


Elise Pettitt dances at Studio K in 2022 | Photo by Orlando Life
Studio K, a popular Orlando dance studio known for its inclusive culture and community atmosphere, is facing an immediate need for relocation after learning that its lease will not be renewed for the first time in 11 years.
Founder Kristin Weissman announced the news in an emotional video message posted Wednesday, telling dancers that the studio’s last day in its current space will be Dec. 23rd.
“We received information just a short time ago that our lease expiring in December 2025 is not being renewed,” Weissman said in the video. “I have done everything in my power to fight this but we need to move forward.”
The announcement brought an outpouring of responses across social media where Weissman has built a loyal following over the studio’s 15 year history.
On YouTube, Meghan Catagnus wrote, “You always find a way and I have no doubt you will soon find a space that will make the others pale in comparison.”
On Instagram, supporters shared messages of encouragement and commitment to the studio’s future.
User @laneyeileenn wrote, “We love Studio K and can’t wait to continue dancing together wherever that may be.”
Another supporter on Facebook, Amanda Noelle, added, “You have a village behind you. This is just a bump in the road and the best is yet to come.”
Margaret Callahan commented, “The perfect new home will find you and we will follow you wherever you go,” wrote user Katie Lynne.
Weissman told the Orlando Life she has spent months searching for a suitable new location but has faced significant challenges in the commercial real estate market. The studio is seeking roughly 3,000sqft, ideally in the 32819 or 32821 ZIP codes, large enough to accommodate current class sizes with safe access and adequate parking.
Retail plazas have proven financially unfeasible, Weissman said, with available spaces often half the size for triple the cost. More affordable warehouse style flex spaces have offered potential but negotiations have repeatedly fallen through due to board rejections. This included a near final lease agreement that collapsed at the last minute.
“Weeks of work went into securing that space,” Weissman said. “In the final hour one board member said absolutely no to having a dance studio and we lost the deal after investing in attorneys and everything else.”
The current nonrenewal stems from ongoing noise concerns raised by a neighboring tenant, despite Studio K’s long standing payment record and consistent foot traffic that benefits nearby businesses.
Weissman emphasized that while the transition is difficult, Studio K will continue.
“This is not the end for Studio K,” she said. “I will never give up on finding us the perfect new home.”
As the search continues, the studio’s community remains steadfast. One Instagram user summed up the theme shared across all platforms, saying, “Studio K isn’t a location, it’s a dance family.”
If you are able to assist in helping Studio K find a new home please reach out to Kristin@studiokorlando.com
Weissman plans to update members as soon as a new location is secured.

Kristin Weissman at Studio K | Photo by Orlando Life
Sign up for the Orlando Life Newsletter, here