A positive moment I experienced at Hart Academy was during the 2022 Spotlight Nationals when myself, along with my sister Catherine, stood by our baby cousin, Bailey’s side as she received the Dancer’s Against Cancer scholarship. Bailey is a young passionate dancer whose mom, Jamie Tomlinson, passed away from cancer in February of 2022. After such a sad and unfortunate time in our family, it brought much happiness seeing Bailey on stage performing her best just as her mom always dreamed for her. This scholarship & Hart’s partnership with the Dancers Against Cancer Foundation contributed to Bailey’s ability to remain in dance even until now!
Parent
I found Hart Academy of Dance through their YouTube channel and was blown away by the talent and positive reviews of the dance studio. I was looking for a studio that was family friendly, not toxic, had loving encouraging staff and good customer service. I instantly found all that at Hart. My daughter was the most introverted, shy and quiet (almost silent) 4 year old I’ve ever encountered but she loved to dance. From starting out in Miss. Kayla’s combo class at 4 years old to now dancing her 4th season on the competition team. I am blown away by her growth not only as a dancer but as a person. While still quiet she has completely come out of her shell and is no longer the shy girl she used to be. Hart has become our second home with so many wonderful friends who have become family. Miss Diana, the teachers, and admin genuinely care about each dancer and want what’s best for them. There’s no place we’d rather be.
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Alumni
Hart Academy was truly my second family, and I will forever value the mentorship, support, and genuine care I received there. The memories I made are some of my most cherished, and the life lessons I learned extend far beyond dance. I am so grateful to have been part of a community that helped shape who I am today.
Parent
Juliet has been dancing at HART Academy of Dance for 8 years, studying various dance styles. Over the past two years, her passion and love for Ballet and Pointe have blossomed under the guidance of Ms Brittney Hattrup and Ms Lexy Ramirez. The past two Christmas seasons, she had the privilege of dancing as Clara in Whittier Community Theaters’ Nutcracker, alongside many other amazing teachers and dancers in LA and Orange County.
One of the things we love about Hart Academy is that it nurtures the individual dancers’ passions and encourages them to pursue their dreams while offering a diverse range of training and dance styles. This summer, Juliet is thrilled to announce her acceptance into Southland Ballet Academy’s International Summer Intensive. There, she will train with Artistic Director, Iain Mackay, from the Royal Ballet School in the UK, as well as Artistic Directors, Larissa & Gennadi Saveliev, of Youth America Grand Prix.
Juliet is deeply grateful to Ms. Diana Gregor, and all her teachers at Hart, for their encouragement and support in her growth and love for Ballet. She is excited about what the future may hold and grateful for the studio that fostered her beginnings!
Dancers
Winning nationals with Greatest show and also getting the golden buzzer after working so hard for it as a team!! -Sofia Briones
One meaningful memory would be at nationals when greatest show beat our biggest competitors and when we were waiting for first to be called we were all crying, screaming, and all holding hands and when our dance got called it really felt like we did it and knowing that we worked so hard it meant so much to us. -Jia Bang
Alumni & Staff
Hart Academy is where I grew into the person I am today. Little me watching Dance Moms at 9 years old would laugh in my face if I told her I danced competitively for one of THE BEST dance studios in California! I previously danced at a small dance studio that I still cherish, but my mom wanted better training for my sister and I. I had the biggest attitude every time we had to drive so far to Hart, but it was one of the best decisions my parents made for my development. I believe my parents found Hart on a Facebook ad – what a full circle moment because now I am lucky enough to be Hart’s Media Manager! This my first “big girl” job and I feel so blessed to learn from Miss Diana and Mr Steven in a new capacity. I also love how the Admin Team supports and welcomes me with open arms. Everyone at Hart has made such a lasting impact on me, allowing me to develop life skills such as time management, dedication, posture, and work ethic. Seeing all the technology at dance competitions inspired me to pursue a Bachelor’s in Information Technology and Master’s in Data Analytics, in hopes that I’d end up in the technology realm of performing arts. What a dream come true! I love how Hart not only trains strong technique for the hardcore students who want to be professional dancers, but also creates a fun, safe environment for those who just want to have fun! Hart is not just “a dance studio”. It is truly a family and has room for everybody! One quick mention: I met my very best friends and love my lifelong Hart friendships! I have two baby cousins who have just started at Hart, and seeing their growth at 2 and 3 years old after only 3 weeks of classes has warmed my heart. I can’t wait to see how far they’ll go at Hart Academy! Love, Miss Ameren <3
Victoria DeRousse
Alumni