I.L.T. Dance Studio

I.L.T. Dance Studio was founded in 2009 and has grown into a community-focused dance school serving Fort Myers. The studio is built on work ethic, commitment, enthusiasm, and respect. Classes are structured by age and ability level, from Pre-Ballet/Tap for ages 3–4 through Teen Ballet Level III for ages 13 and up. All class sizes are limited to maintain the proper teacher-to-student ratio, and every programme is designed to meet the needs of beginner to advanced dancers.

The studio offers ballet, tap, hip-hop, jazz, contemporary, and acrobatics. Ballet forms the foundation of all training here. You'll find Pre-Ballet/Tap combining structured introduction to both styles with creative motor-skill activities; Ballet/Tap Levels I and II (ages 5–12), which progress from basic positions and terminology to more independent movement and character dance; Teen Ballet Level III (ages 13+), where combinations move faster and more complex rhythms are introduced; and En Pointe for advanced students, which begins with an evaluation to ensure safe readiness. Teen Tap classes build progressions and terminology week by week. Hip-Hop and Jazz combine sharp and smooth movements in a high-energy format. Contemporary is a multi-level class that pairs ballet technique with modern and popular dance styles, requiring concurrent enrollment in Ballet Level III.

Michelle Verissimo is the Founder and Artistic Director, bringing over 25 years of experience. She trained with Marc Platt, an original member of Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo and director of ballet at Radio City Music Hall, and with dancer Jean Goodall, who appeared in Carousel, Guys and Dolls, and The Pajama Game. The teaching team includes Stephanie Espinosa, who holds a Bachelor's Degree from the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale and has 20 years of teaching experience across public, private, and charter settings, along with directing over 20 children's theatre productions. Teya Schlieffer is an accomplished dancer and choreographer trained in ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary, lyrical, and hip-hop, a graduate of Cypress Lake High School Center for the Arts and University of Central Florida. Eliana Schlieffer grew up through the I.L.T. Dance family from age three, spent twelve years competing and performing with the I.L.T. Dance Team, and trained at Cypress Lake High School Center for the Arts. Sara Ratcliff trained at I.L.T. as a student and competed with the I.L.T. Dance Team before becoming a teacher; she is currently a student at Florida Gulf Coast University.

The studio runs afterschool dance programmes with convenient pickup from Gateway, Gateway Charter, Treeline, and Tortuga elementary schools. These programmes combine Ballet, Hip Hop/Jazz combo, Tap, and Acrobatics with homework time, snacks, crafts, and games. Monthly tuition is available for full-time programmes with family discounts. The studio also operates competition teams and hosts summer camps.

You can start as young as 3 with Pre-Ballet/Tap or join any level that matches your age and ability. Classes focus on technique, strength, flexibility, coordination, and confidence in a clean and safe atmosphere. Teachers adapt instruction based on each student's age and aptitude, and smaller class sizes mean you'll get proper attention.

Michelle Verissimo, Founder and Artistic Director with 25+ years of experience, trained under Marc Platt and Jean Goodall. The team includes Stephanie Espinosa (20 years teaching, theatre choreographer), Teya Schlieffer (trained in all styles, competitive placements and scholarships), Eliana Schlieffer (12 years competing with I.L.T., trained at Cypress Lake Center for the Arts), and Sara Ratcliff (I.L.T. alumna and current Florida Gulf Coast University student).

Classes are levelled from age 3 upwards, and teachers guide students based on their starting point; the studio notes students will not be turned away from pointe if not yet ready, but guided through prerequisite training instead.