Business Details
Premier Dance Education for Youth in Old Saybrook, CT
At Astra Studio Of Dance & Performing Arts of Dance & Performing Arts, we believe every child possesses the potential to shine brightly through dance. Founded with a passion for the performing arts, our studio provides exceptional dance training for youth in an environment that nurtures both technical skill and personal growth. Our name, derived from the Latin word for stars, reflects our commitment to helping each student discover their unique light. Through fun, high-energy classes, dancers develop discipline, goal-setting abilities, teamwork, and confidence that extends beyond the studio.We emphasize creative expression, meaningful connections, and lifelong friendships while preparing future leaders through the transformative power of dance. Our professional studio features an oversized dance floor and floor-to-ceiling mirrors, with opportunities for outdoor classes in favorable weather. With programs for ages 2-18, including summer intensives and competitive dance companies, we offer comprehensive training that celebrates individuality and artistic excellence.
Services
Dance Classes
Summer Intensives
Company Auditions
Preschool Programs
Competitive Training
Performance Opportunities
Highlights and features
- We offer certified instructors with professional dance affiliations
- Our studio provides outdoor dance experiences in natural settings
- We combine technical mastery with character development programs
- Our faculty includes National Honor Society for Dance Arts sponsors
- We maintain small class sizes for personalized instruction
Associations and certifications
- Dance Masters of America
- Dance Educators of America
- Acrobatic Arts
- National Honor Society for Dance Arts
What people say
Creative environment
Engaging instructors
Confidence building
Fun atmosphere
Encouraging staff
Services
Dance Classes
Structured dance instruction for ages 2-18 covering ballet, jazz, tap, and contemporary styles. Classes emphasize technical mastery while fostering creativity and self-expression. Our professional instructors provide personalized attention in small class settings.
Summer Intensives
Week-long training programs focusing on multiple dance styles and performance techniques. Includes strength conditioning, choreography workshops, and collaborative learning experiences. Designed to accelerate technical growth and artistic development during summer months.
Competitive Training
Specialized programs preparing dancers for regional and national competitions. Combines advanced technique classes with choreography rehearsals and performance coaching. Requires audition and commitment to structured training schedules.
Preschool Programs
Age-appropriate introduction to dance fundamentals for 2-4 year olds. Focuses on motor skill development, musicality, and creative expression through playful, engaging activities designed for young learners.
Company Auditions
Annual evaluation process determining placement in competitive dance companies. Includes technical assessments and choreography demonstrations. Provides pathways for dancers to join award-winning performance teams at various skill levels.
People
Brittany Wigglesworth
Artistic Director/Owner
Certified dance educator with affiliations from Dance Masters of America and Acrobatic Arts. Holds a B.A. in Theatre Arts and specializes in creating nurturing environments for young dancers to develop technical and creative skills.
Emily Swain
Ballet Mistress
B.F.A. graduate in Ballet Performance with expertise in classical technique. Brings professional performance experience to our ballet instruction while maintaining the studio's artistic standards and nurturing approach.
Brandon D. Gregoire
Contemporary Dance Educator
Holds M.F.A. in Contemporary Dance and B.F.A. in Performing Arts. Contributes modern dance expertise through innovative teaching methods and professional affiliations with national dance organizations.
Kelsie Roy
Movement Educator
B.A. graduate in Dance with specialized training in creative movement instruction. Focuses on developing students' physical awareness and artistic expression through dynamic, engaging teaching techniques.
Misty Chapman
Preschool Specialist
Certified instructor specializing in early childhood dance education. Creates age-appropriate curricula that introduce young children to dance fundamentals through playful, developmentally-focused activities.
Questions
What age groups do you cater to?
We offer programs for children aged 2-4 (Preschool), 5-7 (Minis), 8-11 (Juniors), and Teens/Seniors.
Do you offer summer programs?
Yes, our Summer Intensives run in August with two-week options focusing on multiple dance styles and technique development.
Are there performance opportunities?
All students participate in winter holiday shows and spring recitals, with competitive dancers performing at regional and national events.
What dance styles do you teach?
We offer ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, contemporary, acrobatics, hip hop, modern, and musical theatre classes.
How do I join the dance company?
Auditions occur in June. Competitive dancers must attend summer intensives and meet class requirements for their company level.
Videos
Reviews (7)
Mylena Cruz
Nov 14, 2020
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I unfortunately had to waste a year dancing here and dreaded going there every day. They cared more about getting money and the monthly tuition than actually getting to know their students and their talents. I learned nothing new. Me and a friend of mine who also danced there wanted to perform a duet which we had choreographed ourselves and instead of encouraging us to keep going and dancing. Britney and her mom said we could only perform it if Britney choreographed it and we payed for a couple weeks of lessons together. This is probably the nicest out of all the bad experiences Ive had at Astra
Yvonne Reynolds
Jul 14, 2019
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Astra Studio is amazing. They are a dedicated team that go above and beyond in teaching my girls beautiful dances. I have been coming here since day one of their business a few years back. They are kind, caring, and patient with my little ballerinas. I love the level of pride they have for the dancers, and how much love they show that for their students. I cant recommend this studio enough. Nanci and Brittany are wonderful!
Emerson A.
Jul 14, 2019
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I absolutely love it here, it is my second year dancing here and it is very much so like a family. They push you to become so much better than you could ever imagine you could be. I have had a nothing but positive experience dancing here. They treat every student equally and make sure every students needs are accommodated. I havent met someone who hasnt walked away with a good experience.
Kate H.
Mar 16, 2019
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Astra is a phenomenal dance studio. This is our second year here; after several years dancing at another studio, I was amazed at how quickly my daughters improved and how much they learned in a short time at Astra. By the time the recital came around, I was blown away by how much they could do. My girls are also on the Astra competition teams and we all love going to competitions. Miss Brittany is a clever and talented choreographer; her artistry shines through with every number and costume. Miss Brittany and Miss Nanci are genuinely warm and kind; they treat their dancers (and their families)
Joanne Golembeski
Dec 12, 2018
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My Grandchildren have been apart of the Astra family for the past two years. I say family because this studio is just that, a home away from home!! My Grandkids have not only grown with their social skills where mutual respect and cooperation is most important but have developed self confidence, motivation and dedication, all the while being able to accept constructive criticism and direction. Miss Brittany is a wonderful teacher and mentor. All her dancers love her and the way she makes learning fun. She is always smiling...that alone is contagious! Brittany is not only a gifted teacher and
Abby Johnson
Sep 01, 2018
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Not a positive experience for my 10 yr old daughter. She was penalized for an upcoming position on a brand new unannounced competitive team and publicly shamed in front of her classmates because I messed up the recital dates and said she wouldn't be able to attend. Point is..I made the mistake but my daughtet paid the price. Doesn't bode well for a company whose clientele are children. Shame on them
Mike Golembeski
Aug 26, 2018
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Astra truly is a family away from home, and a place where I can feel confident my children are receiving the most well-rounded performance education possible. I say "performance education", as it is not only limited to dance. Brittany is able to successfully integrate elements of acting, character development, solid dance fundamentals and self-confidence. All of these result in a solid performance and deeper understanding of how to put emotion into a performance and connect with an audience. I have noticed tremendous improvement in both of my children and an ever increasing love of the performing
