If you’ve ever seen reality television shows like “Dance Moms”, you know the world of dance can sometimes seem overly strict and competitive.But Holly Pacheco wants her new dance school “DanceSations” to be just as much fun as it is challenging for its students.“DanceSations” started off as a summer dance programme, with just 15 children, back in 2004. The programme continued to grow in popularity to include more than 120 students; they also began to offer up to 20 classes to accommodate adults and children as young as three.Parents were continually asking when Mrs Pacheco was going to open a full-time school and this year she decided it was time to act.“We had just become so big it was the next step,” she said. “We were looking for the right space and needed to have the proper facilities and something literally just popped up in January.”She is now preparing to open up her new studio — located on Reid Street extension by Island Trading.Mrs Pacheco will be hosting an open house on Friday, from 6pm-8pm, to meet potential students and show off the new facility.The school will offer a range of dance classes such as pre-ballet, ballet, jazz, tap, modern, hip-hop, boys hip hop/break dancing, and adult exercise classes like cardio-ballet and barre strength.Mrs Pacheco said: “All of our kids are super excited. We have a large new facility and I think its going to allow us to grow more and the five teachers we have are so passionate as well.“They are such a great asset to have and it shows when they teach the kids they are so fun, energetic and creative with their approach.“Even though we are very serious about dance, it’s also important to have fun with it in a positive environment because I think you need to enjoy dance to really express yourself and want to continue.”She said the school caters to those dancers who just want to learn as a hobby; as well as those who are serious about their craft and want to reach a professional level.“DanceSations” will have a junior company for aspiring dancers. Mrs Pacheco also plans to take some of the students to New York, where they can train with international choreographers in the New Year.“I want to let them know there is a whole entire dance world outside of Bermuda for the ones who are really passionate about pursuing it,” she said.“I want them to continue doing dance after they graduate from high school and get to university, and want them to explore what options they have outside of Bermuda.”Mrs Pacheco started dancing when her mother signed her up for classes at four years old. She has been dancing ever since, but admitted it was a hip-hop class she took during university that really ignited her passion.The energetic hip-hop class she offers for boys has been a really popular addition to her rota, she said.The summer dance programme starts the week of June 24 and runs until August 31. Students will be putting their talents on display at “DanceSations” annual summer showcase on August 31 at the Earl Cameron Theatre (City Hall).Tickets for the recital go on sale on July 1 at www.bdatix.bm.For more information on class schedules and pricing, visit www.dancesations.bm.