Business Details
20 Years
experience
Premier Dance Education in Costa Mesa
West Coast School of the Arts has been dedicated to dance education since 2006, offering comprehensive training for dancers of all ages and skill levels. Founded by Paula Kessinger, a renowned choreographer with over 40 years of industry experience, our studio combines technical excellence with creative expression. Our faculty includes award-winning instructors and professional performers who have trained students accepted into top-tier institutions like Juilliard and USC. We provide diverse class offerings from ballet to hip hop, alongside nationally recognized competition teams that have earned accolades at major events. The studio's alumni have performed on Broadway, in major films, and with international touring acts.Our structured curriculum emphasizes proper technique, artistic development, and performance opportunities. With flexible scheduling for recreational and competitive dancers, we cater to both aspiring professionals and casual enthusiasts. Our facility in Costa Mesa serves as a hub for dance education in Southern California, featuring annual recitals that showcase student achievements. We maintain rigorous standards in instruction while fostering a supportive environment for artistic growth. Our commitment to excellence has established us as a distinguished dance institution in the region.
Services
Ballet Classes
Jazz Instruction
Hip Hop Workshops
Tap Dance Training
Contemporary Dance
Acro & Tumbling
Competition Teams
Summer Intensives
Adult Dance Classes
Private Lessons
Details
- Year established: 2006
Highlights and features
- Our faculty includes internationally recognized choreographers with decades of professional experience
- Nationally acclaimed competition teams with consistent award-winning performances
- Comprehensive training programs for dancers from toddler to adult levels
- Proven track record preparing students for professional careers and university programs
- State-of-the-art facility offering 18+ class styles with industry-standard instruction
Services
Ballet Classes
Our ballet program develops technical precision and artistic expression through structured training. Students learn proper alignment, turnout, and classical repertoire while building foundational skills applicable to all dance styles. Classes follow progressive levels from beginner to advanced, with performance opportunities in annual recitals. The curriculum emphasizes musicality, grace, and discipline through traditional teaching methods.
Competition Teams
Nationally recognized competition teams provide elite training for dedicated dancers. Members receive specialized coaching in choreography, stage presence, and technical execution. Teams consistently earn top awards at major competitions across multiple categories including jazz, contemporary, and hip hop. The program focuses on teamwork, performance excellence, and professional development for aspiring dance careers.
Hip Hop Workshops
Contemporary hip hop classes teach current street dance styles in a creative environment. Instructors cover breaking, popping, locking, and freestyle techniques while emphasizing musicality and self-expression. Workshops accommodate all skill levels from beginners to advanced dancers seeking to refine their style and performance quality in this dynamic genre.
Summer Intensives
Immersive summer programs offer concentrated dance training across multiple disciplines. Participants receive daily technique classes, choreography workshops, and master sessions from guest artists. The program includes performance preparation and cross-training in complementary styles to enhance overall artistry and technical versatility during the intensive summer session.
Private Lessons
Personalized instruction focuses on specific goals for technique improvement, competition preparation, or audition readiness. Sessions are tailored to each student's needs with customized training plans. Private coaching provides focused attention to address technical challenges, refine performance quality, and accelerate progress in chosen dance styles.
People
Paula Kessinger
Owner/Artistic Director
With over 40 years in dance education, Paula founded the studio in 2006. She has trained award-winning students who've performed on Broadway and in major films. Her choreography has earned international recognition at competitions across four continents.
Clarice Ordaz
Faculty Member
A former So You Think You Can Dance finalist, Clarice brings professional performance experience from tours with Taylor Swift and film appearances in La La Land. She teaches contemporary technique and performance skills to advanced students.
John Barclay
Dance Instructor
John offers expertise in ballet, jazz, and contemporary styles. He earned his BFA from UC Irvine and has performed internationally. His teaching focuses on technical development and choreographic creativity for competitive and recreational dancers.
Theresa Turner
Acro Instructor
With 35+ years teaching acro and tumbling, Theresa brings specialized expertise in safe progression training. Her students consistently win awards in jazz and acro categories at major competitions through her focus on proper technique and skill mastery.
Alex Kessinger
Faculty Member
Alex contributes professional experience from dancing with JoJo Siwa and choreographing for television. She teaches contemporary techniques and performance preparation, drawing from her background in competition dance and commercial performance.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We offer ballet, jazz, hip hop, tap, contemporary, lyrical, acro, and competition team training across all skill levels.
Are there classes for adults?
Yes, we provide adult dance classes in multiple styles for both recreational and technical development purposes.
How do I register for classes?
Registration forms are available on our website or by contacting the studio directly via phone or email.
What are your dress code requirements?
Specific dress codes vary by class type with guidelines for footwear, attire, and hair requirements available on our website.
Do you offer private lessons?
Yes, we provide personalized private lessons tailored to individual goals and technical needs with experienced instructors.
What performance opportunities exist?
Annual recitals showcase student work, while competition teams participate in national events throughout the year.
