Dancing at Pointe by Pointe: A Family Affair (Photo Gallery)

When moved to its new location, 1122 Mission Street, about seven years ago, dance teacher Elena Behtereva was laid off. Not to mention, she was seven months pregnant. 

"It was scary," she said Monday night in a thick Russian accent. "I cried a little bit."

But not for long. Instead, her husband convinced her to open a dance studio of their own. With little money, she said she could barely afford rent—let alone a sign for the front window. 

"I finally found this place. It was the cheapest I could find," she said of . "My students helped me. The money they brought opening day went to rent."

Luckily, Behtereva was able to recruit another teacher from Payke and many of their loyal dancers followed. With the studio still unnamed, Behtereva asked her students for suggestions, and they came up with Pointe by Pointe. 

Seven years later, Behtereva is still teaching and has a steady group of dancers—even entire families come out for lessons. The Schroeder family, for instance, enjoys quality bonding time at ballroom dancing classes on Thursday nights. Family member Cole, 11, also takes hip hop and Lexi, 8, takes ballet and tap. 

"My wife was interested but wanted us to do it as a family," said father Todd Schroeder. "It's good for the kids—trying to keep them focused. But Cole remembers everything."

Having trained in rhythmic gymnastics in Russia from a young age, Behtereva went on to professionally compete and teach sports aerobics in Ukraine. The high-intensity sport eventually led her to the U.S. where she landed a job at Payke.

While Behtereva looks to instill work-ethic in her young students, she also offers adult classes and allows parents to bring their babies and children. Students range from mothers who have just given birth to ballet students who can perfect pointe. Class sizes are smaller than that of your typical dance studio and many participants have been there for years giving the place a sense of family. 

"Children like to be disciplined," she explains. "If they like my style, they will come back to me." 

Luckily she's right, and many have come back. Even her own children participate in classes. Pointe by Pointe will host its annual recital this June.