The Gift of Dance

- 161 Casa Sevilla Ave, St. Augustine, FL 32092

For families in St. Augustine and across the beautiful state of Florida, finding a dance school that offers more than just lessons is a true gift. The Gift of Dance, located in St. Augustine, is a cherished local institution that provides a welcoming, professional, and supportive environment for dancers of all ages and skill levels. It is a place where every student is encouraged to find their confidence and character through the art of dance. Whether your child is taking their very first steps in a ballet class or a teen is looking to perfect their jazz technique, The Gift of Dance offers a comprehensive and rewarding experience. This guide will provide a detailed look into the services, highlights, and unique qualities that make this studio a cornerstone of the local community.

The mission of The Gift of Dance is to provide exceptional dance education while fostering a love for movement and building lifelong confidence in its students. The studio, founded by Cristina Duncan in 2012, started as a small neighborhood class and has since grown into a full-fledged program offering everything from after-school classes to summer camps and workshops. The core philosophy is that "every body can dance," and this inclusive approach is evident in the positive atmosphere. Testimonials from real customers speak volumes about the studio's impact. One parent proudly noted how their daughter "has broken out of her shell, and built so much confidence and character" since joining the studio. Another praised the professionalism of the instructors, the smoothness of the shows, and the beauty of the costumes, stating they were "proud to watch all the kids have fun and have confidence on stage." These reviews highlight the studio's commitment to creating not just skilled dancers, but well-rounded and self-assured individuals. The focus on character development alongside dance technique is a key differentiator in the Florida dance scene, making The Gift of Dance a truly special place for children to grow.

The Gift of Dance is conveniently located at 161 Casa Sevilla Ave, St. Augustine, FL 32092, USA. Its location provides easy access for residents of St. Augustine and the surrounding areas, making it simple for busy families to get to and from classes. The studio is well-equipped to serve all members of the community, with a wheelchair-accessible car park and a wheelchair-accessible entrance. This commitment to accessibility ensures that everyone can enjoy the benefits of dance education in a comfortable and welcoming environment. The thoughtful location and design of the facility make the entire experience, from arrival to departure, as smooth as possible for both students and parents. This ease of access is a significant advantage for families balancing multiple activities, ensuring that dance can remain a consistent and enjoyable part of their lives without added logistical stress.

Services Offered:

• Dance Classes: A wide range of weekly classes for various age groups, from preschool to teens. They include specialized programs like Pre-School Classes, Elementary Classes, and Youth Classes.
• Diverse Dance Styles: The curriculum covers a variety of popular dance genres, including classical ballet, jazz, and hip hop. Specific classes like A Ballet Class, Jazz Dance, Tap Class, and Boys Hip Hop Class are available to cater to different interests.
• Choreography and Training: The studio offers a strong focus on choreography classes, dance training, and private lessons for those seeking personalized instruction.
• Comprehensive Programs: Beyond regular classes, they provide After School Classes, a full Afterschool Program, and summer camps, offering consistent and extended opportunities for dance education.
• Virtual and Mobile Classes: For convenience, The Gift of Dance also offers Virtual Dance Classes and Virtual Private Lessons, as well as Mobile Dance Classes, bringing the instruction directly to students.
• Special Events and Productions: Students can participate in Dance Recitals, a Recital Program, and Party Events. These events build confidence and give students a chance to showcase their hard work, with productions like the Spring Recital being a highlight of the year.
• Leadership and Community: The studio offers unique programs like Teen Collaborative Leadership Classes and Community Classes, fostering a sense of community and responsibility among students. They also have a non-profit, Gift of Dance Gives Back, which provides scholarships and classes to local Title 1 schools and youth centers, demonstrating their commitment to the wider community.

Features and Highlights:

• Highly Professional and Caring Staff: Reviews consistently highlight the professional and amazing nature of the instructors and staff. Their ability to inspire confidence and build character is a key feature of the studio.
• Positive and Encouraging Environment: The studio's atmosphere is described as being fun, confidence-building, and nurturing. This is a great benefit for children and teens who are looking for a positive outlet.
• Comprehensive Offerings: The sheer breadth of services, from regular weekly classes to special intensives, camps, and after-school programs, makes it a true one-stop-shop for dance education.
• Accessibility for All: The studio's commitment to inclusivity is evident through its wheelchair-accessible car park and entrance, as well as its community initiatives to make dance accessible to all children regardless of their background.
• Convenient Payment Options: For a seamless experience, the studio accepts both credit cards and debit cards.
• Community Focus: The Gift of Dance Goes Back initiative, providing scholarships and classes to Title 1 schools and youth centers, shows a deep commitment to giving back to the Florida community.

Contact Information:

Address: 161 Casa Sevilla Ave, St. Augustine, FL 32092, USA

Phone: (904) 434-5607

What is worth choosing?

Choosing a dance school for your child is a significant decision, and The Gift of Dance stands out as an exceptional choice for families in Florida. What makes it worth choosing is its holistic approach to dance education, which extends far beyond the studio. While the technical training is excellent, as evidenced by professional shows and beautiful costumes, the true value lies in the studio's ability to foster personal growth. One customer's review stating that their daughter built "so much confidence and character" perfectly encapsulates this. This is a place where shy children can break out of their shell and where every student is made to feel special and confident on stage. The instructors are not just teachers; they are positive role models who guide students with care and professionalism. Furthermore, the extensive range of services, from summer camps and after-school programs to virtual classes and private lessons, means that families have flexible options to fit dance into their busy lives. The studio's commitment to the wider community through its non-profit arm is another powerful reason to choose them, as it shows a genuine dedication to making a positive impact beyond their own doors. By enrolling with The Gift of Dance, you are not simply signing up for classes; you are investing in a supportive and nurturing community that will help your child develop skills that extend far beyond the dance floor, including confidence, discipline, and a sense of belonging. The friendly and professional environment, combined with high-quality instruction and a strong community focus, makes The Gift of Dance an invaluable asset for any family in the St. Augustine area.

The Gift of Dance

161 Casa Sevilla Ave, St. Augustine, FL 32092, USA