The Pretenders Studio Fall Dance Session 2022

Be a part of our dance family. Build a strong foundation of technique in a variety of dance styles. Find continual progress and enjoy friends who share the same love dance and philanthropy.

For Ages 2-18

All levels welcome

Dancers will be grouped by age and level

All dancers perform minimally twice a year

Reserve Your Spot. First Come first served. Space is limited.

September 6th – December 11th

Dancing into the Fall

The Pretenders Studio Fall Session runs September 6th – December 11th

Classes meet weekly for an hour and include a discipline specific warm up, combination of technique building exercises, strength and stamina building work, flexibility training, plyometric and cardio enhancing activity and choreography tailored to the style, level and age of each group.

We expect our students to approach their classes with open heartedness, support, sportsmanship, positivity, full effort and commitment and most importantly, FUN!

We enforce the notion that dance is not about attaining perfection by rather about investing in the process and therefore, our measure of success in witnessing how far we have come and how much progress we have made both individually and collectively.

Build your confidence, skills, strength, health, athleticism and community here at The Pretenders Studio.

Mia F., age 16

At Pretender’s I have found my sisters and role models, who I always strived to be, until I became the big sister.  Now I get the opportunity to be that figure for the group that will take my place, it’s almost like a Pretender’s life cycle.  I think that’s what makes this place so beautiful and magical. To call Pretender’s just a dance studio, is an extreme undercut.  This place gave me somewhere to be silly, myself, and make mistakes without fear of the outside world.  Pretender’s served as a safe place while I grew as a young girl.

Katie R., proud studio mom of 3

“Our daughters have trained at many studios on the Westside over the years, but none was ever quite right.  When we found Pretenders we knew we were home — in addition to receiving excellent technical dance training, our girls have been welcomed into the Pretenders extended family and a tight-knit community normally only found in small towns.  Unlike most other studios, Pretenders doesn’t rush girls to grow up too soon — instead of focusing on competitions, make-up and negative body stereotypes, there is strong emphasis placed on giving back to the community, positive body image and development of the whole child.  I love knowing that when they are at the studio my girls are in the care of such caring, smart and dedicated teachers.”

Laurie M., proud studio mom

My daughter’s experience with Pretenders really began as a toddler watching her older sister dance! She has enjoyed dancing with the studio for over 6 years now. I’ve watched her evolve into not only a beautiful and expressive dancer but also a much more confident young woman. I attribute this all to the very safe and creative environment Lisa provides for these young dancers -wonderful group to be a part of!

Lisa Gumenick, Pretenders Founder/Director and studio mascot, Gidget

DEDICATED TEACHERS

Our teachers offer classes in Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Pointe, Modern, Hip Hop, Contemporary, Yoga, Acro/Tumbling, Musical Theater and Acting at beginning, intermediate and advanced levels. Read more about our teachers here.

Getting to know The Pretenders Studio

The Pretenders Studio is dance studio in Santa Monica, Ca  that specializes in dance training for local youth on the Westside of Los Angeles.

We are a dance studio offering a wide variety of dance classes and acting for kids and teens at all levels. We have classes for the most novice dancers who are curious and eager to learn something new and also for those who come to us seeking out a new or different dance experience from the one they had prior to becoming a “Pretender.” No matter your level, we have a spot for you! We offer dance classes weekly in Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Pointe, Hip Hop, Contemporary, Modern, Musical Theater, Acrobatics and Tumbling, Acting and Yoga. Dancers 2.5 yrs of age through high school are welcome to join us.

We work with each dancer and their family to curate a dance schedule that fits each family’s individual needs. All of our performances have a charity component to them so you can be sure you are “Dancing For A Difference” while you are with us!

The location

The Pretenders Studio is located at 1438 9th Street, Unit B in Santa Monica Ca. The entrance to our studio is in the rear of the building with access from the alley only. Please enter the alley from Broadway between Sweet Fin Poke and Jersey Mikes to drop off dancers.

Please use the Santa Monica Blvd entrance to the alley for pick up. The alley runs between Lincoln and 9th street. If you need help finding us please don’t hesitate to call the office.

 

Spots fill up quickly

Reserve Your Spot

“The first time I arrived, I noticed a palpable difference in the air…instead of encouraging competition and personal success, there was community and cooperation. From making a music video fundraising for wildfire relief, to creating instructional dance videos for hospitalized children during COVID-19, I grew beyond the focused world of life-on-pointe, to one of meaningful contribution to society.”  CeCe – recent graduate 

“I love dancing and Miss Lisa. I have fun at Pretenders.” – liv, r. age 6

“The Pretenders Studio is more than a dance studio, it’s a community; a place you feel welcome and loved. The Studio allows for great development in dance technique and a safe space to try new things and be yourself. Growing up at the studio was one of the most beneficial things in my life. You’re taught to be yourself, strive to your greatest potential, and be open to the success and failure you experience through life. The Pretenders Studio encapsulates authentic dance education in a warm welcoming environment. The greatest staff makes up the heart of the program. Each teacher is there to help you feel your best and support you through your learning. There is no better dance community than this one. ” – Bella, age 15

Have questions?

What are the Health & Safety policies? Expand

• All students complete a registration form confirming vaccination status and agree to terms and conditions regarding our health clearance protocols.
• Students and staff must be fever and symptom free for a minimum of 48 hours prior to participating in in-person instruction.
• All safety measures, masking, social distancing and sanitization recommendations will be enforced and are updating on a continual basis.
• COVID 19 safety is a fluid situation we monitor closely and policy and procedure will be updated accordingly. The studio is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized multiple times per week by our cleaning crew, our state of the air purifiers run constantly before, during and after all programs, increased ventilation measures are taken, hepa filters in the AC run continuously and commonly touched surfaces are disinfected regularly.
• Please be sure to see our health and safety tab for more details.

Is our program a good fit for beginners? Expand

Yes, we offer beginning classes for all ages so that anyone interested in dance can find a comfortable, welcoming and engaging class with peers in their age group to set a solid foundation in the disciplines of their choice. From there, they move up as they find progress and new levels of mastery. All you need is a desire to learn, an open mind and the willingness try something new sand fun and we have classes for you!

Is our program a good fit for intermediate/advanced dancers? Expand

Yes, we offer intermediate and advanced level classes for dancers to continuously find challenge, growth and over all progress. Dancers are evaluated by our staff throughout the year and moved up accordingly. The academic year program brings great opportunity for over all conditioning, choreography retention, technical skill building, increased dance vocabulary and exploration of new steps and levels of performance. Our classes are high energy and tailored to the level and age group of the dancers within each class. Intermediate and advanced classes move at a fast pace and have an assumed knowledge base. If you are not sure of your level our registration meeting will help you identify where you are best placed to join us. Class promotion is at the discretion of the owner.

What performance opportunities are there? Expand

All of our dancers participate in a performance at the conclusion of each semester. We host an Annual Holiday show that benefits a local charity each December. And we host a Spring Showcase in June to culminate the end of the year long program. Our year is intended to be a full year curriculum and hence the two shows demonstrate the progress throughout the year. All dancers are in both shows. Our Company dancers perform more frequently throughout the year at a variety of charity events and local venues.

Do you compete? Expand

We do not participate in dance competitions as we feel it is healthier to seek out recognition and acknowledgement from within ourselves and from our greater community. We work to be our personal bests each day in the studio and we work to share our progress with our community as we attain new levels of mastery and skill. For us, dance is not about winning a trophy but about learning to bring our best self to all that we do on a daily basis. We encourage self reflection, constructive criticism and a growth filled approach. We lift each other up, we cheer for each other and we celebrate each others successes. We strive to be role models at all times and seek out opportunities to “Dance For A Difference” instead of compete.

What is Company? Expand

Company is by invitation only and is intended for dancers who know dance is “their thing.” These dancers participate in our program at an accelerated level, take a minimum of 5 classes weekly, plan and execute several dance focused community service projects annually and prioritize dance in their busy schedules. Company is taught by our staff and welcomes several invited guest choreographers each year.

How many classes per week do you recommend? Expand

• We have found that a minimum of 3 classes per week really supports consistent and steady progress and growth. Like anything else, the more you practice the more notable improvement, skill and strength you find. Dance is built on a foundation of technique and skill that builds on itself so, we always recommend that, when possible, dancers enroll in ballet and any two other disciplines of choice. Of course we support and welcome dancers at any commitment level but to really find notable progress and feel fully engaged within our community, we recommend starting with a minimum of 3 classes per week. For reference, we do have students who take 1 or 2 classes a week and students who take 12-13 classes a week. The majority of our dancers take 3 or more classes weekly. We are happy to help you pick the schedule the works best for your needs and expectations. We are excited to learn about your interests, passions and what you hope to get from your participation here. That way, we can work to support your dance goals and keep you training on track!

Reserve Your Spot Today

Ask Us Anything

“The Pretenders is my daughters happy place! She has grown in dance and as a young woman. This is a positive place that becomes a family.” – Molly L.