Top 50 Dance Studios in the USA to Watch in 2015 (41-50)

This list is meant to highlight some of the awesome dance studios throughout the United States and in no way is meant to be a comprehensive list.  We here at BDancewear.com think that if you are a dance studio anywhere teaching people to dance you are doing something amazing and deserve recognition!  This is a small list of some of the studios that we think are going above and beyond.  However if your studio isn’t on this list and you think it should be feel free to leave a comment or email Brittany@BDancewear.com and we would love to write an article about your studio.

50. Star Dance Studio – Star Dance Company and Mini Starz Dance Company are comprised of Stardancer Dance Studio dancers who desire the opportunity to perform more often than in the studio’s annual spring/summer performance. As educators, they feel that participation in the Dance Company is an extremely valuable experience for their dancers, teaching them important life lessons about teamwork, commitment, time management, and dealing with unexpected events. The goal of the dance company is to provide an experience beyond the dancers’ regular dance education in which their students can grow as dancers, work on performance skills, develop self confidence, and enjoy themselves in a positive group environment. The Companies provide opportunities for students who are serious about dance to explore the art form further, gain more performance experience, and through participation at regional conventions take a look into the real world of professional dance. The Nutcracker is one of the world’s most renowned and performed ballets. It is a classic show for all ages and is normally performed around Christmas. Stardancer wants to provide something new, fresh and exciting for the River and Upper Valley area. Therefore, they are putting their own spin on this timeless ballet called Clara’s Cracked Christmas. You will see ballet performances along with Hip Hop, Acro, Tap, Jazz, Pointe, Gymnastics and Modern dance infused into this show! This is not your average Nutcracker performance!

49. West Coast School of the Arts – The West Coast School of the Arts invites everyone to join their dance school family to experience the best in dance instruction. Their expert staff of skilled, award winning teachers and choreographers offer years of experience in education, performing and the arts. Dancers of all ages and levels of experience are welcome at West Coast. They offer a large variety of classes for everyone. Auditions are on-going for their nationally recognized competition teams. At West Coast they train each level of dancer to be the best that they can be. Whether that be the best recreational dancer, dance club dancer, competitive or professional dancer. They firmly believe that this helps all dancers be successful in all aspects of their lives. It helps them overcome obstacles and to be more determined to succeed.

48. The Dance Depot – he Dance Depot was established in 1997. It has made, and continues to make, a far-reaching impact on the lives of many students, and on a wider spectrum, on the vitality of dance in America. Owner/Director Susan Pinney has taught dance since 1976. She was born into a family of dancers and entertainers. Susan’s expertise stems from three generations of a family committed to dance and dance instruction. Students who enroll in Dance Depot classes will learn the fundamentals of dance while incorporating proper technique, discipline, coordination, poise and rhythm in a friendly nurturing environment. “We view our studio as a place of empowerment, encouraging self-esteem for children, educating minds, bodies and souls of children while partnering with parents in developing life-long skills.” Their faculty is made up of professional, dedicated instructors whose backgrounds, education and training provide students with a variety of artistic influences. They look forward to sharing their talents and expertise with all students from the beginner to the advanced dancer. Their teachers truly have their student’s emotional and physical development foremost in their hearts. These classes are designed to introduce students to the art of dance and basic ballet terminology. Using specialized curriculum for the young child with age appropriate music and activities, these classes enhance a students’ creative ability, attention span, physical mobility and musical comprehension. They currently offer classes in Tap-N-Burn Fitness, Jazzercise, and Yoga.

47. Horizons Dance Center – At Horizons, they provide an excellent dance education I a safe, caring and nurturing environment. The respect, discipline, and love of dance fostered at Horizons is a gift that can last a lifetime. Their recreational dance program provides students with the opportunity to experience two or three dance styles within a single introductory class. They encourage diversity and make the introduction of dance for you or your child easy and affordable. Horizons offers a special pre-school program which introduces danced to their younger students in a way that is creative and fun. Horizons Dance Center has been providing quality dance education since their founding in 1972, It has always been their goal to give their students a “New York City: dance experience in their community. Horizons teachers are professionals who specialize in a specific field of dance. Their students are exposed to the many aspects of dance including technique, style and choreography. Director Lind Abbte-Machado is a member of Dance Masters of America and Dance Educators of America and Horizons is accredited by both organizations. The Horizons Dance Company, their award winning competition team offers students the opportunity to study with a wide range of choreographers and teachers. Notable Horizons Alumni include Emmy Award winning choreographer Tyce Diorio, Geo Hubela Americas Best Dance Crew) Andrew Turtelbaub (Fame, Wicked), KC Castellano (Born to Dance). Horizons Dance Center presents an annual dance recital at the end of the season. Learning choreography, rehearsing and finally performing is an exciting and necessary part of the dance experience. They feel that this offers the student a chance to display their achievements of the past season.

46, Dance Connection 2 – Dance Connection 2 (“DC2”) offers over 150 dance classes for dancers of all ages and abilities! DC2 is a highly reputable dance studio serving the Arizona East Valley in Chandler, Arizona for over 25 years. Their eighteen dance instructors have over 200 years of combined experience. Each instructor has an impressive resume and experience both on stage and teaching their craft. This experience provides the best training for students entering our studio. Even limiting their instructors’ professional experience to just the most important and most exciting highlights the list is too numerous to list. Whether it be classical ballet or hip hop DC2 has a highly qualified teacher ready to take dance students to the next level.  The faculty at DC2 are excited to work with such an amazing group of young dancers. Throughout the years, the faculty and dancers have become a family. They all work together to provide the best experience in dance possible. Everyone loves seeing the look on a child’s face when they have mastered a new dance move while the parents beam with pride. Many of our dancers strive to move up into a more advanced level of training and performance. After recreational classes, students usually move into the performance team, the Dynamite Express which consists of intermediate level dancers wanting to advance and have performance opportunities. When they become more advanced dancers, they may desire to audition for the Company. DC2 Company consists of the most advanced dancers within each age group. Dancers in the Company become an elite team that participate in dance conventions, and competitions, and special performances together. Some dancers may even choose to perform solos during the competitions. The D2 Dance Company has received National  recognition for their excellence.

45. Dance Stop – Dance Stop Studios is the home of the Dance Stop Company, a civic, non-profit organization formed to give the serious student an intense study of dance and the opportunity to perform on a regular basis. The Company is comprised of Companies I, II, and III; Ballet Ensemble I and II, Apprentice Ballet Ensemble and Apprentice Tap Company.  The Dance Stop Company, under the direction of Lynette Strickland has achieved a high degree of recognition and professionalism throughout the community.  Dancers are selected from auditions held each May and must have previous training in tap, ballet, and jazz. Dance Stop Company is the honored recipient of the 2010 Ovation Award for Outstanding Ensemble presented by the Cobb County Arts Board.  They have performed in many live and film appearances which are too numerous to list here.  The highlight of the Dane Stop Company’s performing season is the annual Mid-Winter Concert held at the Cobb Civic Center.  The performances showcase all genres of dance including Ballet, Pointe, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, and Contemporary.  Dance Stop Studios is one of Atlanta’s largest and most successful dance studios is one of Atlanta’s largest and most successful dance schools. Their classes offer quality dance instruction for the beginner through advanced professional. Dance Stop Studios Fitness Program offers affordable classes that are tailored to fit your schedule. There is no membership fee to take a fitness class at Dance Stop.  All of their classes are based on a “Drop-In” basis with a “Pay-As-You-Go” fee structure.  We also offer the convenience of pre-paying for a class card with no expiration date.

44. Broadway Dance Center – Since 1984, Broadway Dance Center (“BDC”) has earned a reputation in the global dance community as a beacon of excellence in dance education. BDC is renowned for its unparalleled faculty and for offering a diverse array of dance disciplines under one roof. Their continued dedication to the international dance community, state-of-the-art studios, and their location in the heart of the Broadway theater district in New York City make them the ultimate destination for dancers around the globe. BDC’s rich history is best understood by going back in time to New York City in the early 1980s. Aspiring dancers primarily came to NYC to vie for the chance to dance on a Broadway stage. That was the dream then, long before videos and pop stars. Comprising more than 80 professionals, their faculty is fully committed to your development and training. You are sure to find a favorite teacher in this diverse group! Their teachers work professionally in various aspects of their field and bring their expertise and knowledge into the classroom. All members of their staff work as a team to ensure the studio is run in a highly efficient and well-organized manner. From program administrators to event coordinators, BDC employs only dedicated individuals who love what they do, and whose primary goal is to support their growth and vitality. Since 1984, Broadway Dance Center has earned a reputation in the global dance community as a beacon of excellence in dance education. Whether you’re a beginner or an established professional, their state-of-the-art studios are sure to have the classes you seek.

43. Dance Impressions – Dance Impressions was founded in 1990 by mother and daughter team Vivian Colobella and Kandee Allen. Now under the direction of Kandee Allen and Mallorie Johns, Dance Impressions offers classes in jazz, tap, ballet, contemporary and hip hop for dancers of all ages and abilities. With two studios, located in Bountiful and Farmington, UT, they serve dancers just looking for fun-filled classes or those looking for more from a competition or performing team. Classes are structured to allow everyone an opportunity to enjoy proper instruction and a positive atmosphere – teaching boys and girls dance appreciation, discipline, cooperation and physical fitness. Dance Impressions provides an environment of professional training for all students regardless of experience, age, or aspirations. Students who desire to pursue dance as a career will certainly build a strong foundation for success. And those who don’t, will simply discover a great deal of fun! At Dance Impressions, they want everyone to feel invited and welcome to be a part of a team. They have broadened their program to enable more kids to be involved. Whether you choose to be a part of their performing Artistic Troupe or enjoy the thrill of dancing competitively on one of their Competition Teams, you are sure to have an incredible experience. Auditions are held each year in the Spring and they get to work quickly focusing on teamwork, discipline, integrity, responsibility, friendship and of course, dance.

42. Larkin Dance Studio – +Founded in 1950, Larkin Dance Studio is a full-service dance studio specializing in tap, ballet, jazz, lyrical, hip hop, and pointe instruction by a professional staff. Their new facility offers 25,000 square feet including eight studios for dance instruction, a full service retail store, a deli, a sewing department, and a spacious lobby. Their current enrollment is just over 900 students, including approximately 200 students who compete in regional and national dance competitions.  They have students from all areas n and around Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota (including Wisconsin). They currently offer over forty classes for recreational students of all skill levels, ages three to adult, who wish to take class once or twice a week. Classes are typically limited to 12 – 15 students to allow for more one-on-one attention. The competition lines are for dedicated dancers who wish to take several classes a week and compete in regional and national competitions. Many of their students have gone on to lead careers performing or teaching dance. They currently have past students dancing on Broadway and in shows around the country and the world. Many of their past students are in movies and on television. Additionally, a majority of their students move on to programs at top colleges and universities. For every one student who dances professionally, there are hundreds of others who, after graduation, choose other paths for their lives. However, when asked, they will tell you their lives are much better because they were part of the Larkin family.

41. Sally Gould Dance Center – In 1975, the Sally Gould Dance Center (“SGDC”) started small in the basement of Sally’s home. The school and its admirable reputation began to grow in a very short time. During that time, Sally Gould joined Dance Teachers Club of Boston and Dance Masters of America, two prestigious organizations where one must be certified by test to teach. These Dance Organizations allow her to keep up with the times and continue her own dance education. The SGDC has provided personalized dance instruction to both the professional and the amateur dance world. All students are placed in dance classes according to age, experience and ability. At that time, the original “Sally Gould Dancers” were created. They performed at local elementary and middle schools, as well as doing outreach programs at local nursing homes and hospitals. They were chosen to perform at Walt Disney World in Florida under the direction of the Assistant Director, Debbi Gould, Sally’s daughter. This group of talented dancers has since competed in many local and national dance competitions, receiving numerous top awards and recognition for their unique style and zest for dancing. SGDC staff members are professionally trained and have a tremendous zest and love of their art. Their enthusiasm is infectious as they offer the finest dance education in a challenging, creative and highly supportive atmosphere. They offer classes on many skill levels, from preschool through professional, in ballet, tap, jazz, gymnastics, preschool creative movement, kindergarten dance, Hip-Hop, and much more! Sally Gould Dance Center’s goal is to inspire, motivate and to instill the love of dance!

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