The Stanley Family
Hello Pas De Deux family and Happy New Year! It is truly an honor to be chosen for January’s family of the month. We are the Stanley family: Dustin (dad), Ashley (mom), and Sonya (6 years old).
Sonya began her dance journey at Pas De Deux when she enrolled in their Creative Movement class. She was 3 years old at the time and had never taken formal dance classes prior. Sonya has been musically inclined since she was a toddler as she would regularly memorize Disney movie songs and perform them in front of her family.
She performed in her first Pas De Deux recital in June 2023 and loved every minute of it. This experience further fueled her passion for dance when she joined Pas De Deux’s Petite Prep Jazz and Ballet competition groups the following dance season.
Last year, Sonya competed in 4 dance competitions (Starpower, Energy, Jump, and Spotlight). At the Jump dance convention, she had an opportunity to try other dance genres such as hip hop, ballroom, and tap. When asked what her favorite genre is, Sonya simply said “I love them all!” Currently, Sonya is in Pas De Deux’s Mini Prep Jazz and Ballet competition groups as well as their Petite Prep Hip-Hop competition group.
Dustin is a police officer of the Honolulu Police Department and currently assigned to the District 1 Misdemeanor Follow-Up Detail. Ashley is a board certified geriatric nurse practitioner with over 20 years of healthcare experience. She owns and operates her own medical housecalls practice where she sees homebound elderly patients as their primary care provider. Both Dustin and Ashley dedicate their lives to serving the community as they recognize the impact that communities such as Pas De Deux have in their child’s growth and well-being.
Aside from fostering children’s dance, vocal, and acting skills, Pas De Deux instills confidence and provides opportunities for socialization among their students. The studio also provides support for families trying to navigate the performance world. We see how dance parent acquaintances later become true “dance families” who can lean on each other throughout their various dance journeys.
Thank you Wendy, Jeremy, Noe, and all the teachers and staff at Pas De Deux for your relentless support and encouragement as Sonya continues a long and magical dance journey ahead!
.jpeg)
The Watanabe Family
Aloha Pas De Deux Hawaii ohana!
We hope 2025 is off to a fantastic start and are honored to be recognized as PDD’s Family of the Month.
Taya is an enthusiastic 3rd grader at Mililani Ike Elementary School. When she is not immersed in dance, Taya enjoys spending time with her family and dog Charley, listening to K-pop music, and golfing with her dad. Between Blaine and Jessica’s work schedules, dad takes on the important role of dropping Taya off at dance—bun-styling included! Though hesitant at first, he quickly found macho inspiration upon learning that another dad was already on bun duty! You got this, dads—we appreciate all you deux!
Taya’s PDD journey began with ballet, jazz, and hip hop. Auditioning for company sparked interest but also some uncertainty. Company prep provided a great opportunity to explore the commitment. Taya thrived in petite prep, building confidence, discipline, and lasting friendships. Attending competition workshops exposed her to various dance genres, including tap, contemporary, and ballroom. She developed a special love for ballroom and has since added it to her training. With these workshops open to all PDD dancers, we highly encourage participation—your dancer may discover a new passion!
Grateful to now be part of the mini company team, Taya is excited for her first mainland competition. As parents, we believe that our involvement and dedication are just as important as PDD’s in fostering our dancer’s potential.
We deeply appreciate Wendy and Jeremy’s bold leadership and vision. Their commitment to innovation and willingness to take risks continuously elevate the experiences and opportunities for our dancers. With top-tier instructors, inspiring mentors, world-renowned guest choreographers, the in-house Step-N-Up boutique and Nina’s Café, PDD has exceeded our expectations. We are also thankful for Noe and the staff’s genuine kindness and support. PDD has not only shaped Taya as a dancer but has had an invaluable, lifelong impact on her character and personal growth.
Mahalo, PDD, for being an encouraging and supportive dance family!
We hope 2025 is off to a fantastic start and are honored to be recognized as PDD’s Family of the Month.
Taya is an enthusiastic 3rd grader at Mililani Ike Elementary School. When she is not immersed in dance, Taya enjoys spending time with her family and dog Charley, listening to K-pop music, and golfing with her dad. Between Blaine and Jessica’s work schedules, dad takes on the important role of dropping Taya off at dance—bun-styling included! Though hesitant at first, he quickly found macho inspiration upon learning that another dad was already on bun duty! You got this, dads—we appreciate all you deux!
Taya’s PDD journey began with ballet, jazz, and hip hop. Auditioning for company sparked interest but also some uncertainty. Company prep provided a great opportunity to explore the commitment. Taya thrived in petite prep, building confidence, discipline, and lasting friendships. Attending competition workshops exposed her to various dance genres, including tap, contemporary, and ballroom. She developed a special love for ballroom and has since added it to her training. With these workshops open to all PDD dancers, we highly encourage participation—your dancer may discover a new passion!
Grateful to now be part of the mini company team, Taya is excited for her first mainland competition. As parents, we believe that our involvement and dedication are just as important as PDD’s in fostering our dancer’s potential.
We deeply appreciate Wendy and Jeremy’s bold leadership and vision. Their commitment to innovation and willingness to take risks continuously elevate the experiences and opportunities for our dancers. With top-tier instructors, inspiring mentors, world-renowned guest choreographers, the in-house Step-N-Up boutique and Nina’s Café, PDD has exceeded our expectations. We are also thankful for Noe and the staff’s genuine kindness and support. PDD has not only shaped Taya as a dancer but has had an invaluable, lifelong impact on her character and personal growth.
Mahalo, PDD, for being an encouraging and supportive dance family!
