by Anne Batty

Many youngsters dream of becoming dancers and performing on stage. Some aspire to be great ballerinas, others to star as contemporary dancers, and several just want to dance for the pure joy of performing. For the past thirty years, San Clemente Dance and Performing Arts Company (SCDPAC) has been instrumental in providing training for aspiring young dancers, equipping them with skills that can enable them to follow their dreams … whatever they might be.

First established in a small studio in the north end of town near the DMV, this dance company has grown steadily over the past 30 years. Soon outgrowing its first location, the company then moved to a larger space on Calle Amanecer, but eventually requiring even more room has finally come to rest in a spacious three-room area in a small, quiet business center in Talega.

“This dance company was founded in 1995 by actress/dancer Judy Corfman Kelly, and her love for dance, high standards of teaching, and belief in addressing the individual needs of each student remains an integral part of the training available at this school today,” business director Gretchen Akers shared, “and it is our hope that her spirit of love and dedication continues to touch the lives of all who take classes here.”

Upon visiting this studio and speaking with its director it is immediately evident that this is a studio that not only provides professional dance instruction, it addresses the students as a whole, emphasizing character traits as well. The vibe there speaks of family and community, and although its founder, Judy Kelly, has passed on, her husband David Kelly remains the Executive Director/Owner. A veteran of many years of TV and film production in Hollywood he has expanded, guided and supported the studio since his wife’s passing in 2004. Gretchen’s daughter, Kiana Akers, a trained ballerina who studied in this studio, is now working as its Choreographer, and her younger sister, Kirra is presently a varsity dancer on the nationally ranked San Clemente High School Dance Team. Artistic director Michael Houston, ballet master and dance professional, is responsible for, and takes a personal interest in, the development of each student. Having an eye for those dancers with extraordinary talent, he has been instrumental in helping them realize their dreams of dancing professionally.

“We know everyone’s name here, their families and who drops the children off and who picks them up. We address each student’s needs individually, their aspirations, as well as their personal development,” Gretchen explained. “Our dancers are comfortable here, and often come back just to hang out, or practice. Many who have grown up and continue to dance, come back to teach classes to the little ones and to make guest appearances in our productions. We are all just one big family here.”

Offering classes in tap, ballet, pointe, hip hop, jazz, contemporary, and lyrical styles, as well as a variety of adult dance and fitness classes, many options are available for those seeking stardom as well as those who just enjoy dancing for fun and exercise.

Over the years, SCDPAC has taught many students who have grown up, danced with notable dance companies (numerous with the nationally ranked SCHS Dance Team), received awards and continued on in various dance careers. And former students and residents of San Clemente, Corah Abbott, Tatum Bolton, and Kaitlin Yamano are just three of those outstanding dancers who have experienced extraordinary accomplishments on the way to fulfilling their dreams.

 

Former SCDPAC student and San Clemente resident Corah Abbot has spent the last three years studying classical and modern dance at the highly respected Julliard School of Dance. After graduating from the Orange County School of the Arts in the Ballet and Contemporary Conservatory she chose to continue pursuing a professional career in dance. In her time at OCSA she starred in many performances including Swan Lake, Raymonda and Sleeping Beauty. Additionally she was nominated for the Orange County Register’s Artist of the year and became a finalist in 2021. 

Abbott has taught ballet and contemporary dance for all levels and loves to be involved in the education of the next generation of dancers. Staying in touch with her roots, in June of 2023 she made a guest artist appearance portraying the Lilac Fairy in her home studio SCDPAC’s Repertory Ballet Sleeping Beauty. 

As a student of Julliard Corah was recently afforded the opportunity to work with Justin Peck, resident choreographer of the New York City Ballet, in his piece ‘Increases’ performed in Julliard’s Spring Dances. Currently she is in process with Shen Wei and members from his company for his 40-minute piece entitled MAP. Presently living in New York, Abbott can be followed on Facebook and on Instagram @corah¬_abbott6. 

 Kaitlin Yamano 

Dancing since she was three years old, Kaitlin Yamano began training at SCDPAC at a very early age. By the time she was 10 years old she had signed with an agent and was on her way to fulfilling her dream of becoming a professional dancer and actor. “San Clemente Dance definitely gave Kaitlin her start in launching her professional career,” her mother Becky Yamano, shared, “and she still enjoys dropping in to teach an occasional class there.”

Presently signed with MSA - a Los Angeles/New York talent agency representing dancers, actors, producers and others - her credits professionally include commercials, guest appearances in TV/film roles, music videos and professional theatre.

Trained in all modes of dance including hip hop, tap, tumbling, ballroom and contemporary dance as well as ballet and pointe, Kaitlin’s preference is jazz. In 2023 she was selected to perform and tour in the musical ‘Hits’ produced by Dionne Warwick and multi-platinum producer Damon Elliott. She was part of a cast of singers and dancers ranging in age from 10-22 who performed in 45 different cities across the United States.

This year, Kaitlin continues pursuing her dream, working and performing professionally while finishing her senior year dual enrolled with Cal Prep and San Clemente High School. Recently accepted into the University of Arizona BFA Dance Program, in her down time she loves to surf, spend time at the beach, paint, attend church youth activities, enjoy her two cats Cricket and Daisy and have adventures at the family cabin in Arrowhead. 

“SCDPAC has been my second family, another home,” says Tatum Bolton. She has been taking lessons there since she was eight years old, and as an alumnus returns often to just hang out and/or to teach a class. 

 Her dream, to have a career as a premier ballerina has included performances in lead roles in the Nutcracker, Spartacus, La Bayadere, Le Corsaire and Sleeping Beauty repertory ballets. At 12 years old a competition in the Youth America Grand Prix dance competition led to scholarships to study with the Pacific Northwest Ballet (a company of about 50 dancers who perform across the U.S. and abroad). This also led to scholarship offers from other programs like the Bolshoi Ballet’s summer course. 

Recently named as this year’s Artist of the Year by the OC Register, Tatum was chosen out of 16 semi-finalists; a huge honor as there were over 890 artists nominated this year, all enrolled in various studios in Orange County. She attributes her years at San Clemente Dance under the tutelage of Michael Houston to playing a large part in her successes thus far. 

While finishing her senior year at San Juan Hills High School, she has applied and been accepted at UCSB, is on a waitlist for UCLA, and is waiting to hear back from Cal Poly SLO.

“I definitely plan to continue dancing in some way, either competitively on a collegiate dance team or recreationally at a local studio,” Tatum remarked. “As I have transitioned away from the pre-professional ballet world, I have been given opportunity to substitute teach in ballet classes. I love being able to spread my love for dance to the younger generation. Though I do not see teaching ballet as my primary career path, I believe that it will always be a key part of my life.”

Tatum spends her spare time outside enjoying nature, especially walks along the beach and hanging out and teaching an occasional class at San Clemente Dance Studio. For her it is the place where all her successes began.  

By all appearances San Clemente Dance and Performing Arts Company is a place where everyone is welcomed into a family, and where anyone interested in dance, whether professionally or recreationally can find what they are looking for. To that end, they are excitedly preparing for their 30-year anniversary in 2025, and it is looking like they have lots of reasons to be celebrating.