On Your Toes Dance Academy

Business Details

31 Years

experience

Premier Dance Education in Tamarac, FL

On Your Toes Dance Academy has dedicated itself to dance education for over 29 years, emphasizing both technical excellence and lifelong character development. Our certified instructors, including industry-recognized professionals like Alina Guerrero-Pena and Cynthia Garguilo, bring decades of expertise in ballet, jazz, tap, and contemporary styles. We prioritize proven teaching strategies that foster discipline, confidence, and artistic growth, evidenced by our award-winning competition teams and partnerships with institutions like Dillard Center for the Arts.

With a curriculum designed to enhance cognitive skills through movement and music, we prepare students for success both on and off the stage. Our commitment to quality is reflected in regional accolades, including Special Judges Awards for technical precision and choreographic innovation. By blending classical training with modern pedagogy, we create a learning environment where students develop mastery while exploring their creative potential.

Services

Ballet Jazz Tap Lyrical Contemporary Acro/Gymnastics

Details

Year established: 1995

Highlights and features

We offer 29 years of proven dance education expertise with certified instructors
Our faculty includes award-winning choreographers and former professional dancers
We integrate life skills development with technical dance mastery
Recognized by Broward Cultural Affairs for teaching excellence
Award-winning competition program with regional recognition for innovation

Website

Update Listing

Services

Ballet

Our ballet program develops technical precision and artistic expression through structured training. Students learn traditional techniques while building strength, flexibility, and musicality. Certified instructors use progressive curriculum to prepare dancers for advanced performance opportunities.

Jazz

Jazz classes focus on rhythmic precision and dynamic movement styles. Students explore various jazz techniques while developing performance skills and choreographic creativity in a supportive learning environment.

Tap

Tap instruction emphasizes musicality and footwork complexity. Classes combine technical drills with creative improvisation, helping students develop clear articulation and rhythmic awareness through percussive movement.

Lyrical

Lyrical dance integrates ballet and jazz techniques with emotional storytelling. Students learn to express musical narratives through fluid movements and interpretive choreography in this expressive style.

Acro/Gymnastics

Acro/gymnastics classes develop strength, balance, and flexibility through safe, progressive training. Certified instructors teach proper technique for tumbling and acrobatic movements that complement dance performance skills.

People

Alina Guerrero-Pena

Director of Dance

BFA in Dance from FIU and certified in Elementary Education. 2018 Broward Cultural Affairs Dance Teacher of the Year with 30 years of teaching experience. Director at Dillard Center for the Arts since 2013.

Cynthia Garguilo

Acro Instructor

Established dance school in Georgia in 1983. Former director at Pinecrest and North Broward Preparatory Schools. Developer of nationally recognized Teacher Training Program for acro/gymnastics instruction.

Melissa Bonta

Tap & Jazz Instructor

Professional choreographer with expertise in tap and jazz. Trained in Hollywood, FL since age 5. Specializes in making young dancers shine through accessible, engaging instruction methods.

Gabriella Sanchez

Contemporary Instructor

MFA candidate at Point Park University. BA from New World School of the Arts. Teaches ballet, jazz, lyrical, and contemporary. Choreographed well-received pieces for annual performances.

Questions

What dance styles do you offer?

We offer ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, contemporary, and acro/gymnastics classes for children of all skill levels.

Do you accept beginners?

Yes, we welcome students at all experience levels with age-appropriate classes that build foundational dance skills.

Are your instructors certified?

All instructors are degreed professionals with specialized training and extensive experience in their respective dance disciplines.

Do you have competition teams?

Yes, our award-winning competition teams have received regional recognition for technical excellence and choreographic innovation.

What are your class schedules?

Classes run Monday-Friday with specific times available in our downloadable schedule. Summer intensives and special workshops also available.

Reviews (6)

Write a Review

Chandra Anderson

Jun 21, 2021 Report

We have been with On Your Toes Academy going on four years, getting ready for our third recital this year. They offer a real dance experience for the children that is fun, while teaching them great technique, responsibility and team work. Our seven-year-old loves this place, the teachers and her friends. We have had great communication, professionalism with a caring attitude since we started. We look forward to continuing this wonderful experience in capable hands!

Hitarina Lloyd

Apr 27, 2021 Report

Positive:Quality
The school is amazing, I have my two girls, 5 and 8 years old, more than happy to see their progress, the teachers are very dedicated to their work, they all make a great team, Thanks to the director Miss Alina for her great team with lots of dedication love and patience in teaching the girls.

Tamara Thompson

Oct 03, 2020 Report

My older daughter has been going to On Your Toes dance studio for the last 4 plus years and she absolutely loves it. She has grown tremendously in her dance techniques as well as her self confidence that comes with being a dancer. The owner is professional, strict, but you can tell she loves what she do. I enjoy the end of year recitals, the shows are well put together. My second daughter now dances at OYT and she looks forward to dance class. I would highly recommend this dance studio.

Eileen Turay

Jul 22, 2020 Report

My daughter has been dancing here for over 4 years and loves it. We love the classic ballet instruction and the structure. Many dance places have much too mature choreography for little ones and require heavy makeup/false lashes at too early of an age. I appreciate the tasteful styles provided here and I LOVE seeing the growth my daughter has shown.

Jenny Ayala

May 07, 2020 Report

Positive:Quality
Tuition prices are affordable, I like the quality of the teachers and discipline. Every child can experience the love of dance and love the recitals.

Naomi Ali Mercado

Jul 30, 2018 Report

Amazing school! Girls really learn technique and what it means to be a ballerina. If your looking for a school where your daughter can run around and do as she pleases, this is not the school for you. However, if your looking for a place were your child can really learn the technique and work ethic required to thrive not only in dance but in all areas of life On Your Toes is the perfect place!