Business Details
31 Years
experience
Your Home for Dance in Whittier, CA
Dance Image has been a cornerstone of the Whittier dance community for over 29 years, fostering a passion for dance in students of all ages and abilities. Our studio is built on values of inclusion, family, and excellence, creating a welcoming environment where creativity and individuality thrive. With a team of highly trained instructors, many of whom began their careers here, we offer programs ranging from Cecchetti Ballet Academy classes to adaptive Dancing Stars sessions for students with special needs.As proud members of Cecchetti USA, CLI Studios, RWID, and YPAD, we combine rigorous technical training with a commitment to nurturing each dancer's personal growth. Our focus on discipline, perseverance, and artistic expression has made us a second home to countless families, with students successfully passing exams for over two decades. Whether pursuing dance recreationally or professionally, our community-driven approach ensures every student feels empowered and supported in their journey.
Services
Ballet
Hip Hop
Jazz
Tap
Acro
Musical Theatre
Lyrical
Pre-Pointe
Stretch & Conditioning
Dancing Stars
Details
- Year established: 1995
Highlights and features
- We offer 29 years of experience cultivating dance excellence in Whittier
- Our instructors hold certifications from YPAD, RWID, and Cecchetti USA
- Specialized Dancing Stars program for students with special needs
- Proven success with Cecchetti Ballet exams for over 20 years
- Flexible class options including virtual and hybrid learning formats
Associations and certifications
- Youth Protection Advocates in Dance (YPAD)
- Rhythm Works Integrative Dance (RWID)
- Cecchetti USA
- CLI Studios
What people say
Incredible staff
Welcoming environment
Second home
Adaptive programs
Successful virtual classes
Services
Ballet Technique
Our Ballet Technique classes combine traditional methods with Cecchetti training to develop grace and precision. Students learn proper posture, vocabulary, and theory while building flexibility and poise. This foundational training prepares dancers for advanced levels and Cecchetti examinations, with instructors guiding students through progressive skill development in a supportive environment.
Dancing Stars
Specially designed for students with special needs, this RWID-certified program uses rhythm-based instruction tailored to individual learning differences. Led by ADHD and Autism-aware instructors, including our director Debbi Miller, these classes foster confidence and social skills through customized dance experiences that celebrate each student's unique abilities.
Hip Hop
Dynamic Hip Hop classes teach students to move rhythmically while developing coordination and musicality. Our instructors focus on foundational techniques and freestyle expression, creating an energetic atmosphere where students learn current trends while building strength and confidence through structured choreography.
Acro Dance
Acro classes blend dance with acrobatic skills, teaching flexibility, balance, and strength. Level 1 introduces basic tumbling while advanced levels integrate dance elements. Required for many Jazz classes, this program develops spatial awareness and body control through progressive skill development in a safe, supervised environment.
Cecchetti Ballet
Our Cecchetti Ballet program offers structured training with annual examinations that measure progress through defined levels. Students train year-round in technique and theory, with instructors providing personalized recommendations for advancement. This disciplined approach has produced successful exam results for over two decades in Whittier's premier ballet academy.
People
Debbi D. Miller
Owner, Artistic Director
With 36 years of dance experience and YPAD/RWID certifications, Debbi founded Dance Image to create an inclusive studio environment. Her leadership has shaped the studio's adaptive programs and Cecchetti curriculum, making it a community cornerstone for 29 years.
Elysse Henry
Senior Instructor
A Dance Image alumna with YPAD certification, Elysse brings expertise in multiple dance styles. As Assistant Director, she oversees competition teams while teaching ballet, jazz, and musical theater, continuing the studio's tradition of excellence.
Kathryn Bravo
Senior Instructor
Cecchetti-trained professional dancer Kathryn teaches ballet and jazz. With experience in performance and education, she contributes to the studio's technical standards while mentoring students in classical and contemporary techniques.
Dora Medina
Instructor
With 16 years of professional dance experience, Dora teaches ballet, tap, and jazz. Her training with renowned choreographers brings industry expertise to classes, supporting students' technical development across multiple dance styles.
Jeanette Flores
Instructor
PBT Flexistretcher certified instructor with 19 years of experience, Jeanette teaches contemporary and choreography. Her theater background from Whittier College and Moscow Art Theatre School enriches the studio's performance-focused curriculum.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer for beginners?
We offer ballet, tap, hip hop, and creative movement classes for beginners aged 1-8 years, with free trial options available.
Do you have programs for special needs dancers?
Yes, our Dancing Stars program uses RWID-certified methods for students with learning differences, led by ADHD/Autism-aware instructors.
Are virtual classes available?
We offer virtual and hybrid classes with live instruction, maintaining regular schedules for all dance styles during safety restrictions.
What certification do your instructors hold?
Our staff includes YPAD, RWID, Cecchetti USA, and CPR certified instructors with specialized training in their dance disciplines.
How do you prepare students for exams?
Our Cecchetti Ballet program provides year-round training with examination preparation, achieving successful results for over 20 years.
What safety protocols are in place?
We follow YPAD guidelines with age-appropriate music/choreography, proper warm-ups, and maintain clean facilities with regular sanitization.
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