Harwood-Watson Dance Studios

- 1015 Orlando Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789

Introduction / Overview

For anyone in Central Florida with a passion for dance, particularly classical ballet, Harwood-Watson Dance Studios in Winter Park stands as a highly respected institution. This women-owned business is dedicated to providing an unparalleled dance education, built on the solid foundation of proper ballet technique. The studio's philosophy centers on the idea that "in every child there is a seed," and it is the mission of the faculty to help that seed blossom into a confident and skilled dancer. While classical ballet is the cornerstone of their curriculum, they welcome all ages and experience levels, from young children taking their first steps to adults rediscovering their love for the art form. The studio's reputation for high-level instruction, led by Artistic Director Eliza Harwood-Watson, has made it a go-to destination for serious students and professional dancers alike.

The environment at Harwood-Watson is described as both professional and deeply welcoming. It's a place where meticulous attention to detail is paired with a supportive atmosphere, allowing dancers to truly thrive. The studio has a long history in the Orlando area, with its roots going back to 1997. This longevity speaks to its consistent quality and commitment to the local dance community. The studio prides itself on nurturing the "artist within" while emphasizing technical excellence, creating well-rounded individuals who carry the discipline and artistry of dance with them, whether they pursue a professional career or simply enjoy it as a lifelong passion. The presence of professional companies and dancers using the space also highlights the studio’s standing in the wider dance community.

Location and Accessibility

Harwood-Watson Dance Studios is conveniently located at 1015 Orlando Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789, USA. This location makes it easily accessible for families and individuals throughout Winter Park and the greater Orlando area. The studio is situated on a main thoroughfare, making it a convenient stop for students commuting from nearby cities. Understanding the needs of all members of the community, the studio has made accessibility a priority. The facilities include a wheelchair-accessible car park, ensuring a smooth and easy arrival for everyone. Furthermore, the entrance is wheelchair-accessible, allowing for comfortable and dignified entry into the studio.

The ease of access to the studio is a significant benefit for its diverse clientele, from parents dropping off children for classes to adult students arriving for their lessons. This thoughtful attention to the physical space reflects the studio's broader commitment to being an inclusive and welcoming place for dancers of all abilities. The studio’s location and accessibility features contribute to a positive overall experience for anyone who steps through its doors, underscoring its reputation as a considerate and community-focused business.

Services Offered

Harwood-Watson Dance Studios specializes in classical ballet but also offers a variety of classes to support a well-rounded dance education.

• Ballet Classes: The core of the studio's offerings, providing rigorous training in classical ballet.
• Classical Ballet Training: A specialized program for students of all ages who wish to develop a strong foundation in this discipline.
• Children's Dance: Classes specifically designed for young dancers to introduce them to the joy and discipline of dance.
• Adult Classes: Acknowledging that dance is for all ages, the studio offers classes for adults, a feature highly valued by students.
• Modern, Jazz, Tap, Contemporary: While not the primary focus, the studio also offers other genres of dance when scheduling permits to provide a more diverse training experience.

Features / Highlights

What makes Harwood-Watson Dance Studios a standout choice are its unique features and high standards.

• Exceptional Technical Instruction: The studio is celebrated for its "next level" attention to detail in technique. Students praise the instruction as being "like a master class," which allows for rapid advancement.
• Adult-Friendly Environment: The studio is a welcoming space for adults who are new to dance or returning after a long break. One reviewer who started at age 27 called it the "BEST decision."
• Professional Faculty: The staff and faculty are "top notch," providing a high level of expertise and artistry. The owner, Eliza Harwood-Watson, has a distinguished professional background, lending an air of authenticity to the training.
• Nurturing Environment: The studio is known for being a welcoming and supportive community. It has "welcomed my professional company to use their space with open arms," demonstrating its openness and collaborative spirit.
• Woman-Owned Business: The studio identifies as a women-owned business, which speaks to its leadership and community-focused values.
• Convenient Payment Options: For ease of transaction, the studio accepts credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.

Contact Information

To learn more about classes or to get started on your dance journey, you can reach Harwood-Watson Dance Studios using the following information:

Address: 1015 Orlando Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789, USA

Phone: (407) 228-0005

What is worth choosing

For residents in Winter Park and the wider Central Florida region, Harwood-Watson Dance Studios is a truly worthwhile choice for dance education. The decision is made easy by the studio’s unwavering commitment to technical excellence and its deeply nurturing environment. The most powerful evidence for this comes from the students themselves. One student, who started ballet later in life, enthusiastically stated that the education received at the studio allowed for rapid advancement, crediting the "attention to detail and explanations on technique" as being "next level." This kind of professional-level instruction, accessible to both children and adults, is a rare and valuable find. The studio's ability to make every class feel like a "master class" is a testament to the high caliber of its teaching.

Beyond the exceptional training, what truly sets this studio apart is its sense of community and acceptance. The fact that a professional dance company was "welcomed with open arms" to use the space speaks volumes about the studio's collaborative and generous spirit. This is a place that supports the local arts scene and provides a positive and professional home for dancers of all backgrounds. The studio's status as a women-owned business also adds to its unique identity, reflecting a leadership that is invested in creating a safe and empowering space for its students.

While the studio is known for its strong focus on classical ballet, its welcoming nature and ability to accommodate different skill levels and ages—including adult learners—make it an ideal choice for anyone looking to either start or continue their dance journey. The professionalism, coupled with the warm and inviting atmosphere, makes Harwood-Watson Dance Studios more than just a school—it's a home for dancers where passion is cultivated, skills are perfected, and the "artist within" is encouraged to flourish.

Harwood-Watson Dance Studios

1015 Orlando Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789, USA