Business Details
Premier Dance Education in Clearwater, FL
At MZ Dance Company, we cultivate passionate dancers of all ages through professional classical dance education and circus arts training. Founded by Miranda Heitz, our studio combines decades of industry experience with a commitment to creating a safe, inclusive environment where students develop technical proficiency and artistic expression. Our curriculum integrates Ballet, Modern, Jazz, and specialized aerial disciplines, preparing dancers for professional careers while emphasizing community engagement and holistic personal growth. With a faculty of award-winning instructors, we offer unique programs like annual original story ballets, collegiate-level Modern techniques, and accessible adult classes. Our non-competitive approach fosters creativity through two full productions per season and local performance opportunities, ensuring every student finds their artistic voice.We prioritize comprehensive training through written exams, cross-disciplinary study, and partnerships with industry professionals, maintaining rigorous standards while nurturing individuality. Our facility features sprung floors, professional lighting systems, and dedicated spaces for aerial arts, reflecting our commitment to providing optimal training environments. As a community-focused organization, we actively participate in local festivals and outreach programs, believing dance should be both an artistic pursuit and a vehicle for social connection.
Services
Ballet Training
Modern Dance
Aerial Arts
Hip Hop Classes
Adult Dance Programs
Cyr Wheel Instruction
Musical Theater
Tap Dance
Acro/Tumbling
Community Performances
Highlights and features
- Our faculty includes nationally recognized instructors with decades of professional experience
- We offer unique programs combining classical dance with cutting-edge aerial arts training
- Annual original story ballet productions provide unparalleled performance opportunities
- Non-discriminatory environment welcoming dancers of all backgrounds and ability levels
- Comprehensive curriculum includes written dance theory exams and collegiate-level techniques
Services
Ballet Training
Our comprehensive ballet program develops technical mastery through multiple methodologies including Checchetti, RAD, and Vaganova techniques. Students progress through structured levels with annual written exams and performance opportunities in original story ballets. The curriculum emphasizes proper alignment, classical variations, and performance artistry while maintaining a focus on injury prevention and safe training practices.
Aerial Arts
Specialized aerial instruction covers Silks, Lyra, Trapeze, and Hammock techniques with safety-focused progressions. Classes build foundational strength and spatial awareness through ground-based training before advancing to aerial sequences. Our facility features professional rigging systems and equipment for both recreational and performance-level students seeking to develop circus arts proficiency.
Modern Dance
This program explores Limon, Horton, and Graham techniques with an emphasis on creative expression and technical versatility. Students develop movement vocabulary through floor work, improvisation, and partnering exercises while studying dance history and composition principles to prepare for collegiate and professional opportunities in modern dance.
Community Performances
We provide regular performance opportunities beyond the studio through community events, festivals, and charity engagements. These experiences emphasize dance as a community-building tool while developing students' stage presence and adaptability to different performance environments, aligning with our mission of artistic outreach and social connection.
Adult Dance Programs
Designed for post-secondary students and adults, our program offers accessible Ballet and Aerial classes with flexible scheduling. The curriculum focuses on maintaining technical proficiency, creative expression, and physical wellness for mature dancers, emphasizing community building and continued artistic growth regardless of prior experience level.
People
Miranda E. Heitz
Artistic Director
With over 30 years of dance experience, Miranda Heitz holds Royal Academy of Dance certification and has performed professionally in roles like The Queen of Hearts in Alice in Wonderland. She founded MZ Dance Company after teaching and choreographing award-winning routines at national competitions, bringing expertise in Ballet, Modern, and aerial arts instruction.
Mary Susan Sinclair-Kuenning
Cyr Wheel Instructor
A former competitive Highland dancer with a B.A. in Dance from Sweet Briar College, Mary Susan trained at the Limon Institute and performed with NYC's Mosaic Dance Theater. She represented Team USA in Cyr Wheel World Championships and co-created 'SPUN,' the first Cyr Wheel performance at Jacob's Pillow Festival.
Meka Taulbee
Acro Instructor
Certified in acroyoga and with 20+ years teaching dance, Meka combines fitness expertise from training Olympic sailors with creative movement instruction. She brings a holistic approach to Acro/Tumbling classes, emphasizing body-mind connection and safe progression through technical skills.
Jesika Amoriello
Ballet Instructor
With 20+ years of professional dance experience, Jesika has performed principal roles in major ballets and trained with Florida West Ballet and the Sarasota Ballet. She integrates her mental health expertise into ballet instruction, focusing on technical excellence and artistic development.
Isa Hobert
Aerial Instructor
A Florida native with extensive gymnastics and aerial arts background, Isa specializes in Silks, Hammock, and Trapeze instruction. Their expertise includes partner acrobatics and hand balancing, bringing a technical yet creative approach to aerial training while maintaining safety standards.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We teach Ballet, Modern, Jazz, Hip Hop, Tap, Contemporary, and aerial arts including Silks, Lyra, and Cyr Wheel.
Are adult classes available?
Yes, we offer specialized adult dance programs for all skill levels in Ballet and Aerial disciplines.
What performance opportunities exist?
Students participate in annual original story ballets and two full productions per season with local performance opportunities.
Do you require prior dance experience?
No, our programs welcome all skill levels from beginners to advanced dancers with appropriate class placements.
What is your dress code policy?
Specific attire varies by class but generally includes leotards, dance shorts, and appropriate footwear available through partnered retailers.
How do I rent your event space?
Contact us directly for studio rental packages starting at $200 with flexible booking options for rehearsals and events.
Reviews (7)
Danielle Diamond
Dec 27, 2021
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Absolutely love MZ and highly recommend them to anyone looking for a fun and safe place for kids to express themselves! Miranda is so patient and truly loves what she is doing!
Amanda Ciotuszynski
Aug 06, 2021
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This is truly a wonderful welcoming dance studio that offers a wide variety of dance and circus arts classes! Great performance opportunities for the kids in a non-competitive environment. All of the staff are friendly, helpful, knowledgeable with many years of expertise. Drama free and safe environment for the children. They even have classes for adults too!
Rosa Alma Santoscoy
Jul 24, 2021
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Amazing teachers and community! All of the parents and students are really nice and make you feel at home! All of the teachers truly care about the dancers! You can tell they love what they do, and they instill that love for dance into you. Can’t imagine going anywhere else.
Austin New
Aug 25, 2020
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Family Atmosphere. Miranda does an excellent job making the class fun for the kids but also traching the essentials needed.
Mirandas productions for recitals are beautiful and we'll constructed. They get all kids involved equally and she takes cost into consideration especially for thr younger ones when it comes to costumes. Highly recommend.
Mirandas productions for recitals are beautiful and we'll constructed. They get all kids involved equally and she takes cost into consideration especially for thr younger ones when it comes to costumes. Highly recommend.
Susan Thevenard
Jul 27, 2019
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Mrs Miranda is and amazing teacher. She is great with my toddler and the other kids. Very patient and knowledgeable. The first recital they put on read amazing with all the kids from her classes. An incredible dancer and teacher!
Justyn Davyd
Jan 18, 2019
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I’ve had a great experience at this studio. The inclusive atmosphere is refreshing. Come young, old, talented, or beginner and you will be accepted here.
Mariah Holden
Oct 31, 2018
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The owner is beyond qualified and is kind enough to rent studio space when needed. We appreciated your love for dance and helping the community.
