Parents in Santa Monica, CA can compare 3 local dance studios, with classes spanning ballet, jazz, hip hop, modern, tap, ballroom, contemporary, and lyrical. Standouts by rating include Santa Monica School of Dance and Music (5★) and Westside School of Ballet (4.6★).
Of the 3 studios in Santa Monica, 2 run recreational programs — the low-pressure route for kids who want dance as a fun weekly activity — while 1 field competitive teams for dancers ready to train harder and perform at regional events.
For the youngest dancers, 3 of Santa Monica's studios offer creative movement or preschool programs, so kids as young as 2 or 3 can start with music, rhythm, and basic coordination before moving into ballet, tap, or hip hop around ages 4 to 6.
Before enrolling in Santa Monica, ask studios the unglamorous questions: what's the full cost with costumes and recital fees, how large are classes, what happens if your child wants to switch styles mid-year, and can you watch or trial a class first. Studios that answer these easily tend to be the well-run ones.
2923 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90404
★ 5 (8 reviews)
Recreational · Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop
1709 Stewart St, Santa Monica, CA 90404
★ 4.6 (46 reviews)
Recreational · Ballet, Jazz, Modern
924 Colorado Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Competitive · Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Contemporary, Lyrical
Studios in Santa Monica currently offer ballet, jazz, hip hop, modern, tap, ballroom, contemporary, and lyrical. Several also field competitive teams alongside recreational classes. Availability shifts by season and enrollment, so check each studio's listing for current programs.
KidsDanceMap lists 3 kids dance studios in Santa Monica across 2 ZIP codes, including Santa Monica School of Dance and Music (5★) and Westside School of Ballet (4.6★). Availability shifts by season, so check each listing for current schedules.
By published ratings, Santa Monica School of Dance and Music leads at 5★, followed by Westside School of Ballet at 4.6★. "Best" still depends on your child — a 5-star competitive studio may be the wrong fit for a 4-year-old beginner, so match the studio's focus to your child's age and goals.
Creative movement and preschool classes at 3 Santa Monica studios welcome dancers as young as 2 or 3. Structured ballet, tap, jazz, and hip hop typically start around ages 4 to 7.
Yes — 2 studios in Santa Monica run recreational programs designed for kids with no dance experience. Look for classes labeled beginner, introductory, creative movement, or preschool dance, and ask about trial classes before committing.
If a studio is missing or information needs to be updated, contact KidsDanceMap with the studio name, city, website, class styles, and age groups served.