Art of Dance

For families in White Lake, Michigan, and the surrounding communities, finding a dance studio that blends comprehensive instruction with a supportive environment is key to nurturing a child's artistic potential. Art of Dance aims to be that cherished local institution, offering a wide array of dance styles for students of all ages and abilities. This studio is dedicated to providing a structured learning experience where passion for movement can flourish, skills can be honed, and the joy of dance can be embraced by every participant.

Established in 2004, Art of Dance has steadily grown to meet the needs of its expanding clientele, undergoing significant expansions in 2006, 2012, and purchasing its current 14,000+ square foot facility in April 2015. Their mission statement emphasizes not only teaching a quality dance program but also instilling self-confidence, self-worth, determination, and perseverance in every child. They believe in fostering a love for dance by teaching discipline and respect for the art form, as well as for teachers and classmates, all within a fun and hardworking atmosphere. The studio aims to inspire students to strive for excellence, believing that anything they put their mind to and work for is possible. This philosophy is designed to create beautiful dancers who also carry a lifelong love of dance into their lives.

Art of Dance is conveniently located at:

9229 Highland Rd, White Lake, MI 48386, USA

Situated in White Lake, a part of Oakland County, this location provides excellent accessibility for residents within the township and nearby areas such as Commerce Township, Waterford, and Milford. Highland Road (M-59) is a major thoroughfare in the region, making the studio easily found and reached by car. Its presence in a well-trafficked area typically ensures ample parking for students and parents. The spacious facility acquired in 2015 further indicates a commitment to providing a comfortable and well-equipped environment for dance instruction. Being a local establishment in White Lake allows families to conveniently integrate dance classes into their routines, avoiding long commutes and fostering a stronger connection with their community's recreational and artistic offerings.

Art of Dance offers a diverse and comprehensive range of dance programs and services designed to cater to various age groups and skill levels. Their curriculum is structured to provide a thorough understanding of different dance techniques.

• Pre-Dance Programs (Twinkle Tots, Funkarinas, Bitty Boppers, Tutu Tots Combo): These classes are specifically designed for young children (ages 2.5-5) to introduce them to the fundamentals of dance, rhythm, and coordination through engaging activities, songs, stories, and imaginative play. Styles may include a combination of ballet, tap, and hip hop, focusing on classroom etiquette, self-awareness, and teamwork.

• Classical Ballet and Pointe: Ballet is taught as the foundation for all dance forms, with classes ranging from beginner to advanced levels. Students learn proper body placement, alignment, barre work, and center floor combinations. Pointe training is offered to pre-approved students who have developed sufficient strength and a comprehensive understanding of ballet technique.

• Jazz and Lyrical: Jazz classes are fun and energetic, focusing on warm-ups, strengthening exercises, and combinations incorporating current dance trends. Lyrical blends ballet and jazz, allowing students to express strong feelings and emotions through movement, usually danced to music with lyrics.

• Hip Hop: These classes are upbeat and stimulating, focusing on hip hop technique, warm-ups, and combinations filled with the latest dance trends, encouraging dancers to integrate their personal style while learning age-appropriate movements.

• Tap: Tap dancing focuses on percussive footwork, teaching awareness of beat, timing, and rhythm. Classes include warm-ups to loosen ankles and knees, across-the-floor progressions, and center floor work to learn new skills.

• Intensive Team Program: For dedicated dancers, the Intensive Team provides advanced training and opportunities, likely involving more rigorous schedules and performance commitments.

• Summer Camps & Classes: The studio offers various summer programs, allowing students to continue their dance education and explore different styles during the warmer months.

• Holiday Show and Annual Recital: Students are typically given opportunities to perform in a holiday show and the annual recital, allowing them to showcase their skills and celebrate their progress. Each registered dancer receives a recital t-shirt and video (contingent on registration dates).

Art of Dance distinguishes itself with several notable features and highlights, reflecting its dedication to a comprehensive dance education and student experience:

• Spacious, Purpose-Built Facility: The studio's 14,000+ square foot building, acquired in 2015, houses six dance rooms, a large parent lounge/viewing area with video monitors to watch classes, separate student lounge and locker room, a homework station for dancers, and a dedicated boutique for convenient dancewear purchases. This extensive facility is designed to meet the needs of all clients, providing a comfortable and professional environment.

• Structured Learning Environment: The studio's policies emphasize a structured approach, including clear communication channels (email preferred for all inquiries), strict payment schedules, and guidelines for student and parent conduct, designed to ensure a focused and respectful learning atmosphere.

• Focus on Discipline and Respect: A core aspect of their teaching philosophy is instilling discipline and respect for the art of dance, teachers, and classmates, aiming to develop not just skilled dancers but also well-rounded individuals.

• Positive Atmosphere (as perceived by some customers): Several testimonials highlight the positive experiences, with students loving to dance there, and appreciating the "Awesome" front desk staff and "Rock" dance teachers, indicating a supportive and engaging environment for many.

• Comprehensive Curriculum: With classes ranging from pre-dance to advanced levels in various styles including ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, lyrical, acro/conditioning, and even Hawaiian/Tahitian dance, the studio offers a broad spectrum of choices for diverse interests.

• Performance Opportunities: Through their annual recital and holiday show, as well as potential opportunities for their Intensive Team, students gain valuable stage experience and a sense of accomplishment.

For more information on class schedules, registration, or any other inquiries, please contact Art of Dance using the details below:

Address: 9229 Highland Rd, White Lake, MI 48386, USA

Phone: (248) 698-2441

For Michigan locals, particularly those in the White Lake area, Art of Dance presents a significant option for dance education. Its spacious, well-equipped facility and diverse class offerings provide a robust platform for students of all ages and interests to engage with the performing arts. While some public feedback mentions concerns about communication and "toxic dance culture," other reviews highlight a positive experience, with girls loving to dance there and praising the "Awesome" front desk and "Rock" teachers. This suggests that individual experiences can vary, but for many, it provides a valuable local resource. The studio's stated philosophy of building self-confidence, self-worth, determination, and perseverance through dance is an attractive proposition for parents seeking holistic development for their children. By choosing a local studio like Art of Dance, families contribute to the enrichment of their community's artistic landscape, offering a convenient and accessible avenue for fostering a love of dance and developing valuable life skills right in their own neighborhood.

Art of Dance

9229 Highland Rd, White Lake, MI 48386, USA