2009: Our Story
True Crew Dance Company began with a simple but powerful vision: to create a place where dancers could grow not only in skill, but in confidence, character, and community. Our Artistic Director and Owner, Toni Pressimone Szparaga, began her journey in dance when she was just two years old. By the age of fifteen, she was already sharing her passion by instructing students in New Jersey. Her philosophy has always guided everything she does: If you Believe… you will Achieve… and Never Say Can’t! Honesty, Integrity & Loyalty are the only way to Succeed.
Before opening True Crew, Ms. Toni had spent more than eight years teaching at another local studio. Having previously owned Toni T's Dance Magic in New Jersey, she decided she wanted to open a studio of her own once again. Her goal was simple: to bring back the true family values she believed a dance studio should have. She envisioned a place where students of all ages, genders, and abilities would feel welcomed, supported, and capable of achieving anything—as long as they believed in themselves.
When True Crew first began, it was one of the only dance studios in the area. Ms. Toni originally transformed her garage into a small dance space, and as the studio began to grow, she rented a room at the community center for the remainder of the season. True Crew officially opened its doors in 2007. From the very beginning, True Crew truly was a family effort. Ms. Toni’s mom served as the studio’s office manager, bookkeeper, and handled the accounting, helping keep everything running behind the scenes. Her dad played just as big a role, building props, helping with studio renovations, and creating anything the studio needed. He even built the large floats True Crew used in the local holiday parades, which became a special tradition for the dancers and their families.
At the heart of it all were Ms. Toni’s two sons, AJ and Mikey, who have always been such an important part of her journey. They danced at the studio and spent their childhood growing up there, making the studio not just a workplace, but truly a second home. Together, their support helped turn Ms. Toni’s vision into a place that felt like home for so many students.
2011: Breaking Barriers
First Studio Expansion
On May 14, 2011, a wall came down, and with it, a new chapter for our studio began. What was once a smaller space opened up into what our main studio is today. Suddenly, there was room to grow: nearly 2,000 square feet of pure dance space, a locker area, a separate stretch room, a welcoming waiting area, and TV viewing so families could share in every moment of class. But the expansion meant more than just extra space. It meant that our dream was truly taking shape. Our dance family was growing, our vision was expanding, and the studio was becoming everything we had hoped it would be. With incredible families by our side and dancers filling the room with passion and energy, it was the moment we realized that True Crew was becoming more than a studio, it was becoming a home.
Before
After
Testing Out The New Studio
On June 22, 2011, a few of our dancers were the first to test out the newly renovated space, marking the start of an exciting new chapter for True Crew.
Grand Reopening Celebration
After months of hard work and exciting renovations, True Crew proudly celebrated the grand reopening of the studio on August 28, 2011. It was a special day filled with excitement, community, and a look at the future of the studio. The celebration began with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 1:00 p.m., led by Commissioner Tod Mowry, officially marking the reopening of the newly renovated space. The afternoon was full of fun for everyone, including face painting by Stacy Miller, refreshing snow cones, and an inflatable slide for the kids. Dancers from our competitive team also performed, sharing their talent and energy with the community. Guests enjoyed tours of the expanded studio, giving families a chance to see the improvements and experience the space where so many dancers would continue to train and grow.
We were honored to welcome Mindi Slavin Fetterman, who spoke about the important work being done for children through Kids at Hope St. Lucie County. The event also included wonderful support from friends involved with Dancing with PALS, the annual charity dance competition and fundraiser benefiting the Fort Pierce Police Athletic League (PAL). A special thank you also goes to Mitch Kloorfain, who captured the day through photography so these memories could be shared for years to come. The grand reopening was more than just a celebration of a renovated building, it was a celebration of the True Crew family, the community that supports us, and the bright future ahead.
Our First Studio Lock-In
On November 20, 2011, our company dancers celebrated with the very first studio lock-in, making memories together in our new home. Our studio lock-ins have always been a special tradition. They give dancers the opportunity to bond with their teammates, build lasting friendships, and create unforgettable memories. Nights filled with games, dancing, laughter, and fun help bring our dance family even closer together. In these pictures, you can also see how our lobby looked before we later expanded the studio and added Studio C.
2012: A Year of Firsts
Our First Field Trip
Our First Family Fun Day
Our First Holiday Show
On March 24, 2012, we welcomed students from All Villages Preschool for our very first field trip to the studio. The children spent the day learning and exploring movement, bringing so much energy and joy into the space. It was a wonderful reminder of why we love teaching and inspiring the next generation of dancers.
On September 23, 2012, True Crew had its first Family Fun Day. This event brought together recreational and company dancers along with their families for a day of fun and community. It was the beginning of what would become many more Family Fun Days to come.
On December 21, 2012, we held our first holiday show, True Crew’s Farewell to the Past Year. The performance was a huge success, selling out all five Ruby Rooms at the Civic Center and marking an exciting moment in our studio’s early years.
2013: True Crew Welcomes Carlos Garland
On February 16, 2013, True Crew hosted a special day of professional dance workshops with Carlos Garland from So You Think You Can Dance. Dancers had the opportunity to train in a variety of classes throughout the day, welcoming both studio dancers and members of the public to learn from a professional in the industry.
2014: Building Our Legacy
Capital One Orange Bowl
One of the most unforgettable milestones in our studio’s history came in December 2014, when eight of our company dancers, ages 11–17, were selected to perform in the Capital One Orange Bowl Halftime Show alongside Little Big Town. For our small-town studio, this opportunity was incredibly special. We were proud to represent our community as the only dance company from Florida’s Treasure Coast, bringing our passion and hard work to one of the biggest stages in college football. The journey began on December 26, 2014, at the studio ,with a special rehearsal as we practiced and prepared choreography for the halftime performance in Miami on New Year’s Eve. On December 28, 2014, our dancers traveled to Miami for the first round of rehearsals. We joined dancers from studios across the country, spending the afternoon learning staging and beginning to form friendships that made the experience even more memorable. On December 29, 2014, the day started bright and early at 6:30 AM, followed by a full day of convention classes from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Our dancers trained with some of the industry’s top choreographers, including Tyce Diorio, Kevin Andrews, Longie Fernandes, Luther Brown, and Dee Caspary. Our Artistic Director, Ms. Toni, also participated in professional teacher classes throughout the day. In the evening, dancers showcased what they had learned during a performance-style presentation before celebrating the day with dinner together at The Cheesecake Factory. On December 30, 2014, the dancers returned for another full day of halftime rehearsals, refining formations and preparing for the big performance. On New Year’s Eve 2014, we traveled by bus to Sun Life Stadium for the official dress rehearsal. Incredibly, we would not rehearse with the live band until the actual performance that night. The Orange Bowl, nationally televised and beginning at 7:30 PM, featured Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets football vs. Mississippi State Bulldogs football. When halftime arrived, our dancers took the field, performing alongside Little Big Town in front of a packed stadium and a national television audience. Our group was staged between the 10- and 20-yard line on the right side of the field, proudly representing our studio and the Treasure Coast. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience and a proud moment that will always remain part of our True Crew family history.
Hometown Holiday Magic
The Ice Bucket Challenge
On December 20, 2014, our studio had their very first Christmas performance at our hometown mall, Treasure Coast Square Mall. Families gathered in front of Sears, holiday music filled the air, and our performers shined with confidence and heart. That day remains a beautiful reminder of how far we’ve come as a studio family.
In the Summer of 2014, we joined in on the global movement, Ice Bucket Challenge, to raise awareness for ALS. With laughter, teamwork, and plenty of icy splashes, it became more than just a fun moment, it was a chance to give back. This experience showed our dancers the importance of community, compassion, and using their voices to support a greater cause.
2015: A Year of Love and Growth
Expanding Our Studio Again
On August 27, 2015, we surprised our company students and parents with a studio expansion and gave them a tour. Although the new studio wasn’t completely ready yet, the excitement that day is something we will never forget. Over 4,000 square feet of pure love, dedication, and loyalty!
Where Loyalty Meets Love
Toni Pressimone Szparaga spent years inspiring, guiding, and believing in her dancers, and on August 29, 2015, they gave that love right back. Our Elite Company surprised their director on her wedding day with a dance they choreographed themselves. It was raw, emotional, and full of meaning. Moments like this remind us that what we build inside the studio walls goes far beyond technique, it creates lifelong connections, unforgettable memories, and a family that always shows up for each other.
2016: A Landmark Year for True Crew
Battle at the Beach
In July 2016, we received our first invitation to Believe Dance Competition’s “Battle at the Beach,” a moment that felt like a major step forward for our team. Taking the stage with “The Face,” choreographed by Rafaelito Gomez, our dancers delivered a confident and captivating performance. Their hard work paid off as the routine earned 1st Overall in the Advanced 9–11 Small Group division and was named Grand Champions, an accomplishment that made the experience even more unforgettable!
The Lyric Theatre
For our 10th anniversary season, we elevated our annual recital experience. After years of hosting our performances in local high school auditoriums, we proudly moved our recital to a professional theatre stage. This change allowed our dancers to experience performing in a true theatre environment, complete with professional lighting, staging, and production elements. It was a special way to celebrate a decade of growth, giving our dancers the opportunity to showcase their hard work in a setting that reflected the level of dedication and artistry they bring to the stage.
Building Better Ballet
In 2016, our dancers continued to reach exciting new milestones beyond the studio. Three of our students auditioned and were accepted into summer intensives with Austin Ballet, an incredible opportunity to further their training. That same year, one of our younger company members auditioned for the Joffrey Ballet School and was accepted into Joffrey’s Summer Intensives. Achievements like these reflect the dedication of our dancers and the strong foundation of training they develop at True Crew.
Worlds
In August 2016, our Boyz Company reached an exciting milestone when they traveled to the World Dance Championships in Meadowlands, New Jersey. This opportunity was especially meaningful for our studio, as it marked the first time True Crew received a “Golden Ticket” invitation to compete at this prestigious event. Earning this recognition was a testament to the hard work, talent, and dedication of our dancers and instructors. Competing on such a large stage was an unforgettable experience and a proud moment in True Crew’s history.
2020: Dancing Through The Pandemic
When the COVID-19 pandemic forced studios around the world to close their doors, our studio quickly adapted by moving classes online so our dancers could continue training from home. While it was a challenging and unfamiliar time, our community stayed connected through virtual classes, rehearsals, and check-ins that kept our dancers active and engaged. When we were finally able to return to the studio, things looked a little different. Classes were held with social distancing, smaller groups, and new safety protocols in place. Despite these adjustments, we were incredibly grateful to be able to keep our doors open and continue providing a place for dancers to learn, grow, and feel a sense of normalcy during such a difficult time. The resilience of our dancers, families, and staff during this period is something we will always be proud of, and it showed just how strong our studio community truly is.
Check out our featured article in the hometown newspaper highlighting how our studio continued providing dance training and supporting our dancers throughout the challenges of COVID-19.
2021: Sweet Moments & Big Wins
Trunk or Treat
October 24, 2021 was the start of what has become a fun tradition for our studio. After a difficult year navigating the pandemic, our studio community was ready for a chance to come together again. The next fall, we hosted our very first Trunk or Treat in the studio parking lot. Families decorated their cars, dancers dressed up in creative costumes, and the evening quickly turned into a fun celebration for everyone involved. Some of our competitive students even performed for the crowd, bringing dance back to the community in a joyful way. We also held contests for Best Trunk and Best Costume, which brought out the creativity and spirit of our studio families. It was a memorable night filled with laughter, candy, and connection.
First Power Ranking
Our Senior large group jazz “A Little Party” was recognized in the Star Dance Alliance Power Rankings, Intermediate 12–14, Region 5, representing Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, and South Carolina, earning 1st place overall. This marked the first time our studio received this recognition, making it a moment we will always remember.
Studio Productions Through the Years
Over the years, our studio productions have been some of the most memorable moments for our dancers and families. These performances give our students the opportunity to step beyond the classroom and bring stories to life on stage. From creative themes to full-scale productions, each show reflects the hard work, dedication, and passion of our dancers and staff.
Making Headlines for 20 Years
Throughout the past two decades, our studio has proudly been featured in local newspapers for the achievements, dedication, and impact of our dancers and programs on our community. From competition victories and community performances to major studio milestones, these stories highlight the passion and hard work that define our studio family. Seeing our dancers and accomplishments celebrated in the headlines has been an incredible reminder of how far we’ve come, and how our community continues to support and recognize the talent growing within our studio year after year.
