Stage Door University
Dance classes for ages 9 months to 18 years in Sarasota, FL
Stage Door University serves over 800 students across 19 seasons of dance, offering an original curriculum for dancers aged 9 months through 18 years.
Photo: Stage Door University via Google
Before your first class
All new students are welcome to try their first class for free.
Girls wear leotards, tights, and appropriate shoes by class type; boys wear t-shirts, athletic pants, and appropriate shoes.
For girls: any color leotard and tights, hair in a ponytail or bun, pink leather ballet shoes for ballet, black tap shoes for tap, clean-soled sneakers for hip hop and Sparkle Squad.
Children's classes ages 18 months–11 years: $65–$95 monthly or $600–$900 annually.
About this studio
Stage Door University serves over 800 students across 19 seasons of dance, offering an original curriculum for dancers aged 9 months through 18 years. The studio operates from 6260 Lockwood Ridge Rd in Sarasota and maintains a second location at their Cattlemen site.
Classes span multiple age groups and skill levels. For the youngest dancers, Boppin' Babies (ages 9–18 months) and Dance With Me (ages 18–36 months) introduce movement. Preschool and early elementary options include On My Own Ballet and Tumbling (ages 2–3), Broadway Stars (ages 3–4), Mini Tap & Jazz (ages 4–6), Mini Flip Hop (ages 4–6), Little Limelight (ages 4–10), and Spotlight Ballet (ages 5–7). Intermediate students can choose from Sparkle Squad (ages 5–8), Chorus Line Combo (ages 5–7), Tumble Classes (ages 7–18), Headliners (ages 5–7), Academy One & Two (ages 7–13), and competitive dance teams. The studio also offers Aerial & Acro classes for ages 6–18.
The facility features three dance rooms, all with sprung floors designed to reduce impact on knees and ankles, plus wooden floors for the crisp sound of tap shoes. Parents have ample seating to watch classes. The studio uses music, props, costumes, and creative movement to develop rhythm, coordination, musicality, creativity, and self-confidence in students, alongside discipline, respect, individuality, and teamwork.
Stage Door University runs a summer camp programme, competitive dance teams, birthday parties, and facility rentals. Birthday party packages range from the Basic (1.5 hours, $275) to the Premium (2 hours, $325), both including a 45-minute dance class themed to the child's choice, refreshment time, and party favors with free dance class coupons for guests. The studio also offers recitals and performances, including mandatory performances at Universal Studios for the Headliners team.
All new students are invited to try their first class for free. Once you determine your level, you can attend once weekly or unlimited classes per week. Staff are on hand to guide you through the class schedule. The studio is led by CEO and Founder Jill Athridge, with Geena Larson as Artistic Director, Sue Patchett as Executive Director, and Karyssa Wong as Associate Artistic Director. Teaching staff include instructors Julie Hamilton, Lisa McCarroll, Lauren Weiler, Annabelle Hamilton, Andrea Pino, Christine Orta, Zoe Ahl, and aerial instructor Courtney Wyatt.
What to expect
Your first visit
You and your child will experience a welcoming environment designed for creative growth. Classes use music, props, and costumes to teach fundamentals of dance. Parents sit in comfortable seating to watch. The facility is spacious and clean with sprung floors for safety. New students are welcome to attend their first class for free before registering.
Instructors
Who teaches here
The faculty includes CEO and Founder Jill Athridge, Artistic Director Geena Larson, Executive Director Sue Patchett, Associate Artistic Director Karyssa Wong, and instructors Julie Hamilton, Lisa McCarroll, Lauren Weiler, Annabelle Hamilton, Andrea Pino, Christine Orta, Zoe Ahl, and aerial instructor Courtney Wyatt.
New to dancing?
What beginners can expect
All new students are welcome to try their first class for free.
What to wear and bring
Before your first class
Dress code
Girls wear leotards, tights, and appropriate shoes by class type; boys wear t-shirts, athletic pants, and appropriate shoes.
What to bring
For girls: any color leotard and tights, hair in a ponytail or bun, pink leather ballet shoes for ballet, black tap shoes for tap, clean-soled sneakers for hip hop and Sparkle Squad. For boys: any color t-shirt and athletic pants, black leather ballet shoes or bare feet for ballet, black tap shoes for tap, clean-soled sneakers for hip hop.
Studio history
Stage Door University has operated for 19 seasons, serving over 800 students with an original dance curriculum designed to enhance children's social, emotional, physical, intellectual, and creative growth.
Styles offered
10 dance styles taught here
Gallery
The people, the parties and the dancing here
Amenities
Pricing
Approximate lesson costs
Class schedule
Weekly classes and workshops
Stage Door Universityhasn't set up a public class schedule yet.
If you own Stage Door University, claiming the studio lets you add a public schedule in about 2 minutes. A free Google Calendar is the easiest path — visitors see your class times inline + can add events to their own calendar.
Frequently asked about Stage Door University
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does Stage Door University teach?
Stage Door University teaches General, Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Modern and 4 more. The full list of styles is shown above on this page along with each genre's classes and lesson options.
Where is Stage Door University located?
Stage Door University is located in Sarasota, FL. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does Stage Door University offer private lessons?
Contact Stage Door University directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does Stage Door University teach kids and adults?
Stage Door University welcomes students of varied ages and experience levels. Contact the studio to learn which classes fit your age group and level.
How do I sign up for classes at Stage Door University?
The fastest path is to visit Stage Door University via their website or check the class schedule above. Many studios offer a free or discounted intro lesson — contact them directly to ask.