Laguna Dance Theatre

Welcome to Laguna Dance Theatre, a long-standing dance studio located in Mission Viejo, CA, and home to the renowned Laguna Ballet. Established in 1985 under the direction of Shery Gilbert, Laguna Dance Theatre (LDT) has been a significant presence in the Orange County dance community for decades. This studio aims to provide comprehensive dance education with a strong emphasis on classical ballet, preparing students for both recreational enjoyment and more intensive pre-professional tracks. For many families in the area, LDT has been synonymous with the beloved annual production of "The Nutcracker," a cherished holiday tradition that brings together local talent and professional guest artists.

At Laguna Dance Theatre, the curriculum is designed to offer a variety of dance styles, aiming to provide a well-rounded artistic education. While classical ballet forms the core, students also have opportunities to train in commercial dance styles including Contemporary, Jazz, Lyrical, Tap, and Improvisation. The studio's commitment to performance is evident through its annual "The Nutcracker" productions, which have provided hundreds of young dancers with invaluable stage experience alongside professional dancers from prestigious companies.

Laguna Dance Theatre strives to be a place where students can develop their technique, artistry, and love for dance. We invite aspiring dancers and their families in Mission Viejo and the wider Orange County area to explore the programs offered and consider how Laguna Dance Theatre might fit into their artistic journey.

Laguna Dance Theatre is conveniently located at 23854 Via Fabricante f3, Mission Viejo, CA 92691, USA. This accessible address places the studio within easy reach for families residing throughout Mission Viejo and surrounding Orange County communities such as Laguna Hills, Lake Forest, San Juan Capistrano, and Laguna Niguel. Via Fabricante is a well-known local road, contributing to straightforward navigation to the studio.

The accessibility of Laguna Dance Theatre is a practical advantage for busy Californian families. Situated within a commercial area, the studio generally offers ample parking, which is a key convenience for parents dropping off or picking up students. This minimizes logistical stress and allows families to integrate dance lessons into their schedules more smoothly. The studio's presence in Mission Viejo also means it's part of a vibrant local community with various amenities nearby. We understand that ease of access is important for a consistent and enjoyable dance education experience, and our Mission Viejo location has been selected with this in mind to serve our local community effectively.

Services Offered:

• Classical Ballet Training: Core program from Beginning Division (Levels 1-2, ages 6-9) through Advanced Division (Levels 6-7, ages 12-18+), emphasizing Vaganova Method, correct alignment, technique, strength, flexibility, coordination, musicality, and artistry. Includes Pointe work for advanced levels.
• Commercial Dance Division: Training in styles such as Contemporary, Jazz, Lyrical, Tap, and Improvisation.
• The Nutcracker Production: Annual full-length production (Laguna Ballet's 39th production in 2024), providing performance opportunities for students (ages 5+) alongside professional guest artists.
• Spring Showcase/Concert: Annual performance opportunities for students to showcase their skills in various dance styles.
• Jameson Dance Company: Offers training classes and competition teams (solos/duets/trios) with a focus on creating a fun dance family, with optional training in other styles at other studios.
• Summer Dance Programs: Intensive or introductory dance programs during the summer months.
• Private Coaching: Specialized one-on-one instruction available.
• Pilates & Yoga: Fitness and conditioning classes beneficial for dancers.
• Zumba: High-energy fitness classes.
• Hip Hop Dance: Classes focusing on popular hip hop styles.
• Musical Theater: Dance classes incorporating theatrical elements.

Features / Highlights:

• Long-Standing History: Established in 1985, providing decades of dance education in Orange County.
• Home of Laguna Ballet: A non-profit junior ballet company comprised of LDT students (ages 5+), offering significant performance opportunities.
• Annual "The Nutcracker" Production: A major highlight, allowing students to perform with professional guest artists from renowned companies (e.g., San Francisco Ballet, American Ballet Theatre).
• Vaganova Method Emphasis: For classical ballet training, ensuring a strong and structured foundation.
• Diverse Dance Styles: Offers a range of styles beyond ballet, including commercial dance, jazz, hip hop, lyrical, and tap, for well-rounded training.
• Performance Opportunities: Students have multiple chances to perform in large-scale productions and showcases.
• Experienced Faculty: While some reviews mention specific instructors, the studio emphasizes training by experienced faculty in various divisions.
• Structured Curriculum: Clear levels and hourly requirements for progression within the ballet division, ensuring systematic development.
• Community Engagement: Productions often involve a large number of local children, fostering community participation in the arts.

Contact Information:

Address: 23854 Via Fabricante f3, Mission Viejo, CA 92691, USA

Phone: (949) 855-4702

For locals in Mission Viejo and throughout Orange County, Laguna Dance Theatre offers a well-established venue for dance education, particularly for those interested in classical ballet and performance opportunities. Its suitability for the local community largely stems from its long history and its role as the home of Laguna Ballet, which provides an invaluable opportunity for young dancers to participate in a full-scale annual production of "The Nutcracker" alongside professional guest artists. This tradition is a significant draw for families seeking robust performance experience and exposure to high-level ballet.

The studio's curriculum, emphasizing the structured Vaganova Method for ballet while also offering commercial dance styles like jazz, hip hop, and contemporary, aims to provide a comprehensive dance education. This breadth of offerings means that students can explore various genres within one facility, which is a convenience for busy Californian families. While some past reviews indicate areas for improvement regarding studio management and communication, the positive feedback from current dancers, such as Elise who "truly love this studio so much" and praises the "nicest people" among the teachers, suggests a nurturing environment for many students. The accessible Mission Viejo location at 23854 Via Fabricante, with its ease of access and parking, further adds to its practicality for local residents. For families in Orange County seeking a dance studio with a strong ballet foundation and significant performance opportunities in a community setting, Laguna Dance Theatre presents a notable option worth exploring for their children's artistic development.

Laguna Dance Theatre

23854 Via Fabricante f3, Mission Viejo, CA 92691, USA