Brekke Dance Center

Are you an Iowa resident searching for a dance studio that truly combines professional instruction with a fun and nurturing environment? Look no further than Brekke Dance Center in Grimes, Iowa. This highly acclaimed local institution has been a cornerstone of dance education in Central Iowa for decades, dedicated to fostering a love for dance while building confidence and essential life skills in every student.

Brekke Dance Center takes pride in its rich history and evolution. Founded in 1986 as Paula Brekke School of Dance, it started with a single instructor and a handful of foundational classes. Over the years, it grew, gained recognition for its jazz and tumbling programs in competitions, and eventually became a family-run business when Matthew Brekke joined in 2007. Now, with studios in both Des Moines and Grimes, Brekke Dance Center continues its legacy of providing excellence in dance education.

The philosophy at Brekke Dance Center is clear: provide the highest quality dance education possible, ensure learning is fun, prioritize safety, and instill respect. They believe that dance is a progressive journey, and their highly trained staff are committed to observing each dancer, planning weekly classes that promote continuous growth, all while making class time enjoyable. As glowing testimonials from local patrons attest, this approach clearly resonates within the community. One delighted reviewer exclaimed, "Best Dance Studio in Grimes! I just love it here, best tumbling instruction in IA!! Take here all the time, and its just simply awesome!" Another echoed this sentiment, stating, "Hands down best dance studio in Grimes, Iowa. I absolutely love Brekke Dance Center!" Such feedback underscores the studio’s success in creating a positive and impactful experience for its students and their families.

Brekke Dance Center is conveniently located at 3560 SW Brookside Dr, Grimes, IA 50111, USA. Situated in Grimes, a growing and easily accessible community within the greater Des Moines metropolitan area, the studio is ideally positioned for families residing in Grimes and surrounding towns across Central Iowa. Its location on SW Brookside Drive ensures straightforward access, making daily commutes for classes and rehearsals both practical and efficient.

The studio's presence in Grimes means that high-quality dance education is readily available without the need for extensive travel to larger cities. This local accessibility is a significant benefit for busy Iowa families, allowing them to seamlessly integrate dance into their weekly routines. The convenience of the location contributes to a positive overall experience for students and parents alike, reinforcing Brekke Dance Center's role as a trusted local resource for dance.

Brekke Dance Center offers a diverse and comprehensive range of dance programs designed to cater to various ages, skill levels, and interests. Their curriculum is structured to ensure progressive learning and a well-rounded dance education. Here’s a detailed look at the services and class types typically available:

• Ballet: The fundamental dance form, emphasizing grace, balance, body alignment, and classical technique. Available across multiple progressive levels (e.g., Ballet 1-2, Ballet 2-3, Ballet 3-4, Ballet 4-5).
• Tap: Focusing on rhythm, timing, and intricate footwork through percussive sounds. Offered in various levels (e.g., Intermediate Tap, Advanced Tap) and as part of combination classes.
• Jazz: Dynamic and expressive, incorporating isolations and upbeat music, a versatile and popular style. Available in multiple levels (e.g., Jazz/MT 1, Jazz/MT 2).
• Tumbling/Acrobatics: Classes focused on developing strength, flexibility, and acrobatic skills (e.g., backbends, walkovers, handsprings, aeriels). Offered across various progressive levels (e.g., Acrobatics 1-2, Acrobatics 2-3, Acrobatics 3-4, Advanced Acrobatics/Power Tumbling), emphasizing safety and skill progression.
• Hip-Hop: Energetic and modern urban dance styles. Available in progressive levels (e.g., Hip-Hop 1, Hip-Hop 2, Hip-Hop 3).
• Contemporary: An expressive and fluid style that often combines elements of modern dance, jazz, and ballet, allowing for greater freedom of movement and emotional depth. Offered in progressive levels (e.g., Contemporary 1-2, Contemporary 3-4, Contemporary 4-5).
• Lyrical: Blending ballet and jazz, this style emphasizes emotional expression through fluid movement and storytelling.
• Musical Theater (MT): Integrating dance with acting and singing, preparing students for theatrical performances (often combined with Jazz as Jazz/MT).
• Combination Classes: Popular for young and beginning dancers, these classes combine multiple styles (e.g., Tap and Ballet, later adding Jazz) to provide a broad introduction to dance. Examples include Preschool 1 and 2, Starlette (Kindergarten), Dance 1-2 (1st and 2nd Graders), Dance 3-4, Dance 567, and MS Dance (middle school).
• Single Genre Classes: For dancers who want to concentrate on a specific dance style, allowing for accelerated progress in their chosen discipline.
• Pointe/Beginning Pointe: Advanced ballet technique for experienced dancers, focusing on dancing on the tips of the toes.
• Competitive Dance Programs: For dancers seeking more intensive training and opportunities to perform and compete, Brekke Dance Center has a successful competitive program, known for being "successful at all of them" across various genres.
• Short-Term Classes: Opportunities for trial classes or shorter commitments.
• Trial Classes: Offering a $10 trial class to help new dancers explore their interest and find the right fit.

Brekke Dance Center distinguishes itself through several key features and highlights that contribute to its strong reputation and suitability for dancers in Iowa:

• Over 25 Years of Excellence: Founded in 1986, the studio boasts a long-standing history of providing high-quality dance education, demonstrating consistent dedication and expertise.
• Family-Run Business: With Paula Brekke and her adult children, Lizz and Matthew, involved in the daily operations (Lizz in music editing and tumbling, Matthew managing dance teams), the studio embodies a personal, family-oriented approach.
• Well-Rounded Dancers: The studio prides itself on producing "extremely well-rounded" dancers due to the variety of dance styles taught. Judges at competitions often commend them for their versatility, noting that "we can do it all."
• Emphasis on Safety First: Brekke Dance Center prioritizes student safety, particularly in acrobatics and tumbling. They adhere to a strict progression of skills, ensuring dancers only attempt skills they are fully ready for, which is crucial for injury prevention.
• Progressive Curriculum: The curriculum is structured with progressive levels in each dance genre, allowing students to build skills systematically and advance at an accelerated rate as they become more serious.
• Highly Trained Staff: The instructors are highly trained professionals who observe each dancer individually to plan classes that promote growth while maintaining an enjoyable learning environment.
• Focus on Respect and Discipline: Beyond dance steps, the studio teaches students respect for instructors, fellow dancers, and themselves, fostering a disciplined and positive atmosphere.
• Performance as Confidence Builder: Brekke Dance Center believes in the power of performance as a means to increase self-confidence and build self-esteem in dancers.
• Injury Prevention Education: Students are educated on proper body warm-up, body care, and general do's and don'ts of exercising, promoting long-term health and preventing injuries.
• Successful Competitive Program: The studio has a strong competitive presence, known for its success across various dance genres in competitions.
• Convenient Multiple Locations: With studios in both Grimes and Des Moines, Brekke Dance Center offers flexibility and accessibility for families across the greater Central Iowa area.

To connect with Brekke Dance Center and learn more about their programs, you can use the following details:

• Address: 3560 SW Brookside Dr, Grimes, IA 50111, USA (Also has a location in Des Moines at 5026 Park Ave, Des Moines, IA 50321)
• Phone: (515) 986-2100 (Grimes location)
• Mobile Phone: +1 515-986-2100
• Des Moines Location Phone: (515) 243-4174
• Website: brekkedancecenter.com

For families and individuals across Grimes, Iowa, and the broader Central Iowa region, Brekke Dance Center stands out as an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended choice for dance education. Its strong roots and long-standing presence in the community—dating back to 1986—demonstrate a deep commitment to serving local residents with consistent excellence.

The convenient Grimes location on SW Brookside Drive offers unparalleled accessibility for local families, significantly easing the logistics of daily dance lessons and allowing more time for other family activities. This local focus is further enhanced by its status as a family-run business, bringing a personal and caring touch to the instruction and overall studio environment that resonates strongly with community values.

What truly sets Brekke Dance Center apart for Iowans is its balanced and comprehensive approach to dance education. They prioritize both having fun and pushing students to achieve their best, fostering a love for dance while rigorously developing technical skills. Their emphasis on safety, particularly in tumbling and acrobatics, provides peace of mind for parents, knowing their children are learning in a secure and responsible environment. Furthermore, the studio's dedication to creating "well-rounded" dancers, proficient in a variety of styles, ensures that students receive a broad and adaptable skill set, preparing them for diverse artistic opportunities.

Ultimately, Brekke Dance Center offers more than just dance lessons; it provides a nurturing space where children and adults can grow in confidence, discipline, and artistry. For Iowa locals seeking a high-quality, community-oriented dance studio that balances fun with progressive learning and safety, Brekke Dance Center in Grimes is undeniably the premier choice.

Brekke Dance Center

3560 SW Brookside Dr, Grimes, IA 50111, USA