Whether it’s your child’s first dance class ever or their first class at a new studio, at West Tampa Dance Company we are here to make sure you have the best experience. We make sure that students work hard and understand the value of discipline. We value training smart and being educated on proper strengthening and stretching techniques so you can safely achieve your goals. And lastly, we believe in dancing with all your heart because with love and support you can truly become the best version of yourself on or off the stage.
Our Approach
Work Hard
We incorporate Brain-Compatible Dance Education principles into all of our classes. Through the use of developmentally appropriate teaching methods, our class environment becomes inclusive, adaptable, and accessible for all students regardless of background, experience, and age. We believe that practice makes permanent, so we encourage our dancers to attend class regularly, practice their skills at home, and challenge themselves during class. We enforce a dress code to encourage an atmosphere of professionalism and focus.
Train Smart
As dancers, it is so important to learn proper technique in order to train safely. We want our dancers to learn how to move safely to prevent injuries and we encourage dancers to work within their unique range of motion from a young age. We structure and scaffold skills across our classes so that students progress at a developmentally appropriate pace. We incorporate strength training and functional movement into our curriculum so that dancers can build stamina and strength. We always prioritize moving safely and will never encourage skills that are unsafe for a dancer.
Dance with Heart
Our goal is to help dancers build confidence, embrace the art of dance, challenge themselves, and maintain a positive attitude. We strive to teach our dancers how to perform emotionally from the heart, not just show off skills in a performance. We want our students, parents, and staff to feel happy when they walk through the door, so we strive to greet each dancer with a smile and positivity as they enter the studio space. We encourage positive self-talk and peer interactions in class to maintain that welcoming environment.
Our Staff
Samantha Cressman (Owner/Director)
Originally from Allentown, Pennsylvania, Samantha was honored to lead the Extreme Dance Studio competition team as their team captain for four years from its creations to the point of her graduation. During her competition years throughout the PA, NJ, NY areas, Samantha achieved many awards and went on to compete at the national and international level.
Samantha earned her Bachelor of Arts in Applied Dance from the University of Tampa with a focus on brain-compatible dance education. She studied with artists such as Bill Evans, Jon Lehrer, and LA-based Amanda Kay White. She has performed and choreographed for the University of Tampa’s Dance program in original works, student-led shows and professionally-choreographed performances.
Post graduation, she performed in tbe Tampa Bay area for Moving Current Dance Collective, Central Florida Choreographers Collaboration, and Poetica Dance. She has worked in collaboration with Colette Krogol & Matt Reeves, artistic directors of Orange Grove Dance Company of the Washington, D.C./Maryland area both on stage work and film work.
Currently, Samantha is the Director of the Land O’ Lakes High School Dance and Choir departments, and Coach of the Land O’ Lakes High School Dance Team. She is passionate about passing on her knowledge and experience in the dance field to all her students (at school and here at the studio) and continuing to grow alongside them!
