Dance Specialties

For nearly five decades, Dance Specialties has been a cornerstone of dance education right here in Belmont, North Carolina. Proudly serving the Gaston County area since 1975, this family-owned and operated studio has a rich history of providing "superior training" and fostering a love for dance in generations of local students. If you're a resident of Belmont or the surrounding communities looking for a dance home where professionalism, passion, and personal growth converge, Dance Specialties offers a welcoming and enriching environment for dancers of all ages and skill levels.

At Dance Specialties, the philosophy is simple: "Your dancer's success is our success!" This commitment shines through in the dedication of their experienced instructors, who are not just teachers but mentors. As one satisfied parent shared, their daughter "LOVES it and does our entire family!!" thanks to the welcoming atmosphere created by Ms. Pam and the enthusiasm of Ms. Heather and the rest of the staff. From nurturing the earliest steps of a 4-year-old in ballet and tap to helping seasoned dancers like Josh guide students to "improve so much," Dance Specialties is a place where talent is honed and a genuine passion for movement is ignited. This article will provide you with a detailed overview of what makes Dance Specialties a beloved and highly recommended institution in our local community.

Dance Specialties is conveniently located at 415 E Catawba St, Belmont, NC 28012, USA. This prime location places the studio within the East End District of Downtown Belmont, making it easily accessible for residents across Belmont and the broader Gaston County area. Catawba Street is a well-known thoroughfare in Belmont, ensuring straightforward navigation to the studio.

Being situated in a vibrant part of Downtown Belmont means the studio is integrated into a community with other local businesses. Its accessibility contributes significantly to the convenience for families managing busy schedules, ensuring that dropping off and picking up dancers is as smooth as possible. Ample parking is typically a feature of such commercial locations, further enhancing the ease of access. For locals, finding a high-quality dance studio with a convenient and central location like Dance Specialties on E Catawba Street is a definite advantage, minimizing commute times and maximizing the time dedicated to dance.

Dance Specialties offers a comprehensive range of dance and gymnastics programs, catering to a wide spectrum of ages and skill levels, ensuring that there's a class for every aspiring mover.

• Preschool Dance (Ages 2.5-5):
  • "Tiny Tot" Preschool Dance (Tap & Ballet): For ages 2.5-4, 1-hour class introducing foundational dance.
  • Preschool Dance (Tap & Ballet): For ages 3-5, 1-hour class on Thursdays.
  • "Tutus & Tumbles" (Ages 3-4): Combines dance with basic tumbling.
• Recreational Combo Classes:
  • Ages 5/6 Combo Class (Tap, Ballet & Jazz): 1.5-hour class.
  • Ages 7/11 Combo Class (Tap, Ballet & Jazz): 1.5-hour class.
  • Recreational PreTeen/Teen Combo Class (Tap, Jazz & Lyrical): 1.5-hour class.
• Individual Dance Styles (Recreational & Competitive):
  • Ballet: Fundamental classical dance training.
  • Tap: Rhythmic percussive dance.
  • Jazz: Dynamic and expressive dance.
  • Lyrical: Blending ballet and jazz with expressive movements interpreting song lyrics.
  • Hip Hop: Energetic, urban dance style, with a recreational class for Ages 6 & Up (Boys & Girls).
• Gymnastics Programs:
  • Preschool Gymnastics (Ages 3-4).
  • Beginner Gym (Ages 5-7).
  • Intermediate Gymnastics (Ages 7-10).
  • Advanced Gymnastics (Ages 11 & Up).
• Competitive Dance Teams: Audition-based programs for more serious and committed dancers, organized by age groups (Teenie/Mini, Junior, Preteen, Teen/Senior). Competitive dancers are required to take Ballet and Technique classes in addition to their team rehearsals across multiple genres.
• Private Lessons: Available for individualized instruction and focused skill improvement.
• Choreography Services: Offering specialized choreography for various needs.
• Annual Recital: A culminating performance event for all students, typically held in June.
• Holiday Programs & Events: The studio organizes "monthly class themes, holiday fun, arts & crafts," and hosts events like a Fall Festival, Belmont Christmas Parade participation, and an Annual Christmas Program.

Dance Specialties distinguishes itself through a variety of features and highlights that have contributed to its long-standing success and positive reputation among families in Belmont and Gaston County.

• Long-Standing Community Presence: Having proudly served the Gaston County area for nearly 50 years (since 1975), Dance Specialties possesses a deep root in the local community, reflecting its stability and trusted reputation.
• Experienced and Caring Staff: The studio is highly praised for its instructors. Ms. Pam creates a welcoming atmosphere from day one, while Ms. Heather (co-owner, director, and lead choreographer, a nationally recognized instructor) and other staff members are consistently described as caring, making students look forward to class. Josh is highlighted for his dedication and ability to help dancers significantly improve.
• National Recognition: Dance Specialties has earned significant accolades, including being named one of the Top 10 Studios in the Southeast Region by the Federation of Dance Competitions in 2010, and recognized as one of the Top 50 Studios in the country in 2009. They have also received the "Studio Excellence Award" for several years, underscoring their commitment to high standards.
• Holistic Development Focus: The studio's mission is to "provide dance education through superior training," and they believe in making "every child a 'star' by giving them the proper training, love, and encouragement necessary to help each student to reach their potential." Dance classes are seen as a "developmental stepping-stone for children," promoting freedom of expression, active lifestyles, social skills, and coordination.
• Diverse Program Offerings: Catering to ages 2.5 to adult, Dance Specialties offers a wide array of classes including Tap, Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical, Hip Hop, and various levels of Gymnastics. This ensures a comprehensive dance education and caters to diverse interests.
• Strong Competitive Program: For serious dancers, the studio has a robust competitive team, with former students achieving national and state titles and pursuing dance at collegiate levels. They offer a structured audition process and required technique classes to ensure well-rounded competitive dancers.
• Family-Oriented Environment: The reviews indicate a warm, welcoming, and family-friendly atmosphere. The sentiment of "they've turned my hubby into a Dance Dad!!" exemplifies how the studio embraces the entire family's involvement and enjoyment. The studio explicitly states, "We are delighted to have you and your dancer a part of our family!"
• Community Engagement: The studio actively participates in local events like the Belmont Christmas Parade and hosts an Annual Christmas Program, further cementing its role within the community.

For Belmont, NC residents and those in the surrounding Gaston County area interested in learning more about Dance Specialties or enrolling in their programs, here is their direct contact information:

Address: 415 E Catawba St, Belmont, NC 28012, USA

Phone: (704) 825-1883

For families in Belmont, North Carolina, and the wider Gaston County region, Dance Specialties stands out as an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended destination for dance and gymnastics education. Its nearly 50-year legacy in the community speaks volumes about its enduring quality, trusted reputation, and deep understanding of dance instruction.

What truly makes Dance Specialties ideal for our local community is its unique blend of professional, award-winning training and a genuinely nurturing, family-oriented environment. Parents consistently praise the caring and encouraging staff, highlighting how instructors like Ms. Pam and Ms. Heather make everyone feel welcome and inspire a true love for movement, even converting "hubbies into Dance Dads!" This warm atmosphere, coupled with the proven expertise of instructors like Josh, ensures that children not only develop strong technical skills but also gain confidence, discipline, and a sense of belonging.

The comprehensive range of services, from "Tiny Tot" classes for the youngest dancers to advanced competitive programs and adult offerings, means that Dance Specialties can cater to the entire family's dance journey. Whether a child is exploring dance for pure enjoyment in recreational combo classes or aspiring to national competition, the studio provides structured pathways for growth. Its central and accessible location on E Catawba Street in Downtown Belmont further enhances its appeal, making it a convenient choice for busy local families. For those seeking a dance studio that combines a rich history, a commitment to superior training, and a truly supportive community spirit, Dance Specialties is undoubtedly a cornerstone of the arts in our beloved Belmont.

Dance Specialties

415 E Catawba St, Belmont, NC 28012, USA