Business Details
21 Years
experience
Premier Dance Education in Hollister, CA
San Benito Dance Connection has been dedicated to fostering dance excellence in Hollister, California since 2005. Founded by Kim Lavagnino, our studio began with a small group of dancers and has grown into a comprehensive dance education institution offering programs for all ages. Our artistic director, Elizabeth Mendoza, brings over 20 years of professional experience and a deep commitment to dance education. We provide structured training in ballet, jazz, contemporary, and more, emphasizing technical precision and artistic expression. Our faculty includes certified instructors with professional backgrounds in prestigious dance companies.We offer youth and adult classes, Intellidance programs for early childhood development, summer camps, and competitive performance teams. Our Nutcracker productions have become a cherished community tradition, with over 15 annual performances. We maintain rigorous safety standards through our instructors' expertise in anatomy and kinesiology. Our alumni have gone on to train at institutions like the Joffrey Ballet School and Alonzo King Lines Ballet. We remain committed to making dance accessible through flexible scheduling and community outreach initiatives.
Services
Dance Classes
Intellidance Program
Summer Camps
Performance Teams
Competitive Programs
Details
- Year established: 2005
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of professional dance instruction from certified faculty
- Our students perform in 6+ community events annually
- We provide structured progression from beginner to advanced levels
- Our instructors include former professional dancers from major companies
- We maintain 15+ years of Nutcracker production excellence
Associations and certifications
- Intellidance
What people say
Excellent instructors
Professional productions
Supportive environment
Technical excellence
Community engagement
Services
Dance Classes
Structured dance instruction for ages 3+ in multiple styles including ballet, jazz, and contemporary. Classes focus on technical development and artistic expression. Our certified instructors provide progressive training from beginner to advanced levels.
Intellidance Program
Specialized dance curriculum for young children combining movement with cognitive development. Certified instructors use research-based methods to enhance motor skills and creativity. Classes available for ages 3-6 with caregiver participation.
Performance Teams
Competitive and community performance opportunities for dedicated students. Teams perform at local events, festivals, and nursing homes. Requirements include technical proficiency and commitment to regular rehearsals and performances.
Summer Camps
Intensive dance training during summer months with specialized workshops and choreography sessions. Camps include daily technique classes, creative projects, and final showcase performances for family and friends.
Nutcracker Production
Professional-quality holiday production featuring student performers and guest artists. Includes multiple castings to accommodate all participants. DVD recordings available for purchase post-performance at our McCray Street studio.
People
Amy Redmond Waran
Owner/Artistic Director
Hollister native with 30+ years dance experience. Holds MFA in Dance Choreography from University of Hawaii. Former member of Malia Movement Company and On Three Dance Company. Certified Zumba and Intellidance instructor.
Elizabeth Mendoza
Artistic Director
Professional dancer with Alonzo King Lines Ballet training. SBDA alumna with 20 years institutional experience. Assistant Director of Nutcracker productions. Graduated from LINES Ballet training program in San Francisco.
Alisa Vass
Billing/Office Manager
SJSU graduate with Psychology degree. SBDA parent since 2007. Handles financial operations including tuition and merchandise accounting. Provides administrative support and family communication.
Casandra Guerrero
Teen Ballet Instructor
Formally trained at Lareen Fender's Ballet School. Theatre background with Center Rep's Young Rep program. UC Santa Cruz graduate. SBDA instructor since 2016 with performance experience in The Nutcracker.
Angela Avila
Advanced Ballet Instructor
Former professional dancer with Hartford Ballet and Israeli Ballet. Teaching nationally since 2020. Specializes in advanced ballet and pointe instruction. SBDA faculty member with daughter in Level 6 training.
Questions
What dance styles do you teach?
We offer ballet, jazz, contemporary, modern, Afro Haitian, and Samba instruction for ages 3+ with certified instructors.
How do I register for classes?
Registration is available through our online portal. New school year classes start August 25, 2025 with open enrollment.
What performance opportunities exist?
Students participate in Nutcracker productions, community events, and competitive teams. Spectra Dance Team performs 6+ times annually.
Are there parent involvement requirements?
Parents receive regular updates through our portal. Volunteer opportunities available for recitals and community performances.
What are your studio locations?
Main studio at 101 McCray Street Suite 104, Hollister, CA 95023 with additional facilities in the area.
Do you offer adult dance classes?
Yes, we provide adult ballet and dance fitness classes for all skill levels with experienced instructors.
Reviews (6)
Jeanta Wolfaardt
Feb 02, 2020
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We can not say enough great things about Flying Colors Dance & Fitness. Our daughter absolutely loves going there. She enjoys every single teacher and class. Our daughter has gained so much confidence since going there. Not only is she learning to dance and perform but also how to lead and mentor as well as giving back to the community. She has made many friends there and literally has a smile on her face every second of every class. Our family enjoys the recital annually and we love the positive environment at the studio/in class. Our daughter also loved every summer camp she has done at the
Araceli Barocio
Oct 22, 2019
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We are going into our 3rd year with flying colors and we cant wait. Both my daughter and I enjoy it so much. Our family and friends anxiously await for the dance recital:) Amy and her staff just run such a great dance studio.
P. Barna
Oct 12, 2019
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We are entering our 4th year with Flying Colors Dance. My 6 year old daughter enjoys and looks forward to her weekly dance class. She has participated in several styles of dance covering, Tap, Jazz, Princess Ballet and summer Zumba class. Miss Amy and Miss Rae have been welcoming, patient and kind. My son took the Intelidance, Parent and Me class with Miss Kimmy. We love Miss Kimmy and still sing the songs that we learned. I am looking forward to enrolling my youngest daughter in this program too. The new studio has plenty of parking, roomy waiting area, clean bathrooms, leotards and dance shoes
Liza Rodriguez
Sep 25, 2019
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My girls really enjoy taking classes at Flying Colors Dance Studio! I started them off with taking a Zumba Class, they loved the freestyle dance and choreographed routines to the upbeat music. At the end of year recital they saw all the other beautiful and fun dance routines which opened up the world of dance to them. Now they take classes in Tap, Jazz, and Team Dance Spectra at the studio. I highly recommend this location if your child is curious or interested in dance. The owner Amy, instructors and staff have been great to work with, friendly, professional, and encouraging!
Jessica Info Miracle
Sep 06, 2019
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Amy, the owner, is one of the kindest people you will ever meet. She runs a phenomenal studio. Highly recommend!
Evelia Iniguez
Jun 17, 2019
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We are very happy to participate in flying Colors dance, this is our fourth year in flying colors. My daughters love their class and they really like the teachers too. I think it's another way for our children to meet more friends. I am very happy that my daughters attending here. I personally recommend flying colors
