As the curtain rises on a brand-new season at Donna’s Studio of Dance, founder Donna Lamm is welcoming the next generation of performers with open arms — and open registration. Families are invited to enroll for fall classes during the studio’s upcoming registration events, scheduled for Friday, August 15 from 4 to 7 p.m. and Saturday, August 16 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the studio. With an exciting schedule of classes, a talented and passionate staff, and an unwavering commitment to keeping the arts affordable and accessible, Donna’s team is ready to inspire.
“I can’t wait to see new faces and welcome back so many of the wonderful students we’ve grown with over the years,” said Lamm, who founded the beloved dance school in 1979. Now celebrating 46 years in the community, Donna’s Studio of Dance is far more than just a place to learn a plié or pirouette. It’s a place where young people of all ages — from toddlers to adults — build confidence, discipline, and joy through movement and theater.
Classes this season include ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, pointe, tumbling, and hip hop, with offerings designed for all ages and levels. Children can start as young as age three, provided they have the focus to stay engaged for a short half-hour class. Older students — including adults — often take part in intermediate and advanced-level classes in ballet and tap. “We really do have something for everyone,” said Donna. “And we always try to keep things fun, welcoming, and low-pressure. We want every student to feel like they belong here.”
This year’s lineup also includes a robust theater program led by seasoned professional Kittra Warren, whose background includes performances on the Las Vegas Strip, in New York, California, and beyond. Theater students meet twice weekly for performance-focused classes, with an additional non-performance class offered midweek that teaches the technical side of theater — lighting, sound, set construction, and more. “That behind-the-scenes crew becomes essential to our productions,” Donna said. “And it gives kids who may be shy about performing a way to still be deeply involved.”
In total, the studio puts on three shows each year: a theater production in April, a full recital in May, and a special community performance in February at the historic Amargosa Opera House. “That show at the Opera House is so important to us,” Donna noted. “We do it as a fundraiser to support the venue and keep the arts alive in that space. It’s also a meaningful connection to Marta Becket, who meant so much to the arts in this area.”
For those curious about what to expect this fall, the studio’s website — donnasstudioofdance.com — offers a full class schedule, pricing breakdown, and an easy online registration and payment system. “We’ve worked really hard to streamline the process this year,” Donna said. “We know many parents work and can’t always make it in person, so this gives everyone a chance to register and pay online.”
Affordability remains a priority at Donna’s Studio of Dance. Half-hour classes start at just $45 per month, with longer sessions and theater classes priced accordingly. Discounts are available for students taking multiple classes and for families enrolling more than one child. “We’ve always done our best to keep prices down,” Donna emphasized. “That’s what allows more kids to participate. This isn’t about profit — it’s about providing something valuable for the kids and families in our town.”
Behind the scenes, Donna is supported by a dedicated staff of instructors and assistants — many of whom were once her students. Alisa Shoults, who now serves as the studio’s director and an instructor, has been with Donna for about 15 years. Ballet is led by Lisa Paulson, a former touring dancer who brings her deep expertise to the classroom. Alisa’s daughter, Kyrstyn, leads tumbling and hip hop. Longtime student-turned-instructor Molly Stoddard also returns this season, and young talent Michaela Charbonneau continues to rise through the studio’s teaching ranks. This year, the team also welcomes Teagan Fanning as a first-year assistant instructor. “We always try to promote from within,” Donna said. “We’ve had so many students come back as teachers — it’s part of the cycle. They grow up here and give back.”
It’s that sense of continuity that makes Donna’s Studio of Dance such a special place. Former students often return years later, bringing their own children to enroll in classes. “It’s so surreal,” Donna said. “I’ve taught grandmothers, their daughters, and now their grandkids. Just recently, a former student named Jessica brought her little ones in. I didn’t recognize her at first — until I saw those bright blue eyes I remembered so well from years ago.”
While the studio doesn’t participate in dance competitions, it’s not due to a lack of talent. The choice is intentional and rooted in values. “Our mission has always been about helping kids grow into confident, self-aware individuals — not just star dancers,” Donna explained. “We want kids to enjoy dance, theater, and movement for the love of it. And if we see a child who would benefit from a competition-focused program, we’re happy to recommend them to another local studio that offers that path. There’s room for all approaches.”
This positive, supportive environment has attracted a loyal community and cultivated an atmosphere of encouragement over achievement. “We don’t want kids to dread coming here,” Donna said. “We want them to feel celebrated, safe, and excited to learn.”
With registration just days away, Donna encourages interested families to stop by the studio, explore the new website, and consider joining the experience that has shaped the lives of so many in Pahrump. “We’re so proud of what we’ve built — and we’re even more excited about what’s to come,” she said. “Whether your child wants to twirl on stage, explore the world of theater, or just have fun and make new friends, we’ve got a place for them.”
To learn more, visit www.donnasstudioofdance.com or attend registration in person on Friday, August 15 from 5–7 p.m. or Saturday, August 16 from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. at Donna’s Studio of Dance, located at 401 S Frontage Rd #2. Classes will begin at the beginning of September — and another season of movement, growth, and joy will begin.
