My son attends classes here in the 2-3 year old class. He loves it and is learning so much. They are thoughtful in their class lessons and the small class size is great. I appreciate that one of the assistants is a male so my son and other boys in the class can have a male role model as well. I like having my son going independently because at his age so many other things we do are “mommy and me” so this is teaching him independence. Even at their level they are learning correct technique, discipline and having fun! The classes are also affordable which is a huge plus.
We are so sad to move and have LOVED our experience with Spotlight. We will always remember Tucker’s incredible start to her lifetime love of dance!
We will certainly recommend you all to everyone and please know the studio and Ms. Sierra have had a big impact on my daughter!
I want to say how wonderful the recital was for both of my girls. We all absolutely love Spotlight! Thank you for creating such a fun and open place for them!
Thank you thank you thank you!! What a great year it was, and Lily has grown so much. I get compliments on her behavior at school, and other places, and I really believe the structure, love, and dedication she learns from you all plays such a big role in that. We cannot wait for the summer session, and hope you guys get some restful time off!!
This is my daughter's first dance experience (or any organized sport for that matter) this season, and it has exceeded my expectations. Everyone is so wonderful, kind, and helpful.
I just wanted to thank you all for an amazing recital day! The recital was so great and it clearly shows how much hard work was put into it! This is our first year with Spotlight and my daughter has been so happy going to class every week and adores Ms. Alexis! Thank you again for a wonderful season and we can’t wait to be back in the fall!
I wanted to say thank you for always answering my many, crazy questions so fast all the time. Thank you for always being so on top of everything. We appreciate you & thank you for a fun year!
Thank you for having such kind instructors and affordable prices!
I just felt compelled to reach out and congratulate you and your dancers on the Senior Showcase this weekend. I have attended a variety of recitals for different dance companies over the years, either in support of extended family or my own English and theater students. I expected the standard run-of-the-mill recital experience. Instead, I was FULLY engaged in following the story that was woven throughout the show and captivated by both the caliber of dancing and cohesive theme. As a former theater director, the theatrical element of it all was right up my alley, of course. You are to be absolutely commended for the attention to detail, ultra-smooth transitions between numbers, personalization of the storyline and impressive display of talent. I was excited to attend in support of Mattie Eckenrode, my former students Regan Summerford and Keira McKovick, and current student, Charlotte Zaruba. They were all utterly phenomenal, as was the whole show. How lovely it was to see them shine on stage. What a fun, enthralling, incredible showcase! I am sure you are flooded with compliments on the showcase, but I just had to reach out and extend much-deserved kudos. Well done!
Great for kids!
I just wanted to say a huge thank you for a wonderful year and recital! When I first signed my daughter up for ballet lessons last summer I never imagined that she would be confidently walking out on a stage in a crowded auditorium to perform with confidence. This was the child who would not walk into the classroom on her first day. I will never forget the way Sierra lovingly and gracefully scooped her up into her arms and sat with her for the whole class. I have watched her blossom at your studio in the weeks that followed, and the transformation has been incredible.
Chloe is the most patient and respectful office manager. She was always smiling and understanding every time we forgot shoes or needed tights or when my son nearly plowed her over as he sped down the hallway to the bathroom. :-) Jessie was a wonderful teacher and watching her dance at the Alice in Wonderland show and yesterday's recital was such a treat for the kids.
Pamela, I admire and respect the thoughtful philosophies that underlie the way you run your business and put together your shows. Your love for what you do shows in every way. It's been wonderful getting to know all of you. Please know that tears were shed last night as I watched my girl perform and continue to flow as I am typing this email. Looking forward to another great year this fall.
I truly need to thank this studio as you really stand by your promise of inclusivity. I reached out last summer after Adrienne was denied entrance into 3 other dance studios for hip hop lessons in her age group as she had no hip hop dance experience. Thank you for having classes for children like her who may be getting a later start and who want to learn and have fun!
Thank you so much for being so helpful to our family. We will continue to highly recommend Spotlight to anyone looking for dance classes!
Thank you for a wonderful introduction to the world of dance for my daughter. This class (Pop Hop) was the first class she had felt comfortable in (ever) and she wants to continue dancing! I hope to find a studio as flexible and understanding as you all in Florida. Thank you for allowing us to watch her perform before the recital. It means so much!
My daughter dances here. She had been with this studio for 6 years. They are an amazing family own company. The teachers not only teach dance, poise, and grace, they instill into these you girls to be confident and they are all beautiful. It is not a competitive atmosphere but loving, encouraging, and kind.
I just wanted to say thank you for setting up our Zoom link and how wonderful Ms. Sierra is. She is so wonderful with the kids and is talented. Just hearing her juggle both Zoom and in class, you can tell that she is just fabulous. Thanks again and we’re thrilled that we put Reagan in this class with Spotlight.
We have watched our digital download so many times -we love it! Every time I watch it and see Gianna’s smile on stage, I am so grateful for all that you guys did to give her that opportunity this year. Thank you so much for giving us this special memory of her very first dance recital.Thank you!
We received our DVD and watch with whole family on Thanksgiving- its was so spectacular! You have done an awesome job with preparation and execution of this great dance event THANK you so much! P.S. Olivia has been practicing dance at home so nice to watch!
Just wanted to send a personal thank you for the recital this weekend. As a fellow performing arts director who refuses to quit and embraces challenge... I know all too well the burning hoops of fire you leapt through to make this happen for our kids. And frankly for us. I have MISSED being in a theatre. Missed seeing live performances of any kind. My daughter needed this. Being new to the studio, she was so scared of the "unknown" of a new venue, new audience, etc. Going another year would have escalated things. She was SO HAPPY after the recital then was sad the next day as she wanted to do it again. Thank you so very much again. I am excited for this year!
For these past thirteen years, Spotlight has helped me develop not only as a dancer but as a person too. The instructors are all fantastic dancers and teachers but also wonderful people that have helped build my confidence in dancing as well as my confidence outside the studio. In addition, Spotlight has also taught me how to be genuine through dance and in life. The classes at Spotlight focus on technique that has certainly helped me as I tried out and made my high school dance team and eventually become captain. It has certainly been a privilege to dance at Spotlight for as long as I have.
My husband and I just wanted to write a quick note commending you on an outstanding performance last evening in Kilmarnock. We live in Alexandria and come down to the NN on the weekends and were invited to the event. Frankly, we weren’t sure what to expect. We were blown away by the Spotlight dancers and the choreography! We appreciated the truly talented dancers (of whom there were many!) but also that the less accomplished were given their chance to shine. Again, congratulations and best wishes!
I feel extremely grateful for seven years with the Spotlight family and I truly have enjoyed every second teaching at Spotlight! I wish you all the best. Truly!
I want to personally thank Spotlight for all you have done for my girls. Your dedication to the students is unparalleled and the experiences that they have had are second to none. They have grown so much over the years and the training received at Spotlight has prepared them to take the next step.
My daughter has been dancing at Spotlight for 13 years! I cannot say enough about how grateful I am for the amazing dance instructors that pour their heart and soul into my child everyday! My daughter has made lifelong friendships and has grown as a dancer and a person. Spotlight is truly a family.
My 5 year old just started at Spotlight in January and we have been so happy! Her teacher is fabulous--she makes class so fun. The price for classes is super affordable and communication has been great! We will definitely be sticking with Spotlight in the future.
Excellent dance instruction! Teachers and owner are very invested in the dancers. My teen daughter has danced in company for 7 years. She loves it! It has not only developed her as a dancer, but also given her confidence and a sense of community.
Mary has had an awesome experience at Spotlight. She has enjoyed every minute of her time with you all. I know she will miss everyone next year.
My son has been dancing with Spotlight Studio of Dance for 7 years. In that time, he has grown in his dancing talent; but most importantly his love for his community and his compassion for others has developed. I know that Spotlight Studio of Dance has been such an inspiration. The instructors not only are professional and creative, but they create an environment that harbors their student's gifts and talents individually. Spotlight Studio of Dance is constantly aware of the dynamics and changes our world faces and allows students to express themselves and/or these events artistically. I am always in awe with the amount of charitable work, team building, and HEART, the studio puts into EVERY season. The students are truly receiving an irreplaceable education at Spotlight Studio of Dance. I am so happy and proud to be apart of this family.
We would like to say thank you for a wonderful recital and for your hard work and dedication with our girls. Our daughter has made strides in not only dance, but helping to be a leader with her sisters and supporting their dance endeavors. Our younger daughter has grown to know that she has a role to play and that she is a part of a team. She has embraced her leadership role at home as well as in other circles. We are proud of them both and we appreciate you and your staff for the part you play in our lives. You are a part of our village and we thank you.
Thank you for providing a wonderful experience for our daughter, all year long and for putting on a fantastic recital! Have a great summer!
The production was INCREDIBLE!!! Thank you for all you do for our dancers. I love you and Spotlight Studio of Dance!!! I can't believe we only have 3 years left!
Congratulations to you on a spectacular set of performances. Truly. You have raised talented and beautiful dancers, inside and out. But the show! That was incredible! The heart and soul that went into this. From the families, to the content and right down to the hospitality. Thank you and the staff for all that you do, the many hours, and so much love. Know that you all are loved ten times back!! Have a wonderful Mother's Day!
The recital was amazing!! We loved loved loved loved loved it. Loved how everything flowed quickly and amazing theme. Loved the Henrico Theater. Loved the intermission appetizers. Hope we have it there next year. It was AWESOME!! The family loved it too. Again, the recital was AWESOME!! Loved loved loved loved it.. our daughter is incredibly blessed to be part of Spotlight. Our family is All In and we thank you for all you do, Pam and Kelly. We love you.
Thank you...beautiful show!!!! Loved not only how much all the company kids have grown but how the show showcased it with the seamless transitions. So many great numbers!!! Thank you for a great senior send off for Meg ❤️!!!!
We so enjoyed the show !! Once again, it was awesome and we are so thankful for you and your staff!
Thank you so much for being a positive influence on [my daughter's] life. Great memories!
Thank you for an overwhelmingly positive experience at Spotlight! Kelly is always so helpful, cheerful and informative and Miss Adelle is absolutely amazing with the boys!!!
THANK YOU just isn't enough to describe the most wonderful experience you allowed us to have at Spotlight. Many blessings to each of you and all of the dancers at Spotlight Studio. Thank you from my heart.
My daughter absolutely loves dance class and asks every day (multiple times!) if it is Thursday. Thank you so much for making it such a special time for her. We are so thankful that she gets to have such a fun time each week. She picked out the ornament and insisted on the pen (for your Christmas gift). She said, "Miss Kelly will love this!" She talks about you all the time and dances all around at home.
The recital, the year, and my daughter's experiences over the years have just been amazing! Thank you again [Miss Kelly] for sharing your love of dance with her. Thank you for teaching her how to find tremendous joy in dancing and in making others smile. You have truly been a shining light in her life, and for that, we will forever be grateful!
On behalf of Zeta Chapter I sincerely thank you for your support; and to the "Spotlight Dancers" Kudos for an outstanding performance at our "River City Luau" Conference Dance. Wow ... Your dancers were highly rated by all members and guest attendees. We remain indeed grateful to "Spotlight Studio" for your excellence in performance that made our Conference Luau Dance a great success.
Thank you Kelly :) And an awesome job done by Pam and Company at Grange Hall last night. Victoria was so excited to see them at her school. She was telling all her friends "That's MY dance school!!" We all really enjoyed the show and the kids had so much fun with the limbo :)
As I can see the light at the end of two and a half intense years of school, I wanted to take the time to say thank you. Amil has made new friends, learned a lot, and has instructors that appreciate and push her. With out your generosity, her studio life may not have been as full while I was in school. Also, professionally, I want to say thank you. Often to reach one’s goals we must juggle situations. I am deeply grateful for your flexibility in scheduling. Looking forward to next season.
My daughter dances here, and she loves it!
Would never be the dancer I am without spotlight studio! The studio has such a unique atmosphere; it's nurturing, but you are pushed, friendly, but classes are serious. Not to mention they welcome everyone! This place isn't just any neighborhood studio.
We have been lucky enough to be a part of Spotlight Studio for over 7 years. Both my daughters dance at the studio and have loved every minute of it. The studio does not just teach children how to dance, but more importantly they provide guidance, the importance of believing in yourself, and most of all, loving yourself for who you are. These fundamental concepts have been instrumental in the success of my girls and the ability to have the confidence to dance their hearts away. They offer a variety of dance classes from children to adult and events children can participate in to give back to the community.
Great company to do business with. Kelly is absolutely great to work with and made my experience so delightful.
On behalf on our Brownie Scout Troop #5410, We wanted to thank you for providing a wonderful dance program so we could earn our merit badge. The girls had a great time learning different steps and it is so wonderful for Spotlight Studio to offer this community program! It gave them a glimpse of how it feels to be a dancer and they really enjoyed themselves!
I just wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your time, kindness, and patience while our family tried to figure out which class would be the best fit for our daughter. We are so thrilled to have met Miss Adelle! She welcomed my daughter right in and met her where she was; providing acceptance, nurturing, structure, expertise, and flexibility while keeping it fun. My daughter looks forward to class each week...and so do we! Thanks again for all that you do. The sincere enthusiasm and love you both have for dance and your students shows. We hope to see our daughter grow up dancing and getting involved in the other arts programs within the Spotlight community.
I had the pleasure of watching your performance in Kilmarnock, Virginia. Your dancers are so talented and I could really feel their love and joy for dance. I thought I was watching a Broadway show! I live in Richmond and I can't wait to see your recital at the Carpenter Theatre. Please let me know when tickets go on sale. I really don't want to miss this!
I wanted to congratulate you and your staff and especially your dancers on a wonderful Spring Extravaganza. I have to admit it I was DREADING attending the full performance (I knew it was 3 hours long). However, much to my pleasant surprise, I was highly entertained by all the performances (not just the 2 dances my daughter was in). I was blown away by the professionalism of your older dancers. They were really, really good. Congratulations!
Our troop would like to thank you once again for the class you provided to our girls. They had a blast! Many of them have never taken a dance class before, and it was such a wonderful new experience for them. Thank you.
I am so happy that everything worked beyond my expectation for our (Kilmarnock) show. In all our years of doing this I think this has been the best one. Spotlight Studio has such a wonderful group of people to work with. The young people were so nice and polite. Wonderful dancers! I just can’t say enough good things about all of you. It is so refreshing to see so many enthusiastic young people work together. Pam and her team have done a wonderful job with them. All of the performers, adults and young people are very special and have been given a special gift. I look forward to seeing you all again and can’t wait to see what you all do next. Take care and God Bless all of you.
I wanted to let you know that Sarina had a fabulous costume/birthday party at Spotlight. In addition, Crystal was very accommodating and led a lovely party.
I just wanted to take a minute to tell you how awesome your adult classes and instructors are. I’m taking Adult Jazz with Samantha and Hip-hop with Keith and they are both fabulous. I've taken adult classes at several other studios in the area and was extremely disappointed. Kelly Atkinson referred me to Spotlight and I am so impressed with the quality of the instructors and delighted to take an adult class that is challenging. Your instructors take their profession seriously and have expressed through movement and their words how to dance strong, from the heart and always with passion. I will never ‘outgrow’ dance and appreciate taking classes that really push even adult dancers!
We've been a Spotlight Studios family since fall 2008, when my youngest daughter Jenna was in Kindergarten. We chose Spotlight because it was conveniently located to where we lived and we had heard good things about the studio. We had no idea how much we would fall in love with the studio and everyone there! Spotlight Studios employs people who not only care about teaching children to dance, but they care about the whole child. Through their dance instruction they also teach responsibility, respect, and working together cooperatively as a group. Even though they are serious about dance, there is a relaxed family atmosphere about the studio. While their children are in class, many parents wait on very comfortable couches and talk with each other. There must be hundreds of families whose children dance at Spotlight and it impresses me that everyone including the owner Pam Butler, knows my name and who my child is. Jenna loves dancing there so much that this past year she made the commitment to join one of the dance companies and she couldn't be happier. Now that the arts studio has been added, my oldest daughter Sydney decided she wanted to join the Spotlight family as well and so she started taking the Teen Triple Threat class with Ms. Allison. She enjoyed it so much and spoke so highly of it that Jenna asked if she could take the Tween Triple Threat class (on top of all the hours she dances already at Spotlight). Jenna absolutely adores the class! My daughters have truly never been happier! Spotlight Studios has brought so much joy into our family! There is no place we’d rather dance. I would highly recommend anyone who is looking for a dance studio to look no further than Spotlight Studio, you will not be sorry.
Hello, thank you for presenting “Your Children” at the Virginia Dance Festival. It was awesome! We loved the choreography and the performance by the children. What also caught my attention were the beautiful lyrics. It was so true, so applicable to all families with children. Parents need that kind of reinforcement every now and then.
What a fantastic show at the Carpenter Theater! Thank you so much for that opportunity! I was awe struck on that stage and just couldn't believe I was there! Definitely a feather in my cap and I will never forget the excitement and pride I felt just being there with all of the Spotlight dancers! Thank you!!
Mattie, her father, and I want to thank you and the staff at Spotlight Studio of Dance for your support and encouragement of her over the years. To say that Spotlight is like a part of our family is an understatement. We want you to know that we have enjoyed every minute that she has been at Spotlight. We will take with us so many special memories and friendships that we hope will endure in spite of the changes. It is our plan to stay in touch as we continue to support Spotlight Studio of the Arts. We wish you great success as you expand and include many new opportunities for some very fortunate young people. Thank you again for all you've done for Mattie.
Spotlight has given me more than I could ever ask for these past seven years. The teachers have impacted me so much and really you have made me the dancer I am today. Having you as my teacher for the Rockette dance way back at the beginning really made me fall in love with dancing and performing. I really do give full credit to Spotlight for giving me the chance to be a part of company and making me love dance so much…I thank you so much for providing me with all these amazing performances, I mean the Carpenter Center is something I never will forget! Spotlight has been like my second home and I have enjoyed it so much. Thank you for doing all that you have done.
Thank you for your time, love, commitment and encouragement you all have given to my family over the years.
I want to say thank you for all that you have done for me over the past 7 years. I have learned so much from you and will always be grateful for what you have taught me. I auditioned for the Cosby show choir recently, and will be competing next season, I don’t think it would have been possible without you.
We love the family atmosphere that abounds at Spotlight. The teachers are fabulous at what they do. While teaching dance fundamentals they also instill a sense of importance and self respect to the dancers. The choreography is fantastic.
Spotlight has been the most positive experience for our daughter Catherine. She adores her instructors and simply loves the relationships with her fellow company dancers. I love the fact that Spotlight is not a “competitive” studio of dancers, but a studio that focuses on the development of the art of dancing and giving back to the community. We respect the overall integrity of the whole Spotlight program and its owner, Pam Butler. I highly recommend Spotlight to anyone!
My family became a part of the Spotlight family in the fall of 2009. My then, 7 year old daughter, wanted to take a Tap class, so we signed her up for Tap 1 with Ms. Kara. Her twin brother said that he wished he could take a Hip-Hop class. Spotlight offered a boys only hip hop class, so we signed him up as well, with Ms. Adelle. As the year progressed, so did my children. They made new friends, learned new moves, and also learned that whatever talent level they were……it was good enough. There was no pressure to be the very best, or beat out anyone else….just to have fun and love dancing. At recital time, my daughter looked like a little girl loving tap…..not all made up to look like a teenager, which I appreciated. My son “transformed” into a dancer! The boys hip hop class started a journey into a world that he embraced more than I could ever imagine. He was invited to become a part of Wee Company, a group of children who love to dance and perform and express their joy of dance with everyone. We have only experienced one other dance studio in our lives, and it was no where near the atmosphere of Spotlight. This is truly a special place! Miss Pam loves these students and makes each one feel special. Her attitude is contagious among her staff, as each one goes above and beyond. My children love all of their instructors and have told me that they never want to dance anywhere else. That’s all I need to hear!
We began dancing with the Spotlight studio years ago when they first opened their location in Woodlake Commons. What started as just a place to take a class or two became a love of dance for two of my three kids who have found many friends through this inspirational and energizing studio. Spotlight’s commitment to the community and desire to have the dancers love to dance rather than only striving to win a medal or trophy is what really drew us to this amazing dance studio. I cannot thank the team enough at Spotlight for opening my children’s eyes to a world of beauty shown through dance.
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