Onyx Studio 2

Onyx Studio 2 opened in 2017 when founder Wendy Johnson, a classically trained dancer with twenty years of teaching experience, established the studio in Sarasota's Rosemary District. Johnson trained at the Joffrey School of Ballet and David Howard School of Ballet in New York City, and previously taught at the Westside Academy of Dance in Santa Monica and the School of Richmond Ballet in Virginia. At the Sarasota Ballet School, where she spent twelve years, she served as Director of the Children's Division before founding her own studio.

The studio serves students aged 2 and up through advanced levels. Children's classes include pre-ballet and ballet training, with open enrollment for students aged 2 to 10 years old. Adult classes range from Floor Barre and Ballet Basics through to Intermediate and Advanced Technique, with options for Pointe and Variations work. Pre-professional students receive training in pointe work, variations, and pas de deux to prepare them for competitions like the Youth America Grand Prix and professional ballet careers.

Students regularly perform at the studio in showcases and in larger theatre productions. The studio stages annual performances of classical ballets including The Nutcracker, as well as original works created and choreographed by its master teachers. The studio presents productions such as INSECTOS, an original ballet by Isabel & Javier Dubrocq performed by The Rosemary Youth Ballet.

Summer intensives are offered, with recent programs including Musical Theatre (July 27–31) and Contemporary (August 3–7) options. Younger dancers attend 12:15 pm–4 pm sessions; older dancers train 3:30 pm–7:45 pm. The studio's philosophy emphasizes providing students of all levels with "a unique and caring experience in which each student can grow both mentally and physically as a dancer." Johnson holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from UCLA with an emphasis in Child Psychology.

You'll find a studio focused on classical ballet training, with classes tailored to your level—whether you're starting pre-ballet as a young child or training in advanced technique and pointe. The studio regularly hosts student performances and showcases, so you may see performances happening alongside classes.

Wendy Johnson, the studio's founder and director, trained classically at the Joffrey School and David Howard School in New York and has over twenty years of teaching experience. She previously taught at the Sarasota Ballet School, where she directed the Children's Division for three years.

Classes are offered for all levels from pre-ballet (ages 2+) through advanced, with Ballet Basics available for adult beginners.