Business Details
43 Years
experience
Your Trusted Dance Studio in Key West for All Ages & Skill Levels
Founded in 1983, CoffeeMill Dance Studio has been a cornerstone of dance education in Key West for over four decades. Our studio offers comprehensive training in 20+ dance styles, from classical ballet to contemporary aerial arts, serving students aged 2 through professional levels. With two state-of-the-art facilities - The Annex in Old Town and By the Bay in Newtown - we provide flexible scheduling with evening and weekend hours to accommodate all learners. Our faculty comprises internationally recognized instructors with extensive performance and teaching experience, many holding advanced degrees in dance education.We emphasize accessibility through beginner-friendly programs requiring no prior experience, while also offering pre-professional tracks with performance opportunities, workshops, and dance intensives. The studio maintains partnerships with local arts organizations and hosts annual productions that engage over 500 community members. Our commitment to quality is reflected in our structured curriculum that combines technical training with creative expression, ensuring students develop both skill proficiency and artistic confidence.
Services
Ballet Classes
Jazz Dance
Hip Hop
Contemporary Dance
Zumba Fitness
Aerial Arts
Salsa Lessons
Dance Camps
Private Lessons
Performance Training
Details
- Year established: 1983
Highlights and features
- Established 1983 with proven dance education expertise
- Two fully equipped studios serving Key West communities
- Faculty includes internationally recognized dance professionals
- 20+ dance styles from beginner through pre-professional levels
- Annual performance opportunities and masterclass workshops
Services
Ballet Classes
Our ballet program develops technical precision and artistic expression through structured training. Students learn foundational techniques, pointe work, and performance skills in a supportive environment. With classes for ages 2 through adults, our curriculum prepares dancers for both recreational enjoyment and professional pathways.
Zumba Fitness
High-energy Zumba classes combine dance and fitness training for all ability levels. Certified instructors lead Latin-inspired routines that improve cardiovascular health while making exercise enjoyable. No dance experience required - just come ready to have fun and stay active in a welcoming group setting.
Aerial Arts
Professional aerial arts instruction teaches safe apparatus techniques including silks, hoops, and trapeze. Students build strength, flexibility, and aerial choreography skills through progressive training levels. Our equipment meets industry safety standards with regular maintenance checks and certified instructor supervision.
Dance Camps
Seasonal dance camps provide immersive training experiences with specialized themes and guest instructors. Participants engage in multiple dance styles daily, collaborate on performance pieces, and develop stage presence. Camps include supervised recreational activities and conclude with showcase performances for family audiences.
Private Lessons
Customized private instruction addresses individual goals in any dance style. Sessions focus on technical improvement, competition preparation, or personalized choreography. Our flexible scheduling accommodates specific needs with experienced instructors who create tailored development plans for each student.
People
Penny Leto
Owner/Director
Penny Leto founded CoffeeMill Dance Studio in 1983 and has shaped its educational philosophy. With decades of experience in Afro-Modern and Ballet instruction, she choreographs major productions and oversees faculty development while maintaining active teaching involvement.
Joseph Goodman
Ballet Program Director
Joseph Goodman directs the ballet curriculum and trains students in classical technique. His expertise spans Ballet, Jazz, and Contemporary styles, with professional performance experience and competition judging credentials enhancing his instructional approach.
Kara Querio
Co-Director
Kara Querio co-directs the Young Dance Collective and teaches Ballet and Contemporary styles. With extensive choreographic credits, she develops performance repertory and mentors students in artistic expression and technical development.
Denis Hyland
Dance Instructor
Denis Hyland teaches Ballet, Jazz, and fitness-based dance classes. His unique Dancer Workout combines technical training with physical conditioning, drawing from professional performance experience across multiple dance disciplines.
Judith Cisneros
Zumba Instructor
Judith Cisneros specializes in Zumba and Bellydance instruction. Certified in fitness programming, she creates energetic classes that blend cultural dance styles with cardiovascular training for diverse age groups.
Questions
What age groups do your dance classes accommodate?
We offer classes for children starting at age 2 through adult learners, with specific programs tailored to different developmental stages and skill levels.
Do I need prior dance experience to enroll?
No experience is required for most classes. Our programs welcome absolute beginners while also providing advanced training options for experienced dancers.
What dance styles are available at CoffeeMill?
We teach 20+ styles including Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Contemporary, Zumba, Salsa, Aerial Arts, and specialty cultural dance forms like Afro-Caribbean and Bellydance.
Are there performance opportunities for students?
Yes! We offer regular performance showcases, dance productions, and recital opportunities throughout the year for all enrolled students.
Do you offer dance instruction for special events?
We provide customized dance instruction for weddings, parties, and special events with advance arrangement through our office staff.