Business Details
6 Years
experience
Your Premier Dance and Performing Arts Academy in Durango
Studio 444 Performing Arts Academy is Durango's premier dance and performing arts academy dedicated to nurturing dancers of all skill levels. We provide foundational and high-level pre-professional dance training while emphasizing etiquette, technical excellence, and artistic expression. Our curriculum prepares students for collegiate and professional dance careers through competitive company programs, master classes with industry professionals, and community performance opportunities. With three specialized studios featuring sprung marley floors, full-length mirrors, and professional audio systems, we create an environment where students develop strong work ethics, teamwork, and creative confidence.Our faculty includes award-winning dancers and choreographers who bring global experience from Broadway, film, television, and international tours. We prioritize community engagement through charitable performances, volunteer efforts, and local showcases that celebrate dance as both art form and social connector.
Services
Dance Classes
Competitive Company
Guest Artist Workshops
Performance Training
Community Events
Details
- Year established: 2020
Highlights and features
- We offer pre-professional training with industry-leading guest artists
- Our competitive company provides national performance opportunities
- Three specialized studios with professional-grade dance surfaces
- Faculty includes award-winning performers from Broadway and film
- Community-focused programs combining dance with charitable outreach
Services
Dance Classes
Studio 444 Performing Arts Academy offers comprehensive dance education for ages 3+ with technique classes in ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, lyrical, and contemporary styles. Our curriculum develops foundational skills through advanced training while emphasizing proper technique, artistic expression, and performance readiness. Students benefit from structured progression systems and regular performance opportunities in recitals and community events.
Competitive Company
Our competitive dance company provides elite training for serious dancers seeking professional development. Members receive specialized coaching, convention participation, and competition experience while learning from industry professionals. The program emphasizes teamwork, discipline, and technical excellence through national travel opportunities and master classes with award-winning choreographers.
Guest Artists
Studio 444 Performing Arts Academy brings renowned dance professionals to Durango for workshops and master classes. Our guest artists include Broadway performers, film/tv choreographers, and international competition judges who share expertise in various dance styles. These sessions offer students unique learning opportunities and industry insights while expanding their professional network within the dance community.
Studio Facilities
Our three specialized studios feature sprung marley floors, full-length mirrors, and professional audio systems to support optimal dance training. Studio A includes a 900 sq ft space with performance lighting and viewing areas, while Studios B and C offer dedicated spaces for technique development and private rehearsals with complete amenities for student comfort.
Community Programs
Studio 444 Performing Arts Academy actively participates in local charitable events and community performances. Our outreach programs include free dance workshops for underserved populations, volunteer performances at senior centers, and benefit recitals for local causes. These initiatives reinforce our commitment to making dance accessible while fostering community connections through artistic expression.
People
Matthew Fata
Dancer | Teacher | Choreographer
Award-winning dancer and choreographer with international experience performing alongside notable artists and in major productions. Specializes in jazz, ballet, tap, hip hop, lyrical, and contemporary styles.
Liz Imperio
Dancer | Teacher | Choreographer
Industry leader with 30+ years experience choreographing for major award shows and television. Recognized for work with global superstars and as director of prominent dance conventions.
Katie Hazard-Chubb
Dancer | Teacher | Choreographer
Former competitive gymnast turned professional dancer with extensive performance credits in music videos, award shows, and touring productions. Currently serves as show director for Intrigue Dance Convention.
Greta Sugai
Dancer | Teacher | Choreographer
Colorado native and contemporary fusion specialist with teaching experience across the US and internationally. Founder of Messengerz Dance Co and professor at Colorado Christian University.
Desiree Robbins
Dancer | Teacher | Choreographer
30-year industry veteran and founder of Dance League convention. Specializes in jazz technique development and fundamentals-based training for competitive dancers.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer for children?
We provide technique classes in ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, lyrical, and contemporary styles for ages 3+. All classes emphasize proper technique and creative expression.
Can students join the competitive company mid-year?
Competitive company enrollment requires full season commitment starting August 25th. Limited spring semester spots may be available with director approval.
What payment options exist for tuition?
Tuition can be paid in full at registration or split with half due August 25th and remaining balance December 1st. Online payments include a 3% processing fee.
Do you offer adult dance classes?
While our primary focus is youth training, we occasionally offer adult classes and community workshops. Check our website for current schedule updates.
How often do guest artists visit the studio?
We host master classes with industry professionals throughout the year, featuring award-winning dancers and choreographers from Broadway, film, and television.
What performance opportunities exist for students?
All students participate in annual recitals. Competitive company members receive additional performance opportunities through conventions, competitions, and community events.
Reviews (3)
Karina Miner
Oct 23, 2021
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Wonderful place for my girls to dance. Ms. Halie is a great teacher and mentor to her students. Highly recommend studio 444!!
Alisa Carver
Oct 16, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality
I am so impressed with the opportunities that Studio 444 provides to our local students. Look at that lineup!
I am so impressed with the opportunities that Studio 444 provides to our local students. Look at that lineup!
Nicki Winters
Oct 15, 2021
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As a current family at this studio, if you value ANY family life, do not consider this place. The communication is nonexistent. There is a strong disregard for families needing to do anything else but attend events at this studio. Dancing until 9:30pm on a school night. Scheduling mandatory rehearsals over holiday breaks and long weekends when there were other options to run routine rehearsals. Classes and other events routinely run over schedule with no notice so parents are forced to just sit around and wait for hours at times.
