As an ex-pro dancer returning recreationally at 52 with an unpredictable schedule, I needed flexibility. I signed up in April 2025 after being told one enrolled class would allow unlimited drop-ins, with 30-day makeup windows. The teachers, class variety, and student culture are genuinely excellent. The management and policies, however, are another story. Policies grew increasingly restrictive over time -- drop-ins shifted to a text-based reservation system with advance scheduling requirements, an extra $7 fee for makeups, frequent confusion, and eventual pushback. I was repeatedly pressured to enroll in more classes despite being clear about my limitations, and denied access to advanced classes without enrolling in their ballet class, even though I was enrolled in ballet elsewhere. The studio hosts bi-annual showcase performances that some of the classes participate in and the 6-8 weeks prior include rehearsals. Before this month's showcase, I requested makeups for the two prior weeks knowing they'd be rehearsal-focused rather than full instruction. I scheduled 1 makeup and for the 2nd makeup was told other classes I requested were closed -- including a class with only 1-2 students -- and asked to stay after class for a conversation. The pattern made clear this was less about following policy and more about something that was never transparently communicated. Deciding this no longer aligned, I submitted 30 days' notice to unenroll per policy. The owner immediately refunded me and told me not to return -- then in the next message said I was valued and welcome to reenroll anytime. When I received the refund, I noticed my monthly rate had increased without disclosure or receipt. You have to catch it on your credit card statement. Best for students who commit to enrollments, skip makeups, and embrace the showcase model with costume costs -- no flexibility expected. One studio has an uneven, sometimes slippery floor that raises safety concerns. read more

After seeing an ad in FB I reached out to take a trial class. I spoke with Janell who was very pushy. I was hesitant about giving my money at that time because I was going out of town and wasn't sure when I would be able to take the intro class. Upon returning from my trip I got Covid. I received an email from Janell that my trial week had ended. Of course I was upset because I hadn't taken a class yet. She said: "SDC trials are non-transferrable and non-refundable. Your original trial was scheduled for 3/29. While we typically don't offer transfers, we made a one-time accommodation to shift your start date to 4/15, per your request. We reserved your spaces in classes throughout these two weeks, which closed the spots to other interested dancers. It sounds like our program may not be a great fit for what you're looking for in dance. We wish you all the best in your journey and if in the future you're interested in committing to 12 month program, please reach back out!" This place is a scam. read more

All the adult classes at this studio are incredible. The instructors are very knowledgeable, and patient and they will push you and challenge you to be better every time. Its not just about choreography, its about building the muscles, the posture, the rhythm, the technique. It's a great place to actually learn. Not just drop-in, but to join and enroll and commit to a dance education. I see Janell's vision for her studio and it's perfectly curated to create this beautiful community I'm so glad to be a part of today. I was an absolute beginner when I started a few month ago, and I always felt so encouraged, and never judged. I can see how much I improved already after a few months. I can only recommend that you join this wonderful community of dancers at Spectrum Dance Center ! Also I love that we have so many performances, and amazing choreography to learn every class, it gives a reason to come back every week and have something to look forward to ! Thank you Janell read more

I always love taking classes here! The choreo is always fun, everyone's so nice and supportive, and you WILL leave the studio sweating!

I had such a wonderful experience at Spectrum Dance Center and appreciate that they provide the opportunity for adults to seriously train in dance foundations and technique. It's a tuition model, so you have to commit to your classes on a weekly basis, which is awesome for growth purposes, but not ideal for those of us with sporadic schedules or students. Janell is a wonderful instructor, providing jazz foundations, technique, and higher level training. I also really enjoyed Ace's hip-hop class, Alfonso's hip-hop class, Iris's bellydance and Jeff's salsa class. They don't do drop-ins, but you can have a two-week trial and explore the different class options so you know what you'd like to sign up for. I would recommend SDC especially for adults that are looking for serious dance training that is beyond just choreography. read more

I absolutely love this place! The staff is very friendly, the teachers are super knowledgeable, and the variety of classes is unmatched. Highly recommend for anyone looking to dance and have a great time! read more

Spectrum Dance Center - Dance Schools Near Me - Lake Forest, California

Love this studio!! Wonderful place for adults. As an adult dancer who wants to keep my formal technique in my mind and body this is a great place to do so. I wish there were more weekend options offered for adults as that's the only time that works for me with their current schedule offered. The basic ballet class is good for new new people and a good refresher / reminder for experienced dancers who may have taken a break from technique; however, I do wish there was something a bit more elevated in the combos or another beginning type of class for those with former experience. read more

This dance center promoted there's a trial plan for 2 classes without informing you that they will automatically charge you for enrollment. I found the classes did not meet my needs and thus have no plan to return. They charged me for ongoing enrollment without my permission. read more

What a wonderful fun place for kids to learn all types of dances! I signed up my kid for ballet and hip hop and she absolutely loves it. The director, Janell is absolutely amazing and the teachers my daughter has are all so talented, fun and kind. Highly recommend this place. read more

Absolutely ridicules hot as hell studio. If you want your kids to dance with no AC in 90F good for you. The teacher was snapping her fingers at the kids every 30 seconds and the it's overpriced. No thank you save your self some time and money and find another place. read more

I really like being there taking some adult classes and practicing as my private. Very friendly and welcoming environment for beginners to professionals. Strong skilled instructors. Big range of dance classes from kids to adults. read more

Love, love that I found this awesome dance studio with great options for adult dance classes! I have been searching for a long time with no luck. Finally! An amazing dance place with great skilled instructors who challenge you while having fun, friendly community and a great area with plenty of parking and more. Come check it out! You won't be disappointed! read more

Spectrum Dance Center - Dance Studio - Dance Schools Near Me - Lake Forest, California

Such an amazing place to dance and be free. Its two very wide and clean rooms, with a cozy lobby and great ventilation. Pretty amazing place to be! read more

Spectrum Dance Center seems disorganized. Dance teachers arrive late. Do not agree with their policies as they negatively impact the kids and younger dancers. Would not recommend. read more

Love this studio! As someone in their late 20s, I really appreciate that this studio is very welcoming to adults of all levels and all the teachers are very attentive and thorough. read more

Seriously the best studio for jazz, modern, and technique in Orange County. Such a positive and welcoming environment for ANY age and ANY level. Janell the owner is the sweetest and really loves seeing her students learn and improve!! I am so glad I found this gem! read more

Wonderful place, sweet and welcoming teachers and staff. Wide range of amazing technical classes. Wholeheartedly recommend. :)

I sincerely love this academy and highly recommend it for dancers who take dance seriously or even recreational dancers that just want to have the solid foundation in dance. read more

Absolutely love spectrum! The staff and dancers here are really nice and it's a very supportive environment. My favorite classes are the Jazz classes, but everything I have taken has been great! Highly recommend checking out this studio, especially for adult dancers! read more

Instructors are phenomenal with a lovingly community! I especially am grateful for receiving corrections and the help to improve technique! read more

Spectrum Dance Center - Dance Schools Near Me - Lake Forest, California

Spectrum Dance Center is a hidden gem that is emerging and bringing some of the best dance to south Orange County! As an adult dancer I appreciate the variety of professional teachers and classes. It is a supportive environment, non-competitive and the studio owner, Janell Burgess, is so knowledgeable. For the younger dancer the studio is a fun, safe and inspiring environment where they will get to take dance amongst some of the best dancers in Southern California. read more

OH my goodness it is a true delight to be a part of the Mommy and Me dance class each Thursday AM. As a new mommy in a pandemic- it was really challenging to venture out but our daughter adores Ms. Dani! She is truly magical!!! She totally does all the moves Ms. Dani taught randomly during the day at home. Thank you so much and we can't wait for all the continued growth. Ms. Dani is a true teacher that remembers all the preferences of each little and is so encouraging both to the littles and mommies. She really encourages each child to be themselves and I have learned so much from her about letting our daughter experience movement and music! We look forward to this class each and every week! Thank you Spectrum Dance Center for being so welcoming and especially to our teacher Ms. Dani and owner Ms. Janell. read more

Had an opportunity to take a Progressive Ballet Technique class for the first time. Great experience and beneficial in keeping my body in great alignment and strength. Rehabilitating my injured shoulder. Thank you Carrie Woodson for a great class. Would do it again. read more

I love taking adult classes here!!! Teachers are knowledgeable and I feel so comfortable here! Studio is warm and welcoming the moment you walk in, and the variety of adult classes offered is amazing! read more

This is an amazing studio with excellent teachers and a warm family like feel. Th instuctors here are so very talented and patient teachers. I highly recomend this srudio read more

I was blindsided the last time I attempted to take class at this ridiculously overpriced studio. The instructor invited me to her class and, as I live out-of-town, and don't know ever when I will be back, I have always paid $20 for a "drop-in" which is already a very high price. At the instructor's invitation, I drove 45 minutes to this studio. I was blindsided by the owner who informed me that she is "discouraging drop-ins" by charging a whopping $28 for a single jazz dance class and tried to manipulate me into committing to purchasing a series. I explained my situation that I was in and out of town as my father-in-law is very ill and I could not make such a commitment. By this time the class had already started and was well into the warm-up. I was not about to pay such an inflated price for a single class for which I had already missed the warm up. There was not a sign at the studio of the price increase the last time I was there. She said the prices are on the website and I should have known to check. Right now, what I see on the website is "contact us for pricing." If she had let me take the class at the usual price, this woman could have made $20 and I might have returned and bought a series if my situation allowed. She is a terrible business person and obviously doesn't care about her reputation. read more

Ms Teresa is a stunning mover. Her teaching style is innovative, clear and satisfying. New material weekly. Love her.

I am so happy to find this studio! It is very clean & I feel safe attending all their different classes, events & workshops during Covid. Everyone is friendly and so helpful. It's always fun to see what's new on their schedule. Yes, come and find your passion with dance at Spectrum Dance Center! read more

My daughter has been dancing for 12 years and has been to 5 studios due to moving and the quality of the teaching and technique. The Richter Academy of Classical Dance is by far the best environment I've experienced. My daughter has grown leaps and bounds in the last year, her technique has improved 100 percent and the one on one attention she receives is impeccable. She isn't just a number, or a monthly payment she is their child:) Lauren Richter is an amazing role model and nurturer for all the children that attend her studio. Blessed to have my child be a part of her studio. read more

Spectrum Dance Center - Dance Schools Near Me - Lake Forest, California

Love this studio! Open to all ages and levels of dance. Welcoming environment, many fun adult classes for beginners to intermediate to advanced. Children's program, social dance, and great environment for homeschooling families! read more

The instructors and staff are unbelievable and the annual shows are top notch. I am very glad we found richter. The historic dance class is my daughter's favorite. read more

I can't say enough amazing things about Richter! We found this dance studio through our charter school, and we're able to use our funds here. My son has always been the different kid in the room and Richter has become like a second family to him. It has been just about a year of him dancing with Lauren and her other teachers learning classic ballet, hip hop, flamenco, contemporary, and even pointe. I have been so impressed with his growth as a dancer in such a short amount of time, and I don't think we would have had as great of an experience had we gone elsewhere. read more

We are very happy with Lauren and the level of training our daughter has received at RACD. Lauren is a kind and considerate instructor and truly cares about all of her students as dancers and individuals. She and her faculty offer excellent instruction and encouragement to constantly improve in all areas of ballet including technique, musicality, and stage performance. The level of training and ability to care for all students is the reason we are so pleased to be part of the RACD family. read more

We have been at Richter for 4 months now and my daughter has had the time of her life. We have tried many other studios and this has been by far the best fit for our family. They work so hard every class but have a great time while they do it. (Our dd is 5) There is so much room for growth and I'm continuely blown away at the progress of all the dancers. The dance teachers exceed all of my expectations and love what they do as well as the students. We are so pleased and can't wait to see our little one grow into the ballerina she wants to be! read more

My daughter has loved taking class here. The studio is like a close family and they often have fun activities planned. There is strong ballet technique taught here by Mrs. Lauren and the teachers she has hired. She pushes her students to be the absolute best they can be and the smaller class sizes allow for lots of individual attention. There are also style classes which allow students to explore different types of dance. If you are looking for a studio that nurtures your love of ballet, this one is for you! read more