About Our Studio
Royal Academy of Dance
Co-owner Ann Eldore is a registered teacher with the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD). The RAD was founded in 1920 with a single purpose: to raise the standards of dance teaching in the UK. 100 years later, excellence in dance teaching is still at the heart of everything they do. Today, the RAD is a world-leading dance, education and training organization, with dance teachers and students in 85 countries, enriching the world’s arts and cultural communities. From three to 93-year-olds, the RAD believes in the transformative power of dance to enhance our health and happiness.
We are proud to be affiliated with this fine organization not only for its high teaching standards and age-appropriate curriculum, but also for the opportunities it provides our students. The RAD exams that many of our students participate in are recognized throughout the world. Because they allow students to set individual goals for themselves, exams contribute to the non-competitive culture of our studio.
We are #ProudToBeRAD!
Beginnings & Philosophy
Sandra Olgard's Studio of Dance was founded by Sandra Stejer Olgard in 1988 with a small group of students at the 29th Ave Montessori school on Spokane's South Hill. After a short time in a space behind the Rocket Market at 14th and Cedar, the studio relocated to its current home at 7th & Bernard. It has always been a place with teachers who care about each student, giving them excellent technique in ballet, contemporary/modern, and tap. In 2021, Sandra sold the business to Ann Eldore, a masterful longtime teacher, and Stephanie Getman Gronholz, a teacher and former student of Sandra’s.
The philosophy at Sandra’s encourages a strong foundation in classical ballet. We believe that once a child learns ballet, they have developed the technique that is necessary for other dance forms.
We are inclusive studio, welcoming dancers of all backgrounds and abilities, and encouraging everyone to develop an appreciation for creative expression through dance.
Performances
We do not participate in competitions, but every year, our students perform in a final recital in May. This is a wonderful opportunity for our dancers to develop self-confidence, demonstrate growth, and celebrate as a community.
Costumes are purchased up front at the beginning of the year, and part of our initial fees covers the costs associated with the recital and allows for unlimited admission for your friends and family. We always have a picture day in March and a dress rehearsal or two in April and May as the big day approaches!
Mark your calendar for next year’s recital at The Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox on Monday, May 20, 2024!
We are so proud of our former students!
Amanda Cochrane began her training at Sandra Olgard's Studio of Dance from ages 3-18. In 2009 joined Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre and was named one of Dance Magazine's 25 to Watch in 2013. She advanced to soloist in 2012 and to principal in 2014. In 2017 she also has been noted for her choreography as well as her continued role of principal.
Cara Cooley danced for 11 years at our studio before being selected to perform with the traveling broadway show, Cats. She currently teaches yoga in New York, but has returned to Spokane as a choreographer for the Spokane Civic Theatre on occasion.
Mariko Nagashima began at our studio at age 6 - high school graduation. Mariko earned her BFA in ballet and BS in biology from the Univ of Utah. She performed with Coriolis Dance, Alana O Rogers Dance Company and Lotus Body among others. She was also the editor of SeattleDances from 2010 to 2016. While former dance student and classmate of Amanda and Mariko, Kjersti Cubberley danced professionally for the Indiana Ballet Company before moving into the business world.
Chelsea Thronson started her ballet career at our studio at age 4. She was a semi-finalist in the Prix de Lausanne and placed 2nd at the YAGP semi-finals in 2015 and 2016 before she joined the PNB Professional Division program in 2016. Chelsea joined the Cincinnati Ballet Second Company in 2018. For 2019/20 season she moved to Munich, Germany to dance corps de ballet with Bayerisches Staatsballett.