Academy of Ballet Arts

Academy of Ballet Arts offers classical ballet classes, ballet technique classes, Classical Variations classes, Variations classes, Pas de Deux classes, Pre-Pointe classes, Pointe classes, contemporary dance classes, jazz classes, and conditioning classes. The program also offers Pas de Deux classes that focus on teamwork in studio training and on stage, Classical Variations classes that are described as ideal for preparing children for the stage, and contemporary dance classes that blend ballet technique with modern expression. Academy of Ballet Arts offers a free introductory class to new students.

• Ages: 3–17 years old

Founded in 2011 by director Dana Nelson, Academy of Ballet Arts was created with the mission to provide a space for professional classical ballet training. In 2013, the first season of the Junior Company began, and the organization has been showcasing local talent for over 10 years. The Junior Company program is for students geared toward professional careers and offers more personalized training and expanded performance opportunities, and Junior Company dancers have been invited to the Youth America Grand Prix Finals each season.

Academy of Ballet Arts describes itself as Temecula and Murrieta's premier ballet training academy and premiere classical ballet training facility and states that students can train with world-renowned ballet teachers. The staff is described as experienced and highly qualified instructors with extensive professional backgrounds. The program produces two full-length ballet productions each year, including titles such as The Nutcracker, Alice in Wonderland, Snow White, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Coppelia, Hansel and Gretel, and other classical ballets, and it prioritizes stage performance excellence.

Students from Academy of Ballet Arts have been featured on ABC7 News. Dancers from the program have been invited to the Finals of Youth America Grand Prix each season, and in 2020 and 2023, dancers were invited to perform at the Prix de Lausanne in Switzerland, which accepts around 75 dancers worldwide each year. Alumni have received full or partial scholarships and professional contracts to institutions including The Royal Ballet School, American Ballet Theatre, Paris Opera Ballet School, San Francisco Ballet, Boston Ballet, Houston Ballet, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, Ballet West, Colorado Ballet, and Pacific Northwest Ballet. The program is described as charter school and military friendly.

Parents and students have shared multiple testimonials about Academy of Ballet Arts. One parent, Petra Johnson, describes it as the “Best ballet studio ever” with “professional, excellent excellent teachers” and “great prices for such great classes.” Another parent, Cassie Alagna, states that her daughter has been dancing there for two years and that the school has been like a second home, describing it as very professional and very friendly and saying they “highly recommend ABA.” Tiana Buschmann notes that ABA has become a second home to her daughter and praises the professional and highly trained faculty and their high standards, giving it “Five stars.” Jenn Sheehey describes the instruction as “excellent, high quality ballet instruction in a safe environment for all ages” and says her daughter has grown and wants to dance more. A student using the name MyLifeAsLily calls the studio “absolutely amazing” and says they “have never been happier,” giving it a “1000000000000000000000/10” rating. Another reviewer, Daisy Tate, calls it “truly one of the best traning studios in the world.” Roma Litton describes the teachers and instructors as devoted, says their main priority is all of their students and their families, and notes that the studio is charter school and military friendly.

Last updated March 15, 2026.