Real ballet training in
Ballet classes San Clemente families rely on — taught by former professional ballerinas at Ballet Academy and Movement in a nurturing, small-class environment. We serve children ages 3 through adult — and we’ve been voted Best Dance School in San Clemente four times.
4× Best Dance School — San Clemente · Hall of Fame · Royal Ballet · ABT · Stuttgart Alumni
About the Studio
Ballet Academy and Movement offers ballet classes San Clemente children and adults have trusted for years.
Built on a simple belief: every child deserves world-class instruction delivered with warmth, patience, and genuine care for who they are as people, not just as dancers.
Our studio serves families from San Clemente, Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano, Ladera Ranch, and throughout South Orange County. We are one of the few dance schools in the region where every instructor is a former professional dancer trained in Royal Academy of Dance pedagogy.
Voted Best Dance School 2022, 2023, 2024 · People’s Choice 2023, 2024, 2025 · San Clemente Hall of Fame
Studio Founder
Amanda is a former professional ballerina who trained at elite academies before performing with professional companies. She founded Ballet Academy and Movement to bring the rigor and artistry of professional ballet training to South Orange County — in an environment defined by encouragement, not pressure.
Our Programs
Our progressive curriculum takes students from their very first pliés through advanced classical technique. Every level builds on the last — and every child moves at their own pace.
Flagship Program
Ballet is the foundation of everything we do.
Our classical ballet classes in San Clemente follow a structured, progressive curriculum that develops strength, alignment, musicality, and artistry — at every level, from first-time students to serious pre-professionals.
All Levels · Ages 4+
Dynamic, energetic classes that develop rhythm, style, and performance quality. A perfect complement to ballet training for students who love to perform.
All Levels · Ages 6+
Expressive movement drawing from ballet and modern vocabulary. Students develop artistry, fluidity, and individual voice as a performer.
All Levels · Ages 4+
Singing, acting, and dancing combined in one energetic class. Builds confidence, stage presence, and the joy of performing.
Why Families Choose Us
Classical technique taught correctly from the start. We build dancers, not just performers.
Every class is capped at 10 students. Your child receives individual attention — every single session.
Every instructor is a former professional dancer. This is the standard we hold — and maintain.
We believe how a dancer feels in the studio shapes how they move on stage — and in life.
Recognized for excellence
Voted Best Dance School in San Clemente four times, inducted into the San Clemente Hall of Fame, and recognized by our community year after year.
Parent Reviews
“The studio has been very welcoming and inclusive for my daughter. She has learned so much — the teachers are professional, skilled, consistent, and kind. They put on a beautiful production of the Nutcracker every year.”
Lindsay J. — San Clemente Parent
“We found BAM and realized we were home. In two years I noticed such confidence and poise in my daughter. She has made lovely friends and adores her teachers. We couldn’t be happier.”
Carli C. — San Clemente Parent
“We’ve tried three different dance studios and finally found a home here. The teachers are professionally trained dancers who focus on technique and mentor with positive encouragement. My girls are so happy.”
Allison H. — San Clemente Parent
Frequently Asked Questions
We welcome children as young as age 3 in our Petites program. This beginner-friendly class introduces toddlers to movement, rhythm, and the joy of dance in a nurturing, age-appropriate setting. Our Level 1 ballet classes begin at age 4–6, and we offer programs all the way through adult.
We cap every ballet class at 10 students for students under 6. Classes for students over 6 are capped at 15. This small class size ensures that every child receives individual attention from our instructors — something you rarely find at larger dance studios in San Clemente and South Orange County.
Our studio was founded by Amanda Cobb, a former professional ballerina. Our entire faculty is made up of former professional dancers with extensive stage and teaching experience. We are one of the few studios in South Orange County where your child learns from instructors who have performed at the highest levels.
Yes — we offer a free trial class for all new students. It is the best way to see our studio, meet the instructors, and find out if our ballet classes in San Clemente are the right fit for your child. Visit our New Students page to schedule your trial.
Our Petites program (ages 3–5) is our signature beginner class, designed to introduce young children to classical ballet foundations in a playful, supportive environment. Level 1 (ages 4–6) builds on those foundations with more structured barre and center work. All beginner students receive a patient, encouraging introduction to real ballet technique. For older student we offer beginner classes including opportunities for these students to participate in our performances.
We are primarily a classical ballet training studio, not a competition dance factory. Our focus is on developing technically strong, artistically expressive dancers in a nurturing environment. We do offer an optional competition team for students who want to pursue that path, but competition is never required.
Our students perform in our annual Nutcracker production, spring performances, and community events at venues including Pelican Hill Resort, Casa Romantica, and San Juan Hills High School. These are meaningful, professional-quality productions — not typical recitals.
Our ballet classes San Clemente are held at 400-C Camino De Estrella, San Clemente, CA 92672. Our ballet classes Rancho Santa Margarita are located at 30372 Esperanza Building 9, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688. We are conveniently accessible from throughout South Orange County, including Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano, Ladera Ranch, Laguna Beach, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Hills, Aliso Viejo, Mission Viejo, Lake Forest, Rancho Santa Margarita and Rancho Mission Viejo.
Find Us
The first step is easy
Come see the studio, meet the instructors, and let your child experience ballet classes San Clemente at their best. No commitment required.
Questions? Call (949) 229-0846 or email dance@bamsocal.com
2024 Casa Romantica Nutcracker