Business Details
14 Years
experience
Your Premier Dance, Yoga & Fitness Studio by the Sea
Studio by the Sea was founded in 2012 with a clear mission: to provide elite classical dance training combined with innovative choreography in a nurturing environment. Our team of experienced professionals, led by Artistic Director Wendy Lewis, brings over 25 years of expertise in ballet performance and pedagogy, including training with renowned institutions like Ballet West and the University of South Florida. We specialize in cultivating technical excellence through the Vaganova ballet method while offering diverse genres from hip hop to contemporary. Our approach emphasizes lifelong physical fitness, artistic growth, and essential life skills like perseverance and teamwork. With a nationally recognized competition team and unique performance opportunities at local events, we prioritize individual growth over mere competition.Our fitness and yoga programs extend this philosophy to all ages and skill levels, blending beachside wellness with structured training. From classical foundations to cutting-edge techniques, we maintain rigorous standards while fostering an inclusive, family-like community. Wendy Lewis' ongoing international training in advanced ballet and pedagogy ensures our curriculum remains academically rigorous and up-to-date. We remain committed to rebuilding our local performance presence post-Hurricane Michael, continuing our legacy of dance excellence by the sea.
Services
Dance Training
Fitness Classes
Yoga Instruction
Workshops
Community Events
Competition Teams
Ballet Technique
Hip Hop Classes
Beachside Fitness
Details
- Year established: 2012
Highlights and features
- We offer 25+ years of professional dance instruction experience with nationally recognized competition success
- Our curriculum combines classical Vaganova ballet training with modern choreography and fitness techniques
- Artistic Director Wendy Lewis brings international training from Moscow and Salt Lake City institutions
- We provide unique performance opportunities at local events and community productions
- Beachside yoga and fitness classes combine wellness with scenic coastal environments
Services
Dance Program
Our dance program combines classical ballet technique with modern choreography, offering structured training in Vaganova ballet, hip hop, and contemporary styles. Students develop technical proficiency, artistic expression, and performance skills through regular classes and local productions. The curriculum emphasizes lifelong physical fitness, discipline, and creative growth while preparing dancers for competition or recreational practice.
Fitness Classes
Beachside fitness classes include cardio dance, HIIT/core training, and strength-building sessions designed for all fitness levels. Our unique offerings like Butts and Guts and Power Training combine dynamic movements with targeted muscle development. Classes blend studio instruction with outdoor workouts on Panama City Beach's white sands for a refreshing approach to physical conditioning and wellness.
Yoga Instruction
Yoga programs cater to both locals and visitors with vinyasa flow, yogilates, and beachside sessions. Morning and sunset classes focus on flexibility, strength, and mindfulness while connecting with coastal nature. Our instructors emphasize proper form and breathwork to enhance physical and mental well-being through traditional and hybrid yoga practices.
Competition Teams
Our nationally recognized competition teams provide advanced training in choreography, technique, and stage presence. Dancers receive specialized coaching for competitions while maintaining focus on artistic growth. The program balances competitive excellence with individual development, having achieved top placements including 1st Overall Junior Soloist and 3rd Overall Junior Team in recent seasons.
Community Events
We organize and participate in community performances at local venues like the Todd Allen Herendeen Theater and PCB Pirate Festival. These events showcase student talent across genres while fostering community engagement. Our outreach includes school programs, seasonal showcases, and collaborative productions that strengthen local cultural connections through dance and performance arts.
People
Wendy Lewis
Studio Owner and Artistic Director
Wendy Lewis has 25+ years of dance instruction experience, including 8 years with Ballet West and a University of South Florida degree in Ballet Performance. She has trained with industry leaders like Mia Michaels and continues advanced ballet pedagogy studies in Moscow. Her choreography appears in film, theater, and local productions.
Questions
What dance styles do you teach?
We offer classical ballet (Vaganova method), hip hop, contemporary, and competition choreography, with supplemental breakdance and strength training for multidimensional development.
Do you have classes for adults?
Yes, we provide adult fitness classes, yoga sessions, and recreational dance workshops for all skill levels at our Panama City Beach studio.
How experienced are your instructors?
Artistic Director Wendy Lewis has 25+ years of professional experience, including 8 years with Ballet West and ongoing international training in Moscow's advanced ballet programs.
Are there performance opportunities?
Students perform locally at Dance in the Park, PCB Pirate Festival, school events, and annual productions, with additional competition team performance schedules.
What makes your program unique?
We combine classical ballet foundations with modern techniques, emphasizing technical excellence over trends, while maintaining small class sizes and personalized instruction.
Do you offer beachside classes?
Yes, we provide sunrise/sunset yoga and fitness sessions on Panama City Beach's white sands, blending physical training with coastal wellness experiences.
