About Us

The Academy

Founded in 1967 by New York City Ballet principal dancer Yvonne Mounsey and Royal Ballet soloist Rosemary Valaire, Westside School of Ballet has provided exceptional dance education for nearly 60 years. Today, under the direction of Adrian Blake Mitchell, the school continues its tradition of excellence while preparing the next generation of dancers. We offer training for students of all ages and experience levels, from young beginners to pre-professional dancers ages 3 to 18. 

Our comprehensive curriculum includes classical ballet, pointe, variations, jazz, contemporary, floor barre, conditioning, and more. Students receive rigorous technical training while developing artistry, musicality, confidence, and discipline in a supportive environment.

Westside alumni have gone on to dance with major companies across the United States and abroad, including New York City Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, Bolshoi Ballet, Paris Opera Ballet, Dutch National Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Houston Ballet, Pennsylvania Ballet, Oregon Ballet Theatre, Los Angeles Ballet, and others. 

Learn more about our legacy here. 

The Foundation 

Westside Ballet of Santa Monica is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching lives through dance education, community engagement, and artistic excellence. We believe that high-quality ballet training should be accessible to all and are committed to inspiring the next generation of artists while creating meaningful opportunities for young people to learn, grow, and thrive through dance.

Central to our mission is providing financial assistance to talented and dedicated students through scholarships and tuition support. Thanks to the generosity of our donors and community partners, we help remove financial barriers so that students of all backgrounds can pursue exceptional ballet training, regardless of their circumstances.

Throughout the year, our students also have the opportunity to participate in major productions, including The Nutcracker and our Spring Gala & Showcase. These performances are an integral part of our educational program, giving dancers valuable stage experience while sharing the artistry of classical ballet with the Los Angeles community.

Beyond the studio and stage, we expand access to dance through outreach initiatives such as Dance to Dreams and other educational programs that introduce ballet to new audiences and inspire a lifelong appreciation for the arts.

Adult Open Program

Westside’s Adult Open Program is the most comprehensive in Los Angeles, welcoming dancers of every age and experience level, 7 days a week. Whether returning to ballet, training recreationally, or maintaining professional-level technique, adult students enjoy a supportive environment with classes taught by experienced faculty. 

From first-time dancers to seasoned professionals, Westside Ballet is a place where everyone can learn, grow, and experience the transformative power of dance.