Studio W

Studio W

Strong Dancers. Strong Community.

Class Schedule

Season 6 July 28, 2025 – July 25, 2026 Registration is open now! Some classes are already full – don’t wait! Sign up for your FREE trial week today! Class Descriptions Sign Up Level Placement...

SWDC

Auditions are July 26, 2025 for Season 6! Click above to learn more about what it takes be an SWDC dancer! Our Team Store is live! Shop and support the dancers here! What does it...

Summer Showcase

Season 5 Summer Showcase Tickets available June 1st!Program A click hereProgram B click here Info for participating families:Click here to download your Performance Packet Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Share this: Click to share on X (Opens...

Classes

Scroll through and decide which class is right for you!

Ballet

Ballet provides a solid foundation for most other forms of dance and even other sports. This classical art form teaches grace, coordination and instills confidence. Ballet follows a strict and very specific technique; at Studio W we primarily use the Vaganova method but like to incorporate some other methods as well.

Acrobatic Arts

Formerly known as tumbling. Ability and age-appropriate skills taught for each child in class. Instructors are trained in spotting techniques, body mechanics and safety for dancers. It is strongly recommended to take this class in combination with at least one other dance class. Tumbling classes do not perform in studio show cases.

Tap

In our mostly Broadway style tap dance classes, dancers learn percussive rhythms and develop precision and musicality. These fun, high energy classes are sure to get your feet moving!

SWDC Shine

Shine is our performance troupe. They travel around Sonoma County to perform at various events and talent shows! Learn more here.

Pre-Dance

Introduction to basic dance principles. Dancers learn basic motor skills, spatial awareness, rhythm, self-control and the skills necessary to be in a structured learning environment through dance, fun games and group activities.

Strength & Stretch

A conditioning class designed with dancers in mind, but appropriate for everyone. Participants gain mobility, strength and coordination while completing challenging exercises set to fun music. All movements are modifiable, all abilities welcome!

Turns & Leaps

This class focuses mainly on jazz turns and leaps. Ideal for dancers levels 2 and up that want to reinforce what they’re learning in jazz or lyrical class or want to learn new skills!

Hip Hop

Hip hop teaches musicality and rhythm while allowing dancers to find their own groove. Our classes focus on foundational styles in a fun, high energy environment.

SWDC Flare

Flare is our competitive hip hop team! Dancers train hard in their required classes and rehearsals each week to prepare for three competitions in the spring. Learn more here.

Parent Participation Classes

We have two new classes for your tiny dancers! Dance with Me & Tumble with Me classes will help children develop gross motor skills and coordination while preparing them for preschool and independent dance classes Meet new friends and chat with fellow parents!

Lyrical

Lyrical dance is a combination of many dance techniques, mostly ballet and jazz, used to create choreography usually set to the lyrics of a song. The choreography tends to be more on. the emotional and expressive side, and class usually leaves you feeling happy and refreshed!

Jazz

Classical and contemporary jazz technique with an emphasis on jumps, kicks and turns. These classes focus on low/grounded movement, isolations, sharp lines and precision of movement. Dancers learn fun, upbeat choreography.

Musical Theatre

These classes combine jazz dance technique with acting skills. Dancers learn fun choreography usually set to songs from popular (and age appropriate) musicals while working on facial expressions and exaggerating their movements.

SWDC Glow

Glow is our competitive jazz/contemporary team! Dancers train hard to develop proper technique and compete at three competitions in the spring. Learn more here.


Let’s Dance!


Nourishing a Dancing Body

Dancers ask a lot of their bodies, and it's so important that you're fueling yourself with enough nutritious food to...
Read More "Nourishing a Dancing Body"

Set Them Up for Success!

How to prepare your dancers for SWDC auditions. 1. Get mentally prepared Talk your dancer through the process. They'll check...
Read More "Set Them Up for Success!"

Dance Parent 101

Photo Credit: Scot Gibson Photography You filled out the enrollment form. You bought the pink tights and shoes. You've even...
Read More "Dance Parent 101"

Dance Class Etiquette

Photo Credit: Scott Gibson Photography Your teachers put so much time and planning into each dance class because they respect...
Read More "Dance Class Etiquette"

What is my child actually learning in preschool dance class?

To most, a pre-dance class looks like a grown up galloping around and playing games with a group of 4...
Read More "What is my child actually learning in preschool dance class?"

Events


You can click/tap events to read more. If you’re on a phone, turn sideways for easier reading.

Nourishing a Dancing Body

Dancers ask a lot of their bodies, and it's so important that you're fueling yourself with enough nutritious food to replace all the energy you...
Read More "Nourishing a Dancing Body"

Set Them Up for Success!

How to prepare your dancers for SWDC auditions. 1. Get mentally prepared Talk your dancer through the process. They'll check in at the front desk,...
Read More "Set Them Up for Success!"

Dance Parent 101

Photo Credit: Scot Gibson Photography You filled out the enrollment form. You bought the pink tights and shoes. You've even practiced your bun-making skills. You're...
Read More "Dance Parent 101"

Dance Class Etiquette

Photo Credit: Scott Gibson Photography Your teachers put so much time and planning into each dance class because they respect you and your commitment to...
Read More "Dance Class Etiquette"

What is my child actually learning in preschool dance class?

To most, a pre-dance class looks like a grown up galloping around and playing games with a group of 4 year olds. Ask the dance...
Read More "What is my child actually learning in preschool dance class?"

Meet the Instructors

Amanda Westergard

Owner, Instructor, SWDC Director

Amanda is the Owner and Director of Studio W and teaches classes in ballet, jazz, lyrical, contemporary and acro each week. She is also the Director of our Dance Company. Amanda began dancing in 2004, when she was 14 years old.  Since then, she has danced with many different instructors in Sonoma County and studied dance at Santa Rosa Junior College. Amanda danced with Surge Modern Dance company and has performed in five of SRJC’s annual spring performances. She also has choreographed dances for the SRJC performances. During her eleven years of teaching, she began a dance company, a summer camp program and made several life long friendships. Amanda has seventeen years experience in teaching ballet, jazz, hip hop, lyrical, tumbling, choreography and preschool dance programs. Her favorite thing about teaching is she’s also always learning and growing her skills as a dancer and instructor.

Andrea Tidd

Instructor, SWDC Co-Director

Andrea began dancing and doing theatre when she was 8 years old. She really fell in love with the process of learning, applying and finally getting on stage for a big performance. She graduated from Art Quest at Santa Rosa High School in 2005, and went on to study dance in college. She has worked with children for almost 10 years and loves every moment of it. Her favorite color is orange and she loves her garden. She has an 8 year old son and two dogs, Luna and Obi. She is so happy to be part of the Studio W family and can’t wait to watch all the kids grow and learn. 

Taylor Haney

Hip Hop Instructor

Taylor found dance to be her passion while expressing herself creatively through music and gymnastics growing up. In 2010, she began dancing on the Windsor High School Dance Team and, by senior year, became the choreographer. Between 2012 and 2015, Taylor performed and competed with Santa Rosa hip-hop dance crews and later started her own after opening up a dance studio called Canopy Dance Co. Taylor started a high school hip-hop dance club called Syncing Society and coached the Windsor High School Dance Team prior to opening up her own dance studio. She has taught dance in elementary schools throughout Sonoma County with Luther Burbank Center’s Dancers Unite program, along with teaching dance classes to all ages at Art & Soul, The Dance Center and Windsor Fitness Club. Taylor is committed to the hip-hop and heels dance community in Sonoma County and creates an all-inclusive vibe because she believes everybody deserves the opportunity to express themselves through dance.

Katelyn Blockinger

Tap Instructor

Katelyn is a seasoned performer, with over 20 years of professional credits. An Ohio native, Katelyn grew up dancing every moment possible, competing with her local studio and performing with many Cleveland professional theaters. She moved to New York City and graduated from the Musical Theatre program at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts with a focus on Dance.

Shortly after graduation, Katelyn was offered a position in the long running Las Vegas showgirl spectacular Donn Arden’s Jubilee! where her high kicking, glamorous costume wearing dreams came true. She also performed extensively with a vintage style company, the LA Follies during her years in Los Angeles. 

Katelyn has appeared in regional theatre productions all over the country, and a couple internationally! She spent many years in Portland, Oregon teaching tap, choreographing musicals and performing locally.

She has a passion for passing on her knowledge and loves to watch students grow as performers.  Katelyn hopes to inspire the next generation of performers, while continuing to educate about the roots of dance, especially the iconic choreographers who made dance what it is today.