Maybe you have the next Misty Copeland or Michael Le on your hands. Or maybe you want to help your child move their body in an exciting new way and make friends that are about the same age. Whatever the case may be, dance classes can definitely improve your little one’s coordination, boost their confidence, and give them a creative outlet. (Not to mention conveniently tucker them out by bedtime).
If you’re looking for a dance class in Washtenaw County, you’re in luck. We’ve found the best opportunities around town for preschoolers, tweens, teens and more. The following studios teach everything from the fundamentals of ballet to tap dance, hip hop, and even K-pop, all in a safe and supportive learning environment. Keep reading to learn more about each location and their Fall 2023 enrollment.
Nothing will foster an early love of movement like Ann Arbor Dance Classics’ youth programs. Here, children as young as 3 can participate in “Creative Dance,” where they’ll learn to translate music into motion. Ann Arbor Dance Classics also offers combination, ballet, jazz, tap, modern, lyrical and contemporary, and hip hop dance classes. Registration for the 2023–2024 dance season is now open.
3777 Plaza Dr, Suites 4 & 5, Ann Arbor. 734-302-4248.
Hours: Mon.–Thurs, 4 p.m.–8 p.m; Fri, 5 p.m.–7 p.m; Sat, 9 a.m.–3 p.m; Closed Sundays.
Introduce your little one to the basic principles of ballet, hip hop, jazz, or tap – and promote lifelong healthy habits – by enrolling them in a dance class at the Y. Each lesson is about 45 minutes long and is set to age-appropriate music and lyrics. Creative movement programs are also available for infants and toddlers, and will help them learn and practice a variety of educational concepts. Registration is available right now.
400 W. Washington St, Ann Arbor. 734-996-9622.
Hours: Mon.–Fri. 5:30 a.m.–9 p.m; Sat, 7 a.m.–4 p.m; Sun, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
Dance Theater Studio offers two distinct tracks for young participants: Weekly classes that culminate in a recital in May and Company Level classes that include a competition, a winter performance, and the May recital. Through these programs, dancers will hone their ballet, tap, jazz, and hip hop skills according to their level. New Family Enrollment for Fall/Winter 2023–2024 is open right now.
713 N. University Ave, Ann Arbor. 734-995-4242.
Hours: Call to inquire.
You’ll find Ballet for Babies, Creative Movement, Dance Combo classes and more at Dancer’s Edge. The well-established, locally owned studio in Dexter offers a wide range of programs to develop well-rounded dancers. Along the way, students will also learn about dedication, hard work, leadership, and perseverance. Fall 2023/Winter 2024 enrollment is now open.
3115 Broad St, Dexter. 734-424-2626.
Hours: Mon.–Thurs, 9 a.m.–8 p.m; Fri. 9 a.m.–4 p.m; Sat. 9 a.m.–12 p.m; Closed Sundays.
Fun Girl Dance Company & School
If you’re looking for an especially fun and inclusive environment, allow us to introduce you to the Fun Girl Dance Company & School. (The good times are built right into their name). This contemporary dance company opened in 2018 with a mission to elevate Queer, Black, Brown, and Asian dancers. They offer everything from Intro to Dance and Creative Movement to Technique & Choreography, and registration is now open for Dance Season 6 beginning on September 11.
117 Pearl St, Ypsilanti. 419-699-7237.
Hours: Mon.–Tues, 5 p.m.–9 p.m.
Where can you find hip hop and K-pop dance classes, along with ballet, jazz, modern, and lyrical? Try Inner Action Dance. This studio opened in 2009 and proudly serves dancers of all skill levels. (They even have a special Little Princess Dance class for children ages 3 to 50). Their summer programs end on August 26, at which time fall registration will become available.
2622 Washtenaw Ave, Ypsilanti. 734-272-2325.
Hours: Mon.–Thurs, 10:30 a.m.–8 p.m; Fri, 10:30 a.m.–8:30 p.m; Sat, 11 a.m.–3 p.m; Sun, 3:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
Michigan Academy of Dance & Music
There’s truly a class for everyone at the Michigan Academy of Dance & Music. In addition to preschool and children’s programs – which start with “Mini & Me” classes and move into “Happy Feet” ballet, tap, and jazz – the Academy offers graded technique & specialty dance classes, adult dance classes, and dance classes for children and adults with special needs. Fall 2023 enrollment opens soon.
7035 Dexter-Ann Arbor Rd, Dexter. 734-253-2775.
Hours: Mon.–Thurs, 12 p.m.–8 p.m; Sat, 9 a.m.–1 p.m; Closed Fridays and Sundays.
Whether your child is just beginning to dance or has professional aspirations, they’ll develop the skills they need at Randazzo Dance Studio. Creative movement classes are available for children as young as 3 years old, and the offerings continue from pre-ballet to ballet, tap, modern, jazz, hip hop and even musical theater. Fall registration is available right now.
4569 Washtenaw Ave, Ann Arbor. 734-477-9350.
Hours: Mon.–Thurs, 5 p.m.–7 p.m; Sat, 9 a.m.– 1 p.m.
Studio 3 Performing Arts Center
Studio 3 Performing Arts Center is a go-to studio for beginner and experienced dancers alike. In addition to the classics – ballet, tap, jazz, and hip hop – they offer lyrical, gymnastics, and theater dance programs. They also have a Competition Company for students who are serious about performing, with opportunities to grow as an individual and as a team. Registration is now open for the Fall 2023 Dance Season.
6885 Jackson Rd., Ann Arbor. 734-424-9705.
Hours: Mon, 4 p.m.–8:30 p.m; Tues, 4 p.m.–9 p.m; Wed, 10 a.m.–8:45 p.m; Thurs, 4 p.m.–9:15 p.m; Fri, 5 p.m.–7 p.m; Sat, 9:30 a.m.–2:15 p.m; Closed Sundays.
Where can your child learn the proper techniques from a New York City professional dancer? Try The Studio Centre. Here, under the expert guidance of Tyler Stickel, students will cover the fundamentals – like proper posture and alignment – and delve into specific styles like ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, and hip hop. All dancers must be enrolled in at least one ballet class while taking a specific style. Registration for the Fall/Winter session is now open.
4625 Platt Ln, Ann Arbor. 734-929-2671.
Hours: Mon.–Tues, 3 p.m.–9:30 p.m; Wed.–Thurs. 3 p.m.–9 p.m; Sat, 9 a.m.–2 p.m; Closed Friday and Sundays.
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