Chow's Gymnastics & Dance Introduce
For families across Iowa, particularly those in the Des Moines metropolitan area, Chow's Gymnastics & Dance stands as a truly iconic and world-renowned institution. Founded by the legendary coach Liang Chow and his wife Liwen Zhuang on August 23, 1998, this institute has rapidly established itself as a premier destination for developing gymnasts and dancers of all levels. Chow's Gymnastics & Dance is not just a local gym; it's a U.S. National Team Training Center that has produced Olympic champions like Shawn Johnson and Gabrielle Douglas, along with numerous other national and international team members. This incredible pedigree underscores their commitment to the highest quality of instruction and athlete development.
The mission at Chow's Gymnastics & Dance Institute (CGDI) goes beyond creating elite athletes. Their core philosophy is to provide "the highest-quality gymnastics program possible in the United States," dedicated to helping all participants reach their potential, both physically and mentally. They firmly believe that "all children are precious gifts" and deserve the best instruction in a safe and loving atmosphere. This inclusive approach ensures that every child, regardless of their ability, feels valued and can thrive. The emphasis is on cultivating crucial life skills such as listening, confidence, self-esteem, self-discipline, and responsibility, ensuring that the benefits of training extend far beyond the athletic arena.
While known for its Olympic-level coaching, Chow's offers a comprehensive range of programs from early development classes for toddlers to advanced competitive teams, as well as dance and martial arts. Parents consistently praise the gym for its focus on "safety and proper movement," noting that their children "love going and have learned so much already." The warm and efficient front desk staff further contributes to the positive experience, making Chow's Gymnastics & Dance an accessible and incredibly supportive environment for children and families across Iowa to pursue their athletic and artistic dreams.
Chow's Gymnastics & Dance is conveniently located at 2218 Park Dr, West Des Moines, IA 50265, USA. This strategic location in West Des Moines, a vibrant and accessible suburb of Iowa's capital, provides excellent access for families throughout the Des Moines metropolitan area and beyond. West Des Moines is well-connected by major roadways, making the commute straightforward from various parts of the city and surrounding communities.
A significant advantage of Chow's facility, as noted by customer reviews, is its "easy access" and dedicated "parking lot." This is a crucial convenience for parents during busy class times, ensuring a smooth and stress-free drop-off and pick-up experience. The facility itself is designed to accommodate its dual focus, with separate buildings for dance and gymnastics, optimizing the training environment for each discipline. The gymnastics facility is described as a "World Class Training Facility," featuring an open gym with vaults and mats, and a mezzanine for viewing. This professional setup, combined with its accessibility, solidifies Chow's Gymnastics & Dance as a premier and highly convenient destination for families seeking top-tier athletic and artistic instruction in Iowa.
Chow's Gymnastics & Dance offers a comprehensive range of programs designed to cater to diverse ages and skill levels in both gymnastics and dance, alongside other complementary disciplines.
- Early Development Programs (Tot, Preschool, Kindergarten): These classes are specifically designed for the youngest learners, focusing on introducing basic movement, coordination, and the joy of physical activity in a fun and safe environment. This includes "Tots (Parent & Me)" classes for the very youngest.
- Recreational Gymnastics (Young Beginner to Advanced): Chow's provides a robust recreational gymnastics program for boys and girls of various ages (including Young Beginner Girls (Age 6), Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced levels), focusing on fundamental skills, strength, flexibility, and proper movement.
- Competitive Gymnastics Teams (Xcel and Junior Olympic): As a U.S. National Team Training Center, Chow's boasts highly competitive programs, including Xcel (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Diamond) and Junior Olympic (Levels 3-10) teams for both girls and boys. These programs are for dedicated gymnasts seeking advanced training and competition opportunities. They also offer "Pre-team Girls" for aspiring competitive gymnasts.
- Tumbling Classes: Dedicated tumbling classes are available, including "Mighty Mites (Basic Tumbling)," "Intro to Beginning Tumbling," and "Intermediate/Advanced Tumbling," focusing on floor acrobatic skills.
- Dance Classes: While specific dance styles aren't detailed in the provided data, the name "Chow's Gymnastics & Dance" and separate dance facilities indicate a strong dance program. Given its focus on performance, common styles like ballet, jazz, tap, and hip hop are typically offered.
- Martial Arts Programs: Chow's also offers a comprehensive martial arts program for various levels (Beginner, Adv-Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced), including "Little Ninjas" and "Youth Team Martial Arts," providing a well-rounded athletic experience.
- Strength/Flexibility Training: Specialized classes like "Strength/Flexibility Training" and "Xcel Strength/Flexibility" cater to enhancing physical conditioning vital for all disciplines.
- Open Gym and Private Lessons: The institute provides supervised "Open Gym" times for practice and exploration, as well as private lessons for individualized coaching and skill refinement.
- Camps and Events: Chow's also hosts various camps and events, including birthday parties, providing additional opportunities for engagement and fun.
Chow's Gymnastics & Dance is distinguished by several key features and highlights that firmly establish its reputation as a world-class institute in Iowa.
- World-Renowned Coaching and Olympic Legacy: The most prominent highlight is its association with Liang Chow, a former Chinese national gymnast and an internationally acclaimed coach. The gym is the training ground for Olympic gold medalists Shawn Johnson and Gabby Douglas, along with other U.S. National Team members. This demonstrates an unparalleled level of coaching expertise and a proven track record of developing elite talent.
- Dual Facilities for Gymnastics and Dance: The presence of "separate buildings for dance and gymnastics" ensures optimized and dedicated training environments for each discipline, allowing for specialized equipment and focus.
- Strong Emphasis on Safety and Proper Movement: Customer reviews explicitly praise the gym's focus on "safety and proper movement," which is paramount in gymnastics and dance. This commitment ensures students learn correctly and minimize injury risk.
- Nurturing and Supportive Environment: Despite its elite reputation, the mission statement emphasizes providing a "safe and loving atmosphere" where "each child knows he or she is valued," regardless of ability. This holistic approach supports both physical and mental development.
- Focus on Life Skills: Beyond athletic prowess, Chow's aims to cultivate "listening skills, confidence, self-esteem, self-discipline and responsibility," ensuring students gain valuable traits that extend beyond the gym.
- Exceptional Staff: The "Front desk staff is wonderful and easy to work with," contributing to a positive and welcoming experience for parents and students alike.
- Comprehensive Programs for All Levels: From "Early Development (Tot, PS, KG)" to "Team_Xcel" and "Team_Boys," the wide array of classes caters to every age and skill level, ensuring a progressive pathway for all aspiring gymnasts and dancers.
- Community Involvement: As a U.S. National Team Training Center, Chow's plays a significant role in the national gymnastics landscape, but also maintains a local focus, exemplified by its commitment to community and supporting its athletes both in and out of the gym (as noted by the Booster Club's purpose).
For inquiries regarding class schedules, registration, programs, or to learn more about Chow's Gymnastics & Dance, please use the following contact information:
- Address: 2218 Park Dr, West Des Moines, IA 50265, USA (Note: some sources may list 2218 Chow's Olympic Ave, West Des Moines, IA 50265, which refers to the same location, emphasizing its Olympic ties).
- Phone: (515) 327-2558
- Mobile Phone: +1 515-327-2558
We recommend visiting their official website for detailed class schedules, program descriptions, and registration information. You can also contact their wonderful front desk staff via phone for personalized assistance.
In conclusion, Chow's Gymnastics & Dance is an extraordinary and highly suitable point of interest for locals throughout West Des Moines and the broader Iowa region. Its world-class reputation, fueled by the coaching prowess of Liang Chow and the success of Olympic champions like Shawn Johnson and Gabby Douglas, offers an unparalleled opportunity for children and youth to engage in gymnastics, dance, and martial arts. For Iowan families, choosing Chow's means providing access to top-tier instruction focused on "safety and proper movement," within a "safe and loving atmosphere" that prioritizes holistic development. The convenience of its West Des Moines location, with easy access and ample parking, further enhances its appeal. Whether your child is a budding Olympian, a recreational enthusiast, or just beginning their journey in movement, Chow's Gymnastics & Dance offers a supportive, disciplined, and inspiring environment where they can build confidence, learn valuable life skills, and truly thrive. It's a cherished asset to the Iowa community, shaping young lives both physically and mentally.
Chow's Gymnastics & Dance Photos





Chow's Gymnastics & Dance Location
Chow's Gymnastics & Dance
2218 Park Dr, West Des Moines, IA 50265, USA
Chow's Gymnastics & Dance Reviews
Great place, easy access. Parking lot(see pictures) separate buildings for dance and gymnastics.
Jul 13, 2024 · Jacob TonnGreat gym. Really focused on safety and proper movement. My daughter loves going and has learned so much already. Front desk staff is wonderful and easy to work with. Parking and access is great.
Sep 12, 2024 · Michelle ShetlerWe joined the tots class this year and have been so impressed! The coaching staff is phenomenal. They emphasize having fun and getting moving. They helped our son get comfortable in the big gym and now he is up for trying anything they ask of him. It has been an awesome transformation to watch our son learn how much fun he can have getting moving! It is also one of the most affordable classes we have found. We aren't at all worried about competitive gymnastics, just seeing our son learn and play. The coaches cheer every step of the way. Such a positive and fun environment to play in.
Sep 11, 2015 · JR K (ThePedsWife)Did their classes when my girls were very young. They had very little in the way of training or learning skills. Wanted to try it again as the kids are older now. Signed my daughter up for a class that was available. They called the next day saying that was invite only and that she could not test to get into it. Needed time to decide on what class to put her in and called back a few days later they are all full. Asked why she could have tested into the class and this person said she could. Poor business practices, untrained staff, and allowing someone to sign up for a class that their website said she could get into. Nice facility but poorly run.
Aug 01, 2022 · Dave MellingI think my kid is actually in class learning, but it is so frustrating because the windows are covered with posters and blocked by unused vending machines and piles of mats that I really can't be sure. Everyone tries to peer through the available openings, but no one has a good view.My kid has a good time, but I just end up sitting in my car not being able to notice or give praise when she hones her skills. That is frustrating as a parent.Come on, Chow. We know that 99.9% of our kids will not be professional, so let us at least enjoy watching our kids do a sport they enjoy.There is never anyone in the office when we have our classes, either, so not like there is anyone to complain to...
Apr 02, 2022 · Thad Peiffer
More School Dance

2150 Delavan Dr #8, West Des Moines, IA 50265, USA

1970 Grand Ave #37, West Des Moines, IA 50265, USA

105 S 11th St, West Des Moines, IA 50265, USA

2600 Vine St, West Des Moines, IA 50265, USA

6151 Thornton Ave, Des Moines, IA 50321, USA

1001 Office Park Rd UNIT 302, West Des Moines, IA 50265, USA

1509 42nd St, West Des Moines, IA 50266, USA

1721 25th St Suite 120, West Des Moines, IA 50266, USA

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

6920 EP True Pkwy Suite 115, West Des Moines, IA 50266, USA

160 Jordan Creek Pkwy #130, West Des Moines, IA 50266, USA

10540 Hickman Rd A, Clive, IA 50325, USA
Categories
Top Visited Sites






Trending Dance Journal Posts





