Dance Factory

Introduction / Overview

For families in Forest Lake, Minnesota, and the surrounding communities, Dance Factory has established itself as more than just a place to learn dance steps; it has truly become a "second home" for many. With a philosophy centered on providing a high-level classroom experience while maintaining a crucial balance between family, school, dance, and friends, Dance Factory is dedicated to nurturing well-rounded individuals. Since its inception in 1999 by owner Jennifer Tell, a former Minnesota Vikings Cheerleader with a passion for both dance and business, the studio has built a stellar reputation for its commitment to excellence and a positive learning environment. The mission at Dance Factory extends beyond technical instruction; it's about fostering confidence, building character, developing leaders, and finding those invaluable "teachable life moments" that resonate far beyond the studio walls. As one parent beautifully put it, "This studio and dancers have become our second family and has been a wonderful experience for my girls," highlighting the deep sense of community and support that defines the Dance Factory experience. This dedication to holistic growth makes Dance Factory an indispensable part of the Forest Lake community.

Location and Accessibility

Conveniently situated at 1432 Lake St S, Forest Lake, MN 55025, USA, Dance Factory offers exceptional accessibility for residents throughout Forest Lake and its neighboring communities. Its location on Lake Street South means it is easily reachable from various parts of the town, as well as from nearby areas such as Wyoming, Scandia, Lino Lakes, and even communities further down the I-35 corridor. The studio's placement within a central, well-known area of Forest Lake ensures that parents and students can find it without difficulty, making commutes for regular classes straightforward and hassle-free. Ample parking options are generally available in the vicinity, adding to the convenience for drop-offs, pick-ups, and longer sessions. This strategic location in a community-focused town like Forest Lake helps to reinforce the studio's role as a local cornerstone, easily integrating into the daily lives of families seeking quality dance education close to home.

Services Offered

• Comprehensive Dance Programs: Dance Factory offers a wide range of classes for dancers aged 2 through adult, catering to various skill levels from recreational to competitive.
• Recreational Classes: Structured classes for students attending once a week (35-75 minutes), focusing on enjoyment, basic locomotor development, rhythm, and creative expression in a non-competitive environment. Students may take multiple recreational classes.
• Competition Teams: Opportunities for more dedicated dancers to participate in competitive programs, focusing on advanced technique, choreography, and performance. Private lessons are also available within this program.
• Adult Dance Classes: Programs designed for adult dancers to learn new styles, stay active, and enjoy the art of dance.
• Pre-school Creative Movement: Introduces beginning ballet movements and tap sounds, emphasizing basic locomotor development, rhythm, and creative expression in a playful, imaginative, and non-competitive setting.
• Beginning Dance: Classes consisting of ballet with emphasis on ballet vocabulary, flexibility, and strengthening exercises, with an introduction to more tap technique and memorization. Develops an appreciation of dance in a non-competitive environment while building self-esteem.
• Ballet: Classes for beginning and intermediate recreational students focusing on the foundations of ballet, including fundamentals, placement, posture, and discipline. Encourages overall dance technique improvement.
• Tap/Jazz Combination: Focuses on mastering basic tap fundamentals and increasing speed, with the introduction of basic jazz steps and combinations. A more disciplined yet fun and non-competitive class.
• Jazz: Explores various jazz styles, including lyrical, classical, street, and musical theater, emphasizing clean technique, style, and performance level.
• Hip Hop: High-energy classes for all ages, focusing on age-appropriate steps, the latest industry styles, rhythm, funk, and attitude. Enhances coordination, strength, quickness, and endurance.
• Lyrical Dance: A fusion of ballet and jazz, interpreting music emotionally through expressive movement, allowing dancers to tell stories.
• Acrodance: Combines tumbling skills and flexibility exercises with dance, incorporating leaps, ballet, and flexibility poses. Students learn at their own pace, with skills like rolls, cartwheels, and handsprings.
• Cheerleading/POM: Teaches popular cheers, stunts, tumbling, and mini-routines in a fun, energetic class.
• "Nova's Dancers" Adaptive Program: A free program for students with special needs, including those with Down syndrome, Autism, and other developmental and physical disabilities. Focuses on a variety of movement, individualized if needed, covering ballet, jazz, and hip hop in a fun, nurturing environment.
• Performance Team: A new team by recommendation only, offering 3-4 community performance opportunities in addition to recitals, including one dance competition. Class consists of jazz and tap.
• Summer Classes & Camps: Seasonal offerings including recreational classes, specialized camps (e.g., Taylor Swift Summer Camp, Summer Arts Festival Camp), and intensive programs for advanced dancers.
• Private Lessons: Available for personalized instruction and focused skill development, often detailed within competitive programs.

Features / Highlights

• Experienced and Positive Staff: Dance Factory boasts a team of experienced, positive adults dedicated to making each child's dance experience unique and fun. Owner Jennifer Tell brings extensive professional dance and business expertise.
• "More Than Just Great Dancing" Philosophy: Affiliated with Misty Lown's renowned "More Than Just Great Dancing" organization, Dance Factory strives to teach values, kindness, confidence, and community giving alongside dance technique. The studio's motto is "We don't teach kids to make great dancers, we teach dance to make great kids."
• Nurturing and Supportive Environment: Reviews consistently highlight the studio's ability to foster confidence and create a "second family" atmosphere, with staff going the "extra touch" to support nervous students before performances.
• Inclusive "Nova's Dancers" Program: A significant highlight is their free adaptive dance program for students with special needs, demonstrating a deep commitment to making dance accessible and beneficial for everyone.
• Balance of Fun and Discipline: While emphasizing a fun, non-competitive environment for many classes, the studio also offers disciplined training for those pursuing more advanced or competitive dance, ensuring a well-rounded experience.
• Development of Life Skills: Beyond dance technique, the studio focuses on instilling passion, discipline, dedication, teamwork, self-love, and compassion, helping students develop into confident and well-adjusted individuals.
• Diverse Class Offerings: From classical ballet and tap to modern hip hop, acro, and even circus-inspired classes, the variety ensures that all interests and ages are catered to.
• Strong Community Connection: Dance Factory is deeply integrated into the Forest Lake community, participating in local events and fostering a sense of belonging among its students and their families.
• Opportunities for Performance: Students have regular opportunities to perform in recitals and community events, providing valuable stage experience and a sense of accomplishment.
• Commitment to Continuous Improvement: Owner Jennifer Tell continues to attend master classes and business seminars, ensuring the studio remains at the forefront of dance education and studio management.

Contact Information

For more details on class schedules, registration, or to speak with the dedicated team about the best program fit for you or your family, Dance Factory welcomes your inquiries. They are committed to providing all the necessary information to help you embark on a rewarding dance journey. You can reach them directly using the following contact details:

Address: 1432 Lake St S, Forest Lake, MN 55025, USA

Phone: (651) 464-6394

Mobile Phone: +1 651-464-6394

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For the residents of Forest Lake and the wider Minnesota community, Dance Factory stands out as an exceptionally suitable and enriching local establishment. Its convenient location on Lake Street South ensures easy access for families, reducing travel time and making consistent participation in dance education a realistic and enjoyable part of their weekly routine. Beyond its practical accessibility, Dance Factory cultivates an environment that truly resonates with local values. As echoed in numerous heartfelt testimonials, the studio is consistently described as a "second home" where children and adults alike grow in confidence, learn valuable life lessons, and forge lasting friendships. The dedication of the experienced and positive staff, combined with their "More Than Just Great Dancing" philosophy—focused on developing "great kids" through dance—demonstrates a commitment to holistic development that goes far beyond technical steps. The inclusive "Nova's Dancers" program for individuals with special needs further exemplifies their community-minded spirit and belief that dance is for everyone. Whether seeking a recreational outlet, a path to competitive excellence, or simply a nurturing space for personal growth, Dance Factory offers a diverse range of classes for all ages and skill levels. Its deep integration within the community and its proven track record of creating positive, memorable experiences make it an ideal choice for any Minnesotan looking to embrace the joy and discipline of dance.

Dance Factory

1432 Lake St S, Forest Lake, MN 55025, USA