Ovations Dance Studio Sticking to Their Core Values

Ballet dance instructors can be typically strict, some stiff and unapproachable.

Tonya Kageta, owner of Ovations Dance Studio is the anti-archetypal dance instructor. She claims to have a type-A personality, but knows she can’t be a perfectionist with the younger dancers.

“I tell the girls nobody’s perfect, but please don’t make a mistake in your dance,” Kageta said.

Tonya is owner, dance instructor and recently a new mom.  She has been dancing since the age of three in Fair Oaks at what was Sue Geller’s Dance Studio. Tonya went off to college, taught tap, ballet, jazz and lyrical at American River College and danced for the Sacramento Kings. Tonya bought the studio from Sue when she was 23 and is now establishing her studio in its 8th year and larger location.

Tonya’s parents weren’t dancers, but they were influential on the business side of her studio.

“My grandma was a ballet dancer and my parents are business owners,” said Kageta. “I am a carbon copy of my dad, who actually just got 2010 Citrus Heights Business Man of the Year.”

All of her time is spent juggling a new baby, running her studio and instructing 18 classes a week. Ovations holds classes for tap, ballet, jazz, lyrical, musical theater and hip-hop. Ovations currently has over 400 students, 13 instructors, with classes available for three-year-old toddlers in pink tutus to your mom’s age in a leotard and tights.

Kageta explained this year Ovations is cutting out competitions, because she wants to stick to their core values of discipline, wearing appropriate costumes, and tasteful dancing. Instead of wasting money on a weekend event, Ovations will be looking to give back to the community for a more rewarding experience. 

Talking about her loyal staff and dancers, Kageta explained her instructors are personable and have smaller classes. It might explain why each student feels comfortable and recognized as an individual, keeping clients happy.

"The Fair Oaks community has treated us well through this recession," Kageta said. "There has been a little bit here and there, but nothing dramatic."

The amazing part of her job is “the kids, their depth and their personality adds character to the studio,” said Kageta.

Kayla Wilkinson is 17-years-old with a passion for dance. She has been dancing at the studio, before it was Ovations, student since the age of 5.

“The thing I like about Ovations is they give you a chance to come into your own or do a dance that expresses yourself,“ Wilkinson said.

Tanya is a new mom of an 11-month-old son, who she says has rhythm to be a dancer, but if Kageta's husband has it his way he will be a golfer.

“It’s a really great outlet to come in and dance get your energy out and go back home and be a great mom,” said Kageta. She claims not to have ‘ballerina feet ‘ or legs.

“The Fair Oaks community has treated us well through the recession," said Kageta. “I am appreciative to the community for putting their kids first and not taking them out of dance and seeing the bigger picture.”

Tressa Cummings is 13 and has been attending Ovations for 8 years. She has three ballet classes a week, jazz, tap, and a stretch class.

“I like Ovations, It’s much more personal than other studios, because we have smaller class sizes,” said Cummings. “I feel you really get to know your teachers a little bit more."

Her advice for business owners is to watch your overhead; she took a risk in 2007 moving into their new 4600 square foot location, but has been successful at putting her customers first.

“You have to be super organized to have a business like this,” said Kageta. “I feel like I am coming into my own in my 8th year here."

Kageta will be putting on a fundraiser, partnering with a non-profit organization, The Miracle Foundation, called Fiesta Dance and Family on May 21.

"All the proceeds are going to the non-profit organization, which feeds back into the community.”