What started as a fun Mommy & Me ballet class has blossomed into a beautiful three-year dance journey for my daughter. The loving, supportive teachers and welcoming staff have given her the space to grow into her own little dancer at her own pace. I truly believe the positive and nurturing environment at SoCal Arts is what made her fall in love with dance. Watching her confidence grow alongside her passion for dance has been such a rewarding and heartwarming experience for me as a mom. Through SoCal Arts, we've also met some incredible people -- including my daughter's best friend and my own dance mama bestie read more

One of the few dance studios I've found that teaches full technique without stressing the kids out! My daughter has found so much joy in dancing here. We have been at SoCal Arts for 4 years and my daughter always asks to stay longer every time. Could not more highly recommend this studio. read more

Our daughter has been Dancing here for about 5 months and she absolutely loves it! She's only 3 but asks to go to ballet class on a daily! We love all our teachers and all the friends we've made along the way! read more

SoCal Arts is amazing! My daughter has been enrolled with them for over a year and in that time, I have been in awe of her growth. So Cal Arts has given her a framework to develop her confidence, an outlet to express herself and she has really found her voice as a result. I never anticipated the impact dancing would have on her life outside of dance, but I am thrilled with the results! She is constantly singing to herself and dancing/gliding all over the house and I know it is because she has found something that speaks to her deeply and fills her heart with joy. Learning the routines has been challenging at times, but SoCal Arts moves with the speed of the students and helps meet their specific needs with compassion, and unconditional positivity. The students are never expected to bite off more than they can chew. As a result my daughter has become far more resilient and aware of her ability to meet the challenges of life, in and out of the dance studio, head on. I wish I had the words to describe the pride she radiates after rehearsing a routine for weeks and nailing the routine, live on stage in front of an audience. You can't put a price on that lifelong memory. I credit the program Laura and Jekyns have developed and its unwaveringly loving approach to developing the whole person. You can tell just from speaking with them that their goal is to foster the love of dance in each of their students. Their program is one centered around meeting students where they are at, and moving at the child's speed toward their individual goals for dance. With this whole person approach, it does not feel like a class, it feels like a chosen family centered around joyful movement. If your child has ever expressed an interest in dance, search no further, this is the studio for them! read more

Ms. Laura has an amazing ability to make your dancer feel special, and she remembers every student's name and strengths. This summer was our second year at this studio, and my now four year old daughter had stopped participating in class, and instead of just ignoring my concerns, Laura and Jekyns worked with us to find a solution. After a few private lessons, getting to know her fellow classmates and fun rehearsals, my daughter got comfortable in class again and was ecstatic to be part of the Nutcracker performance with her level 2 class. I appreciate the studio directors working with my daughter and acknowledging that kids sometimes need flexibility. My daughter had a wonderful time at the Nutcracker this year and is already asking about being a part of next year's performance. read more

SOCAL ARTS - Mommy and me class - Opera & Ballet Near Me - Monrovia, California

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The couple that owns the dance company are actually very nice people. The thing that irks me is their annual $299 registration fee when you sign up, in addition to their class fees. Also private lessons are pretty steep and can only be taken if you are also signed up for their regular classes. Makeups aren't allowed either, so if you miss class... well too bad. One clientele was also a bit ghetto and made me uncomfortable. While waiting for his daughter, he was biting his nails and was also staring at other little girls stretching in front of him. This was inappropriate and disgusting in so many ways. I didn't have a great experience here. I'd say just be very careful and aware of what you're signing up for. Take a look at everything you're paying, decide if you like the environment, staff, etc. read more

We were excited to sign our daughter up for the ballet class. She went for 2 months and then they had to the nut cracker performance for December , which we thought was a great idea. Another fee on top of the monthly fee. And your responsible to buy 10 tickets per child for an additional $300. All classes were shifted for this rehearsal. I'm only available on Saturdays and I was not able to have her make up her classes during the week because I work full-time and I couldn't afford to take time off to bring my daughter in for her make up classes during the week around 2/3pm. They should be crediting all the parents for the month of December specially the ones that couldn't make it due to there schedule changes. Very disappointed in there service . This place needs to update there heating system. The place is freezing for the kids specially in the winter time. My daughter was freezing in her ballerina outfit and refused to take her sweater off so they made her sit aside. If you want your kids to get sick, this is a the place! Nobody wants there kids to get sick specially during the winter time. And apparently they don't care or else they would invest in the heaters in a concrete warehouse / class room. My daughter was in the performance for not even 2-3 minutes and it cost me close to $400 . How is that right? This was more for the adults / teenagers Don't recommend this place for little ones Canceled a few times and they refuse the give me my money. All they care is for them to get money from everyone regardless of what they do. Still waiting for my refund! read more

Raven the Mommy and Me instructor is the best! She's so patient, kind, and welcoming. My daughter and I couldn't ask for a better teacher. We both are dance class newbies and we were comfortable right from the beginning. My baby is just learning how to follow instructions and sometimes does her own thing and Raven knows how to navigate the learning process for her. This place is awesome! read more

SOCAL ARTS - Mommy and me class - Opera & Ballet Near Me - Monrovia, California

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My daughter always had a love for dance from a young age. However, she also enjoyed sports and did not consistently take dance lessons during the time she was also juggling sports. In High School she made the decision to become more serious and committed to dance and that is when we discovered SO Cal Arts. She had taken lessons at several dance studios but found her instruction at SO Cal Arts superior to anything she had experienced before. Her dance technique improved considerably in a short time and she even decided to become a dance minor in college. She really enjoyed her time at SO Cal Arts! read more

Not just ballet lessons. Laura Alexich is so much more than an excellent ballet instructor. My daughter struggled with confidence during her middle school years. If I could've paid someone just to be her "cheerleader" and guide her towards self confidence in a gentle and patient way, I would have. Luckily, I came across Laura. I paid for ballet lessons, but received the gift of partnership. She mentored my daughter through auditions, performances, tears and laughter, ups and downs, wins and losses. I came for ballet lessons, but I left with the gift of a partner in raising a strong, confident woman. Worth the investment! Don't miss the chance to sign your child up at this hidden gem of a dance studio. read more

SOCAL ARTS - Opera & Ballet Near Me - Monrovia, California

I definitely recommend this dance school for all ages & levels of experience. All the instructors are kind & very knowledgeable of their craft. Not only they teach the students proper techniques, they highly emphasize on safety for the students to ensure their bodies are not overworked. My daughter is highly happy with being taught ballet at this studio. read more

I've been Laura's student since the 8th grade and she transformed me as a dancer, both in terms of my technique and my confidence! Laura and Jekyns are both incredibly dedicated to training young dancers in a positive, supportive environment. SoCal Arts productions are creative and wonderful to watch, a great studio !! read more

Laura Alexich was my daughter's first real ballet teacher. At age nIne, she had taken ballet for two years with other teachers, but when she stepped into Laura's class, it was different. Laura taught true classical ballet, teaching the girls and boys about precision, discipline, artistry and musicality, all with a pleasant and supportive demeanor. Each child in the room believed he or she wes the favorite student. She taught them how to hold their bodies with confidence, and it just worked. My daughter is 16 now and continues taking class and dancing with Laura, because she has a special way of celebrating strengths of the dancers and working hard with them through their weaknesses. In one private lesson she got my daughter to improve her pirouettes, from 2 to a consistent 4! It is wonderful that Laura and Jekins have opened their own studio. Great things are to come at So Cal Arts! read more

Great studio! The staff are wonderful! Everyone is so nice and great with the dancers. My daughters love taking lessons with miss Laura. They come home each time showing their new moves. read more

SoCal Arts is a very loving and nurturing environment. I have known and danced with co-director Laura Alexich for about 14-15 years. Her and her husband Jekyns have created a space for students to feel included and supported in achieving their dreams and goals. Dance is an amazing gift for your kids. It teaches them self discipline and mental focus and gives them a creative outlet. If I had children, I would trust Laura and Jekyns 100% with them! read more

My girls have been with this studio for about a year and a half. We had taken a several lessons with Ms. Laura at another studio then followed her to Socal Arts. Ms Laura and Mr Jekyns (owners) are extremely talented and dedicated teachers. They teach real ballet technique and give young dancers a strong foundation. My girls are in elementary school age 5-11 and they love learning here. The classes have a good ratio of teacher to students (1:6). Some personal thoughts from a non-ballet dancer : 1) I always had the impression that ballet favored a certain body type or pushed for a specific body image. But I found that this studio welcomes all types of students. There are no favorites and everyone is treated equally well. 2) I also thought that ballet was very, very strict. But at Socal Arts, the environment is nurturing and open. No student is pushed or ever pressured into doing more than they can do. At the same time, this place takes dance and technique seriously. And as a parent, I like that. I want my kids to learn real ballet; I don't want to waste money on frivolous lessons. So in summary: great place to learn the true art of ballet in a safe environment with dedicated teachers. read more

Laura and Jekyns are great dedicated passionate and professional dancers My daughter loves dancing. When she was three I enrolled her to another studio the instructors were very rich she wanted to stop Then a friend of mine recommended Ms Laura. They practiced with Ms Laura even before they started their own studio. Many of their students go 7 and 8 years back. They are really invested in their students They are passionate and dancing is their love. My daughter is 5 she started with them when they first opend their own studio and she already performed in two major performances one in winter and one on summer. She loved ballet because of them. As young as she is they taught her the proper ballet technique in a very gracious was. I highly recommend So cal arts for any one who loves dancing and want to learn properly. read more

Exemplary! Both my girls have taken regular class and private lessons since this studio open. Our history working with Laura started when my 18 year old was 6. Her unique ability to connect with each student, identifying their strength, weaknesses and type of learner, has provided them both with growth in technique, discipline, awareness, motivation, and respect for the art of ballet. Her recent professional experience brings a currency to her modern approach to teaching, while maintaining the Art of Classical Ballet. Although the long history working with Laura, Jekyns has become a fast favorite. He is highly skilled, kind, knowledgeable, respectful and extremely professional. His mastery in performing arts is outstanding. I have noticed a new element to their training. A mentoring approach from the studio, allowing focus on personal development, injury prevention and mental health. This has allowed an ability for them to empower themselves, through personal guidance, in their journey, in dance, performing arts and as individuals. This studio is a hidden gem! Highly Recommend! read more

I have a 15 and 13 year old who have been training with Miss Laura for 9 years. Both are on a pre-professional track for ballet. We have loved Laura's training and trust her to give the girls what they need to succeed. My oldest has been accepted and attended the School of American Ballet summer intensives for the past 4 years and my youngest went to Houston Ballet last summer. Laura and Jekyns are kind and meticulous in their ballet training. They are both amazing dancers and artists and do a great job sharing their craft with their students. read more

Laura Alexich and Jekyns Pelaez are amazing dancers and instructors. Their real world experience as professional dancers gives each of them insights into the Ins and outs of becoming a valued part of a company. Their training is top notch with a strong focus on articulation and precision as well as musicality. My daughter has trained with both of these dancers and their training has been extremely beneficial. Looking forward to continuing our longstanding relationships with the opening of this sttudio. Congratulations on the opening of your Studio. Will be seeing you in the near future!! read more

Avoid this studio. We enrolled and paid a "registration fee" in July. My daughter attended one class. Then, SoCAL Arts called and texted me multiple times a week to see if my daughter would attend more classes. I thought the strategy was a bit much, but the staff and owner were originally very friendly. After attending one additional class two weeks after the first, I let the owner and other employees know when they called again repeatedly that my 3 yr old daughter was not ready for dance. Despite giving them this information, they charged me for a class we never attended and a second $35 registration fee. When I contacted them to request repayment, they refunded the class, but refused to repay the registration fee. I asked them to reconsider repayment given the facts because I would like to keep them in mind as an option in the future. Instead of considering the facts, the owner's husband accused me of threatening his wife (I had not) and implied that because I had registered once, they somehow had my consent to continually charge my credit card. I've never been treated so poorly by a small business, nor had such sneaky tactics to illicitly extract money. read more

My daughter has been training in ballet for years. Due to Covid, she changed studios and instantly felt at home here. With Laura and Jekyns training, she was admitted to Boston Ballet for their summer intensive program. Both provide technical and professional instruction while still providing a nurturing environment. Additionally, they offer many master classes with current professional dancers. This is definitely a place to try if you are looking for quality training. read more

I've been working with Laura for years and she's one of the best ballet teachers I've come across. Not only is she experienced and knowledgeable, but she's incredibly kind and supportive. Laura is great at balancing a rigorous training program with a warm, friendly environment, which is really hard to come by in the ballet world! I'd highly recommend this studio to all ages and dancers at any level! read more

One of my favorite studios to train at. I have been taking lessons from Laura for the past 5 years and have been taking Jekyn's adult classes as well. They truly care about their dancers and want to see them all succeed. I would highly recommend this studio for any dancer looking into a pre-professional ballet program. read more

We love Laura! My daughter has been taking lessons from Laura for several years now including private lessons. We're so excited for her new studio. Laura is such an encouraging and inspirational teacher. read more

I am beyond excited for the grand opening of SoCal Arts! Laura and Jekyns Pelaez are extremely talented and I know they are going to make an amazing impact on the community. It's great to know this studio will be directed by professionals who value the art of ballet! read more

I am so excited and happy for Laura's new studio. Laura is a gift to the ballet world. I took my daughter for private lessons as she transitioned to pointe. I wanted to prevent injury and make sure my daughter was dancing correctly. My expectations of Laura have been exceeded. Today my daughter is beautiful, strong dancer. Laura is a friend, a mentor and an inspiration. read more

Laura Alexich and Jenkyns Palaez are both kind-hearted and supportive teachers. I have gotten to work with them both as teachers and as colleagues and have found the way they teach their students to be very effective for developing classically trained dancers. They both have much professional experience in the dance world and give their students insight on developing a greater sense of technique, artistry, and overall performance quality. I have always seen Laura a great inspiration in my teaching endeavors and have found the classes I have taken with her to be challenging yet enjoyable. I am so excited for both of them as they embark on this new journey! read more

Laura Alexich and her husband Jekyns Pelaez are two of the most incredibly gifted teachers and dancers. It is hard to find studios that have their level of professionalism, performance background, choreography experience and teaching history. Be sure to get into signed up at SoCal Arts for the best training in California! read more