Studio K Instructor Spotlight: Meet Jeanette!

By: Hannah Zwemer

Welcome to July, everyone! With six months down, this time of the year is the perfect opportunity to take stock of our 2025 goals, celebrate victories and accomplishments, and renew motivation to finish out the next six months strong. 

As we continue to creep toward our 15-year (!!!) celebration, we thought it was also the perfect time to introduce another one of our beloved Studio K instructors. Drum roll please for the lovely, gifted, and oh-so-talented, Jeanette Hiyama! If you’re looking for a space to explore soft, expansive movement, dynamic musicality, or the best way to jam out to T. Swift, Jeanette’s classes are the ones for you.

The Early Years: Jeanette Discovers a Love for Dance

HZ: How and when did you start dancing? What do you love most about movement?

JH: I started dancing when I was four years old. My mom put me in recreational ballet classes and I never wanted to stop. I went on to train at the Washington School of Ballet and danced there for ten years. In college, I was involved with dance through teaching and performing opportunities in the area. 

I love how movement continues to evolve. It’s an experimental process where there’s no right or wrong way of creating. I love how expressive movement can become and the storytelling that takes place through the use of the body. 

Studio K: A Unique Dance Community

HZ: Why did you become an instructor here at Studio K?

JH: I have always had a passion for teaching. When I moved to Florida for the Disney College Program, I had a friend recommend taking classes at Studio K. I fell in love with the studio and took classes as often as I could. 

When I was presented with the opportunity to teach at the studio, my answer was immediately, yes! From the welcoming environment and variety of classes offered at Studio K, I knew there were many ways for me to grow as a teacher and share my love for dance with the students. 

HZ: What classes do you teach and do you have a favorite?

JH: At Studio K, I predominantly teach Ballet, Lyrical, Contemporary, and occasionally Musical Theatre. I am also an Instructor for Studio K's Mobile Division teaching both dance and fitness for children to Seniors in a variety of locations! It’s so hard to choose favorites when it comes to dance, but I love teaching Contemporary the most because you can infuse different styles together to create unique movement and choreography. I also love choosing music for contemporary classes; the possibilities are endless!

HZ: What makes Studio K different from other studios? What's your favorite thing about our space/community?

JH: I think the number one thing that draws people to Studio K is the inclusivity. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or have never stepped foot in a dance class, Studio K strives to make you feel welcomed and confident on and off the dance floor. 

Kristin shows a genuine care for her members and makes an effort to get to know everyone by name. She supports her students inside the studio and out. The Friday workshops bring together such a supportive dance community, and the “Friday Night Out” events offer an opportunity for members to engage outside the studio. Studio K truly is a community of dancers who turn into your second family.

Life Beyond the Studio: A Day as Jeanette

HZ: When you're not here teaching classes, where can you be found? What do you do for work during the day?

JH: When I’m not at Studio K, you can find me working at Disney or teaching pilates! I am in Entertainment at Walt Disney World and have had opportunities to perform in seasonal shows and parades. You can find me working at all four parks and many resorts as well. I love fitness and being active in the arts communities. When I’m not working, I love going to the beach or pool and spending time with my friends.

Final Thoughts: Anything Else?

HZ: Anything else you'd like to add or expand on?

JH: Studio K has become my dance home away from home and I love meeting everyone who walks into the studio. I hope people are inspired to dance in my classes and I feel so fortunate to work at Studio K!

Discover Your Dance Home Away from Home at

Studio K

Like all the other wonderful and amazing instructors we are so proud to have, Jeanette exudes what we strive to create here at Studio K: a palpable genuineness and the desire to dance in a powerful community. If there’s one thing we care the most about, it’s our culture, and the intention to be intentional in offering a wide range of adult dance classes for a wider range of dancers.

So don’t let your goal of moving more this year stay written on a list somewhere in your drawer - come out and get your groove on in a welcoming, friendly atmosphere. Check out our monthly class schedule to find what fits your fancy, and see why Studio K is the top choice for adult dance classes near Orlando.

Also, find Jeanette’s upcoming classes this July including new styles this month: a Lyrical class inspired by Disney music, Contemporary, Beginner Ballet, and a special new Artist Music Series in Ballet Rock! You never know…you just might meet your own home away from home in the comfort of our cozy studio. Remember, when you’re giving your all under our glittering gold disco ball, The Floor is Yours!