Academy of Dance Westlake Village

Academy of Dance Westlake Village offers dance classes in styles such as Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Jazz Funk, Tap, Improv, Musical Theater, and Pointe. The program also includes combination classes like Ballet & Tap Combo and Ballet & Jazz Combo, as well as Tumbling & Hip Hop, Acro Technique, Leaps & Turns, Stretch & Strength, and Contemporary Tricks. Families can also access Summer Programs, Master Classes, Private Lessons, Studio Rentals, Birthday Parties, and participation in a Dance Company.

• Ages: 3–18 years old
• Schedule: Studio hours include afternoon and evening class options Monday through Friday and daytime options on Saturdays

The studio describes itself as a full-service dance studio dedicated to providing top quality instruction in a nurturing and fun environment and serving both Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. Its mission states that it is a family-run business focused on honesty and integrity in a supporting environment, with a belief that dance is for everyone and that students should experience dance in an atmosphere free of judgment and negativity. The mission also emphasizes a versatile curriculum, diversity in dance, and the idea that dance builds self-expression, discipline, creativity, and confidence.

The Academy of Dance was built upon a 30-year tradition of excellence, and Academy of Dance Westlake Village has noted milestones over the last 5 years. All of the teachers are working dancers, and the studio states that the resumes and professional accolades of its faculty are unmatched, describing faculty members as scholars in their fields. The program highlights a “No Drama” mentality, a family-run structure, versatile and cutting-edge choreography, and a society of artists who encourage and nurture diversity in dance.

Academy of Dance Westlake Village lists multiple awards and recognitions, including Daily News Reader’s Favorite Dance Studio, Best of Thousand Oaks, Top Studio Award, Top Choreography Studio, Top Innovation Studio, Supreme Versatility Award, Best Musicality Award, Video of the Year Award, 20+ Choreography Awards, 3-time Outstanding Convention Performance nominee, 8-time Choreographer’s Pick of The Pulse On Tour, 8-time Studio Spirit Award, The Teresa Puglisi Top Studio Director Award, and The Griffin Harris Top Dance Teacher Award.

Dress and shoe guidelines are specific to each style: for Ballet, dancers wear a leotard, tights, and pink leather split sole ballet shoes with crisscrossed elastic straps and have hair in a secured bun; for Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Musical Theater, and Leaps & Turns, dancers wear form-fitting clothing with hair pulled back and may use black leather split sole slip-on jazz shoes, foot undeez, or go barefoot depending on the teacher; for Tap, dancers wear form-fitting clothing and black leather tap shoes; for Hip Hop, dancers wear loose-fitting clothes and clean sneakers; and for Ballet, Jazz, & Tap Combo classes, dancers wear a pink leotard and pink tights with either black shorts or a solid color ballet skirt, plus patent leather tap shoes with ribbon laces and pink leather ballet shoes. The studio states that no gum, food, or drinks other than water are allowed in the studios, that appropriate attire and shoes are required for each class, and that no jewelry should be worn in class.

Parent and student testimonials describe experiences such as a child enjoying a princess ballerina camp, students feeling at home at the studio, children being happy to attend class and see specific teachers, and families feeling like part of a studio family. Some testimonials mention growth in technique, a family atmosphere, a “No Drama” mentality, and appreciation that teachers are working dancers with credits on shows like “So You Think You Can Dance,” “Shake It Up,” and “Teen Beach Movie.”

Last updated June 16, 2026.