The Pretenders Studio
The Pretenders Studio, 1438 9th St., Unit B, Santa Monica, CA 90401
About
The Pretenders Studio offers classes in Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Pointe, Modern, Hip Hop, Contemporary, Jazz Funk, Yoga, Acro/Tumbling, Musical Theater, and Acting. The program is a comprehensive after-school dance program in West Los Angeles that includes a diverse range of dance classes for children from preschool through high school. Families work with the owner in one-on-one meetings to select classes and create a customizable curriculum with no formal testing for admission.
• Ages: 2–18 years old
Founded in 2007 by Lisa Gumenick, The Pretenders Studio has continued under her leadership as a lifelong dancer and educator with a background in performing arts education from UCSB and abroad. Amy has been part of The Pretenders Studio since 2007, founded YES Theater Ensemble, and co-founded The Pretenders Junior Theater Company. Pretenders staff members have extensive dance training and many years of teaching experience in studio settings, and their vision aligns with that of The Pretenders Studio.
Studio teachers participate in ongoing evaluation of each student’s needs and pace of progress and make adjustments to the curriculum. The program recommends a minimum of 2–3 classes per week for optimal benefit and growth. It is described as a tight-knit studio family where dancers, instructors, and parents work together to maintain a safe, inclusive space, and it emphasizes community over competition and passion over perfection. The environment is inclusive, and everyone is welcome regardless of skill level, background, or body type.
The Pretenders Studio’s philosophy is expressed as “Dance for a Difference,” with a focus on using dance as a vehicle for positive change. The studio states that it is a judgment-free zone where dancers of all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds feel safe to express themselves, and it emphasizes self-love and body positivity. One of its core beliefs is that artists have the power to create positive change in their communities, and dancers engage in service projects and fundraising initiatives. Through its Dance For A Difference efforts, the studio hosts dance events and performances for charities to fundraise for resources and monetary aid for in-need nonprofit organizations and to provide scholarships to in-need students who seek to pursue the arts after high school graduation.
The Pretenders Studio emphasizes a strong connection to the local community through dance and philanthropy, including charity fundraisers, benefit performances, collaborations with local organizations, and various service projects and fundraising initiatives. Programs integrate community service to highlight what the studio describes as the healing power of dance. Testimonials from current students describe the studio as a community where they feel welcome and loved, a safe place to try new things and be themselves, and an environment where their ideas are heard and their words are valued.
Last updated March 13, 2026.
• Ages: 2–18 years old
Founded in 2007 by Lisa Gumenick, The Pretenders Studio has continued under her leadership as a lifelong dancer and educator with a background in performing arts education from UCSB and abroad. Amy has been part of The Pretenders Studio since 2007, founded YES Theater Ensemble, and co-founded The Pretenders Junior Theater Company. Pretenders staff members have extensive dance training and many years of teaching experience in studio settings, and their vision aligns with that of The Pretenders Studio.
Studio teachers participate in ongoing evaluation of each student’s needs and pace of progress and make adjustments to the curriculum. The program recommends a minimum of 2–3 classes per week for optimal benefit and growth. It is described as a tight-knit studio family where dancers, instructors, and parents work together to maintain a safe, inclusive space, and it emphasizes community over competition and passion over perfection. The environment is inclusive, and everyone is welcome regardless of skill level, background, or body type.
The Pretenders Studio’s philosophy is expressed as “Dance for a Difference,” with a focus on using dance as a vehicle for positive change. The studio states that it is a judgment-free zone where dancers of all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds feel safe to express themselves, and it emphasizes self-love and body positivity. One of its core beliefs is that artists have the power to create positive change in their communities, and dancers engage in service projects and fundraising initiatives. Through its Dance For A Difference efforts, the studio hosts dance events and performances for charities to fundraise for resources and monetary aid for in-need nonprofit organizations and to provide scholarships to in-need students who seek to pursue the arts after high school graduation.
The Pretenders Studio emphasizes a strong connection to the local community through dance and philanthropy, including charity fundraisers, benefit performances, collaborations with local organizations, and various service projects and fundraising initiatives. Programs integrate community service to highlight what the studio describes as the healing power of dance. Testimonials from current students describe the studio as a community where they feel welcome and loved, a safe place to try new things and be themselves, and an environment where their ideas are heard and their words are valued.
Last updated March 13, 2026.
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