Family owned dance studio in Katy nurtures student growth

Arens and Victoria danced for the Cinco Ranch High School Cougar Stars. Arens graduated from high school in 2011 and upon returning from a summer internship, a family friend asked if Arens would teach dance for her home-schooled daughter and her friends.

The family first opened the business in the Swieitzer’s garage. Victoria also provided instruction and Ginger became office manager. Enrollment grew from eight to 30 students the following February and by June 2013, Pointe of Grace had more than 80 students taking lessons

“That was the first time I kind of saw [my mother and sister] like, ‘Oh! We’re all in this together and they want to back me up and we want to open this thing,’” Arens said.

Ginger’s husband, Travis Sweitzer, remodeled Pointe of Grace’s original 2,300-square-foot location at 3760 S. Mason Road, Ste. 20. After reaching 500 students in December, the family decided to move. Ginger projects the studio will have more than 600 students by this fall.

As the Texas heat increases, parents may need an indoor option to keep their children active during the summer.

Pointe of Grace offers a summer camp Aug. 1-4 for children ages 3-7. The morning session for the camp is 9-11:30 a.m. and the afternoon session is 12:30-3 p.m. The cost for the camp is $175.

Monthly tuition for regular summer classes depend on the number of classes students would like to attend. Tuition ranges from one class per week at $65 to six or more classes per week for $210, Ginger Sweitzer said. Tuition is paid monthly. The studio offers a sibling discount of 20 percent for each additional sibling.

The studio has six employees on contract or working part time to help in the office and new dance boutique. Eight advanced students teach as well.

One longtime student, Brianny Montanez, 13, is now an assistant instructor. Her mother, Janet Montanez, said Brianny is usually shy, but working with the instructors at Pointe of Grace Dance Studio has boosted her daughter’s confidence.

“I love seeing her express herself, and Pointe of Grace has definitely helped her grow in that way,” Janet said.

Pointe of Grace Dance Studio

2300 S. Mason Road, Ste. 107, Katy 832- 623-4365 www.pointeofgracedancestudio.com/ Summer hours: Tue. 3-9 p.m., Wed. 3-8:15 p.m., Thu. 3-8 p.m., closed Fri.-Mon. Starting Aug. 21: Mon.-Tue. 3:30-9 p.m., Wed. 10 a.m.-12:15 p.m.; 4:30-9 p.m., Thu. 4-8:15 p.m., Fri. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; 4:30-7 p.m.