XStatic Dance Studio

XStatic Dance Studio, located on Woodlawn Drive in Honolulu, is a family-friendly dance space founded when director Emily Hackworth took over Renee Oshiro's former X-Factor Dance Studio. Hackworth, who has danced since age 13, named the studio XStatic to reflect the joy and excitement she felt returning to dance as a studio owner after overcoming a serious health challenge. She draws on experience from Arthur Murray Dance Center, The Movement Center, and N2dance, and is one of the founders of Dancers Unlimited Hawaii.

The studio teaches three main styles across different age groups and skill levels. Keiki Dance (ages 4.5 to 8) introduces the littlest dancers to basic moves including hip hop and jazz in a nurturing environment where they develop coordination, self-discipline, and confidence. Jazz classes are split into Jazz 1 (beginning to intermediate) and Jazz 2 (intermediate to advanced, requiring at least 2 years of prior training). Classes begin with stretching and strength-building, then move through body isolations, stylized contemporary techniques including patterns, turns, leaps and jumps, across-the-floor exercises, and choreographed routines. Hip hop is offered at three levels: Beginning Hip Hop for Teens & Adults (13 years and up), Hip Hop 1 (beginning to intermediate), and Hip Hop 2 (intermediate to advanced, requiring at least 2 years of training). Hip hop classes use upbeat music from various genres and the latest hits, with warm-ups including stretching, body isolations, and abdominal and arm strengthening, followed by urban steps and choreography.

The team includes Assistant Director Rebecca Madera, who began dancing at age three and has trained in jazz, hip hop, ballet, pointe, modern, and contemporary. She trained with the Honolulu Dance Company and has worked with choreographers including Jia Huang, Vihn Nguyen, Doug Caldwell, and Kim Mcswain. She was a JUMP V.I.P. winner in 2010 and 2011, and continues as staff with both Honolulu Dance Co. (Professional Division) and Boogie Down Productions Company. Additional instructors include Darrian Colotario and Melanie Lum.

All classes are held on Saturdays in a small-studio atmosphere described as open-spaced, allowing parents to watch their children progress. The studio emphasizes creating a supportive environment where dancers of all levels gain technique, discipline, confidence, coordination, and physical and emotional well-being alongside friendship. End-of-semester performances take place at Ala Moana Shopping Center and other venues, where students showcase jazz and hip hop routines. The studio has clear safety protocols in place, including a requirement for separate dance shoes and no outside street shoes.

All classes at XStatic are held on Saturdays in an open-spaced studio where parents can observe. Expect warm-ups, technique work, and choreography tailored to your level, with end-of-semester performances at Ala Moana Shopping Center.

Emily Hackworth (owner/director) has danced since age 13 and previously taught at Arthur Murray Dance Center and The Movement Center. Assistant Director Rebecca Madera has trained in multiple styles including jazz, hip hop, ballet, pointe, modern and contemporary, and has worked with respected choreographers like Jia Huang and Doug Caldwell. Staff also includes Darrian Colotario and Melanie Lum.

The studio welcomes beginners of all ages—it's never too late to start—and offers dedicated beginner classes in both jazz and hip hop.