Dussich Dance Studio

Business Details

50+ Years

experience

Your Premier Dance Studio in Merritt Island, FL

Dussich Dance Studio opened its doors in Cocoa Beach, FL in 1958 with 25 students under the leadership of Liz Bevilacqua. In 1983, the studio relocated to Merritt Island, FL to accommodate growth and provide a more centralized location. We are proud members of the Brevard Cultural Alliance and the Dance Community of Brevard, supporting local institutions like the Maxwell C. King Center for the Performing Arts and Eastern Florida State College. Our faculty are certified members of professional dance organizations, attending workshops and conventions annually to maintain their expertise. Mrs. Liz Bevilacqua, a Certified Instructor with Florida Dance Masters for over 60 years, and her daughter Anna, certified for 40+ years, lead our team.

Our philosophy emphasizes developing 'THE WHOLE DANCER' through curriculum, health guidance, and performance techniques. We believe dance is a lifelong pursuit that combines physical and mental rewards, offering classes for all ages from young children to adults. Our motto, 'DANCE IS OUR PASSION,' reflects our commitment to fostering a healthy, joyful pastime. With over 65 years of community involvement, we continue to innovate while honoring our legacy of excellence.

Services

Ballet Tap Jazz Musical Theater Hip Hop Lyrical Contemporary Pointe Adult Classes Competition Team

Details

Year established: 1958

Highlights and features

65+ years of excellence in dance education
Certified instructors with generational expertise
Community-focused programs with charitable outreach
Comprehensive curriculum from toddler classes to adult dance
Award-winning competition team with professional alumni

Associations and certifications

Florida Dance Masters

What people say

Award-winning instructors Community involvement Generational expertise Performance opportunities Holistic approach

Website

Update Listing

Services

Ballet

Our ballet program builds foundational technique for dancers aged 7+. Students develop posture, flexibility, and grace through barre and center work. Classes are divided by skill level from beginner to advanced, with pointe training available for qualified students. Our curriculum prepares dancers for both recreational and professional paths.

Hip Hop

High-energy hip hop classes teach breaking, popping, and locking techniques to ages 5+. Focus on strength training, stamina building, and personal style development. No prior experience needed for beginner classes, while advanced levels require instructor approval to ensure technical readiness.

Competition Team

Our award-winning competition team trains in multiple genres including jazz, lyrical, and contemporary. Members participate in regional/national events, developing discipline and performance skills. Mandatory ballet/jazz enrollment ensures technical excellence, with fundraising opportunities to offset competition costs.

Adult Classes

Social and fitness-focused dance classes for adults 13+. Options include tap, ballet, jazz, and partner dancing. Designed for all skill levels from beginners to experienced dancers, emphasizing fun and physical wellness in a supportive environment.

Progressive Ballet Technique

Specialized PBT classes strengthen intrinsic muscles for safe pointe transitions. Using repetitive movement patterns with music, students improve posture, alignment, and muscle memory. Recommended for intermediate ballet dancers preparing for advanced training.

People

Liz Bevilacqua

Founder & Director

Certified Florida Dance Masters instructor with 60+ years experience. Established Dussich Dance Studio in 1958 and developed its foundational curriculum. Author of FDM Ballet Syllabus and Dictionary, teaching adult classes while overseeing studio operations.

Anna Spangler

Owner & Office Manager

Third-generation dance educator with 40+ FDM certification years. Former professional dancer with Walt Disney World and regional theaters. Managing studio operations since 2016 while maintaining family legacy of dance excellence.

Tabatha Lopez

Artistic Director

FDM-certified instructor teaching preschool to competition levels. Specializes in acro and lyrical dance, with professional experience on Regent Seven Seas Cruise Lines. Holds childhood development certifications and leads our special education dance programs.

Laura Serrano

Ballet Instructor

MPH holder with expertise in injury prevention. Teaches ballet emphasizing biomechanics and physiology. Certified through Florida Dance Masters after studying under Elizabeth Bevilacqua and Deborah Townsend for 15 years.

Karis Rause

Master Instructor

21-year teaching veteran with Broadway Dance Center experience. Certified in PBT and Florida Dance Masters member. Choreographs competition solos and teaches advanced students while maintaining industry connections through judging roles.

Questions

What dance styles do you offer?

We teach ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, lyrical, contemporary, musical theater, Irish dance, pointe, and adult fitness classes.

What age groups do you accept?

Classes available for toddlers (18 months+) through adults, with specialized programs for preschoolers, children, teens, and adults.

Are there performance opportunities?

Yes! Our annual recital, Imperial Dance Corps community performances, and competition team participate in regional/national events.

How do class levels work?

Dancers are evaluated for skill-appropriate placement from beginner (Level 1) to advanced (Level 5) across all dance styles.

Do you offer scholarships?

Yes, we award multiple scholarships annually through our patron program that supports dancer education and training expenses.

What safety measures are in place?

Certified instructors emphasize injury prevention, with specialized training in safe pointe preparation and age-appropriate technique development.

Reviews (7)

Write a Review

Zack Isaac

Dec 12, 2021 Report

A friend suggested I take my 2 1/2 year old daughter to Dussich to test out dance. SHE LOVED IT! Ms. Tabatha sparked the love of dancing in my little girl and now at age 7 she is getting instruction in 6 dance styles. She is a truly talented dancer who loves learning about her body through this art form. There isn't any pressure to push beyond unreasonable limits, but you receive a gentle push to be your best self. She is harder on herself than anyone else. She unexpectedly won, and is now honored as the Florida Dance Masters Mini Miss 2021. If you want a loving family environment that embraces

Janelle Biss

Aug 17, 2021 Report

My husband is active duty and our girls have danced at studios all over the country. Dussich is hands down the best! Students get a top notch dance education in a safe and encouraging environment and know they are important and that they matter. The relationships that the owners and teachers build with the students is priceless. They have a very welcoming and inclusive
environment where dancers are free to learn and make mistakes without judgement! Our family is so impressed that we can have all of this without sacrificing an amazing dance education. Dussich is truly the best of both worlds and

Nicola Gerges

Aug 03, 2021 Report

All Dussich instructors are either FDM or certified by degree in various dance styles. It shows that they know their stuff! My daughter and I love the way she is both supported and pushed to perfection. Classes are well paced and affordable which allows her to acquire instruction in multle genres. Thanks for helping my little one blossom into a graceful young lady!

Marie-Claire Villanueva

Jun 14, 2021 Report

We love all the teachers and staff at this studio. There’s so much positivity and joy at every class. It’s a wonderful community for children and adults!

Isabella Latorre

Apr 01, 2021 Report

I love this place right now i have 5 classes but even though its tiring I love being here its like a second family to me I love being able to go here because if I feel sad I have so many friends here that care about me and it makes me so happy

Rayna Latorre

Oct 19, 2020 Report

My daughter in her 7th year with Dussich, and we wouldn't think to take her anywhere else! Such positive role models, with good family values. My daughter has always done routines and been in costumes that are age appropriate! Even makeup for recital is minimal! Teachers take the time to correct in a caring way. I've never seen any of our current teachers be negative toward a dancer. They even encouraged me to chase my dreams and be brave enough to try a few classes. I've never danced before - EVER. And now I wish I had started years ago when my daughter did. We even had my son in a class a few

Jenny Whitten

May 22, 2020 Report

We love Dussich Dance studio! This is my daughters 5th year with the studio & she loves it! Not only has she made lifelong positive friends but her skills as a dancer & her overall love for dance has flourished beyond anything I could imagine! The icing on the cake, its a family owned & operated business thats been around over sixty years! If youre looking for a dance studio, look no further because you have found your place!!