About
California Dance Classics presents classical ballet and contemporary dance competitions that include classical repertoire, national character, neo-classical, and contemporary dance categories. The program also offers an onstage Masterclass and a pre-competition Master Class led by a world-class jury that provides expert feedback and clear, constructive critique reports. Events feature professional dance videography and photography by LK Studio at every competition, along with scholarship award programs.
• Ages: 4–18 years old
• Schedule: Most solo age groups are scheduled to be completed in just one day, though in some cases solo age groups may extend over two days.
California Dance Classics states that age groups are divided thoughtfully and kept consistent throughout each event so that younger, less experienced dancers do not compete against older, more experienced dancers, and that judges will not score based on favoritism, nepotism, or any other unfair bias. The organization describes itself as a leading youth ballet and contemporary dance competition in California that attracts dancers from across the United States and abroad, is open to student dancers ages 4–21, and offers free audience admission with competitions open to the public and no tickets required. The mission of California Dance Classics is to present classical ballet and contemporary dance competitions where young dancers, from first-time competitors to pre-professional students, are inspired to grow, perform, and thrive, with events built on integrity and fairness, a commitment to excellence in dance education and the art of ballet, expert adjudication, thoughtful audio-video feedback, master classes, and scholarship opportunities.
California Dance Classics notes that its events use a time-efficient scheduling format where most solo age groups are completed in one day and that each day begins with an onstage Masterclass to warm up and engage dancers. The organization uses an online registration system that it describes as modern, easy, and custom designed to offer a simple and secure process. California Dance Classics states that its judges are selected through a strict vetting process and must have an appreciation for ballet, knowledge of the art, a positive reputation, solid experience, and a genuine desire to encourage participants.
The leadership team includes Executive Director and Founder Conny Mathôt, Senior Admin Manager Raffi Donoyan, Stage Manager Derek Nemechek, Operations Manager Michaela Pickett, and Senior Executive Assistant Paula Corley. Executive Director Conny Mathôt has received a Commendation for Invaluable Contributions to the Arts in a resolution by State of California Assembly Member Adrin Nazarian, honoring her commitment to sharing the joy and benefits of dance and commending her contributions to the arts and the community. California Dance Classics is supported, in part, by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors through the Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture.
A parent testimonial from Tracy Inman, YLAB Office Manager, describes the competition as the highlight of their year and notes positive experiences with dancers from other studios and the staff at the competition, and expresses enthusiasm about registering again next season.
Last updated July 6, 2026.
• Ages: 4–18 years old
• Schedule: Most solo age groups are scheduled to be completed in just one day, though in some cases solo age groups may extend over two days.
California Dance Classics states that age groups are divided thoughtfully and kept consistent throughout each event so that younger, less experienced dancers do not compete against older, more experienced dancers, and that judges will not score based on favoritism, nepotism, or any other unfair bias. The organization describes itself as a leading youth ballet and contemporary dance competition in California that attracts dancers from across the United States and abroad, is open to student dancers ages 4–21, and offers free audience admission with competitions open to the public and no tickets required. The mission of California Dance Classics is to present classical ballet and contemporary dance competitions where young dancers, from first-time competitors to pre-professional students, are inspired to grow, perform, and thrive, with events built on integrity and fairness, a commitment to excellence in dance education and the art of ballet, expert adjudication, thoughtful audio-video feedback, master classes, and scholarship opportunities.
California Dance Classics notes that its events use a time-efficient scheduling format where most solo age groups are completed in one day and that each day begins with an onstage Masterclass to warm up and engage dancers. The organization uses an online registration system that it describes as modern, easy, and custom designed to offer a simple and secure process. California Dance Classics states that its judges are selected through a strict vetting process and must have an appreciation for ballet, knowledge of the art, a positive reputation, solid experience, and a genuine desire to encourage participants.
The leadership team includes Executive Director and Founder Conny Mathôt, Senior Admin Manager Raffi Donoyan, Stage Manager Derek Nemechek, Operations Manager Michaela Pickett, and Senior Executive Assistant Paula Corley. Executive Director Conny Mathôt has received a Commendation for Invaluable Contributions to the Arts in a resolution by State of California Assembly Member Adrin Nazarian, honoring her commitment to sharing the joy and benefits of dance and commending her contributions to the arts and the community. California Dance Classics is supported, in part, by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors through the Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture.
A parent testimonial from Tracy Inman, YLAB Office Manager, describes the competition as the highlight of their year and notes positive experiences with dancers from other studios and the staff at the competition, and expresses enthusiasm about registering again next season.
Last updated July 6, 2026.
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