Dance-a-Cross

For families across Iowa, especially those in the bustling West Des Moines area, Dance-a-Cross stands as a vibrant and welcoming community hub for dance, tumbling, and cheer. Founded by Susan Palso in 1995 from her home basement with just 13 students, Dance-a-Cross has blossomed into a thriving studio serving over 500 dancers. This family-owned and operated, Christian-based studio is dedicated to teaching students to express their creativity through movement, fostering a love for dance in a supportive and uplifting environment. As their motto suggests, they invite everyone to "leap into the amazing world of dance!"

Dance-a-Cross is renowned for its comprehensive programs designed for all ages and skill levels, from toddlers taking their first steps in a "Mommy'n'me" tumbling class to high school students ready for competitive teams, and even adults looking to stay active with dance and exercise. They believe that dance is a gift from God, and their choreography and costume choices reflect a commitment to being family-friendly and modest, ensuring that performances are comfortable for all audiences. This dedication to a positive and faith-centered approach has earned them a consistent ranking as one of the best dance studios in the Des Moines Metro area.

Beyond regular classes, Dance-a-Cross also offers fantastic event rental spaces, making it a popular choice for memorable birthday parties and other gatherings. Parents rave about the "BEST space to throw the perfect birthday party," praising the clean, large rooms and the helpful amenities provided, including tables, tablecloths, and even a "Happy Birthday circular ring sign!" The availability of a full kitchen is another "extremely helpful" bonus for party hosts. Whether you're seeking to ignite a passion for dance in your child, pursue your own love for movement, or find the ideal venue for a celebration, Dance-a-Cross provides a versatile, professional, and genuinely caring environment that sets it apart in the Iowa community.

Dance-a-Cross is conveniently located at 1970 Grand Ave #37, West Des Moines, IA 50265, USA. This central location in West Des Moines, a thriving suburb of Iowa's capital city, offers excellent accessibility for families throughout the Des Moines metropolitan area and surrounding communities. Grand Avenue is a well-known thoroughfare, making the studio easy to find for both local residents and those commuting from further afield.

The studio's growth over the years is reflected in its expanding facility. Initially moving to West Des Moines in 2005, Dance-a-Cross has progressively acquired more space within Normandy Plaza, now boasting five beautiful dance floors. This expansion demonstrates their commitment to providing ample and optimized training space for their growing student body. Customer reviews highlight the "easy access" and convenient "parking lot," which are crucial amenities for busy parents during drop-off and pick-up times. The studio's continuous investment in its facilities ensures a comfortable and professional environment for all activities, from daily classes to large-scale events. This combination of a prominent location, easy accessibility, and evolving facilities makes Dance-a-Cross a practical and desirable choice for anyone in Iowa looking to engage with dance, tumbling, or host a special event.

Dance-a-Cross offers an extensive range of services and classes, catering to a diverse audience from toddlers to adults, across various disciplines.

• Recreational Dance Classes: Highly popular combination classes (Ballet, Jazz, & Tap) are offered for pre-school through high school students. These meet once a week and maintain small class sizes for personalized attention.
• Tumbling Classes: Beginning with "Mommy'n'me" for 2-year-olds to develop large motor skills, the program progresses through Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced tumbling classes for various age groups.
• Cheer Classes: Fun and exciting cheer classes are available for pre-school and elementary age girls, with specific programs preparing junior and senior high girls for school cheerleading squads. Instructors often dance for semi-professional athletic teams.
• Specific Dance Styles: Beyond combination classes, students can specialize in Hip-Hop (focused on fun, unique movement and style), Pointe' & Pre-Pointe' (for advancing ballet technique for recreational and competition students), and other advanced classes in various areas.
• Company Dance Teams: For students ready to commit more time and effort, company dance teams offer a pathway to take their dancing to the next level through competitive opportunities.
• Adult Dance & Exercise Classes: Dance-a-Cross ensures "everyone gets involved" by offering Adult Dance, Exercise, and Zumba classes, including senior stretch, Zumba Gold, step, and high-intensity Zumba.
• Private Lessons: One-on-one training is available for those seeking individualized instruction to refine specific skills or address particular goals.
• Room Rentals for Events: The studio offers its clean, large spaces for various events. Options include:
  • The Lighthouse: A tumbling space, perfect for birthday parties (with certified tumbling instructor), cheer/dance team practice, or family free space.
  • The Ballroom: The largest dance room, suitable for elegant events like baby showers, bridal showers, wedding receptions, family reunions, and birthday parties.
  • The Technique Room: Ideal for smaller classes, kids' birthday dance classes, or small group events.
  Rooms can be rented for $45 an hour (9 am-9 pm), with late-night rental options available.
• Recitals and Productions: Annual recitals in June feature fantastic, family-friendly themes (alternating between Disney classics and Biblical stories), providing a valuable performance platform for all dancers.

Dance-a-Cross is distinguished by several key features and highlights that contribute to its strong reputation and appeal within the Iowa community.

• Christian-Based Philosophy: A core defining feature is its Christian foundation. The studio aims to share the love of dance, viewing it as a gift from God, and ensures all music, costumes, and choreography are "appropriate and modest," with performances being "family friendly."
• Family-Owned and Operated: The studio's origins and sustained growth as a family business since 1995 contribute to a warm, personal, and stable environment. This history often fosters a strong sense of trust and community among families.
• Continuous Growth and Expansion: Dance-a-Cross has consistently grown from a home basement to multiple dance floors within its current plaza, including "the Ballroom and the Lighthouse" in 2010, and "Studio 95" in 2018. This expansion reflects ongoing success and commitment to providing excellent facilities.
• Versatile Event Space Rentals: The ability to rent out large, clean spaces like the "Lighthouse" (tumbling room) and "Ballroom" for birthday parties and other events is a significant highlight, with amenities like tables, tablecloths, and a full kitchen being a major convenience.
• Highly Praised for Birthday Parties: Customer reviews specifically call Dance-a-Cross the "BEST space to throw the perfect birthday party," highlighting the clean, large room and the "hit with the kiddos" gymnastic room next door.
• Qualified and Caring Staff: The studio is noted for having "qualified staff" who are "fun and excited to see your child grow in their knowledge and love of dance." They strive to create "lasting relationships" and ensure students feel "comfortable and safe."
• Small Class Sizes: Particularly for popular recreational combination classes, Dance-a-Cross maintains small class sizes, allowing for greater "one-on-one attention" and personalized instruction.
• All-Inclusive Age and Skill Range: With classes from "Mommy'n'me" to adult dance and competitive teams, there truly is "something for everyone," ensuring individuals of all ages and abilities can find their place.

For all inquiries regarding classes, event rentals, or to learn more about Dance-a-Cross, please use the following contact information:

• Address: 1970 Grand Ave #37, West Des Moines, IA 50265, USA
• Phone: (515) 371-1107 (Also, some sources list an older number: (515) 287-6691, but the direct number is preferred.)
• Mobile Phone: +1 515-371-1107
• Email: dance@dance-a-cross.com

Studio Hours are typically Monday & Tuesday 4 PM-8 PM, with varying hours on other days. We encourage prospective students and party planners to visit their official website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date schedules and booking information.

In conclusion, Dance-a-Cross is an outstanding and highly suitable point of interest for locals throughout West Des Moines and the broader Iowa region. Its deep roots as a family-owned, Christian-based studio, combined with its continuous growth and expansion, underscore its commitment to the community. For Iowan families seeking a dance and tumbling program that prioritizes a "safe and loving atmosphere," modest and family-friendly performances, and personalized instruction within small class sizes, Dance-a-Cross is an exemplary choice. Beyond dance education, its well-equipped facilities and seamless event rental services make it the "BEST space to throw the perfect birthday party" or host other gatherings. Whether your child is taking their first dance steps, aspiring to competitive cheer, or you're an adult looking to join a dance fitness class, Dance-a-Cross offers a truly welcoming and enriching environment right here in West Des Moines. Its dedication to fostering a love for movement while upholding core values makes it a cherished asset to the Iowa community.

Dance-a-Cross

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