Wehner's School of the Arts

For nearly four decades, Wehner's School of the Arts (WSOTA) has been a cornerstone of artistic education in Middleburg, Florida, and across the wider Clay County and Northeast Florida region. Established in 1987, this family-owned and operated institution has grown from a small handful of students to proudly serve over 400 individuals each week, offering an extensive array of dance, instrumental, and voice lessons. WSOTA is more than just a place to learn; it's a vibrant community where students, whether aspiring dancers or budding musicians, are nurtured, challenged, and inspired to reach their full potential. With a diverse team of over 25 professional, degreed, and certified instructors from around the world, WSOTA provides premium quality instruction in a family-friendly and safe environment. The school takes immense pride in fostering not just artistic skills, but also crucial life lessons such as teamwork, good sportsmanship, and perseverance, creating a space where students celebrate and uplift one another.

Wehner's School of the Arts is conveniently located at 430 College Dr STE 108, Middleburg, FL 32068, USA. This accessible address places the school strategically near the intersection of College Drive and County Road 220, making it highly convenient for families residing throughout Middleburg and the broader Clay County area, including communities like Fleming Island and Green Cove Springs. College Drive is a well-known thoroughfare, ensuring straightforward navigation and easy access for students and parents during drop-off and pick-up times. The facility typically offers ample parking, which is a significant advantage for busy schedules. Its central location in Middleburg ensures that high-quality dance and music instruction is readily available to a wide demographic of local Floridians, allowing them to integrate artistic pursuits seamlessly into their weekly routines. The ease of access contributes to the overall positive experience that families report enjoying at WSOTA.

Wehner's School of the Arts (WSOTA) offers a vast and comprehensive array of programs in both dance and music, designed to cater to all ages and skill levels, from beginners to advanced students. With over 90 classes available each week, there are abundant options to fit every student's needs and interests.

• Dance Programs: WSOTA boasts a robust dance program with classes in nearly every style imaginable, including:
  • Ballet: From foundational "Tiny Tots" and "Ballet & Creative Movement" for preschoolers to advanced levels of classical ballet, including Pointe. Emphasizes proper placement, alignment, strength, stamina, and flexibility, based on classical ballet skills.
  • Tap: Focuses on rhythm, musicality, and percussive footwork, available in various levels.
  • Jazz: Dynamic and energetic, exploring body placement, balance, isolations, leaps, turns, and combinations. Available across multiple levels.
  • Contemporary / Modern: Appeals to creative souls with expressive and fluid movements, drawing influence from various dance forms and arts.
  • Lyrical: A fusion of ballet, jazz, and modern, focusing on emotional expression through movement.
  • Hip Hop: High-energy classes focusing on rhythm, syncopation, and stage presence, encompassing various street dance styles.
  • Clogging: A unique percussive dance style involving specific shoe taps.
  • Acro / Tumbling: Combines dance with acrobatic elements, enhancing flexibility and strength.
  • Musical Theater: Integrates dance with acting and singing for stage performance.
  • Leaps & Turns: Specialized classes focusing on improving conditioning, coordination, flexibility, and advanced dance techniques.
  • Dance Companies: Opportunity for students to join performance-based dance companies for unique learning and performance opportunities throughout the year.
  • Competition Teams: Structured programs for students interested in competitive dance, fostering teamwork and sportsmanship.
• Instrumental Music Lessons: Individualized instruction for a wide range of instruments, tailored to student needs and goals.
• Voice Lessons: Professional vocal training covering technique, breath control, pitch, and performance skills.
• Performance Opportunities: Students in both dance and music typically have opportunities to showcase their skills through annual recitals (held at the Thrasher-Horne Center for dance) and other performance events.
• On-Site Retail Store: Wehner's Music & Dance Supplies, located within the studio, offers a convenient place to purchase all necessary dancewear and music supplies.
• Family Discounts: Available for families enrolling in multiple classes or with multiple students.

Wehner's School of the Arts (WSOTA) offers several compelling features and highlights that underscore its long-standing reputation and unique value within the Middleburg and North Florida arts community. These attributes contribute to its appeal for families seeking quality instruction.

• Experienced and Supportive Staff: With over 25 professional, degreed, and certified instructors from around the world, WSOTA boasts a highly qualified team. Reviews highlight teachers who "constantly support" their students, indicating a nurturing and encouraging approach to instruction. Holly Wehner is noted as the Director of Dance, and Kyle Wehner as the Owner/Violin & Viola Instructor.
• Comprehensive Dance & Music Curriculum: Offering an expansive range of dance styles (Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, Lyrical, Hip Hop, Clogging, Pointe, Acro, Tumbling, Musical Theater, Modern, Leaps & Turns) and instrumental/voice lessons, WSOTA provides a holistic arts education under one roof. With "over 90 classes to choose from each week," there's a fit for almost every interest and schedule.
• Emphasis on Teamwork and Sportsmanship: A significant highlight, particularly for competitive teams, is the strong focus on "teamwork and good sportsmanship." Students are encouraged to "constantly celebrat and uplift[] all the girls around us," fostering a positive and supportive peer environment.
• High-Quality Facilities: The studio features "FOUR dance rooms," with two utilizing traditional wood flooring with "Dura Dance" professional-grade subflooring and the other two using Marley Dance floors, providing optimal and safe environments for diverse dance styles. WSOTA is also a Wi-Fi Hot-Spot.
• Unique Performance Opportunities: Beyond the annual recital, WSOTA provides "many unique performance opportunities throughout the year" to members of its Dance Companies, including past performances on Royal Caribbean cruises and at Disney Springs.
• Family-Owned and Operated Since 1987: This long-standing history as a family business speaks to its deep roots in the community, stability, and a consistent commitment to its values over decades.
• On-Site Retail Store: The convenience of "Wehner's Music & Dance Supplies" located directly within the studio allows students and parents to easily purchase all necessary dancewear and music supplies.
• Commitment to Student Growth: Despite some feedback regarding communication on competitive feedback, the overall sentiment from long-term students is a deep sense of gratitude for what they have "gained through it," emphasizing learning and personal development.

For those interested in exploring the diverse programs at Wehner's School of the Arts or enrolling, the academy can be reached through the following contact details:

Address: 430 College Dr STE 108, Middleburg, FL 32068, USA

Phone: (904) 276-1259

Mobile Phone: +1 904-276-1259

Email: kyle@wsota.com (for Executive Director Kyle Wehner) or holly@wsota.com (for Director of Dance Holly Wehner)

Wehner's School of the Arts is an excellent choice for locals in Middleburg and across the wider Florida region, offering a robust and long-standing institution for performing arts education. Its convenient location on College Drive ensures easy accessibility for families, making it a practical and consistent part of weekly routines. What truly makes WSOTA suitable for locals is its enduring commitment to providing a comprehensive and supportive learning environment. With an extensive range of dance styles and music lessons, there is truly something for every age and interest, from the youngest "Tiny Tots" to advanced competitive dancers and musicians. The school's emphasis on teamwork and good sportsmanship, as consistently praised by students, fosters a positive community where individuals uplift one another, building invaluable social skills alongside artistic talent. While growth has presented some challenges in communication regarding specific competitive feedback, the core mission of nurturing students, evident in long-term student loyalty and the supportive role of teachers, remains strong. For families seeking a well-established, family-owned academy that provides professional instruction, diverse opportunities, and a strong sense of community for their children's artistic journey, Wehner's School of the Arts stands as a cherished and highly recommended institution right here in Northeast Florida.

Wehner's School of the Arts

430 College Dr STE 108, Middleburg, FL 32068, USA