ABOUT STUDIO WEST

ALMOST 30 YEARS OF DANCE IN FAIRLAWN

OUR STORY

FROM ONE STUDIO TO A NATIONAL POWERHOUSE

Studio West Performing Arts Centre opened its doors in 1996 with a simple goal: give every dancer in Fairlawn a place to grow, perform, and belong. Since then, thousands of students have trained here — from first-time tiny tots to dancers who've gone on to national titles.

Today Studio West is one of the most decorated studios in the region: our competition team has been named national champions eight years running, the studio itself has earned Studio of the Year honors eleven times, and our dancers have claimed the National Dancer of the Year title fourteen times.

But the trophies aren't the point — they're proof of what happens when strong technique meets a genuinely supportive community.

Studio West dancers and family celebrating on stage
8
Years Running National Champions
11×
Studio of the Year Awards
14×
National Dancer of the Year Titles
Photo of Mark & Erin Smith
MEET THE OWNERS

MARK & ERIN SMITH

Mark and Erin Smith founded Studio West in 1996 and have led it ever since — building a program known as much for its warmth as its trophy case. They believe every student, from the shyest three-year-old to the most driven competitor, deserves expert instruction and a genuine sense of belonging.

Nearly thirty years later, that philosophy is still the heart of Studio West.

OUR FACULTY

MEET THE TEACHERS

Photo of Brooke Smith
Brooke Smith
Ballet & Pointe
Photo of Destiney Johnson
Destiney Johnson
Hip Hop & Acro
Photo of Clover Brown
Clover Brown
Contemporary & Hip Hop

Hello! My name is Clover Brown and I’m currently an Exercise Physiology student at the University of Akron. I started my dance journey in 2016 at the age of 11 and I have been instructing since 2023. My favorite styles are contemporary and hip hop but ballet admittedly has a special place in my heart! Music, movement, and community are my driving forces; I believe that everyone deserves to move, no matter their ability.

Photo of Hannah McDonald
Hannah McDonald
Tap

Hannah is a Dance major at Kent State University with training in a variety of styles and a special love for tap. She began tapping at age six and has performed tap solos for over 10 years, earning multiple titles and awards at dance competitions, along with numerous duets and group pieces. At Kent State, she has performed in several pieces for the Fall Faculty Dance Concerts and choreographed For the Love She Left for the Kent State Student Dance Festival. Outside of dance, Hannah served as President of her sorority, where she developed a passion for leadership and mentoring. She loves sharing her passion for dance and helping students grow in confidence and technique.

COME SEE STUDIO WEST FOR YOURSELF

Tour the studio, meet our faculty, and try a free trial class.

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