As an adult dancer, I'm so happy I found this place! Teachers and staff are kind, experienced, inclusive, and knowledgeable. There are adult classes 7 days a week and a robust adult studio company with performance opportunities for all ages. Hidden gem if you ask me! read more

Welcoming, wonderful space for all dancers. The instructors are fantastic and there are so many opportunities to learn, grow, and shine for all ages. So happy to have found PAW! read more

Performing Arts Workshop - Performing Arts Near Me - Encinitas, California

This studio has become our second home - our daughter started here 3 years ago, and we've watched her develop wonderful friendships and grow her love of dance! She's gained so much confidence through performances and the competition program, and the fellow parents create an amazing community here. read more

See all

Best local ballet instruction with the best, supportive culture. Excellent teaching from professional dancers, in an environment of kindness, respect, inclusiveness, creativity, and family values. Not competitive, primarily ballet instruction, with some options for jazz, modern, and hip hop. Annual full Nutcracker production in December and annual spring showcase usually in June. I'm so grateful for this community for my two teenage daughters, who have danced with this studio for eight years now. read more

I can't say enough wonderful things about the teachers, the training and the leadership at PAW! I feel incredibly lucky to have discovered this gem of a studio. The instruction is top notch while the community is warm and inviting. I was super nervous at my first class back but Ms. Cathy came right over and introduced herself before barre, making me feel at home. Since the Covid-19 pandemic, Ms. Emily has managed the studio with compassion, grace and an amazing level of clarity, giving dancers the outlet of dance while staying safe and healthy. My daughters also dance at PAW and it's been wonderful to see them improve and grow to love dance more and more- they love Ms. Ana's Zoom and in-person classes equally, which attests to their exceptional talent for teaching little people!! read more

I started my daughter here about a year ago with a Groupon. I have been very satisfied with the program here. Miss Alyson is so patient with the little kids. She keeps their interest while helping them steadily progress. I have seen the older girls' classes and they are very skilled and beautiful. When they re-started the adult classes, I couldn't wait to put my ballet shoes on. Our instructor is lovely and kind while teaching us excellent form and reminding me and the other adult students all the moves we kind of remember from our youth. Oh, and the sprung floor is awesome. Thanks P A W! read more

I am a former professional dancer and I can attest to the top notch training that takes place in this studio. The adult ballet classes focus on technique and alignment and the vibe is warm and relaxed. Emily and Zuri know their stuff inside and out. IsadoraNOW classes teach Isadora Duncan technique and repertoire. Where else can you find that in San Diego? My daughter attends the 2-4 year old class and loves Ms. Shoshana. They learn movement basics and very beginning ballet technique using poms poms, wands, streamers, etc. This is a studio that strives to create artists, not dancing machines with harmful bad habits that will result in injuries later. If you are looking for solid technical training for your child or adult classes for yourself try this spot out. Also, their rates are very reasonable. read more

This is an amazing studio! I am a newbie adult ballet dancer and was looking around at studios a few months ago and tried one of Miss Emily's adult beginner ballet classes. It blew me away! I have since tried Miss Cathy's class, Miss Jenny's class and Zuri's class. They are all fantastic. Even though I am a beginner, everyone in the studio is encouraging and supportive. Starting ballet at 40 is not a common thing, but the number of women and men in the classes contradicts that ballet is only for the young. There is usually a variety of skill levels in the dance classes from professional dancers to new students. Emily has built a wonderful and supportive community at the dance studio and I hope to still be attending classes 20 years from now. read more

At the beginning of summer, My wife and I were so sad to not have our daughter's first experience with musical theater be in person due to Covid. As it turned out, Performing Arts Workshops has been an amazing experience for our Abigail! I was skeptical at first with our 6 year old daughter who had a hard time staying engaged on zoom at the end of her kindergarten school year. However, the staff at PAW are outstanding in keeping the program engaging, fun and exciting! She absolutely loves Mr. Joey and looks forward to every Young Dancers Workshop he teaches! She also has been taking Ms. Angela and Mr. Joey's Young Singers Workshop which has really brought up her confidence in her singing. Ms. Angela is incredibly talented and with Mr. Joey's energetic and goofy persona Abigail is engaged and is having a blast while learning about characters, storylines and acting in musical theater. This experience has been such a light for our family during a challenging time. read more

I've moved around A LOT and have experienced many different dance studios. There's something special about PAW. The instructors care whether you're learning and improving and they take the time to work with you and cater to your individual needs. Also, their COVID19 protocols are NEXT LEVEL. I appreciate that there are Zoom, in-person classes and outdoor classes! Wonderful studio for all ages. 5+ stars. Thank you PAW! read more

I love this dance studio!. They offer a huge array of ballet and other dance classes for adults and youngsters! Emily is an amazing, energetic, and loving studio owner/teacher and all the other teachers are also fabulous! I've been dancing at PAW since college...around 2000 and am so happy that I can continue at PAW! read more

I'm writing this from a casual adult dancer's perspective so I can't speak for the younger students or those on the professional track. This is the perfect place for adults who want real ballet training in a supportive and encouraging environment. It's nice to have a place that treats adults, no matter what age or ability level like real dancers. I've been to places in the past where adults aren't taken seriously or given any corrections, so it's hard to improve without any guidance, not to mention the injuries that can occur without proper training! The teachers are all kind and there have been some classes where I get an extra ab workout from laughing! You really get a good sense of community in the adult beginner classes and though the intermediate/advanced classes can seem intimidating at first, you end up being inspired by everyone's dancing ability and passion. During the COVID quarantine, they did not leave their students hanging. They provided a solid, virtual class platform, called Ballet Away and offered engaging activities to lift the spirits! I hope to send my four year old daughter soon and I will continue to support them in any way I can. Thanks PAW! read more

I really like this studio. The adult ballet class is consistent and great!

My daughter has been dancing with this studio for eight of her eleven years. She has grown in grace, confidence and skill. As she has matured she has taken her teachers counseling to heart, taking ownership of her attendance, supplies and personal progress. She loves the instructors who are all talented, kind, encouraging, professional, and fun. read more

My daughter loves her classes, teachers and dance friends!!! PAW creates a community for the kids that my daughter wants to be a part of. As parents we see dedication and hard work with great shows and some fun dance parties. Her ballet style shines through into her school work and family life. Thank you PAW!!! read more

I am so thankful to have found such a wonderful studio for my daughter to continue to grow as a dancer! Dance PAW has great instructors that make learning an enjoyable experience. What an awesome environment to build dance skills and confidence. My daughter looks forward to attending each ballet and pointe class with Zuri, Catherine, and Emily! read more

My daughter loves it! we recently moved in to the area and wanted her to meet some girls her age. She loves her teacher, she loved the girls in her dance class. I am so glad we found PAW. its a very friendly and positive environment. read more

This is a fantastic studio. My daughter has been going to classes here for a few years and is now on pointe. They have great teachers and the studio promotes a wonderful blend of discipline and humanism. The camaraderie between the students is very touching...I've never been to a studio where the girls were so supportive of each other. A couple of times a year they host master classes with top-notch ballet professionals. If you are considering this studio for your child, I recommend attending one of the performances they put on twice a year. The costumes and level of performance are quite impressive. read more

This is a wonderful studio where you have a rare combination of highly professional training in a supportive, family-oriented atmosphere. For that dancer with professional aspirations and also for those who enjoy dance just for fun and exercise. I have taken adult classes here 15+ years and my daughter has been here 8 years (since age 5). I have been to many dance studios and believe that studio culture is as important as the skill of the teaching staff, and I give five stars to both. When people with young children ask me what to look for in a dance studio, one of the things I say is to look at the older kids - not just their training but their attitude! The PAW culture is inclusive and is not about body type or competition. Anyone who loves dance can find a place there. But the training is top notch and the teachers will push the students towards excellence. I have seen kids go through the whole program through professional, and others who do it for the love of dance and then move on, and they make great memories and love what they do. Each student of any age can take it as far as they want to go. Adult class serves an eclectic group of active or retired professional dancers, dance teachers, late bloomers (such as myself- came to ballet after age 30), and a good number of grandmothers. We have a great time in a supportive atmosphere, and it's an awesome workout. Children's program produces a fabulous Nutcracker as well as Spring Recital. I am so grateful for the many benefits my daughter has received from building self-esteem, positive role models, teamwork, self-motivation and discipline, lifelong friends, physical strength...and gorgeous training! read more

See all