Business Details
20 Years
experience
Premier Dance Education in Costa Mesa
West Coast School of the Arts has been dedicated to nurturing artistic excellence in dance education since 2006. Our team of award-winning instructors brings decades of experience in performance, choreography, and pedagogy, serving dancers of all ages and skill levels. With a focus on technical precision and creative expression, we offer diverse class offerings from toddler introductions to advanced competitive training. Our nationally recognized competition teams have consistently earned accolades, while our annual recital showcases the transformative power of dance. The studio's founder, Paula Kessinger, has mentored students who have performed on Broadway, in major films, and with international touring acts.Through personalized instruction and a commitment to artistic growth, we provide a platform for students to achieve both local and global recognition. Our faculty includes industry professionals with backgrounds in theater, television, and international performance, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience. By combining rigorous training with creative exploration, we prepare students for careers in dance while fostering lifelong appreciation for the arts. This dedication to excellence has established us as a distinguished institution in Southern California's dance community.
Services
Ballet Classes
Jazz Dance
Hip Hop Instruction
Competition Teams
Recreational Dance
Acro Training
Tap Dance
Modern Dance
Dance Recitals
Private Lessons
Details
- Year established: 2006
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of combined teaching experience from award-winning instructors
- Our competition teams have earned national recognition at major dance events
- We provide specialized training for students pursuing professional dance careers
- Our faculty includes Broadway performers and international dance professionals
- We maintain small class sizes for personalized technical development
What people say
Award-winning instructors
Excellent performance opportunities
Supportive learning environment
Professional development
Technical excellence
Services
Ballet Classes
Our ballet program develops technical proficiency through structured training in classical technique and repertoire. Students progress through graded levels focusing on proper alignment, turnout, and artistry. Classes emphasize musicality, grace, and foundational dance principles essential for all dance styles.
Competition Teams
Nationally recognized competition teams receive specialized training in choreography, stage presence, and performance excellence. Dancers participate in regional and national competitions across multiple genres, consistently earning top awards and special recognitions for technical and artistic achievement.
Hip Hop Instruction
Contemporary hip hop classes teach street dance styles including breaking, popping, and locking. Instructors emphasize rhythm, isolation techniques, and freestyle expression while maintaining technical discipline. Classes cater to both recreational dancers and those pursuing performance opportunities.
Recreational Dance
Recreational programs offer accessible dance education for toddlers through adults. Classes focus on creative expression, physical development, and enjoyment of dance without performance pressures. Curriculum includes age-appropriate instruction in multiple dance styles for casual learners.
Private Lessons
Personalized instruction provides focused attention for technical refinement and skill development. Sessions are tailored to individual goals in specific dance styles or competition preparation. Private coaching enhances performance quality and addresses specific technical challenges.
People
Paula Kessinger
Owner/Artistic Director
With 40+ years in dance education, Paula founded West Coast School of the Arts in 2006. Her students have performed on Broadway, in major films, and with international touring acts. She holds a Theater Arts degree and has trained dancers globally.
Clarice Ordaz
Dance Instructor
Professional dancer with experience on So You Think You Can Dance, Dancing with the Stars, and tours with Taylor Swift. Teaches children's classes while maintaining commercial dance engagements in Los Angeles.
John Barclay
Dance Faculty
BFA graduate from UC Irvine with teaching experience in competitive dance and university settings. Specializes in ballet, jazz, and contemporary instruction while maintaining active performance credentials.
Theresa Turner
Acro Instructor
35+ years teaching acrobatics with Acrobatic Arts Certification. Former gymnastics coach with expertise in developing safe, progressive tumbling techniques for dance applications. Focuses on flexibility and controlled movement.
Jia Huang
Hip Hop Specialist
Professional dancer with experience on Americas Best Dance Crew and tours with Britney Spears. Teaches hip hop and contemporary styles while serving as a competition judge and guest choreographer.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We offer ballet, jazz, hip hop, tap, contemporary, modern, and acro classes for all ages and skill levels.
Do you have classes for beginners?
Yes, we provide introductory classes for toddlers through adults with no prior dance experience required.
How do competition teams work?
Our competitive teams train in multiple genres, attend regional/national competitions, and require additional rehearsal commitments beyond regular classes.
What are your dress code requirements?
Specific attire varies by class type but generally includes leotards, dance shorts, and appropriate footwear specified for each discipline.
Can adults join classes?
Yes, we offer recreational and technique classes specifically designed for adult learners with flexible scheduling options.
How to register for classes?
Contact us via phone or email to discuss placement, then complete our registration form available on our website.
Reviews (4)
Denyse Angus
Feb 07, 2021
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Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality,Value
Dance classes at West Coast are taught for all dance levels. The highest levels are definitely professional level dancers. Hands down 5/5 Star Rating.
Dance classes at West Coast are taught for all dance levels. The highest levels are definitely professional level dancers. Hands down 5/5 Star Rating.
Mahta S.
Jul 24, 2020
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We have been a part of the West Coast School of the Arts (WCSA) family for 8+ years, and it has been a wonderful experience all around. We started when our girls were four years old, and since that time, not only have they grown as dancers, but more importantly as people. Under the direction of Ms. Paula Kessinger, West Coast offers as much or as little as you'd like for your dancer, from Princess Dance Camp to recreational classes to competition teams. The friendships they have built with teammates are so strong, giving them a group of peers they can depend on for a lifetime. The instructors
Shauna B.
Jun 25, 2020
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This is my daughter's second season at West Coast. We are so incredibly glad we made the switch. The environment is so welcoming. Which is difficult to find in competitive dance. The families welcomed us in with open arms, the dancers support each other and the teachers support each other. I believe this starts from the top down with the ownership and management. Paula is extremely hands on with the teachers, students and families. And it shows. She doesn't care just about their dancing but cares about their character as an individual. The quality of the teaching staff is exceptional
Kim D.
Jun 24, 2020
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Our daughter has been a part of the West Coast family for the past 7 years and it has meant so much more than dance to our family! The culture at WC is amazing. The dancers support and encourage each other and the parents are kind and helpful. These are competitive dancers who strive for excellence but never at the cost of character or class. The tone is set from the leadership of Miss Paula who runs the studio like a in impressive CEO that can also wear the hat of mentor, artist, and friend. I am constantly blown away by the talent and reach of the staff who is well rounded on style, technique
