio built on professional standards, personal care, and a deep belief that every child deserves access to world-class training in a place where they feel truly valued.

Start Your Dance Journey at The Dance Academy Del Mar

Whether you are looking for your child's first creative movement class, serious RAD ballet training, adult dance classes, or general dance info on summer programs and upcoming performances, The Dance Academy Del Mar has a program for you. Contact us at The Dance Academy Del Mar — we are here to guide you on your dance journey.