Business Details
38 Years
experience
Your Premier Dance School in West Seneca
Established in 1988 by Patricia Wegryn-Pawlowski, Steppin Out Dance Academy has dedicated over three decades to delivering quality dance education in Western New York. Our comprehensive programs cater to dancers of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to advanced performers. We pride ourselves on fostering a family-like atmosphere where students develop technical proficiency alongside essential life skills like discipline, responsibility, and teamwork. Our state-of-the-art facility features three spacious studios equipped with professional-grade flooring, mirrors, and sound systems. Through our recreational and competitive programsincluding The Classic Dance Co. of WNYwe provide opportunities for students to grow artistically and personally.Our experienced faculty, led by industry professionals, ensures individualized attention while maintaining high educational standards. We emphasize affordability without compromising quality, making dance education accessible to all families. Whether pursuing dance as a hobby or a career path, students receive personalized guidance to maximize their potential. Our legacy of producing confident, well-rounded dancers who continue to influence the dance community stands as testament to our teaching philosophy.
Services
Ballet Classes
Jazz Dance
Hip Hop
Acro Dance
Competitive Teams
Details
- Year established: 1988
Highlights and features
- Over 35 years developing successful professional dancers and educators
- We maintain a family-like atmosphere with personalized attention
- Our facility features three state-of-the-art dance studios
- We offer affordable prices without compromising technical standards
- Our faculty includes nationally recognized dance professionals
Services
Ballet Classes
Our ballet program develops foundational technique through structured classes focusing on posture, flexibility, and classical movements. Students learn formal discipline while building strength and grace. Instructors emphasize proper alignment and musicality, preparing dancers for advanced repertoire and professional opportunities.
Jazz Dance
Jazz classes combine energetic choreography with technical precision, teaching syncopated rhythms and dynamic movement patterns. Students explore diverse styles from Broadway to contemporary jazz while developing performance skills and stage presence in a high-energy environment.
Hip Hop
Our hip hop program teaches breaking, locking, and freestyle techniques through music-driven instruction. Students master urban dance styles while building coordination and creative expression in a non-competitive, self-expressive setting that emphasizes individuality.
Acro Dance
Acro classes integrate dance and gymnastics fundamentals, focusing on flexibility, strength, and controlled tumbling. Students progress through technical skills while maintaining dance quality, preparing for complex acrobatic combinations within choreography.
Competitive Teams
Our competitive program offers elite training for dedicated dancers through auditions. Teams receive specialized instruction in multiple genres, with performance opportunities at regional and national events while emphasizing technical growth and artistic development.
People
Patricia Wegryn-Pawlowski
Founder & Artistic Director
With over 50 years in dance education, Miss Patty established SODA in 1988 after training at Theatrical Dance Arts Academy. Her innovative curriculum has shaped generations of dancers, many of whom now teach professionally while continuing her educational legacy.
Andrij Deneka
Instructor
Professional dance educator specializing in contemporary techniques for advanced students, bringing industry expertise from national dance conventions and performance circuits to our competitive programs.
Colleen Walsh
Instructor
Certified dance instructor with extensive experience teaching recreational classes, focusing on creating welcoming environments for beginning dancers and preschool programs.
Jennifer Mentel Coogan
Instructor
Specializes in musical theater and hip hop instruction, combining performance skills with technical training for students pursuing stage and entertainment opportunities.
Lauren Kirchmyer
Instructor
Expert in youth dance education, developing age-appropriate curricula for our Mini Movers and Rising Stars programs that balance technical development with creative expression.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We teach ballet, jazz, hip hop, musical theater, acrobatics, tap, contemporary, and lyrical dance for ages 18 months through adults.
When does the dance season start?
Classes begin September 10, 2025, with online registration opening August 1, 2025, through our Jackrabbit registration system.
Do you have competitive dance teams?
Yes! The Classic Dance Co. of WNY offers competitive programs for dancers 7+ through our pre-comp to senior squads with auditions required.
What are costume costs?
Costume deposits range from $60–$80 depending on performance level, with final payments collected closer to showtime dates.
Are there family discounts?
Yes, we offer a 10% family discount on total tuition for immediate family members enrolled simultaneously.
What's your cancellation policy?
Classes require minimum enrollment - we reserve the right to cancel under-enrolled classes. Tuition and fees are non-refundable.
