The Director

ESTEE FRATZKE

Estee graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Dance Science and a Master of Arts in Dance from California State University, Long Beach. Prior to studying dance in higher education, she trained and competed for 10 years at the acclaimed Dancer’s Edge studio, located in her hometown of Visalia, CA. As a competitive dancer, Estee traveled to regional and national competitions such as Showstopper, Starpower, and KAR (Kids Artistic Revue).

Estee has over 10 years of experience as a dance educator at the high school level, first directing Burbank High School’s dance program from 2010-2014, and now directing Laguna Beach High School’s dance program. Teaching a comprehensive curriculum that encourages versatility and adaptability in her dancers is a high priority for Estee, and she’s committed to pushing her students to think critically and creatively on a daily basis.

During her years in dance education, Estee has had the privilege of working directly with top dance professionals in the industry, including: Alex Wong (SYTYCD), Victoria Parsons-Gracie, Ashley Galvan (SYTYCD / Cirque du Soleil), Nicole Voris (Ballet Zaida), Chucky Klapow (Emmy Award winning choreographer), Kristin Hollowaty, Keri LaGrand, Andrew Pearson, Auti Kamal, Rebecca Lemme, David Slaney II.

Estee has instructed numerous young dancers who have pursued careers in commercial dance studios and agencies, including Bloc LA, Clear Talent Agency, Movement Lifestyle, and the EDGE Performing Arts Center. She has also supported students that have transitioned into college dance, most notably California Institute of the Arts, UCLA, USC, NYU, New School, Fordham University, and Columbia University.  

Through community partnerships, Estee has an established relationship with the Laguna Dance Festival led by Jodie Gates, the former Director of the USC Kaufman School of Dance, and she has been able to support bringing world class dancers and choreographers to Orange County.

Louie is proud to be the mascot for Fringe Dance Studio. He specializes in wiggling, eating treats, and doing zoomies around Estee while she choreographs or plans her dance lessons. Most would probably say that Louie is spoiled and goofy. Nonetheless, Louie is always excited to meet new friends at Fringe.