About

Our Story

Our mission is to inspire the community to dance!
CORE Dance studio

CORE Dance was founded by Leslie Baumberger, Stacy Millard, Rose Patti and Zheila Pouraghabagher in August of 2010 when American Dance closed its doors after 38 years of providing young dancers a place to train. In 2018, Alexa Von Der Hoff took over the leadership role, as Studio…

CORE Dance offers something for every interested dancer, all ages, styles and commitment levels. In addition to the ballet based dance training CORE offers, we also offer performance opportunities for beginners through advanced levels, starting at age 2 through adults. CORE Dance currently has the largest and most diverse performing groups on the entire Central Coast, and has been voted Best Of SLO for 15 years in a row.

SHINE!

Isabella — Owner & Company Director

  • Years Best of SLO
  • Founded
  • Pathway Levels
  • Dance Styles

Gallery

Life at CORE

Where dancers train, perform, and grow together

01

Studio Life

Energy, focus, and friendship in every class.

Studio Life

02

On Stage

Recitals and competitions that celebrate every dancer.

On Stage

03

Technique

Strong foundations across styles and ages.

Technique

04

Company

Competitive tracks that push excellence.

Company

05

Community

A studio family in San Luis Obispo.

Community

Programs

Train. Perform. Compete.

Pathways for every age, style, and commitment level
Recreational Classes
Recreational Classes

Month-to-month technique across jazz, ballet, tap, hip hop, and more.

Performing Groups
Performing Groups

CORE Babies, Minis, and Pre-Company for local stage experience.

Competitive Company
Competitive Company

Audition-based CORE Dance Company for serious dancers ages 9+.

Team

Leadership at CORE

Guiding dancers with technique, care, and high standards
Isabella Lund
Isabella LundOwner & Company Director
Faculty
FacultyTechnique & Performance
Company Coaches
Company CoachesCompetitive Training

Watch

See CORE in Action

Follow us on YouTube and Instagram for studio moments
Watch CORE Dance

Highlights

Why Families Choose CORE

Technique, pathways, and a studio that feels like home
Technique First
Technique First

Ballet-based training that builds a strong foundation for every style.

Performance Pathways
Performance Pathways

From Tiny Dancer showcases to competitive company — grow at your pace.

Central Coast Home
Central Coast Home

Clean, modern studios in San Luis Obispo welcoming ages 2 through adult.

Encore & Beyond
Encore & Beyond

Annual recital and local performances that celebrate every dancer’s progress.

Voices

What Families Say

A studio community built on trust and excellence

CORE has been a second home for our dancer — strong technique, kind teachers, and a community that shines.

Studio Family

Parent

From Tiny Dancer to Company, the pathway is clear. Our dancer grew in confidence every season.

Company Parent

Parent

Welcoming classes for adults too — I finally found a studio that meets me where I am.

Adult Student

Adult Classes

Journey

The Dancer’s Journey

Five pathways from Tiny Dancer to CORE Dance Company

01 · Ages 2–6

Tiny Dancer

Themed short series for our youngest dancers, typically including a costume and performance experience. Creative movement and ballet based, 5–10 weeks.

02 · Ages 4–10

Beginning Series

Introductory series for new dancers building foundational skills before committing to month-to-month classes. Currently on hold — check back soon.

03 · Ages 4–adult

Month-to-Month Classes

Ongoing technique classes across styles and levels, with multiple performance opportunities including our annual recital Encore in June.

04 · CORE Babies, Minis, Pre-Company

CORE Performance Company

Introductory performing groups with local performances and typically one convention per year.

05 · Ages 9+

CORE Dance Company

Audition-based competitive company with 2–4 competitions and conventions each season plus local performances.

Drop Us a Line