Creative Motion Studios, LLC

Creative Motion Studios opened in June 2011 when owner Natalie Orr-Andrea realised her lifelong goal to open a dance studio in her hometown of Akron, Ohio. Natalie has taught various forms of dance throughout Northeast Ohio for the last twenty-five years and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with minors in Dance and Entrepreneurship from the University of Akron, where she studied under former members of the Pennsylvania Ballet, Ohio Ballet, Martha Graham Company, and Jennifer Muller/The Works. She is Level I and II certified through MuvMethod, a certified educator through Youth Protection Association for Dance (YPAD), and certified in Youth Mental Health First Aid.

The studio's mission is to create an educational environment where dancers of all ages and ability levels feel both comfortable and appropriately challenged, with a focus on instilling proper technique while maintaining the highest standards for age-appropriateness and safety. The studio runs four main programmes: Early Childhood for ages 18 months to 6 years with developmentally appropriate movement; Classic for ages 5–18 with classes in Acro, Ballet, Prepointe/Pointe, Hip Hop, Jazz, Lyrical, and Musical Theater; Competitive for dancers 6 and up ready for larger commitment and team participation (placement audition required); and Adults for anyone over 18 looking for fun and fitness with no experience necessary.

The teaching staff is Youth Protection Association for Dance certified, background checked, CPR-certified, first-aid certified, and specially trained in injury prevention, signs of abuse, eating disorders, psychology of dancers, and dancer wellness. Key instructors include Caiti Basler (AFAA-CGFI, DMA, STOTT IMP with over 13 years teaching experience, tap dance specialist, and Lead Master Trainer and Director of Education for Zumbini); Erika Rutan (BA in Dance Education and BA in Marketing from Kent State University, trained in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, and Modern Dance); Willow Freed (currently pursuing B.F.A. in Dance Performance at Kent State, teaching since 2019 in ballet, jazz, hip-hop, acro, lyrical, and contemporary); and Sarah Lakatos (Cum Laude graduate from University of Akron Honors College with a degree in Corporate Finance and a minor in Dance, participant in Touring Ensemble, Spring Into Dance, and University of Akron Dance Company).

Season 16 registration opens 25 July, with classes starting 14 September. The studio offers a parent portal for registration and holds open house hours to help families find the right class placement. The studio also runs summer camps and operates a boutique with high-quality dance wear and shoes at affordable prices, with sales benefiting dancers through support for new equipment, teacher training, and programming. The studio is located at 150 Springside Drive, Suite A130, Akron, OH 44333.

Call ahead or visit during an open house (typically scheduled in late July and early August) to tour the studio and speak with staff about class placement. You can schedule a free trial class, and the studio offers guidance to ensure you are placed in the most appropriate level for your safety and growth.

The studio is led by owner and director Natalie Orr-Andrea, who has 25 years of teaching experience and studied under former members of major ballet companies and modern dance ensembles. Instructors include Caiti Basler (tap specialist with iTap Teacher Certification and 13+ years experience), Erika Rutan (Kent State dance graduate), Willow Freed (B.F.A. student at Kent State teaching since 2019), Sarah Lakatos (University of Akron dance graduate), and Kensi Evans, Anisha Delarber, Madeleine Mennett, Hayley Glessner, and Madeline Wilson.

The adult programme welcomes anyone over 18 with no experience necessary; the studio emphasises meeting each dancer at their level and strive to create a safe, inclusive learning environment for all ages and abilities.