Co'Motion Dance Theatre

For those in Ames, Iowa, and the surrounding communities with a passion for movement, creativity, and the performing arts, Co'Motion Dance Theatre stands as a truly unique and enriching local resource. More than just a dance studio, Co'Motion Dance Theatre is a professional modern dance company deeply rooted in the Iowa arts scene, dedicated to both captivating audiences through performance and nurturing the next generation of dancers and choreographers.

Founded with a bold mission – "Dance for Everyone!" – Co'Motion Dance Theatre has been a vibrant part of the Ames community for decades. Led by the attentive and creative Valerie Williams, the theatre offers dynamic programs that emphasize not only technical skill but also the joy of artistic expression and the development of essential life skills. It’s a place where individuals of all ages can discover their potential, build confidence, and immerse themselves in the transformative power of dance.

The strong positive feedback from local families highlights the impactful experience Co'Motion Dance Theatre provides. As one satisfied parent enthusiastically shared, "The summer dance program for kids during the month of July is amazing. My girls have been participating for years now and they love it. Valerie is attentive, creative and the children have so much fun with her. A wonderful experience." This kind of testimony underscores the theatre's commitment to creating a fun, engaging, and highly beneficial environment for its students, making it a beloved institution for Iowa families.

Co'Motion Dance Theatre is conveniently located at 129 E 7th St, Ames, IA 50010, USA. This central location in Ames makes it highly accessible for residents within the city and from nearby towns across Iowa. Situated on East 7th Street, the theatre is easy to find, providing straightforward access for students and families attending classes, workshops, or performances.

Being in a well-established part of Ames, the location offers practical benefits such as ease of navigation and proximity to other local amenities. This accessibility is crucial for integrating dance lessons and artistic pursuits into the busy schedules of Iowa families, ensuring that the joy of dance is within easy reach for everyone in the community.

Co'Motion Dance Theatre provides a unique blend of professional performance and comprehensive dance education. Their offerings are designed to engage a wide range of participants, from young children to adults, fostering creativity and a love for modern dance. While information about a full recreational class schedule (like ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop) for all ages is not prominently detailed, their core services revolve around modern dance and creative movement, often with a focus on immersive programs:

• Kids' Co'Motion Program: This is a signature annual program, typically a summer intensive, designed for children aged 8-18. It offers training in modern dance technique, composition theory and practice, and production. Students engage in daily technique, composition, and rehearsal sessions, culminating in a fully produced dance performance. It aims to develop creative choreographers and build confidence in students' ideas.
• Summer Dance Programs for Kids: As highlighted by customer reviews, these programs (like the Kids' Co'Motion program in July) are highly popular and provide an amazing, fun-filled experience for children, emphasizing creativity and engagement.
• Dance Workshops: Co'Motion Dance Theatre offers various workshops, including "feet on" workshops focused on historical social dances (e.g., 19th-century dances like the Viennese Waltz, Argentine Tango, schottisches, and polkas), open to everyone from novices to experts.
• Women in Motion Workshop: This semester-long dance workshop culminates in performances, focusing on modern dance for women.
• Professional Modern Dance Performances: As Iowa's only full-time, professional modern dance company, Co'Motion Dance Theatre regularly presents concerts and touring performances, showcasing original choreography and engaging audiences across the state.
• Lecture/Demonstrations and School Performances: The company is committed to outreach, providing educational and engaging presentations for schools and communities.
• Residencies and Master Classes: Opportunities for in-depth training and immersive experiences with the professional company and master choreographers.
• Choreography and Composition Training: A strong emphasis is placed on empowering students to create their own dances and develop their choreographic voice.
• Programs for Youngsters: Often serving students in kindergarten through grade 6, these programs emphasize various types of physical activity including creative movement, providing a broad introduction to physical literacy.

Co'Motion Dance Theatre stands out in the Iowa arts landscape due to several distinctive features and highlights:

• Professional Modern Dance Company: Co'Motion Dance Theatre holds the unique distinction of being Iowa's only full-time, professional modern dance company. This provides an exceptional level of artistry and performance quality rarely found in local dance institutions.
• Valerie Williams' Vision and Leadership: Valerie Williams, a key figure in the theatre, is consistently praised for being "attentive, creative," and fostering an environment where "children have so much fun with her." Her leadership is central to the theatre's success and positive atmosphere.
• Focus on Creativity and Choreography: Unlike many studios that primarily focus on technique and performance of existing choreography, Co'Motion Dance Theatre places a strong emphasis on empowering students to become "creative choreographers" and develop their own ideas, leading to original student-composed works.
• Holistic Youth Development: The "Kids' Co'Motion" program, and similar youth initiatives, teach more than just dance steps; they aim to build "confidence in their own ideas" and teach students to organize and structure those ideas into dance, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Community Engagement and Outreach: The company actively performs concerts, lecture/demonstrations, and school performances, and conducts residencies and master classes, extending the reach of dance education and appreciation throughout Iowa.
• Rich History and Longevity: Founded in 1978, Co'Motion Dance Theatre has a long and esteemed history of contributing to the arts in Iowa, celebrating decades of performances and educational programs, with their "Kids' Co'Motion" program celebrating its 37th season in 2025.
• Unique Thematic Performances: The theatre often creates and performs works with unique themes, such as celebrating Iowa history through dance (e.g., "Foxglove and Foxtrot: Dancing the Ballroom Trail"), showcasing a blend of artistry and cultural relevance.
• Inclusion of Live Music: Some past performances have featured live music, such as "The Pretty Good Band," enhancing the audience's experience and providing a richer artistic collaboration.
• Summer Intensive Programs: Highly regarded by parents, the summer programs offer an immersive and engaging experience for children, providing a significant opportunity for growth during school breaks.

To connect with Co'Motion Dance Theatre and learn more about their programs and performances, please use the following contact details:

• Address: 129 E 7th St, Ames, IA 50010, USA
• Phone: (515) 232-7374
• Mobile Phone: +1 515-232-7374

For residents of Ames, Iowa, and the broader Central Iowa region, Co'Motion Dance Theatre presents an exceptional and highly suitable opportunity for engaging with the art of dance. Its deep roots as Iowa's only full-time, professional modern dance company means locals have direct access to high-caliber artistic performances and educational programs right in their community, without the need to travel to larger metropolitan areas.

The theatre's convenient location at 129 E 7th St in Ames ensures easy accessibility for families, making it practical for children to attend summer programs and workshops. This local accessibility is a key factor for busy Iowa households, allowing them to integrate enriching artistic activities into their lives with ease.

What truly makes Co'Motion Dance Theatre ideal for locals is its unique pedagogical approach. Under the creative guidance of Valerie Williams, the programs, particularly the acclaimed "Kids' Co'Motion," go beyond mere technique. They actively encourage children to develop their own choreographic voices, fostering creativity, problem-solving skills, and a strong sense of personal expression. This focus on empowering students to be creators, not just performers, builds confidence and provides invaluable life skills that extend far beyond the dance studio.

Furthermore, the consistent positive feedback from parents, emphasizing the fun and attentiveness of the program, highlights a nurturing environment where children thrive. For Iowans seeking a place where their children can not only learn to dance but also grow creatively, build self-esteem, and become part of a vibrant artistic community, Co'Motion Dance Theatre stands out as an unparalleled local treasure. It offers a professional, engaging, and deeply enriching experience that celebrates the art of dance and empowers its participants right here in Ames.

Co'Motion Dance Theatre

129 E 7th St, Ames, IA 50010, USA