Best Dance Studios 2022
DeNoyer Dance Studio
DeNoyer Dance Studio is a learning facility in St. Louis that has been providing dance instruction for students aged three and above since the mid-1950s. The team members have decades of combined experience as performers and teachers, and most of them hold degrees in dance. DeNoyer Dance Studio is a member of Dance Masters of America and St. Louis Dancing Teachers Association, and it has produced countless professional artists, dance competition titleholders, and fulfilled social dancers.
Dance Factory
Dance Factory is a studio in Maryland Heights that offers recreational and competition dance lessons. The facility welcomes young and mature students, and it provides instruction in various genres, including tap, lyrical, pom, jazz, and ballet. Dance Factory gives free trial classes to all newcomers, and the website contains the house policies and procedures.
Dimensions Dance Center
Dimensions Dance Center in St. Louis is a nonprofit organization that offers dance training and education for students of all ages. Classes are provided for many different styles, including ballet, contemporary lyrical, jazz, hip hop, and tap. Preschool and toddler dance is available for students aged 1.5 years and above. Scholarships are offered for those in financial hardship who demonstrate a passion for the art of dance. Dimensions Dance Center also provides online classes.
U Can Dance Studio
U Can Dance Studio is a provider of ballroom dancing instruction in St. Louis. The facility has been “making dance easy, fun, and affordable” since 1991, and some of the styles are salsa, foxtrot, nightclub two-step, and freestyle. U Can Dance Studio welcomes beginners and advanced learners between 24 months and 80 years old, and it offers an environment that encourages learning the art of movement, meeting like-minded people, and gaining self-confidence. Clients can rent the hall for events.
The Clark Academy of Irish Dance
The Clark Academy of Irish Dance is a training center in St. Louis. The school offers lessons in recreational and competitive Irish dance, and it affords students the opportunity to participate in public performances, St. Patrick's Day festivities, international contests, and even television programs that promote Irish culture. The Clark Academy of Irish Dance welcomes students aged two years old and above, and clients can complete the online registration form to join a class.
Just Dancing | Studio St. Louis
Just Dancing | Studio St. Louis is a learning center in Manchester that provides instruction seven days a well. The team has beginner, intermediate, and advanced programs, and the genres include Viennese waltz, West Coast swing, paso doble, bolero, jive, and flamenco. Just Dancing | Studio St. Louis sells gift certificates that let people share the gift of music and movement with their loved ones, and its wedding package offers choreography for the brides, grooms, their parents, and the entire party.
Prestige Ballroom
Prestige Ballroom is an entertainment venue and learning center in Des Peres that offers group lessons in dance. The studio has a team of instructors, who are seasoned performers and educators in the art of movement, and the class types are “smooth,” such as waltz and foxtrot, and “rhythm,” including samba, rumba, cha-cha, and merengue. Prestige Ballroom also provides wedding dance instruction for soon-to-be-wed couples and their bridal party.
Krupinski Academy of Dance
Krupinski Academy of Dance is a school in Chesterfield that brings the art of movement to children and adults. The facility offers programs for beginners and advanced learners, and the classes include tumbling, musical theater, hip-hop, lyrical, ballet, and tap. Krupinski Academy of Dance has been around for more than 40 years, and it holds several performances a year. Clients can register online.
Dance Project Saint Louis
Dance Project Saint Louis is a training center in St. Louis that offers dance lessons to children and young adults. The facility provides a welcoming and uplifting atmosphere, and the instructors build the programs on technically sound principles and methods that encourage creative expression. Dance Project Saint Louis takes pride in the fact that almost 40 of its alumni have won college scholarships to pursue their degrees in dance.
Central Studio
Central Studio is a learning facility in St. Louis that offers dance lessons to children and adults. The educators focus on promoting personal growth and a healthy lifestyle, and the classes include modern, tap, salsa, tango, youth dance, yoga, Pilates, and Zumba® fitness. Central Studio offers private and group classes.
St. Louis Academy of Dance
St. Louis Academy of Dance is a school in St. Louis that offers dance lessons to enthusiasts of any age and talent level. The instructors design inviting and encouraging programs and up-to-date choreographies, and their methods of teaching aim to build self-esteem, interpersonal skills, and the confidence to perform before live audiences. St. Louis Academy of Dance has been serving the community for more than three decades, and the genres include ballet, pointe, jazz funk, tap, hip-hop, contemporary, and lyrical.
Motion Express
Motion Express is a dance and acrobatics studio in St. Louis that offers lessons in ballet, hip-hop, jazz, and other disciplines. The choreographers and coaches are degreed professionals, and they strive to bring out a sense of self-worth and discipline among their students. Clients can call or visit the website to know more about Motion Express' services.
Arts in Motion
Arts in Motion is a studio in St. Louis that offers music and dance lessons to children of any ability level. The facility maintains a supportive atmosphere that helps students build a positive self-image, sense of community, and their skill in performing with grace and confidence. Arts in Motion has a range of options, including ballet, pointe, jazz, and modern, and clients can call to know more about the services and to schedule a trial class.
Dance Pizazz
Dance Pizazz is a studio in Saint Peters that offers swing, ballroom, and Latin dance lessons to learners of any age, shape, and size. The instructors hold private and group classes, and they commit to designing “fun and easy” programs. Dance Pizazz has special deals for new students, and it rents out a space for parties, workshops, and one-on-one coaching sessions by third-party teachers.
Ashleyliane Dance Company
Ashleyliane Dance Company is a provider of dance instruction St. Louis that opened in 2007. The center artfully blends the elements of jazz, modern, and contemporary movement with those of urban street dance, and it maintains an encouraging atmosphere that brings out the talent in child and adult dancers. Ashleyliane Dance Company charges only $10 for a drop-in class, and it offers outreach activities that include workshops and performances. The website features some of the team's productions.
Expert Answers To Common Questions:
- Introduction
- How can you become a good dancer without taking lessons?
- How much are wedding dance lessons?
- Can you deduct dance lessons from taxes?
- How do you write a dance lesson plan?
- What shoes do you wear for dance lessons?
- How many lessons will you need for a choreographed wedding dance?
- What shoes do you wear for ballroom dance lessons?
- When should you start dance lessons for children?
- How far before your wedding should you take dance lessons?
- Are private dance lessons worth it?
- Are you supposed to tip for private dance lessons?
- Can you use copyrighted music for dance lessons?
- Can you wear leggings to dance lessons?
- Do football players take dance lessons?
- How old is too old to take ballroom dance lessons?
- How do you warm up before dance lessons?
- What is the difference between dance therapy and dance lessons?
- Q: Introduction
- A: Many young people dream of becoming dancers when they grow up, but what if you're already grown and are just coming to the realization that dance is your passion? It's never too late to start, and while selecting a dance studio for lessons or even choosing a dance style to train in might seem like a daunting task, it's the start of an exciting journey that will nourish your mind, body, and soul.
- Q: How can you become a good dancer without taking lessons?
- A: Some dance styles, such as classical ballet, require professional training to master. However, if you can't afford or don't have time to take classes, consider immersing yourself in as much dance-related content as possible. Watch dance videos, tutorials on YouTube, and read anatomy books to learn about proper alignment. You should also exercise regularly to improve your stamina and strength.
- Q: How much are wedding dance lessons?
- A: The average cost of wedding dance lessons in the United States is roughly $75-$150 per hour and can be up to $2,500 for packages of 10-20 sessions. The exact pricing will vary based on the city you live in, the studio, and potentially even the style of dance you're learning for your wedding.
- Q: Can you deduct dance lessons from taxes?
- A: If your child is taking dance lessons, and you're using the dance school as an after-school child care alternative to daycare, then you may be able to write off up to $3,000 of the expense as a tax credit. In some cases, adult dance classes taken at an accredited post-secondary institution may also qualify for a tax deduction.
- Q: How do you write a dance lesson plan?
- A: A good dance lesson plan should have a focus or intention, a clear set of skills that the students will be developing, and methods for having students achieve those outcomes. Typically, you draw up a lesson plan chart that breaks down the class into sections, indicating what you plan to do at each stage of instruction.
- Q: What shoes do you wear for dance lessons?
- A: The shoes you need depend on the dance style. Ballet or tap classes require properly fitted ballet or tap shoes. Jazz classes sometimes require jazz shoes, but bare feet or foot thongs may be acceptable, which are also used for contemporary or lyrical dance classes. Ballroom dancers need an appropriate heeled shoe. Musical theater dancers may wear tap, character, or jazz shoes depending on the piece.
- Q: How many lessons will you need for a choreographed wedding dance?
- A: For a choreographed wedding dance, you can typically purchase a package of 10-20 classes where you learn your dance over several weeks. However, if you're on a budget, you might consider taking three to five classes to learn your steps.
- Q: What shoes do you wear for ballroom dance lessons?
- A: For ballroom dance shoes you can either wear a heel or a sneaker that hugs your foot nicely. Ideally, you should opt for shoes that have smooth, thin soles and low heels for optimal comfort.
- Q: When should you start dance lessons for children?
- A: Kids can start formal dance lessons at three to four years old. Many dance schools have "kinderdance" programs where children have the opportunity to learn the basics of ballet. At five to six years of age, children can begin studying other forms of dance, such as jazz, tap, or musical theater.
- Q: How far before your wedding should you take dance lessons?
- A: You should begin taking dance lessons at least a month before your wedding to ensure there's sufficient time for an instructor to choreograph your dance and for you to learn it. However, you need to book the lessons well before this date.
- Q: Are private dance lessons worth it?
- A: In many cases, private dance lessons are worthwhile for individuals who want to accelerate their progress with the personalized attention of an instructor. However, it's beneficial to participate in group lessons simultaneously because there are skills you can't learn individually, such as teamwork.
- Q: Are you supposed to tip for private dance lessons?
- A: You generally don't need to tip a dance instructor for private lessons, unless you want to because they've gone above and beyond in some capacity. However, most dance instructors charge high rates so they're making an excellent wage without tips.
- Q: Can you use copyrighted music for dance lessons?
- A: Dance studios in the United States are required by law to have a license from the ASCAP and BMI which enables the use of copyrighted music in classes. Without this license, a studio faces a hefty fine per song.
- Q: Can you wear leggings to dance lessons?
- A: You may be able to wear leggings to some dance lessons. However, some classes have strict dress policies so you should double-check about the proper attire for your lesson ahead of time. While leggings may be appropriate for ballroom or contemporary lessons, they won't be acceptable for a classical ballet class.
- Q: Do football players take dance lessons?
- A: Yes, many football players are taking dance lessons because the transferable skills they gain can help them on the field. Pittsburg Steelers player Steve McLendon is quoted as saying, "It's harder than anything else I do," when asked about his ballet training.
- Q: How old is too old to take ballroom dance lessons?
- A: It's never too late to start dance training, regardless of your age. Many studios offer ballroom dance classes for adults at all levels, including beginners. As long as your physical fitness level enables you to dance, there's always time to learn.
- Q: How do you warm up before dance lessons?
- A: Some of the best ways to warm up your body before a dance lesson are taking a brisk walk or doing jumping jacks, lunges, and push-ups. These exercises will get your muscles moving and your blood pumping so you're ready to start dancing when you arrive at the studio.
- Q: What is the difference between dance therapy and dance lessons?
- A: Dance lessons involve learning dance steps for the purpose of improving your technique or preparing for a performance. Dance therapy uses dance movements as a means to express emotions, potentially enhancing your self-esteem and mental health, and improving your body's motor functions.