Home of the RFAC Dance Rep.
About Toby’s School of Dance
New classes are offered based on interest and demand!
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Welcome to your NEW DANCE HOME! Come JOIN US!
Put the fun and enjoyment of dance in your life!
Looking for a wholesome, healthy, happy place to enjoy learning to dance?
Professional training with emphasis on proper technique
About Us
Welcome to Toby’s School of Dance, and the RFAC Dance Rep! Toby’s was established in 1959 as one of the first performing dance studios in the Richardson/Plano area. Since then, thousands of boys and girls have enjoyed learning, performing and dancing at Toby’s.
In 2016, Sally and Don Andriot became the new owners and directors of Toby’s. They bring an enthusiastic and professional perspective to the studio as can be seen in the refreshed and updated studio interiors, including the new “best available” sprung floor in the tap room.
Sally spent a lifetime preparing for her new role as Owner/Artistic Director of Toby’s. Her rare combination of extensive academic dance studies, practical professional performance experience at the highest levels and years of experience teaching young students, has given her an appreciation for the importance of correct dance technique and of the training lacking in many studios.
The Andriot’s vision is to offer students proper and recognized theoretical dance techniques, exciting performance opportunities, and a nurturing, wholesome and fun environment. They are excited about Toby’s:
- Knowledgeable, well-qualified and enthusiastic teachers
- Expanded spring recital with a theme
- New junior and senior performing companies
- Exciting performance opportunities for all students
- “Best of Reader’s Choice” Living Magazine 2016
Toby’s students are having a great time while learning the art of dance. Sally and Don hope you will join them in this fun and exciting adventure as Toby’s grows and dives head-on into the future of the arts!
Our Talented Staff
SALLY ANDRIOT (Artistic Director/Owner) graduated from the world-renowned Walnut Hill School for the Performing Arts, Natick, Massachusetts, and then began her professional dancing career with the Cincinnati Ballet at the age of 19 while attending college. After graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in Dance Performance from the University of Cincinnati, Sally continued her professional dancing career with the Boston Ballet Company and then the Dallas Ballet Company. She was a founding member of the Collin Dance Consortium and served as the Ballet Director of International Ballet Theater and as the Technical Director of Epiphany Dance Arts Performing Company. Sally has over 30 years of experience teaching dance in the D/FW area including private dance lessons and coaching for ballet competitions. Prior to purchasing Toby’s, she guest taught ballet for the Dallas Youth Repertory Project for two years and has been a guest teacher at Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing Arts in Dallas. Many of Sally’s former students have gone on to professional careers in the performing arts and to pursue fine arts degrees in prestigious college dance programs across the country. She was recently certified in all levels of Progressing Ballet Technique. Sally has been married to her college sweetheart for thirty plus years! They have three grown children, all of whom have participated in the dance performing world.
DON ANDRIOT (Business Manager/Owner) is Sally’s husband and business partner. He used to be a good dancer until his knees gave out from playing too much football. When his daughters were young, he had the great pleasure of joining them on stage in Father/Daughter pieces where they performed together and learned the great art of ballet partnering. His heart was forever changed through sharing that opportunity with each daughter. Don is a Project Manager by day, and is Toby’s Business Manager and resident jack-of-all-trades all other times. His latest creation was the sprung-wood tap floor installation at Toby’s. Don is very excited to be a partner in Toby’s and is looking forward to continuing the school’s legacy.
ROSIE CHRASTA (Office Manager) received her Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in Global Studies from Belhaven University. Supplementing her studies with Art Administration and Communications courses, Rosie also worked for the Mississippi Arts Commission, assisting the event manager in producing the annual Governor’s Arts Awards event. Before her graduation, she had the opportunity to study abroad in Oxford, England and participate in a global service-learning practicum in Sofia, Bulgaria with Creative Arts Europe. Rosie is a true lover of the arts and artistic athletics; her experience includes training in writing, piano, theater, visual arts, photography, ballet, modern, figure and synchronized skating, and gymnastics. Rosie thoroughly loves every aspect of working at the studio and has especially enjoyed collaborating with Toby’s staff to produce various original ballets including Camelot, The Snow Queen, and The Secret Garden. She looks forward to another wonderful season at Toby’s!
LAUREN DAVIS is a Texas native with a BFA in Commercial Dance from Hussian College Los Angeles: In Studio. Lauren trains in all styles of dance, including ballet, acro, jazz, hip hop, contemporary, modern, ballroom, jazz funk, and tap. Lauren grew up with a strong concert dance background before transitioning to competition dance and the commercial side of the industry. Lauren wants as versatile of a career as her training has been, striving to perform from the Broadway stage to cruise ships to award shows. Lauren discovered her deep love for children through becoming an aunt in 2014, and has since developed a passion for teaching. She now teaches at several studios in the DFW area, while continuing her career as a dancer and actor. Recently, Lauren performed in the State Fair of Texas’ “Illumination Sensation,” as well as performed as a guest artist for Destiny Dance Devoted, portraying the Sugar Plum Fairy. Lauren will continue to spread her love for the arts through performing and educating young dancers with authentic kindness and wisdom.
LISA GARRETSON was inspired by dance as a child in Midland, Texas. She studied dance at the University of North Texas, where she received extensive training in all areas of dance with an emphasis in ballet, tap, jazz, and lyrical. Lisa has danced professionally for Events in Motion and was a student instructor for the Jazz Department at Richland College. She has passionately contributed 25 years to dance instruction with extensive experience in choreography, workshops, drill team prep, dance competitions and more. Lisa’s work has been recognized through numerous scholarships, awards and student achievements including choreography recognition by the Dallas Dance Council, student dance competition achievements, and student appearances on the television show “So You Think You Can Dance.” She cherishes every moment that she is able to inspire dancers to follow their dreams, and believes that dance should be fun and accessible to all. Lisa is married to Steve and they have three daughters that enjoy gymnastics and dance! When she is not teaching she is attending gymnastics competitions, serving at church and spending time with her family. Lisa is excited to join the staff at Toby’s!
STEPHANIE EGGERS Photo and bio coming soon!
IVY KOVAL, a native Texan, received her early dance training at Dallas Ballet Center where she had the opportunity to perform soloist and lead roles in various full-length ballets. It was during this time that Ivy was mentored and coached by Ms. Sally Andriot. Following high school, Ivy danced with Ballet Magnificat!, a professional Christian ballet company in Jackson, MS. She then returned to Texas to attend Dallas Baptist University where she received an undergraduate degree in Studio Art and a graduate degree in Commercial Art. After graduation, Ivy accepted a position in the DBU art department where she currently teaches undergraduate drawing, painting and design courses. For ten seasons, Ivy danced as a signature artist and choreographer with Epiphany DanceArts, a Dallas-based contemporary ballet and modern company. She also taught dance to special needs children through Epiphany’s Adaptive DanceArts program. Ivy is currently on faculty at Toby’s School of Dance, where she teaches ballet and pointe/pre-pointe, and The Dance Movement, where she is director of the performance company’s ballet ensemble. Ivy feels incredibly blessed and thankful that God has given her a way to give back the instruction, encouragement and mentorship that she received from her teachers over the years.
MORIAH MCCLURE is an internationally trained artist and creator. Born in Berkeley, California her passion for dance began as soon as she could walk so her parents immediately put her into dance classes at 2 years old. Shortly after that her family moved to India where dance training obviously became a bit more complicated. But through self discipline training at home, private training under Ann Toner (former principal ballerina with the Bolshoi Ballet) and summer intensives/camps back in the states she managed to stay on top of it. She also loved traveling and performing with her father, critically acclaimed cellist Doug McClure who is her biggest inspiration in the arts and life. She became an apprentice with Radiance Ballet Company at 17 dancing with them for a full season before moving to Kona, Hawaii her Senior year of high school.
After taking her senior year off to travel and do ministry with her family in YWAM she began university in Hawaii. Studying at University of The Nations in Kona she expanded her training to include modern, breaking, improv, hula and several other international dance styles. During this time she also joined Heartbridge International Dance Company as a principal artist and guest teacher/choreographer and completed two international tours with them to Europe and Asia.
In Hawaii she also began her teaching career, teaching various styles from ages 2-80! Her junior year was spent apprenticing for Ad Deum Dance Company in Houston Texas as well as teaching at Mitsi School of Dance and coaching their Senior ballet and contemporary competition team. She graduated in 2021 with a BA in Dance Performing Arts with an emphasis on Dance Education. Currently Moriah is apart of Zion ll ZDP’s Second company under Vincent and Abigail Hardy as a company artist and Administrative Assistant. When Moriah is not dancing she is probably outside, spending time with friends and going out country dancing!
JAEDA SWINDELL Photo and bio coming soon!
HANNAH STATON Photo and bio coming soon!
Interested In Basic Movement And Exercise? We Have Classes For You, Too! Put The Fun & Enjoyment Of Dance In Your Life!
Interested In Basic Movement And Exercise? We Have Classes For You, Too! Put The Fun & Enjoyment Of Dance In Your Life!
Sally and Don Andriot
45 Minute Class
$85*
FAQ
Q1: Are private lessons possible?
A: Yes, they are! Please talk to Ms. Sally about times/days when the studios are available for private lessons.
Q2: What are the costs for private lessons?
A: It depends on the teacher – again, please talk with Ms. Sally for information on pricing.
Q3: What is your experience with YAGP (Youth America Grande Prix)?
A: I have coached many students through the preparation and participation in this international event. It is a major commitment of time and preparation. Participating has many costs as well, from the cost of outside private lessons to costumes, registration fees – as well as other expenses from travel to choreography. Typically dancers must be at least 10 years of age before they are eligible to participate. If you want more information please discuss with Ms. Sally.
Q4: Is the studio available for private parties, such as birthday parties, etc.?
A: Yes! We have had “princess dance parties” and tumbling classes for children at the studio. Ms. Sally can give you details on the cost and availability of the studio for private parties.
Q5: I have a group of adult friends and we are looking for a particular class on a specific day. Is this possible?
A: Yes! Depending on the day, time and type of class that your group is interested in starting. We welcome suggestions and groups for new classes. Just contact Ms. Sally for more information.
Q6: I need to drop a class that my child is in. What is the procedure?
A: It depends upon the time of year and whether costumes have been ordered for the recital or not. You will need to talk to Ms. Sally, as soon as you realize you need to drop a class.
Q7: My dancer is interested in attending dance competitions. Is this something you offer?
A: Yes we anticipate attending dance competitions with our students. Please contact our office for additional information.
Q8: Where do you recommend we shop for dance attire for class? Are there online sources that you recommend?
A: We recommend Sandys Dancewear in Plano, Dallas or Frisco. There are also online companies. Call the office for more information.
Q9: Do you close during inclement weather? How will we know in advance if a class is going to be cancelled?
A: For inclement weather – Tobys follows the RISD inclement weather policies. Please watch for closures on your local broadcast stations.
Q10: If my child misses a class are there make-up classes? What is your make-up policy?
A: A student may make up a class that is age and level appropriate within the month of class missed. Please contact Mrs. Sally for assistance in determining which class is the appropriate level.
Q11: I would like to talk to you directly. What is the best time to reach you by phone?
A: Generally, I am more available in the “mornings. When classes are in session I am most likely teaching or working with students so my time is very limited. So, I would prefer to talk to you when things are not too hectic and I can focus on the conversation. An easy way to set this up is to send me an email and we can schedule a mutually convenient time to talk – either at the studio or over the phone. I am always happy to talk to you, when I am not teaching or focused on getting children situated in their classes. Thank you for your understanding!
Q12: Is attendance taken in each class?
A: Yes, each teacher takes attendance, noting students that are present, late, or absent in each class.