For class the schedule see registration page.
Fall Classes begin 8/18/2026.
Raising confident dancers with strong values.
About Turning Pointe Dance Theatre
The Heart
of
Our Studio
Turning Pointe Dance Theatre is a professional dance studio that has been serving the Fort Myers area for more than 15 years. The studio offers professional and recreational dance instruction in ballet, lyrical, jazz, pointe tap, hip hop and musical theater for children ages 4 through adults. The studio has annual winter and spring productions.
Our mission is to train and inspire dancers in all disciplines of dance, with a strong emphasis on ballet, which is the core of all forms. Turning Pointe provides students with professional dance instruction. We encourage the recreational dancer as well as the dancer who desires a professional career. We are committed to providing a positive, uplifting dance environment that promotes confidence, respect, and integrity through age-appropriate music, movement, and instruction.
Nancy Galante
Founder and Instructor
Nancy has over 30 years of teaching experience and more than 40 years of dance training. Originally from New York City, she received her early training at renowned institutions including the Joffrey Ballet School, Harkness Ballet, and several modern dance companies. One of her earliest performance experiences was dancing the role of Clara in The Nutcracker with the New Jersey Dance Theatre. Nancy primarily teaches ballet using the Vaganova method and has directed numerous full-length productions, including Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty, Paquita, Alice in Wonderland, A Midsummer Night's Dream, and Coppélia. She is passionate about providing exceptional dance education and fostering technical excellence while inspiring students to reach their full potential.
Jill Guenther
Instructor
Jill Guenther is a dance educator with over 40 years of teaching experience and a lifelong passion for dance. She began her professional training in Buffallo, New York, under Kathleen Croften and performed with The Buffalo Ballet including appearances alongside the renowned Bolshoi Ballet during its New York State tour. After moving to Florida, Jill continued her training with Florida Ballet Arts, studying under numerous distinguished instructors. Her performance experience spans classical ballet, contemporary, and modern works. Jill is a certified dance instructor through the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance in London, England, and is dedicated to creating a supportive and inspiring environment where dancers can grow both technically and artistically.
Erin Hernandez
Instructor and Social-media manager
Erin began dancing before the age of three and has now been dancing for over 30 years. She started competitive dance at seven years old with Dance Theater Academy where she performed in ballet, jazz, lyrical, and tap. During high school, Erin was a member of the Fort Myers High School Dance Team, where she performed with the marching band, participated in the Edison Festival of Light Parade, and competed in the Florida Band Assessment. Dance has always been more than a hobby; it has been a lifelong passion that has shaped her confidence, discipline, and creativity. Erin earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and brings a unique understanding of development, learning, and emotional well-being into the classroom. In addition to instructing, Erin manages the studio's social media and community engagement, helping families stay connected while fostering a welcoming, encouraging, and inspiring studio environment.
Jessica Skipper
Instructor
Jessica is a passionate dancer and instructor from New York, with training in a variety of dance styles, including jazz, tap, ballet, hip-hop, acro-jazz, and musical theater. Her versatile performance background combines technical skills with artistic expression while emphasizing discipline and education. Throughout her dance journey, she has participated in numerous dance showcases, theatrical productions, community events, and conventions. Jessica is continuously seeking opportunities to grow as a performer and choreographer with an avid love for movement, confidence, and self-expression.
Pamela Coyne
Manager
Pamela has devoted much of her life to the performing arts, with a foundation in dance, theater, and costume design. She studied dance at Ballet Arts Studio in Fort Myers. During her years at Cypress Lake Middle and High School, she participated in forensic speech tournaments as well as the drama program, performing in numerous theatrical productions. For her senior year of high school, Pamela broadened her artistic experience through study at a theater school in Sweden. She continued her involvement in the performing arts during college as a member of the Erskine Players theater program. Her contributions earned her induction into Alpha Psi Omega, the national theater honor society, and she received an Erskie Award in recognition of her excellence in costume design. For three decades, Pamela has continued to share her expertise in costuming, collaborating with dance studios in Fort Myers. Her lifelong dedication to the performing arts has left a lasting impact on dancers, performers, and theater productions throughout her community.
Bethany Spurlock
Substitute Instructor
Bethany has been a dancer for most of her life and began training at Turning Pointe Dance Theatre in the sixth grade. She continued pursuing her passion for dance at the University of South Florida, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Dance in 2022. During her time in Tampa, Bethany performed with Relevétions, a dance company dedicated to raising awareness and support for women affected by incarceration, exploitation, and other hardships. She has enjoyed substitute teaching at Turning Pointe and is passionate about sharing her love of dance with the next generation.
