At Dance Sun Country, we provide a comprehensive dance education for children ages 2.5 and up that emphasizes technique, musicality, and showmanship. Our goal is to cultivate a positive environment where students can thrive, fostering both their mental and physical development. Through our programs, students gain grace, poise, and confidence that will serve them well throughout their entire lives, in any path they may choose.
If there’s one word that captures the spirit of Dance Sun Country, it’s empowering. Every class, every interaction, every accomplishment is about helping dancers realize just how truly capable they are. It’s not just about creating great dancers – it’s about empowering great people.
From toddlers just starting to explore movement to advanced students sharpening their technique and artistry, every dancer is supported. Whether dancing for fun or preparing for the stage, each student receives the tools, attention, and encouragement they need to thrive.
Starting at age 2.5 | Coed
Children will explore creative dance, music, rhythm, and movement, while nurturing their energy, vitality, and imagination. These first dance classes help young students to develop mental, physical, and social skills through a fun, age-appropriate dance curriculum.
Designed for dancers who are ready for ballet technique but still want to have a class full of imagination and fun, this class introduces the young dancer to simple ballet technique and steps, barre and center work, French terminology, and proper ballet class procedures, while continuing to nurture and develop mental, physical, and social skills.
Perfect for young children who are full of energy, students will be introduced to simple tap techniques, steps, and combinations, as well as fun, age-appropriate hip-hop / dance movements and routines. For the first half of class, students do tap and then change shoes for hip-hop, improving their coordination and rhythm and increasing their memory and retention skills – all while getting a great workout and having fun!
Starting at age 6 (must be entering 1st Grade) | Coed
Ballet is the foundation of all dance. Students will learn fundamental concepts of classical ballet, learn ballet terminology and proper ballet technique, and will study exercises both at the barre and in the center. Multiple levels of ballet training (beginner-advanced) are offered.
Placement in Pointe class is at the discretion / approval of the Director only. Pointe work is not a consideration until students are at least 12 years of age and have had sufficient ballet training to strengthen their feet, ankles, legs, hips, & upper body, and must display significant strength and understanding of both ballet technique and body placement.
Tap is a rhythmic form of dance that is performed in special “tap shoes” as beats and rhythms are executed through the feet. Students will learn to tap in an energetic and music-filled atmosphere, improving their memory, coordination, musicality, and stamina. Tap is offered as a Tap / Jazz combination class for ages 6-10. Beginner to Advanced levels are offered.
Jazz is an upbeat and energetic form of dance. Classes incorporate various jazz styles, from classic jazz and funky jazz to lyrical jazz, contemporary, and musical theatre. Various levels (beginner through advanced) are offered, with Jazz being offered as a Tap / Jazz combination class for ages 6-10.
Hip-hop dance is a high-energy style of street dance that combines rhythmic moves with expressive, freestyle elements. Students will be introduced to fun, energetic, age-appropriate dance classes that focus on fundamental Hip-Hop moves including basic body isolation, precision, performance quality and choreography – as well as helping to develop rhythm, coordination, body awareness, build self esteem and promote confidence. Dance warm-ups will include exercises for strength, flexibility, balance, and endurance. Appropriate popular music will be used to create fun dance moves and routines that will be expressive with an explosion of energy.
Clogging dance is a lively and rhythmic folk dance where dancers use their feet to create intricate percussive sounds. Students will learn the fundamentals of clogging basics, including a variety of traditional and contemporary steps. We will dance to many types of music including country, pop, hip-hop, and more! Traditional tap shoes are fine for the introductory class. As students progress into higher levels, traditional clogging shoes will be required. The teacher will make this recommendation when applicable.
Modern dance is a dynamic, expressive style of dance that was first created as a rebellion against ballet, later becoming a fusion of new expressive ways of moving creatively, incorporating technical dance forms. Classes will focus on an eclectic blend of different styles of modern dance and incorporate technique with a more athletic style of movement, including contract and release, fall and recovery, prances, partner work and improvisation. Expression and exploration are key elements that will be included.
ages 3+ | Coed
Looking for more ways to dance? Dance Sun Country also offers a variety of non-recital specialty classes and camps held in various mini-sessions throughout the year, such as:
Our themes may change from year to year so that we can continue to provide a variety of dance styles for our students to explore. Be sure to follow Sun Country on Facebook to see special class and camp announcements!
Dance Sun Country will have its annual recital at the end of each dance year. Participation in the recital not only helps to build self-confidence but also develops theatrical presence, expressiveness, style, and teamwork, which are essential to the performing arts. We do encourage all our students to share in this rewarding experience. It is a wonderful way for students to showcase the results of their hard work and for family and friends to join in their pride of achievement.
Dance Sun Country’s Director
Judy currently serves as the Director of Dance Sun Country, as well as the Artistic Director of the affiliated non-profit performing company, Sun Country Dance Theatre, which she founded in August 2008.
Ms. Benton’s vast experience as a dance instructor, choreographer, dance studio manager, arts administrator and Artistic Director spans over 45 years. She has studied in New York at the American Ballet Theatre school, Joffrey Ballet School, and Luigi’s Jazz Center, as well as attending countless workshops, dance intensives, master classes, and teacher training seminars with many greats of the dance world to continue honing her expertise and expand her knowledge and instructional capacity.
She taught at numerous private studios and colleges throughout the United States, including serving as the Artistic Director of Gainesville Ballet Theatre for 25 years, as a choreographer for the Dance Theatre of Santa Fe, and as a guest teacher at Santa Fe College, Florida Dance Association and Floridance at the University of Florida.
Ms. Benton’s students continue to receive scholarships to study at some of our nation’s most prestigious dance programs, intensives, and companies. Many former students have gone on to successful careers in the dance world, including professional dancers, teachers, choreographers, Broadway stage managers, stage directors, professional lighting designers, dance journalists, and arts administrators.
At Dance Sun Country, Judy oversees a team of highly qualified dance instructors who have a wide range of professional experience. This includes numerous degrees and certifications, professional performing experience, and teaching experience at many distinguished institutions.
They lead structured yet engaging classes, filled with creativity and enthusiasm, ensuring that each student receives a high quality dance education.
As our students progress through our programs, they gain access to an array of dance workshops and summer intensives held throughout Florida and across the U.S. These opportunities enable them to deepen their skills and gain invaluable experience.
Many of our dancers have earned scholarships and acceptance into some of the nation’s most esteemed dance programs and schools, such as:
Join us at Dance Sun Country and elevate your dance journey to new heights. Whether you aim for a professional career or simply wish to enhance your personal growth, our programs are designed to help you succeed.
Questions? Email the Dance Sun Country Director or call / text us at (352) 331-8773.
Founded in 2008, Sun Country Dance Theatre (SCDT) is the resident non-profit, ballet-based, pre-professional performing company of Dance Sun Country, designed to nurture young artistic talent by providing performance opportunities and enhancing dance skills through rehearsals and performances.
Open auditions are held each August, and company dancers participate in various community performances, including arts festivals, charitable events, retirement communities, and schools.
SCDT’s outreach program, “Reach Out and Dance” (R.O.A.D.), offers dance education to hundreds of Title I elementary students, interactive workshops for Head Start students, and a summer dance camp. The company also stages a fully produced spring concert each season, featuring original story ballets, including Alice’s Adventures, Little Red Riding Hood, Hansel and Gretel, and The Dancing Princesses.
Additionally, SCDT collaborates with guest choreographers and commissions original works. They have performed as guest artists in numerous prestigious productions and events across Florida and beyond.
Committed to promoting arts education, SCDT aims to spread the joy of dance to all. SCDT programs are sponsored in part by a grant from The City of Gainesville’s Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs Department.
