Carol Ehler Dance School

For over 45 years, Carol Ehler Dance School (CEDS) has been a beloved cornerstone of the performing arts community right here in Houston, Texas. Nestled in the heart of the Cy-Fair school district, CEDS is more than just a dance studio; it's a second home for countless aspiring dancers, where passion for movement is ignited, nurtured, and celebrated. If you're a local Texan looking for a dance school that combines professional instruction with a genuinely caring and supportive environment, CEDS offers an unparalleled experience for students of all ages and skill levels.

Carol Ehler Dance School opened its doors in June of 1976, making it the first and, at that time, only dance school in the Bear Creek/Copperfield area. This rich history is a testament to their enduring commitment to providing the best dance instruction possible to the children and adults of our community. Their philosophy is centered on teaching students to love dance, striving to instill strength and confidence in every dancer by providing a positive and fun environment. This dedication to nurturing the whole student, not just their technical skills, has fostered a loyal community where "graduates" often return to support new generations of dancers, creating a truly familial atmosphere.

The glowing testimonials from families who have experienced CEDS firsthand truly capture its essence. One parent enthusiastically shared, "CEDS is such a nice dance studio. The staff here have always been sweet and understanding. My daughter is looking forward to continuing her ballet/tap and hip hop classes." Another family, whose daughters attended for over 13 years, raved, "Both of our girls attended CEDS for 13+ years. The teachers are supportive, strong, loving women. Each child achieves their own level of success without undue pressure. And 'graduates' continue to come back to support the new class of students. Recitals are amazing. Demo years are so fun! Best dance school for every level in the area." These heartfelt endorsements highlight the supportive atmosphere, the quality of instruction, and the lasting impact CEDS has on its students.

Carol Ehler Dance School is conveniently located at 15525 Glen Chase Dr, Houston, TX 77095, USA. This accessible location in Northwest Houston makes it incredibly convenient for families residing in the Cy-Fair, Copperfield, and surrounding communities. Situated within a well-established area, the studio offers ease of access from various neighborhoods, ensuring that students can easily attend their classes regularly without extensive travel. The presence of three spacious teaching rooms, each equipped with viewing windows, provides a transparent and welcoming environment for parents to observe classes at any time. This prime location underscores CEDS's commitment to serving the local Texas community by providing high-quality dance education in a readily accessible setting.

Carol Ehler Dance School offers a comprehensive array of dance classes designed to cater to a wide range of ages, skill levels, and interests, from young beginners to pre-professional dancers and adults.

• Imaginative Movement (Ages 2.5-4): These classes introduce the youngest movers to the joy of dance through creative play and fundamental movements.
• Ballet/Jazz/Tap Combo Classes (Ages 5-6): A perfect introduction to multiple dance styles, building foundational skills in a fun and engaging format.
• Traditional Dance Classes for Children (Age 3 through High School):
  • Ballet: Core classical technique emphasizing grace, precision, and fluidity, highly recommended as a foundation for all other dance forms. Includes Pre-Pointe and Pointe for advanced students.
  • Tap: Focuses on rhythmic footwork and musicality, developing coordination and intricate sound patterns.
  • Jazz: High-energy classes incorporating kicks, leaps, jumps, and turns, building on ballet principles with upbeat music.
  • Hip Hop: Dynamic classes using current music, incorporating elements of popping, locking, breaking, and freestyle to develop confidence and personal style.
  • Lyrical: Blends ballet and jazz to express emotion through movement, requiring extensive ballet training and offered to students typically 11 and older.
  • Contemporary: An expressive form combining ballet, jazz, and lyrical with a modern edge, exploring emotion through diverse movements.
  • Modern: Explores codified techniques (like Graham, Horton, Cunningham) and concepts such as fall and recovery, release, and weight sharing.
  • Theatre Jazz / Theatre Tap: Specialized classes focusing on styles relevant to musical theatre.
• Technique Classes:
  • Jumps & Turns: Focuses on improving advanced skills in jazz and preparing students for higher levels.
  • Drill Team Prep: Designed for students planning to try out for drill team, improving flexibility and jazz technique.
  • Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT): A program to train muscle memory, core stability, weight placement, and alignment to aid all dance forms.
  • Stretch & Strength: Conditioning classes to increase strength, mobilization, and flexibility.
• Adult Drop-In Classes (Ages 16+): Offering a variety of styles from Beginning to Advanced/Professional levels, including Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Tap, Modern Technique, Theatre Tap, Hip Hop, and Theatre Jazz.
• Private Lessons: Available for technique refinement, extracurricular performances, and choreography based on individual needs and teacher availability.

Carol Ehler Dance School is celebrated for several distinctive features and highlights that set it apart as a premier dance institution in Houston.

• Decades of Experience & Legacy: With over 45 years of teaching excellence, CEDS boasts a rich history and a proven track record of success in dance education. Many of its current 10 teachers were once students at the school themselves, reflecting a strong legacy and a deep understanding of its foundational values.
• Supportive and Nurturing Environment: Reviews consistently praise the staff and teachers as "sweet and understanding," "supportive, strong, loving women." The school's philosophy emphasizes instilling strength and confidence without "undue pressure," fostering a positive and fun atmosphere.
• Comprehensive Curriculum for All Levels: CEDS truly caters to everyone, from children as young as 2.5 years old to adult professionals. The wide array of classes, from classical ballet and tap to hip hop and contemporary, ensures that every student can find their niche and progress at their own pace.
• Exceptional Performance Opportunities: "Recitals are amazing" and "Demo years are so fun!" as highlighted by long-term patrons. These events provide students with valuable stage experience and a chance to showcase their progress in a professional setting.
• Transparent Parent Observation: The studio features three spacious teaching rooms, each with viewing windows open at all times, allowing parents to comfortably observe classes and see their children's progress.
• Community and Family Focus: The school fosters a strong sense of community, where former students return to support new classes, creating a welcoming and inclusive "family-friendly" environment.
• Emphasis on Fundamental Learning: The school's commitment to "teaching our students to love dance" and providing "the best dance instruction possible" ensures that students learn proper technique and fundamentals from an early age, which is crucial for long-term development.

For those in the Houston, TX area interested in joining the Carol Ehler Dance School family, here is the contact information:

Address: 15525 Glen Chase Dr, Houston, TX 77095, USA

Phone: (281) 463-8522

Mobile Phone: +1 281-463-8522

You can also visit their official website for detailed class schedules, registration information, and to learn more about their programs. The friendly and experienced staff are ready to assist you with any inquiries and help you find the perfect dance class.

For Texans, Carol Ehler Dance School is an outstanding local institution deeply embedded in the Houston community. Its long-standing presence and dedication to dance education for over 45 years speak volumes about its quality and reliability. The convenient location in Northwest Houston makes it easily accessible for families throughout the Cy-Fair and surrounding areas. What truly makes CEDS suitable for locals is its unique blend of professional, high-quality instruction delivered by supportive and caring teachers in a positive and fun environment. Whether your child is just starting their dance journey or aspiring to advanced levels, CEDS provides a place where they can develop technical skills, build confidence, and become part of a warm, family-like community. With "amazing recitals" and a philosophy centered on loving dance without undue pressure, Carol Ehler Dance School offers a truly enriching experience that contributes significantly to the cultural fabric of our Texas community.

Carol Ehler Dance School

15525 Glen Chase Dr, Houston, TX 77095, USA