Where Dreams Take Flight
We teach dancers from age two to adult.
A nurturing environment where dancers ages 2-Adult discover the joy of movement through Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Musical Theatre, Acrobatics & Aerial Arts.
We have been named Best Dance Studio ten years in a row.
The California Assembly named us Small Business of the Year in 2020, and our dancers took 23 finalist places at the Dance Awards and YAGP in New York.
We built a ninth studio just for flying.
A 3,000 sq ft Acro/Aerial gym, a Pilates room and a retail store, with a Master Instructor in Aerial Arts on the faculty.
Ages 2–5
Pre-Academy
Play-based classes that spark creativity while building coordination and confidence through nurturing movement and music
Ages 5–11
Academy
Comprehensive foundation in ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop and tumbling while fostering a lifelong love of dance and artistry
Ages 12–17
Teen
Specialized classes for teens, from beginners to advanced levels, focusing on technique, fitness, and artistic expression
Ages 18+
Adult
Specialized classes for adults, from beginners to advanced levels, focusing on technique, fitness, and artistic expression
Audition · Ages 8+
Conservatory
Audition-based intensive tracks (Commercial, Ballet, Musical Theatre, Aerial) for committed students pursuing excellence
Styles taught: Ballet, Aerial Arts, Hip-Hop, Jazz / Contemporary, Acro / Tumbling, Tap, Singing & Acting.
Every family's dance journey
Five levels built to grow with you.
Five nurturing levels designed to grow with you, building not just technique but character, confidence, and lifelong friendships from first steps to professional dreams.
Conservatory tracks
- Commercial Dance
- Ballet
- Musical Theatre
- Aerial Arts
Aerial Arts
This is the part where it stops being a metaphor.
A 3,000 sq ft acro and aerial gym — the ninth studio — with an Aerial Conservatory track and a Master Instructor who has danced with San Francisco Ballet and toured with Ricky Martin and the Backstreet Boys.
See the stylesSeason 35
We are opening our thirty-fifth season.
Opened in 1992 in Mission Viejo. Every date below is theirs.
1992
Opened as Mission Viejo Dance & Performing Arts Center
Started with a vision to provide exceptional dance education in Orange County.
1998
Moved location to Laguna Niguel
Relocated to better serve our growing community and expand our facilities.
2002
Studio ownership change to Jena Minnick
New leadership brought fresh vision and expanded opportunities for our students.
2009
Added in-house theatre, awarded Best Dance Studio
Enhanced our performance capabilities and received recognition for excellence.
2010
Started the non-profit Dance Discovery Foundation, Teacher Training program, and Nutcracker
Launched comprehensive programs including our beloved annual Nutcracker production.
2011
Added 8th studio, a retail store, and Pilates room. Started scholarship programs
Expanded facilities and began offering scholarships to support talented dancers.
2013
Changed name from ‘Mission Viejo Dance’ to ‘South Coast Conservatory’
Rebranded to reflect our commitment to pre-professional dance training.
2017
Awarded Best Dance Studio, 10 years in a row. 5 finalists at Dance Awards and YAGP in New York
Achieved decade-long recognition and celebrated national competition success.
2019
Added 9th studio — the Acro / Aerial gym. 23 finalists at Dance Awards and YAGP in New York
Expanded with specialized aerial training facility and continued competition excellence.
2020
Awarded Small Business of the Year by the CA Assembly
Received state recognition and launched industry-focused training programs.
2021
4 Conservatory Programs — Commercial Dance, Ballet, Musical Theatre and Aerial
Established comprehensive conservatory training across four specialized disciplines.
2022
Created the Dance & Drama program through Dance Discovery Foundation
Expanded our non-profit foundation to include theatrical arts education.
2025
Merged with V&T Dance Academy and expanded the SCC Family
Welcomed new families and expanded our community through strategic partnership.
Orange County's #1 Dance Studio
Best Dance Studio on the OC Hot List, ten years running.
20,000+
Students trained
9
Specialized studios
70+
Expert faculty
75+
National awards
400+
Regional awards
- State-of-the-art facility with 9 specialized studios
- 3,000 sq ft Acro/Aerial gym, Pilates room, and retail store
- 70+ expert faculty teaching 4-tiered training program
Family stories
Hear from the families who found their home here.
Amazing place for kids and adults. You can choose from all dance styles they offer. Well organized, great customer service and very pleasant atmosphere.
Elizabeth A.
My 12 year old daughter has been attending SCC for about 2 years now and she loves it!! The instructors are well versed and take pride in their teaching. The facility is clean and pleasant. Love the fact that there is a dance store on site it come in handy sometimes. Studio is very organized and everything runs very smoothly. Overall great studio.
Adriana G.
Parent of a 12-year-old daughter
My 5 & 7 year old daughters have been taking ballet here for a year and they love it! Very skilled, trained, and sweet teachers. The winter performance of the Nutcracker was beautiful and professionally executed. Looking forward to the Summer Festival
Lauren H.
Parent of 5 & 7 year old daughters
Ready to start your dance journey?
Season 35 registration is open, and so are summer classes. Try the intro package, walk the nine studios, and see which room your dancer belongs in.
4.7 on Google from 42 reviews