Francine Garton Royal Dance Academy

Specialties

Voted #1 dance studio in San Diego 5 years in a row, the Royal Dance Academy takes great pride in providing students with the best possible education in all disciplines of dance. The curriculum is designed to cater both to children who are seeking a fun, once a week class, and those who desire a more intensive program that may lead them into a professional dance career.

We are proud of our reputation not only for developing strong dancers but also for creating an environment that promotes discipline, self-​respect and respect for others.

We offer classes for students starting from 18 months to adults in a variety of styles including:

Ballet, Pointe & Pre-​Pointe — Jazz — Tap — Hip Hop — Lyrical — Modern & Contemporary — Stretch, Turns, Leaps & Conditioning — Musical Theatre

Competition Dance Teams

Royal Academy of Dance Ballet Examinations & Vocational Examinations — RDA is the only dance studio in San Diego to offer this prestigious curriculum of ballet, which is creative, technical, inspiring and dynamic, and includes ballet, free movement, and character dance.

History

Established in 2001.

Francine opened The Royal Dance Academy in October 2001 and is very proud of how the studio has developed and grown, not only technically but also in spirit. She takes great pride in inspiring many children to share the love of dance and to be confident enough to follow their dreams whatever they may be. Many students have gained scholarships to prestigious dance programs and colleges throughout the world.

Since 2001 R.D.A. has provided a dance education to over 3000 dancers. For children 18 months through to college age, R.D.A. has been a ‘home’ for these young dancers. R.D.A. is respected as producing the most outstanding, entertaining and professionally choreographed dance recital on an annual basis, showcased at a professional theatre.

In 2010 R.D.A. introduced a competitive dance program for children ages 5 – 18 years with numerous competitive teams in Jazz, Tap, Lyrical, Hip-​Hop, and Musical Theater. The teams have won many awards and accolades.

Meet the Business Owner

Francine G.

Business Owner

Francine began dancing at an early age and at 14 won a scholarship to the prestigious Legat Russian Ballet School in southern England. She continued her training at the Northern Ballet College where she graduated as a dancer and qualified dance teacher gaining honors in her examinations. Francine danced professionally and worked along side some of the most respected dancers and choreographers in the business. She continued her love for dance by opening her own studio in Manchester England.

In 2001 the next challenge on Francine’s dance journey was opening the Royal Dance Academy in San Diego. Her nurturing, caring attitude is a major factor in her success, and she is very proud that she has created an intimate, creative and homely environment for children of all ages and abilities. Francine ensures that every child at RDA is cared for. She is like a «second mom» to her students and works to ensure that RDA is constantly evolving and providing wonderful opportunities to young dancers.