Meet Our Faculty
Our instructors are passionate about teaching and work as team to make a positive difference in the life of every child.
Francine Garton
TDA Founder/CEO
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Francine Garton was born in Liverpool, England. Dancing was her passion and at 14 years of age she won a scholarship to the prestigious Boarding School: Legat School of Classical Ballet in London. At age 16 she successfully auditioned for the Northern Ballet School in Manchester and spent 3 years at College completing her training as a dancer and gaining her teaching certificates.⠀
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After dancing professionally for many years, she realized her true gift was teaching and making a positive difference in the life of her students. ⠀
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After immigrating to the USA , Francine opened the Royal Dance Academy ( RDA) in Carmel Valley, San Diego in 2001. It was an instant success with hundreds of students and endless wait lists. During the first 10 years, Francine expanded 3 times in the Piazza Carmel Shopping Centre in order to accommodate all her students and to offer more classes and opportunities . RDA became a home away from home for many children.⠀
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In 2014 , Francine had such a large studio with many children on an intensive track so she reached the point where she had to expand again. She had a vision to open a true Performing Arts Academy and ROYAL ACADEMY OF PERFORMING ARTS (RAPA) a 15,000 sq ft state of the art facility became a reality. It was truly amazing, offering all styles of dance including: Acting Classes, Voice lessons, Pilates, Yoga and so many more opportunities for aspiring artists. ⠀
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Francine spent time traveling, teaching and coaching in the USA, UK and Europe and exploring the many possibilities and opportunities out there for the next generation.⠀In 2020, Francine had a vision to open a brand new studio in the Del Mar Highlands Shopping Center. A perfect location to inspire the next generation of young artists. She is so proud to have created such a beautiful, nurturing space where children of all ages can learn and express themselves. Francine has built an amazing community of dance families over the last 25 years in the Carmel Valley and Del Mar area.
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Francine’s mission is to make sure that every child reaches their full potential whether they dance once a week or they are pursuing a professional career. She strives to make every child feel special and to make her studio more than just dance. It’s a home away from home and she believes the joys and disciplines of dance remain within a child’s heart forever!⠀ -
• Creative Artistic Director • Ballet Academy Director
• RAD Director
• Ballet
• Pre pointe
• Pointe
• Variations
• Jazz
• Tap
• Baby Classes
• and much more!
Marisa Walther
Production Director | RAD Ballet
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Marisa began dancing at the age of 4 yrs in Temecula, California. It was a small studio that offered Rhythm and Tap along with the Cecchetti Ballet Method. Relocating to Encinitas in 2000, she enrolled at Royal Dance Academy and began studying the R.A.D. ballet program under Francine Garton. Marisa enjoys many styles of dance including jazz, contemporary, lyrical, tap, and hip hop, with her main focus of study being ballet.
Throughout the years of dancing at Francine’s studio, she has been able to achieve many distinction medals by performance examinations through the Royal Academy of Dance organization. As well as perform in many recitals, productions, and competitions. Marisa’s dance studies have taken her to Georgetown, Virginia; Atlanta, Georgia and many other locations along the Southern Coast of California including Long Beach and Los Angeles.
With the guidance of Francine as her primary instructor and mentor, Marisa has thrived within the dance community. Besides teaching dance classes, you will also find her at the front desk as she enjoys meeting new faces and greeting the parents and students of the studio. She believes in maintaining a positive and nurturing environment for each dancer who enters the studio as this was a great attribute that Francine created and instilled in her studio while Marisa was growing up.
Marisa is happily married and with six years of previous office administration experience and background with dance, she works as the Studio Manager of The Dance Academy Del Mar. She is so thankful to have the opportunity to work alongside Francine and the amazing TDA staff. She is excited to be a part of the vision for the studio and loves watching it grow with new talent!
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RAD Ballet
Igor Yurlov
Ballet Academy | YAGP
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Igor and I have worked together for many years and I am thrilled to welcome him back to our dance family where once again we will work side by side to train, educate and inspire our ballet dancers taking them to a whole new level and providing them with exclusive opportunities!!⠀
Igor, originally from Sochi, Russia, studied at the Moscow Academic Choreographic School at the Bolshoi Theater of Russia under the guidance of Professor Petr Antonovich Pestov from 1971 to 1979. In 1981 he entered the Bolshoi Theater and worked with the great ballet masters: Galina Ulanova, Yuri Grigorovich, Asaf Meserer, Maya Plisetskaya, Mikhail Lavrovsky, Yuri Vladimirov, and Natalia Bessmertnova.⠀
Over 18 years of work as a soloist of the Bolshoi Ballet, Igor has performed countless leading roles in the ballets Le Corsaire, Giselle, Romeo and Juliet in more than 50 countries. After completing his creative career as a soloist with the Bolshoi Ballet Company in 2002, he began teaching and was a private tutor for many professional ballet companies, including the Moscow Ballet and the Moscow Imperial Ballet. Participated in the creation and production of the ballets Don Quixote, The Nutcracker, The Sleeping Beauty, Paquita , Swan Lake and many individual concert numbers. Igor prepares young dancers for ballet competitions, performances and the professional ballet stage.⠀
Igor has worked alongside Francine Garton for many years and is looking forward to continuing their journey together at The Dance Academy Del Mar where once again they will set the highest standards and train and inspire dancers taking them to a whole new level!⠀
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Ballet
Pointe
Variations
Character
Pas de Deux
YAGP
Nutcracker
Spring Ballet⠀
Clara Conkling
Office Manager | Teaching Faculty
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Ms Clara is a San Diego born and raised performing arts lover and producer. Beginning at the age of two, Ms Clara started her dance training in North County SD, and continued her training to a pre-professional level in Ballet/Pointe, Tap, Lyrical and Modern, Jazz, and Musical Theater. She has training in Vaganova, French, and Balanchine ballet methods as well as Progressing Ballet Technique. She expanded her theatrical training in her teen years going on to be a lead dancer and assistant-choreographer for shows such as Chicago and Mama Mia, many of which received numerous awards, including Best Musical, from the Broadway San Diego Awards. Ms Clara has a passion for technical leadership in performing arts, and has had the pleasure of working as a Stage & Production Manager for many companies in SD county including San Diego Repertory Theater, Golden State Ballet, and La Jolla Music Society.
She is a member of the NDEO (National Dance Education Association) and CADEA (CA Dance Education Association) and loves to continually expand her knowledge of teaching and child development through these organizations.
Ms Clara is incredibly grateful she gets to share her passion while teaching her many talented students.
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Ballet & Pointe
Tap
Musical Theater
Lyrical
Baby & Preschool
Jessica Roy
RAD Ballet | Teaching Faculty
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Jessica was born and raised in Germany and discovered her love for dance at a very young age. What began as a joyful hobby quickly grew into a deep passion – and eventually, her profession. It became a way to express herself, to connect with others, and to feel at home in her own body. She taught her first children’s dance class at just 14 years old and has been sharing her love for movement ever since.
Over the years, Jessica has trained in ballet, jazz, lyrical and contemporary.
Jessica completed her Ballet Teaching Studies with the Royal Academy of Dance and successfully passed multiple RAD ballet examinations. Since then, she has been a registered teacher of the Royal Academy of Dance and a member of the German Professional Association for Dance. She also holds certifications in Progressing Ballet Technique and the Silver Swans License - a ballet program designed specifically for older adults.
Jessica also completed further education at Steps on Broadway New York, the Iwanson International School of Contemporary in Munich and completed numerous pedagogical workshops across Europe. She also has danced successfully at German championships as well as in several ballet productions. For Jessica, dance is more than just movement – it’s a way to build expression, confidence, and connection. Her teaching approach combines strong technique with patience, empathy, and a deep belief in every dancer‘s potential. She believes in creating a supportive, inclusive, and inspiring atmosphere in each of her classes, where students feel seen, safe, and challenged in all the right ways. Whether dancing for fun, fitness, or a future on stage – Jessica is here to guide the journey with heart and professionalism. -
RAD Ballet
Baby & Preschool
PBT
Combo classes
Lyrical
Pre Pointe/Pointe
Nutcracker
Spring Ballet
Caitlyn Kessl
Ballet Academy | Teaching Faculty
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Caitlyn Silvas began dancing at the age of 2 and grew up training all genres of dance including ballet, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, tap, and hip-hop. When she turned 9 years old she realized her true love classical ballet and began to focus on training intensely for a professional career. Caitlyn’s year round training was provided by some of the leading ballet schools in Southern California that helped her cultivate her technique and artistry at a high caliber. Along with serious instruction during the year her training was supplemented by summer intensives with world renowned companies such as American Ballet Theater, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Ballet West, and Pittsburgh Ballet Theater. Caitlyn began her career dancing with professional ballet companies at the age of 17 in San Diego and Santa Barbara where she performed a variety of classical and contemporary ballets. Since she has been 16 years old Caitlyn has taught ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary, pointe, stretch, and conditioning to all levels of dancers and guiding them to be the best dancers they can possibly be. Teaching the next generation of dancers is something she is extremely passionate about and is so happy to help students grow in their technique, artistry, and love for dance!
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Ballet
Baby & Preschool
Pre Pointe/Pointe
Variations
Nutcracker
Spring Ballet
YAGP
Kaylar Preite
Hip Hop Faculty
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Kaylar Preite is a San Diego native who has been dancing for over 20 years. She has trained in various styles and has taught at many different studios throughout her career. Her credits include Future Shock San Diego director, 220, Storymovers, BB360 instructor, Beyond Babel, Through the Roots, and AURORA. Kaylar is passionate about using the power of movement and dance education to challenge and/or change perspectives, provide opportunities for minds alike, and speak on behalf of those who cannot.
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Hip Hop
Workshops
Aamyah Davis
Hip Hop Faculty
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Hip Hop Int.
Hip Hop Adv.
Workshops
Maddy Corn
Commercial Faculty
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Maddy Corn has trained is multiple styles of dance since she was 12 years old at Temecula Valley Dance Academy and Oceanside Dance Academy, as a competition dancer from 2013-2020. Maddy is technically trained in Jazz, Hip hop, Contemporary, Ballet, Musical Theater/Heels, Lyrical, Turns/Leaps/Tricks, and Acro/Tumbling. Maddy has instructed previously at local studio’s. Maddy graduated from Temecula Valley High School in 2020, were she was on dance team for all 4 years of high school. Currently Maddy attends San Diego State University, getting her degree in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Fitness Specialist. Maddy is so thrilled to be sharing her passion for dance and her style of teaching, while continuing the high caliber methods of the Dance Academy of Del Mar. Maddy is passionate about the health and well being of her students and is always ready to support them in any way she can! Maddy’s strong drive, stage presence and powerful emotion, and great technique have lead her to win special awards and championship wins.
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Workshops
Tori Alforque
Commercial Faculty
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Tori Alforque is a seasoned dance instructor and choreographer with a career spanning nine years, focusing on acrobatics, contemporary, ballet, lyrical, jazz, hip-hop, and tap. She has trained dancers ages 3 through adulthood, including clients in their 60s, and was certified in acrobatic spotting through Cartwheels in Temecula, with a strong focus on safe progressions and solid technique. A former competitive dancer for nine years, Tori brings extensive performance and choreographic experience. As a choreographer, Tori has led productions including The Drowsy Chaperone, 9 to 5, Cabaret, and A Christmas Carol. Tori is dedicated to inspiring dancers of all ages through engaging instruction, creative storytelling, and a genuine love for the art of dance.
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Hip Hop
Acro
Jazz
Ethan Bloem
Hip Hop Faculty
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Hip Hop
Workshops
Izzy Scheppler
Commercial Faculty
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Izzy Scheppler is a 22-year-old dancer, instructor, and current student at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), where she is pursuing a degree in Psychology with the goal of becoming a clinical counselor and therapist for children. Since graduating from high school in 2022, Izzy taught at her home dance studio in San Jose, where she discovered her passion for mentoring and inspiring the next generation of dancers. In the fall of 2025, she moved to San Diego to continue pursuing both her academic and personal dreams while earning her degree at UCSD.
Izzy is currently a member of the professional dance team, The Sirens, performing for the San Diego Seals of the National Lacrosse League (NLL). Throughout her dance journey, she has had the opportunity to train with some of the industry’s top professional dancers and choreographers, including NFL cheerleaders from the San Francisco 49ers Gold Rush, Las Vegas Raiderettes, and Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders, as well as NBA dancers from the Golden State Warriors Dance Team, Los Angeles Lakers Girls, and the Sacramento Kings Dance Team. These experiences have helped shape her versatility, technical training, and passion for continued growth as both a performer and instructor.
As an instructor, Izzy strives to create a positive, encouraging environment where every dancer feels confident, supported, and motivated to reach their full potential. She is passionate about inspiring young dancers to dream big, knowing that with dedication and perseverance, no dream is out of reach.
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Hip Hop
Jazz
Pom
Contemporary/Lyrical
Jacobie Bluhm
Hip Hop Faculty
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Hip Hop
Workshops
Alyssa Laumann
Teaching Faculty
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Toddler classes
Jazz
Contemporary/Lyrical
Hip Hop
Tap
Stretch & conditioning
Sophia Lucia
Commercial Faculty
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Dance Prodigy, Guinness World Record Holder, YouTube Sensation, Entrepreneur and Teacher, Sophia Lucia loves to dance and strives each day to be the best she can be by pushing her and her students abilities to the limit.
Sophia started dancing at the young age of 2 years at San Diego Dance Centre in Poway, CA, and is now, flourishing teaching dance all around the world and is one of the most exciting and top talents in the industry. She is trained in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, and Contemporary. Sophia’s focus and determination has led her to excel in many ways as in setting the Official Guinness World Record of 55 Consecutive Pirouettes. She also has had a dancewear line with California Kisses Dance Wear and several National Champion Dance Titles such as The Dance Awards’ Junior Best Dancer. From a young age, she has been featured in numerous television shows such as ‘Dancing with the Stars,’ ‘So You Think You Can Dance,’ Disney’s hit show ‘Shake It Up‘, ‘Dance Moms,’ ‘X-Factor,’ Nickelodeon’s ‘Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Dawn’ and ‘America’s Got Talent,’ plus several talk shows like ‘The Ellen Show,’ ‘The Ricki Lake Show, to name a few. She made her film debut in 2010 as child star icon, Shirley Temple in the Fox Legacy Movie “The Shirley Temple Story” and her acting debut in Hallmark’s “A Nutcracker Christmas,” where she portrayed a young ballerina working to become a prima ballerina.
Sophia’s ability to not only captivate an audience with her artistry, but inspire others with her teaching style is something that has never been seen before. Her performances have catapulted her to internet stardom and taken her across the world to do what she loves most, dance. Now transforming into an incredible teacher, Sophia has formed a passion for teaching over the last few years and has been all over the country teaching her technique method called RAFT. Sophia strives to be the best role model and teacher she can be for her students, and is a fantastic mentor.
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Turns & Leaps
Lyrical / Contemporary
Jazz
Ballet
Pointe
Stretch & Conditioning
Contemporary Ballet
Wadeaa Jubran
Ballet Academy Faculty
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Wadeaa grew up in the Bay Area and began dancing at the age of four. She trained alongside multiple leading companies in the South Bay during her dance career, including Morgan Hill Ballet Company and South Valley Ballet Company, where she later became Artistic Director in 2017. Her repertoire includes principal roles in Swan Lake, Paquita, La Fille Mal Gardee, the Nutcracker, and more.
As Artistic Director, Wadeaa has directed productions including Swan Lake, the Nutcracker, La Fille Mal Gardee, Paquita, Firebird, Alice Through the Looking Glass, and more. She has created ballet, conditioning, and yoga curriculum specifically geared towards anatomical education, improvement of muscle functions, injury prevention, and mindfulness while dancing. Wadeaa moved to San Diego in 2019, where she has since expanded her love of ballet to a new area and received her PBT Certification. She believes you will learn the most from the teachers that truly love what they are teaching. Wadeaa strives to express her passion for ballet through her teaching in hopes of seeing that same excitement ignite in her students.
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Ballet
Pre Pointe/Pointe
Variations
Nutcracker
Spring Ballet
Stretch