Founded by Mark and Erin Smith, Studio West Performing Arts Centre has spent almost three decades building dancers and building confidence in Fairlawn, Ohio. What started as a small studio has grown into one of the region's most decorated dance programs.
Our competition team has been named national champions for eight years running, and Studio West has earned Studio of the Year honors eleven times — with dancers taking home the National Dancer of the Year title fourteen times over.
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My daughter has been a part of Studio West for 5 years. She not only receives the BEST training to prepare her for a future in collegiate dance, but she has also gained a family. She spends every day in the most supportive, loving environment that cultivates confidence and growth. We couldn’t be happier!
Studio West has been a part of our family’s story for nearly two decades, and it continues to hold a special place in our hearts. Our son first stepped into hip hop and tap classes eighteen years ago with Mr. Mark, whose patient instruction and joyful spirit made every class feel like a dance party. After a long break, he returned during high school for private tap lessons with Mr. Mark and found that dance offered a calming refuge during the challenges of Covid. The Studio West family has known our daughter before she took her first step, watched her tippy-toe across her brother’s classes, helping her relevé into the dancer she has now become. Over the years, we have seen the instructors Mr. Mark, Ms. Erin, Ms. Brooke, Ms. Morgan, Ms. Destiny, Ms. Clover, and Ms. Emma guide students with their steady dispositions and a genuine commitment to nurturing both skill and character. Their family values shine through in every interaction, creating an environment where dancers feel supported, encouraged, and inspired. Being part of Studio West is filled with fun and enthusiasm, from the lively spirit in the studios to the joyful atmosphere at competitions. There is nothing quite like seeing dancers step onto the stage and proudly display the hard work and commitment behind their performances. The memories shared between dancers and parents create a sense of community that makes every event feel special. We are proud to belong to a legacy that nurtures quality dancers and high-caliber competitive performers.
Our daughter started at Studio West Performing Arts Center last year, and we truly couldn’t be happier with the experience. In such a short time, we have watched her grow by leaps and bounds—not only as a dancer, but as a person.
She has become stronger, more confident, and more comfortable in her own skin. She has developed so much technically as a dancer, but what has meant the most to us is seeing the growth in her confidence and mindset. She has also made wonderful friendships and feels genuinely supported and encouraged by the people around her.
A huge part of what makes Studio West so special is the incredible creativity, talent, and vision of Erin, Mark, and Brooke Smith. Their choreography is imaginative, exciting, and challenging, and they have created a studio environment that inspires dancers to push themselves while still having fun. Their passion for dance and for their students truly shines through.
As a parent, I appreciate how well the studio is run and how much care goes into creating such a positive atmosphere. We are so grateful we found Studio West and for everything it has given our daughter. Watching her grow into a stronger dancer and a more confident young woman has been amazing, and we couldn’t recommend Studio West highly enough!
Schedule a free trial class and see why families across Fairlawn have trusted Studio West since 1996.