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Having taught in various areas of dance and fitness throughout the area, it
became a goal of Gales to bring dance and fitness together, similar to the types
of facilities you would find in New York and LA. In 1987, Studio 82 was born.
Under one roof, Studio 82 has become a place for the entire family. With the
“energy” of athletes, dancers, fitness patrons and families coming in and out
our doors daily, Studio 82 is constantly abuzz. Although known throughout the area for its cutting edge jazz program, Studio
82 is also a premier place of study for the serious ballet dancer. Since its
beginnings Studio 82 has provided a program based on classical ballet and taught
by national and international dancers. Our ballet program was founded by Mandy
Santosuosso, a six time recipient of the Ford Foundation Scholarship and former
member of the New York City Ballet. Since its inception, Studio 82 has continued
to provide accomplished professional dancers to train and teach our students.
Over the past 20 years, Studio 82 has welcomed many members of The Cleveland
San Jose Ballet to serve on our staff as master teachers or guest artists, including
Ineke Anderson, Matt Gasper, Nancy Greyeyes, and Mark Otloski. Former faculty
members also include international dancers Artour Bajanov, Pamela Langevin,
and James Robey, as well as, Amy Miller of the Ohio Ballet. We have also welcomed
many of Akron University’s top dance Faculty members and graduates including
Maryanne Black, Kim Baltrinic, Damian Highland and Shannon Smith. We are also
privileged to have our own alumni, now working professional in the dance industry,
back for guest classes as well. Studio 82 believes that dance education does not end at the local classroom.
With that in mind, we continue to bring top name choreographers and teachers
to its facility, as well as taking its students to New York and LA to experience
classes in some of the foremost recognized studios in the country. Studio 82
dancers also attend nationally recognized competitions and conventions. Studio 82 dance graduates are currently working in New York and LA, for National
Touring Companies, teaching at Studios in New York and throughout the country,
choreographing and performing for NBA dance teams, studying at some of the country’s
top collegiate dance programs and performing with collegiate dance teams. Our Fitness Instructors are certified by the American Council on Exercise and
active in the ACE continuing education program and our SPINNING instructors
hold a national cycling certification through Madd Dogg Athletics. Studio 82
instructors regularly attend national fitness conferences and conventions and,
over the years, have our facility has been host to many national fitness presenters.
