Located in the heart of the community, Dance Theatre at Wellington stands as a testament to dedication, passion and the transformative power of dance.
Founded in 1993 by Michelle and Randy Gerlick, this beloved institution started in Davie and has been nurturing the love of dance in students of all ages for more than 31 years. From its inception, Dance Theatre has been more than just a studio, it has been a family. In August 2008, the legacy continued when Dance Theatre arrived in Wellington. Since that time, it has become a home for thousands of dance families.
Bryanna Fallen — known as Ms. Bry — began her journey with Dance Theatre at Wellington in 2008 as the front desk administrative assistant, a role that allowed her to immerse herself in the vibrant atmosphere of the studio. Working closely with the children, as well as her two daughters, who enjoyed dancing as part of the growing Dance Theatre community, she quickly developed a deep affection for the environment, witnessing firsthand the transformative power of dance on young lives.
“From my first moments in the studio, I fell in love. You could instantly feel the energy that surrounded you from the students and families,” Bryanna recalled. “There was an excitement in the air. Dancing was always a big part of my life growing up, and I knew that this was where I belonged. It soon became a second home to me. Both of my daughters danced at the studio, and it was such a blessing to be able to share that time with them.”
Bryanna’s passion grew each day as she supported the students and staff, fostering a sense of community and belonging. This connection to the studio’s mission ignited a dream within her to one day own and lead Dance Theatre at Wellington.
After 15 years, a significant milestone was reached when the studio’s previous owner decided to pursue a new career path.
This presented an incredible opportunity for Bryanna and her husband, Howie Fallen, whose dreams of owning the studio finally came to fruition. Her transition from manager to owner was seamless, thanks to her deep-rooted connection to the studio and its community.
On Nov. 15, 2023, after a challenging and eventful build-out at their new location in the Shoppes at Wellington Green near Panera Bread, the Fallens opened the doors as the new owners at Dance Theatre at Wellington. Their commitment to preserving the studio’s legacy while infusing it with fresh energy has been nothing short of remarkable.
“We have something for everyone,” Bryanna said. “Whether you are looking for recreational classes or looking for a competitive edge with our DTX competition team, we offer classes for students ages 2.5 to 18 years old. We offer acro, ballet, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, hip hop, poms, musical theater, tap, salsa, TikTok classes, conditioning and contemporary/hip hop. For our little ones, we offer combination classes, such as ballet and tap.”
At Dance Theatre at Wellington, Bryanna and Howie Fallen have cultivated an environment that is warm and inviting to anyone who enters. They welcome all families into the studio, treating every student as if they were their own. Their mission is to create a space where students not only learn to dance but also feel a profound sense of belonging and comfort from the moment they walk through the doors.
“Dance Theatre is proud to be a family-run business,” Bryanna said. “When you walk through the doors, you will instantly feel like you are part of that family. Nothing warms my heart more than when I hear a child call me ‘Mama Bry.’ Under the guidance of our experienced and dedicated staff, children learn proper dance techniques, build confidence and develop a deep love for dance.”
She added that the studio’s programs not only focus on technical skills, but also on fostering creativity, working as a team, being resilient and becoming self-disciplined. “We want to help raise students who are kind, compassionate and support one another,” Bryanna said. “The dance world is tough, and you need that support from your fellow dancers. We are committed to nurturing each child’s potential and helping them thrive both on the dance floor and in the world.”
One of the cornerstones of Dance Theatre’s success is its staff, many of whom have been with the studio for years. These dedicated professionals are not just teachers; they are mentors who are deeply invested in the growth and development of their students. Their goal is to instill proper technique, challenge students to reach new goals, build confidence and foster an enduring love for dance.
“There are so many life lessons from taking dance classes,” Bryanna said. “Whether dancers are performing or mastering dance skills in the classroom, this is building their confidence and self-esteem, which will then in turn help them have a positive self-image. Every skill that is mastered builds their confidence and self-esteem. Dancers have to be resilient and persevere during difficult times. They are challenged constantly when mastering a difficult routine or overcoming the fear of being on stage.”
She added that dancers also learn the importance of time management.
“Balancing dance classes with school and other activities help children develop strong organizational and time management skills,” Bryanna said. “Dance encourages creative thinking and personal expression, allowing children to explore and convey their emotions through movement. Most importantly, they learn respect and how to work together as a team. Dancers learn how to follow instructions, respect teachers and peers, and maintain a positive attitude, which helps children understand and practice good manners and respect for others. Dance teaches discipline and commitment. Coming to class on a regular basis teaches children the importance of dedication and hard work.”
Dance Theatre at Wellington is located at 10550 W. Forest Hill Blvd. in the Shoppes of Wellington Green. For more information about classes and programs, call (561) 270-5678 or e-mail wellington@dancetheatre.net. Learn more at www.dancetheatre.net/wellington.
