The Dance Stop in Willoughby Hills offers a variety of dance classes as well as an inviting atmosphere for students of all ages. 

Owner Lisa Stanziale began her dance career at 6 years old training in tap, ballet and jazz.  Her love of dance flourished as she not only participated in several dance modeling shows, but also traveled to Australia to perform in the World's Fair.  Her dance training took her to New York to train at Broadway Dance Center and Steps, as well as Los Angeles to train at Edge Performing Arts Center.  For over 30 years she has devoted her time to teaching.    

“There came a time in my early 20s, after spending time in New York and L.A., where I had to choose to either move away permanently and continue auditioning, or come back home and start my own business,” comments Stanziale.  “I knew at a young age that I wanted to teach dance and I am grateful for the opportunity to follow that dream.”

The studio offers classes in tap, ballet, jazz, pointe and contemporary as well as an acro class which is designed for the dancer who wants to learn acrobatics.  

For preschoolers, the studio offers a creative class that is a great introduction to the world of dance for little ones and also musical theatre.  

The Dance Stop also offers competitive dance.  Students as young as 6 years old can audition for the competition season.  “During competition season students attend three competitions,” says Stanziale.  “There is an educational aspect as the students attend workshops during the day, then compete in the evening.”  

Every instructor at the studio specializes in the discipline they teach.  It is because of Stanziale's dance training over the years, as well as that of the other instructors that the studio has had many students go on to pursue dance in college as well as a career in dance. 

Stanziale also brings in dancers from the industry, many of whom are former students, throughout the year to work with the students. The wealth of knowledge the guest instructors share helps prepare the students on what it means to pursue dance professionally. 

Former student Dani Vitale is a frequent guest instructor at the studio.  She grew up as a student of Stanziale, then her training took her out to the West Coast.  She eventually joined the Bloc Agency and has been working nonstop ever since.  She has worked with stars such as Katy Perry, Demi Lovato, Beyonce, Rhianna, Rascal Flatts and more. She has performed multiple times on the Grammy Awards, the Super Bowl Halftime Show, Billboard Music Awards, American Music Awards and VMAs.

The fall session begins September 8, 2021.  For more information, call The Dance Stop at 440-585-8803 or visit www.thedancestopstudio.com.