Sandra's Studio of Dance

Sandra's Studio of Dance, located on Spokane's South Hill at 304 W 7th Ave, was founded in 1988 by Sandra Stejer Olgard. In 2021, it was sold to Ann Eldore, a registered Royal Academy of Dance teacher, and Stephanie Getman Gronholz, both of whom continue to lead the studio today. The studio is affiliated with the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD), a world-leading dance organization headquartered in London with teachers and students in 85 countries.

The studio teaches ballet, tap, and contemporary dance to children from age 3 through teens, with specialised age groups including Dance for Toddlers, Dance for Ages 3–5, Ballet for Ages 5–12, and Ballet for Teens. Ballet instruction follows an age-appropriate RAD curriculum, allowing students to progress through graded levels and participate in RAD exams, which are recognised worldwide. The studio also offers barre fitness and yoga for adults, adult tap classes in 6–8-week sessions, and caregiver-child Tiny Toes classes. A summer program runs alongside the main school year, which begins in September and culminates in a spring recital at The Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox.

The philosophy emphasises a strong foundation in classical ballet, with the belief that ballet technique transfers to other dance forms. The studio describes itself as inclusive, welcoming dancers of all backgrounds and abilities, with intentional focus on body positivity, physical wellbeing, and emotional health. Rather than competing in competitions, students are encouraged to set individual goals through RAD exams, contributing to a non-competitive culture. Classes do not hold on major federal holidays and follow Spokane Schools for Thanksgiving, winter, and spring breaks.

Each year, students perform in a final recital in May, with picture day in March and dress rehearsals in April and May. Costumes are purchased at the start of the year, and part of initial fees covers recital costs and allows unlimited admission for family and friends. The studio has produced several professionally accomplished dancers, including Amanda Cochrane (principal at Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, named one of Dance Magazine's 25 to Watch in 2013), Cara Cooley (performer in the Broadway show Cats), Mariko Nagashima (BFA in ballet and BS in biology from University of Utah, performed with Coriolis Dance and other companies), Kjersti Cubberley (professional dancer with Indiana Ballet Company), and Chelsea Thronson (semi-finalist in Prix de Lausanne, placed 2nd at YAGP semi-finals in 2015 and 2016, joined PNB Professional Division program in 2016, and danced corps de ballet with Bayerisches Staatsballett in Munich, Germany for the 2019/20 season).

The studio offers ballet birthdays, school year camps and workshops, and adult dance and movement classes. Registration for the 2026–2027 dance year is open, with classes running from 8 September 2026 until the recital on 24 May 2027. Continuous enrolment is accepted through the end of February. Tuition invoices are issued in September, November, and February and can be paid online via ACH transfer, by cheque, or via cash in the secure mailbox at the studio.

Classes are structured around RAD syllabus principles even for the youngest dancers. You'll attend age-appropriate classes in ballet, tap, or contemporary, with instruction focused on technique, musicality, and self-discipline in a caring environment. The studio culminates the school year with a spring recital at a professional theatre venue.

Ann Eldore, co-owner and registered RAD teacher, trains students from Grade 1+ ballet and has entered hundreds of students for RAD exams. Stephanie Getman Gronholz, co-owner, teaches Pre-Ballet through Grade 1 and is a registered yoga teacher trained in Barre Above and Balletone. Marty Newell-Large teaches Grade 2+ ballet and is working toward RAD's Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies. Angie Brown teaches tap and has been teaching since age thirteen. Sara Stradley-Wright, with 22+ years of classical ballet training and 15+ years teaching experience, teaches Saturday Pre-Ballet and Open classes. Caroline Zoretic, trained in contemporary and other styles, teaches contemporary.

The studio welcomes dancers of all backgrounds and abilities and offers age-appropriate classes starting from toddlers.