Nominated by Channel 2 News as one of Orlando’s top Dance Schools!

The Director

Nancy Stewart earned her Bachelor Degree in Ballet with teaching certification from Virginia Intermont College in Bristol Virginia.

During her college studies Nancy worked extensively with children with special education needs. She has taken this knowledge and developed techniques to work with ALL children.The success in terms of the child’s confidence and self-esteem is extremely rewarding.

Nancy keeps her students involved in the community, with her performing troupes entertaining patients in area hospitals through the Arts for the Heart program, as well as community performances in local schools and churches.Her students have also been selected many times to perform in Walt Disney World's Magic Music Days.

She has also worked with the Florida Citrus Sports Summer Sports Camp as well as several area schools and organizations to develop dance programs specific to their needs.

Nancy has been featured in the Florida Scene Magazine, Center Stage Magazine, Valencia Parent Resource Center, and The Florida Catholic Newspaper. She has also been awarded for outstanding service to Orange County Public Schools as a new Partner in Education and has received the Distinguished Alumni Award from Virginia Intermont College. Nancy was also the recipient of the “Outstanding Young Americans in Business” Award.

Nancy’s overall philosophy of dance education is to have the students learn the history of dance, develop an appreciation and respect for oneself, others and the arts. Most importantly they must feel that deep down, dance is FUN.

In 1985, Nancy opened her own studio named after what her students called her, “THE DANCE TEACHER.”

The Business Manager
Dave Stewart, our business manager, does more than just produce the paper work and act as our stage technician for performances. He offers valuable insight to our instructors about child development.

Dave has earned degrees from Rutgers University, University of Central Florida and his Masters in Social Work from Florida State University.

Dave’s sharp business sense, fun-loving sense of humor, and the fact that he is married to the owner earned him the position of Business manager. But do you know how a man with a distinguished name such as Dave came to be called Mr. Nancy?

Dave loves kids. He loves their quick wit, and is always amazed by a child’s honesty and humor. Years ago (far too many to be specific, we'd give away Dave’s true age) Dave was sitting in the office of our first studio. A tiny little girl named Robin sat quietly in the waiting room, her eyes gazing towards her sister’s ballet class. She swayed her feet back and forth in time with the music. Robin was a quiet little girl that really wanted to dance, not wait for her sister's class to end. But Robin was not old enough. Dave was busy waiting for Mrs. Nancy to finish teaching for the day. So, he tried to pass the time away by talking to Robin. He did his “give me five, up high, down low...too slow” routine.

Robin giggled but didn’t really talk, Dave asked her what her name was, but she didn’t answer. So Dave said, “I know what your name is...it’s George” (figuring she’d speak up for he’d never met a little girl that liked being called by a boys name). However, Robin offered nothing but a twinkle in her eyes. As class ended, and Robin’s sister came out, Dave looked at the sister and said, “I know what your little sister’s name is, it’s George.” With a big sister close by, Robin looked up and said, “Yep, and YOUR name is Mr. Nancy.” And to this day, it still is.

About recitals… A recital is the perfect opportunity to showcase the skills that each dancer has worked on throughout the year. It is the philosophy of The Dance Teacher that in order to expand the parents’ and students’ knowledge of theatre, we must use the same equation of time as any professional performance. A standard rule is to have a performance stay within the time range of 1 1/2 hours to 2 hours. This includes Intermission. During College studies it was emphasized that anything beyond the scope of an average performance time is frowned upon and considered child exploitation. There is no educational benefit to marathon recitals, only financial gains at young performers’ expense. The recital experience needs to be an enjoyable experience for the dancers, parents, teachers and audience. We feel it is important to treat dancers like professional performers. Each child is important. Each class is a vital part to the spring concert. Our recital will be held in May. A firm date cannot be confirmed until after the winter break. There is a studio rehearsal in costume to allow all of the performers a chance to see the show and get to know their fellow “cast members” before going to the formal stage. We hold a full technical stage rehearsal on a separate day from the formal concert. Dancers must attend all stage and studio rehearsals in order to perform on stage. If unable, then he/she will be unable to participate in the performance. Remember that we are unable to dismiss students early or make special arrangements for rehearsals or erformance. Rehearsals are for the dancer to become familiar with the stage and for the stage crew to work out lighting and sound details. When you drop your child off, please check them in and take a moment to make sure your assistance is not needed. We also appreciate your taking time to let the volunteers know hw much you appreciate your help. In an effort to assure a positive educational and performing Experience, The Dance Teacher has had to institute the following policies:

1. The Dance Teacher believes that it is the parents responsibility to assure dress code, studio and theatre etiquette are followed.

2. We do not permit an audience at any rehearsal. If you have questions regarding rehearsals, please call and allow a full 24 hours for a response. Numerous handouts and check list are given to parents prior to performance. Take a moment to review them as well. For the safety and comfort of dancers, and our audience, videotaping and photography from the audience area is not permitted.