Westside Dance Project

For serious young dancers and aspiring movement artists across Orange County and the greater Southern California region, Westside Dance Project in Laguna Hills stands as a beacon of artistic excellence and dedicated training. This isn't just another dance studio; it's a specialized program and performance training company committed to cultivating versatile, intelligent, and bold dancers. With a focus on process, longevity in art, and a deep connection to joy and curiosity in movement, Westside Dance Project offers a unique and profound experience for those truly dedicated to their craft.

In the dynamic and competitive world of dance, finding a nurturing yet rigorous environment is crucial for true growth. Westside Dance Project embodies this balance, guided by new directors Cory Barnette and Troy Herring, who bring over a decade of experience mentoring dancers who have successfully moved on to collegiate programs, reputable schools, and professional careers. They are committed to creating a "professional, nurturing home" where young artists can flourish. This article will provide a comprehensive look into what makes Westside Dance Project an exceptional choice for serious dance students in California. We'll explore its convenient location, the specialized services it offers, and the distinctive features that set it apart as a premier training ground for the next generation of dancers.

Westside Dance Project is located at 23091 Del Lago Dr, Laguna Hills, CA 92653, USA. This address places it in the vibrant community of Laguna Hills, strategically situated within Orange County. Its location on Del Lago Drive offers excellent accessibility for residents throughout Laguna Hills, Mission Viejo, Lake Forest, Aliso Viejo, and other surrounding cities in South Orange County. The area typically provides convenient parking options, which is a significant advantage for students and parents attending classes and rehearsals.

Laguna Hills is well-connected by major roadways, ensuring straightforward navigation for those traveling by car. While specific public transportation routes serving this immediate address would need to be verified with Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) schedules, the area is generally part of a well-developed infrastructure. The studio's presence in a central and easily reachable part of Laguna Hills underscores its commitment to serving a wide demographic of dedicated dance students, making it a practical and accessible destination for high-level dance training in the heart of Orange County.

Westside Dance Project is a specialized dance program and performance training company, focusing on comprehensive development for young movement artists. While a recreational studio might offer a wide array of basic classes, Westside Dance Project's services are geared towards dedicated training, often including:

• Advanced Dance Training: Core classes focusing on contemporary dance, ballet, and other foundational techniques essential for versatile dancers.
• Company Programs: Opportunities for selected dancers to join performance companies, which involve intensive training, demanding rehearsal schedules, and numerous performance opportunities.
• Master Classes: Regularly scheduled or special workshops with guest artists, renowned choreographers, and industry professionals (such as NDT dancer and Westside Dance Project alumni, Nicole Ishimaru), providing students with diverse perspectives and advanced techniques.
• Auditions for Program Entry: A structured audition process for dancers aged 11+ to gain entry into their specialized training programs, ensuring a committed and focused student body.
• Mentorship and Guidance: As new directors Cory Barnette and Troy Herring "have been actively mentoring and training young dancers for over a decade," the program likely includes strong mentorship, guiding students towards collegiate programs, reputable schools, and professional jobs.
• Performance Opportunities: Participation in showcases, company performances, and potentially external events, allowing dancers to apply their training and gain stage experience.
• Focus on Process and Longevity: The program aims to help students "understand the importance of patience and allow them the experience of respecting longevity in their art form," fostering a healthy and sustainable approach to dance.

Westside Dance Project distinguishes itself through several exceptional features and highlights, reflecting its commitment to high-level dance education:

• Visionary New Leadership: The program is embarking on a "new chapter with Westside Dance Project" under the direction of Cory Barnette and Troy Herring. They bring over "a decade now" of experience "mentoring and training young dancers," with many former students moving on to "collegiate programs, reputable schools, and professional jobs." This leadership ensures a professional and forward-thinking approach to dance education.
• Professional and Nurturing Environment: The directors are explicitly committed to creating a "professional, nurturing home" for their dancers. This balance is critical for young artists, allowing them to push their boundaries while feeling supported.
• Cultivation of Versatile, Intelligent, and Bold Artists: The stated aim is to "cultivate versatile, intelligent and bold young movement artists." This indicates a holistic approach that goes beyond mere technique, focusing on artistic expression, critical thinking, and confidence.
• Emphasis on Process and Patience: In a fast-paced world, Westside encourages dancers to "slow down and connect with their joy and curiosity," allowing them "the space they need to make discoveries in their own time." This focus on the journey, not just the destination, fosters deeper understanding and appreciation for the art form.
• Strong Connection to the Professional Dance World: The involvement of directors with extensive mentoring experience and the presence of master classes with current professional dancers (like Nicole Ishimaru, an NDT dancer and alumnus) provide invaluable real-world insights and networking opportunities for aspiring professionals.
• Clear Age Focus: With auditions and classes typically for ages 11+, the studio caters to a more mature and dedicated demographic, allowing for more advanced and focused training tailored to this age group.
• Values-Driven Education: The company grounds its practices in "values of respect, compassion, and collaboration," creating a positive and ethical learning environment.

To learn more about Westside Dance Project, inquire about their programs, audition schedules, or master classes, you can find information through their official channels.

Address: 23091 Del Lago Dr, Laguna Hills, CA 92653, USA

While a general phone number isn't explicitly provided, dance studios of this caliber typically maintain active websites and social media profiles where you can find detailed contact information, class schedules, audition requirements, and registration details. We highly recommend visiting their official website (westsidedance.org based on search results) or searching for "Westside Dance Project Laguna Hills" online to access their most up-to-date contact information, including any direct phone numbers or inquiry forms. Look for sections like "Contact Us," "Programs," or "Auditions" on their website for comprehensive details.

For locals in California, particularly those serious about dance training in Orange County, Westside Dance Project is an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended destination. What makes it ideal is its distinct focus on pre-professional and advanced training for young movement artists, led by experienced directors who are deeply invested in their students' long-term success. Unlike recreational studios, Westside Dance Project offers a rigorous yet nurturing environment that emphasizes not just technical proficiency but also artistic integrity, personal growth, and a profound connection to the art form. The opportunities to train with working professionals, participate in specialized master classes, and potentially join performance companies provide unparalleled pathways for aspiring dancers. For parents seeking a program that instills discipline, collaboration, and respect, while genuinely preparing their children for future dance endeavors or simply a lifelong appreciation of the art, Westside Dance Project in Laguna Hills offers a truly exceptional and transformative experience in the heart of Southern California.

Westside Dance Project

23091 Del Lago Dr, Laguna Hills, CA 92653, USA