Betty Hill Dance

Introduction / Overview

For over six decades, Betty Hill Dance has been an enduring and beloved institution in the Iowa dance community, earning its status as a true "Des Moines icon." Located in Windsor Heights, this phenomenal studio has cultivated generations of dancers, from their very first steps to dazzling performances on some of Iowa's most prestigious stages. What began in 1955 under the guidance of Betty Hill Swander has evolved into a thriving legacy, continued and expanded by her daughter, Debbie Westphal. Betty Hill Dance is more than just a place to learn technique; it's a professional, loving studio that places equal emphasis on character development and dance skill. Known for its "smooth oiled machine" operation and the unsurpassed experience of its director, the studio provides a positive and appropriate learning environment where students flourish. Families consistently praise the stunning and appropriate costumes, the professionalism of the Civic Center recitals, and the palpable heart that defines the studio. Whether you're a young aspiring dancer or an adult teenager rediscovering the joy of movement, Betty Hill Dance offers an unparalleled experience rooted in tradition, excellence, and a deep passion for the art of dance.

Location and Accessibility

Betty Hill Dance is conveniently situated at 1233 73rd St, Windsor Heights, IA 50324, USA. This easily accessible location in Windsor Heights makes it an ideal spot for families throughout the Greater Des Moines area and surrounding Iowa communities. The studio's long-standing presence at this address, which has been its main office and Windsor location since 1958, provides a sense of stability and familiarity. Its placement on a well-known street ensures ease of navigation for both local residents and those traveling from further afield. The studio has grown over the decades, ensuring sufficient space and facilities to accommodate its thriving programs. Being centrally located within the Des Moines metropolitan area means that dancers from various neighborhoods can conveniently access its classes, whether by car or public transport options in the vicinity, making consistent attendance manageable for busy schedules.

Services Offered

Betty Hill Dance offers a rich and comprehensive curriculum designed to cater to dancers of all ages and skill levels, from preschoolers to advanced teenagers. Their program, aptly described as "Basics to Broadway," emphasizes a strong foundation while allowing for diverse artistic exploration. Here's an overview of the services and class types provided:

• Creative Ballet & Tap (Ages 3-4): Introductory classes for the youngest dancers, focusing on building a positive attitude towards dance and developing basic motor skills.
• Jazz, Hip Hop, & Tumble (Ages 3-5): Fun-filled classes introducing preschool jazz and hip hop moves alongside foundational tumbling skills.
• Ballet, Tap, & Jazz Combination Courses (Ages 5-7 & 8-11): Integrated classes that build foundational skills in multiple core dance disciplines, developing strength, grace, and self-expression.
• Core Tumble (Ages 5-17): Beginner tumbling classes focused on basic acrobatic skills.
• Intermediate/Advanced Tumble (Ages 8-18): Higher-level tumbling classes requiring prerequisite skills like cartwheels and backbends.
• Kids Irish Dance (Ages 7-12): Specialized instruction in beginner Irish dance.
• Hip Hop (Ages 6-9 & Grades 1-12): Beginner to intermediate classes in popular street dance styles.
• Seeking Grace Lyrical (Ages 7-11): Lyrical dance classes with a Christian faith inspiration, emphasizing expressive movement.
• Classical Ballet (Grades 4-12): Dedicated ballet classes focusing on classical technique and choreography, including pre-pointe and pointe work for advanced students.
• Tap-Jazz-Modern (Contemporary) (Ages 8-11): Combination classes teaching techniques in tap, jazz, and modern dance.
• Junior-Senior Performing Arts Classes (Grades 7-12): Advanced classes designed for older students, covering ballet, tap, and jazz, with options for other specialty areas.
• Acrobatics (Grades 1-12): Classes combining tumbling with dance for various skill levels.
• Partnering Classes (Invitational): Specialized classes for boy-girl partners focusing on stunts, lifts, and tricks.
• Dance Camps (Grades K-12): Seasonal camps like "Divas & Dudes," "Imagination," "Rock Stars," and "S.T.A.R.S" offering intensive and fun dance experiences.
• Student Leadership Program (Grades 5-12): A program designed to foster leadership skills among older students.

Features / Highlights

Betty Hill Dance is distinguished by a range of features and highlights that underscore its long-standing reputation for excellence and its unique place in the Iowa dance scene:

• Legacy and Longevity: Established in 1955, Betty Hill Dance boasts over six decades of dance excellence. This remarkable longevity is a testament to its consistent quality and enduring appeal, making it a trusted choice for generations of families.
• Unsurpassed Leadership: The studio is expertly run by Debbie Westphal, daughter of the founder Betty Hill Swander. Debbie brings an unusually diverse background in dance, including professional training, theatrical experiences, and decades of experience as a dance educator, ensuring the studio operates as a "smooth oiled machine" with "unmatched experience."
• Professional and Loving Environment: As highlighted by customers, the studio provides a "very professional, loving studio" that places "character right up there with skill." This emphasis on holistic development means students not only learn to dance but also grow as individuals.
• Spectacular Recitals at the Des Moines Civic Center: The annual recitals are a major highlight, described by parents as unmatched and "so exciting to be part of this show!" The performances are known for their theatrical pizazz, glamour, and stunning, appropriate costuming.
• Commitment to Wholesome and All-American Program: The studio maintains a philosophy of using "clean-cut music, moves, and costuming," emphasizing a "signature Broadway approach" to dance education.
• High-Quality Instruction: With a faculty that includes professionally trained instructors, the studio ensures that students receive top-tier technical training across various dance styles, from classical ballet to energetic hip-hop.
• Strong Sense of Community: Testimonials reveal a vibrant community where dancers feel supported and form strong bonds, creating an atmosphere that feels like a second home, as reflected by the "A Cap Betty’s" member who found "closest hermanas" there.
• Comprehensive Age and Skill-Level Programs: From "Basics to Broadway," the studio offers a developmental series of classes for all ages, from preschoolers to advanced high school students, ensuring continuous growth and challenge.

Contact Information

To learn more about Betty Hill Dance, their class offerings, or to enroll, you can contact them using the following details:

• Address: 1233 73rd St, Windsor Heights, IA 50324, USA
• Phone: (515) 277-8333
• Mobile Phone: +1 515-277-8333

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For residents across the Iowa region, particularly in and around Windsor Heights and Des Moines, Betty Hill Dance is an unparalleled choice for dance education. Its decades-long legacy, beginning in 1955, solidifies its position as a trusted and iconic local establishment. The studio's profound commitment to providing a "professional, loving studio, that places character right up there with skill" resonates deeply with parents seeking a holistic and nurturing environment for their children. The "unmatched" recitals at the Des Moines Civic Center offer an extraordinary performance experience, creating cherished memories for dancers and their families. As one long-time patron eloquently put it, Betty Hill Dance possesses "class, longevity, and a long-standing reputation of excellence," attributes that newer studios simply cannot replicate. The diverse curriculum, catering to all ages and skill levels from creative ballet for preschoolers to advanced performing arts, ensures that every dancer finds their niche and can grow artistically and personally. This blend of tradition, high-quality instruction, a supportive community, and a unique performance experience makes Betty Hill Dance an exceptional and highly recommended local treasure for anyone in Iowa looking to embrace the magic of dance.

Betty Hill Dance

1233 73rd St, Windsor Heights, IA 50324, USA