A Step Above Dance & Music Academy

For families across Wisconsin, especially those in the Monona and greater Madison area, finding a dance studio that truly champions a child's holistic development, from technical skills to self-esteem, is a top priority. A Step Above Dance & Music Academy is precisely that place. More than just a dance studio, it's a vibrant and welcoming community where children and young adults not only learn the art of dance but also cultivate invaluable life skills, build confidence, and forge lasting friendships. For years, this beloved local establishment has been a cornerstone of positive youth development in our Wisconsin community, creating a nurturing environment where every dancer is encouraged to shine.

A Step Above Dance & Music Academy operates with a clear and heartfelt philosophy: "Safely Nurturing Talent, Together as Family." This core belief is rooted in their dedication to building self-confidence and a sense of accomplishment in every dancer. They are committed to providing excellent dance instruction across a diverse range of styles, including ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical/contemporary, hip hop, and musical theater. Through their age-appropriate curriculum and teaching methods, they impart not only technical proficiency but also crucial life lessons in discipline, perseverance, and teamwork. Owner Tami, and her team of knowledgeable and supportive teachers, go above and beyond to make learning fun through themed days and by inviting family members to observe and even participate in classes. Their mission is to provide a positive arts education in a non-competitive, professional atmosphere, ensuring every student feels valued and supported in their dance journey, from their very first steps as a toddler to their exciting annual recital.

A Step Above Dance & Music Academy is conveniently located at 5901 Monona Dr, Monona, WI 53716, USA. This accessible location in Monona makes it a prime choice for families residing in Monona, Madison, and surrounding communities throughout Wisconsin. Situated on Monona Drive, the studio is easy to find, often noted for being across from the Monona Water Tower and next to the Monona Credit Union, providing clear landmarks for navigation. The ease of access extends to convenient parking options, ensuring smooth drop-offs and pick-ups for busy parents. Its strategic position within the Monona community means that families do not have to travel far to access high-quality dance and music education. This local accessibility is a key factor in why so many Wisconsin families choose A Step Above for their children's artistic development, making it a true community hub for dance enthusiasts.

A Step Above Dance & Music Academy offers a comprehensive array of services designed to cater to dancers of all ages and skill levels, ensuring a rich and rewarding experience for every student. Their programs emphasize both technical excellence and a positive, encouraging environment, fostering a lifelong love for dance and music. The diverse range of classes allows students to explore various styles and find their unique passion within the performing arts.

• Toddler Dance Classes: Engaging programs for the youngest dancers (e.g., ages 2-4, Tiny Stars), introducing them to creative movement, rhythm, and basic dance concepts in a fun and nurturing environment.
• Children's Program (Preschool & Primary): Foundational classes for elementary-aged students, including combo classes (e.g., Ballet/Jazz, Ballet/Tap) to introduce multiple styles and ensure well-rounded development.
• Graded Program: For dancers aged 8-18 looking to elevate their training, offering skill-based classes with opportunities for advancement, often with ballet as a required foundation.
• Steps Program: Also for ages 8-18, focusing on age-based curriculum, fostering friendships, and developing a love of dance with flexibility to pursue other interests (ballet encouraged but not required).
• Ballet Classes: Core instruction in classical ballet, emphasizing technique, posture, strength, flexibility, and terminology, essential for all dance disciplines.
• Jazz Classes: Dynamic classes incorporating leaps, kicks, and isolations, influenced by ballet and contemporary styles, improving strength, flexibility, and confidence.
• Tap Classes: Rhythmic classes where dancers create music with their feet, focusing on precision footwork and various tap styles (rhythmic and Broadway).
• Hip Hop Classes: High-energy, age-appropriate commercial hip hop focusing on clean music and authentic movements, encouraging self-expression.
• Lyrical/Contemporary Classes: Blending ballet, jazz, and modern, these classes focus on emotional expression, fluid movement, and storytelling. Also incorporates acrodance technique.
• Musical Theater Dance Classes: Dance-based classes focusing on Broadway style, character work, and incorporating acting activities.
• Acro Classes: Introduces fundamental tumbling and acrobatics to improve flexibility, agility, and strength, teaching safe execution of movements.
• KPOP Classes: New offering for ages 8+, focusing on KPOP dance fundamentals, technique, formations, and choreography to popular KPOP songs.
• Conditioning Classes: For dancers aged 10+, focusing on building strength, flexibility, endurance, and injury prevention to enhance performance across all styles.
• Adult Classes: Beginning to low intermediate level classes in styles like Adult Tap and Ballet, with instructors prepared to adapt to varying experience levels, ensuring an enjoyable experience.
• Annual Recitals: A highly anticipated event where students showcase their progress and perform for family and friends, building confidence and a sense of accomplishment.
• Family Observation and Participation: Opportunities for family members to observe and occasionally participate in classes, fostering transparency and shared experiences.

What truly sets A Step Above Dance & Music Academy apart and makes it such a highly recommended choice for families in Monona and across Wisconsin are its distinctive features and highlights. These attributes are consistently celebrated by parents and dancers, underscoring the studio's commitment to holistic development, a nurturing environment, and a superior dance experience. It’s the combination of passionate instruction and a genuine community feel that makes this studio truly exceptional.

• Deeply Positive and Impactful Environment: Reviewers consistently state it's "one of the most positive, impactful parts of her development" for their daughters, highlighting the studio's nurturing atmosphere.
• Supportive and Knowledgeable Staff: Owner Tami "goes out of her way to help families," and teachers are always described as "knowledgeable and supportive," displaying patience even with nervous beginners.
• Focus on Life Skills & Personal Growth: Beyond dance technique, the studio is praised for increasing "self esteem, body positivity, perseverance, and teamwork skills" in students. It teaches "character and life lessons."
• Diverse Dance Styles and Age-Appropriate Curriculum: The ability to "try different styles of dance" from a young age (as early as 2) and an age-appropriate curriculum ensures broad exposure and tailored learning for all.
• Inspiring Role Models and Lasting Friendships: Daughters "get to see positive role models in the older dancers" and "build lasting friendships with her classmates," fostering a strong, supportive community.
• Engaging and Fun Learning: The studio excels at "making learning fun through themed days" and exciting events like the "big recital every year," ensuring students look forward to class.
• Family-Oriented Approach: The emphasis on being a "dance family" and inviting family members to observe and participate in classes demonstrates a commitment to involving the whole family in the dance journey.
• Continuous Development and Goal Achievement: Teachers "continue to help them achieve their goals and reach their fullest potential," indicating a dedication to each student's ongoing growth.
• Clear Communication: The administrative staff prides itself on prompt and clear communication, offering written evaluations twice a year to provide feedback to parents and dancers.

For those in Wisconsin eager to connect with A Step Above Dance & Music Academy, whether to enroll a child, inquire about classes, or learn more about their programs, their contact information is readily available. The friendly and dedicated team is eager to assist you and welcome you into their vibrant dance family.

Address: 5901 Monona Dr, Monona, WI 53716, USA

Phone: (608) 221-4243

Email: asadance@astepabovedancemadison.com

In conclusion, A Step Above Dance & Music Academy is an outstanding choice for families in Monona and across the broader Wisconsin region seeking a high-quality dance experience. Its profound positive impact on student development, as consistently highlighted by glowing reviews, makes it incredibly suitable for locals. Parents rave about how their daughters, some starting as young as two, have not only "loved it" for years but have also "grown so much as dancers," seeing increased "self esteem, body positivity, perseverance, and teamwork skills." This holistic approach, combined with the "knowledgeable and supportive" teachers, demonstrates a commitment that goes far beyond just teaching dance steps.

The studio's ability to foster a "positive, encouraging environment," making "learning fun through themed days," and providing the excitement of a "big recital every year," ensures that students are engaged and motivated. Moreover, the emphasis on building "lasting friendships" and providing "positive role models" creates a supportive community that truly feels like a "dance family." For any Wisconsin family looking for a dance studio that prioritizes a child's overall well-being, offers diverse dance styles, and ensures a fun, impactful, and confidence-building experience, A Step Above Dance & Music Academy is an unequivocally recommended and cherished local gem.

A Step Above Dance & Music Academy

5901 Monona Dr, Monona, WI 53716, USA