Frequently Asked Questions

We intentionally keep our classes small — 10 students maximum. This isn't just a selling point; it's how real dance training works. Your child will receive individual corrections, personal attention, and the kind of feedback that only happens when a teacher isn't managing a room of twenty kids.

We offer a wide variety of dance and movement styles including Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Musical Theatre, and more — for ages 3 through adult. Every style we teach is grounded in classical ballet foundations, which means your child builds real technique regardless of which class they start in. View our full class schedule to see everything currently offered.

Our classes are organized by both age and ability level — from Petites (ages 3–5) through Level 4 (ages 12+) and Adult. New students are placed based on age and prior experience. If you're unsure which level is right for your child, we offer a free placement assessment — just reach out and we'll guide you personally.

Our instructors bring professional performance and teaching experience to every class. Led by founder Amanda Cobb — a former professional ballerina — our faculty is selected not just for their technical skill but for their ability to nurture young dancers in a supportive, encouraging environment. Meet our full team on the Our Team page.

Dress code varies by class level and style. In general, ballet students wear a leotard, tights, and ballet slippers. Jazz and contemporary students wear fitted dance attire and appropriate footwear. We ask that hair be secured away from the face for all classes. Full dress code details by level are available on our Dress Code page.

View our dress code Guidelines

You may take one free trial. Please email us to schedule your trial.

Additional trials may be taken on a drop-in basis, depending on the class. The cost varies with the length of the class. Please see the class schedule in your portal for drop-in availability and cost.

Drop-ins are a great way to try new classes if you can't make class every week or before you commit to the class.

If you are not yet registered for any classes, start with your free trial (you can schedule online for any class that allows drop-ins), then you can schedule drop-ins, if available, as available in the class schedule in your portal.

Drop-in cost depends on the class. Please inquire if you want more information.

Auto-pay must be set up on your account and drop-ins paid before you take the drop-in.

Our holidays and closure dates are listed in our calendar shown above. We have accounted for holiday and closure dates in our tuition rates.

We hold our students — and their families — to a high standard of respect and kindness. In the studio, students are expected to listen attentively, support their classmates, and treat the space with care. We ask that parents wait in the lobby during class so students can focus fully on their training. Observers are welcome during designated parent watch weeks.

Ballet Academy and Movement has a zero-tolerance policy for bullying of any kind — verbal, physical, or social. We are committed to maintaining a studio environment where every student feels safe, respected, and celebrated. Any concerns about bullying should be reported directly to Amanda or a staff member immediately. We take all reports seriously and respond promptly.

Each level has a specific dress code designed to help students move freely and allow teachers to see alignment and technique clearly. Uniforms by level are listed on our Dress Code page. We recommend purchasing dancewear from reputable dance suppliers; our staff is happy to point you in the right direction if you're not sure where to start.

Missed classes due to holidays and studio closures are factored in to tuition and not eligible for makeups.

Absences: Please submit an absence in your online portal. This is required in order to schedule a makeup class. While preferable to do so before the absence happens so the teacher knows why the student is not in class that day, after the absence is fine too.

To log an absence, in your portal, click Attendance and then click Report Absence. Select your dancer, select the dates for the absence, enter the reason for the absence, and click Next. Confirm the dates and click Submit Absence.

Makeups: To schedule a makeup class for an absence, please email us the makeup class date and time you would like to take. Makeups must be completed within the same month of absence, with our approval. We will email you a class makeup confirmation.

We require at least 30 days email notice for withdrawal or cancellation from classes. After we receive your withdrawal email, we will drop your child from class.  

To add a class to your schedule, simply go to your parent portal and add the class. Some classes require teacher/director approval; in these cases, please email us.

To drop a class, email us to request the drop. 

Yes — and we take performance seriously. Our students participate in full productions including The Nutcracker and our annual spring showcase. We perform at real venues, on real stages, with full costumes and production values. Performance is an essential part of a complete dance education, not just a year-end bonus. Age-appropriate roles are available for all leve

Performance fees cover the cost of costumes, venue rental, production expenses, and rehearsal coordination. Fees vary by production and are communicated well in advance of each performance season. We work hard to keep these costs reasonable and transparent. Contact us directly for current production fee information.

Contact us at dance@bamsocal.com or call/text (949) 229-0846 for current availability and pricing. Private sessions are billed weekly and scheduled directly with the studio.

Our youngest students — Petites, ages 3–5 — participate in age-appropriate performance opportunities from their very first year. We believe that getting comfortable on a stage early builds the kind of confidence that carries far beyond the studio.

Yes. We have a select competition program for students who are ready for the additional challenge and commitment that competition requires. Participation is optional and by teacher recommendation. Competition provides a wonderful opportunity for students to perform in a high-energy environment, receive adjudicator feedback, and connect with the broader dance community.

Competition costs vary depending on the event, number of entries, and travel required. Students who compete are responsible for entry fees, costume costs, and any associated travel expenses. We provide full cost transparency before any student commits to a competition season. Contact us for current details.

Pricing breakdowns by level can be found here

Classes start at $125 per month for one class per week. Pricing varies based on class length and frequency. We've worked hard to keep our rates accessible while maintaining the small class sizes and professional instruction that make BAM different. Full pricing details by level are available on our Pricing page.

Pricing Guidelines Classes

Performance fees vary by production and are announced each season. They cover costume rental or purchase, venue costs, and production expenses. We communicate these fees well in advance so families can plan accordingly. Contact us if you have questions about an upcoming production.

Competition costs vary by event and number of entries. Full details are available upon request. We are transparent about all costs before any commitment is made.

Monthly billing for classes occurs automatically on the 15th of each month.  Regular Private sessions are billed weekly.

Please contact us via email at dance@bamsocal.com to cancel classes.  Please note that we require 30 days written notice.

Yes. Private lessons are an excellent way to prepare for competitions, auditions, tryouts, and performances. Whether your dancer needs focused technical work, help polishing a solo, or dedicated one-on-one preparation before a big moment, private sessions give them exactly the attention they need. Privates are also great for beginners who want extra support getting started or any student working toward a specific goal. Contact us to schedule.

Privates are ideal for students preparing for competitions, auditions, tryouts, or performances — and for any dancer who wants accelerated progress outside of regular class time. If you're not sure whether a private is right for your child, ask their current teacher for a recommendation.