Des Dance

For families and individuals across Indiana, especially those in the Goshen area, finding a dance studio that blends rigorous technical training with a supportive and inspiring environment is key to a fulfilling artistic journey. Des Dance in Goshen stands out as a premier destination, celebrated for its passionate instructors, diverse dance styles, and a commitment to nurturing each student's full potential. Since its founding in 2015, Des Dance has rapidly become a vibrant cornerstone of the local performing arts community.

Founded by Desiree Lantz, Des Dance was established with a clear vision: to create a training environment that is both positive and disciplined, a balance that can be hard to find. What began with a handful of students in a rented space has blossomed into a thriving studio, now located in a prominent spot in downtown Goshen. Under Desiree's leadership, the studio has built a strong reputation for technical excellence, consistently achieving high honors at regional competitions, including numerous 1st overall placements, choreography awards, and technique honors.

This studio is not just about mastering steps; it's about fostering lifelong skills such as commitment, self-discipline, high self-esteem, and confidence. As one of their own staff members, Stevie Plank, who started dancing at Des Dance in 2015, attests, the studio instills values that transcend the dance floor. This article will provide a comprehensive and engaging overview of Des Dance, exploring its convenient location, the wide array of dance styles and programs available, and the unique features that make it a highly recommended choice for local users throughout Indiana.

Des Dance is conveniently located at 65529 IN-15, Goshen, IN 46526, USA. This address places the studio within easy reach for families and individuals residing in Goshen and from surrounding communities across Elkhart County and Northern Indiana. Indiana State Road 15 (IN-15) is a well-trafficked route, ensuring straightforward navigation to the studio.

While the provided address is 65529 IN-15, it's worth noting that other public information indicates a downtown Goshen location at 212 S Main St, Suite 5, within The Exchange Suites. This suggests Des Dance may have moved or operates across multiple convenient locations in Goshen, enhancing accessibility for its diverse student base. For the most accurate and up-to-date physical location for specific classes or inquiries, it is always recommended to check their official website or contact them directly.

Regardless of the specific suite, its presence within Goshen ensures that high-quality dance education is easily accessible to local users, minimizing travel time for busy families. Ample parking is typically available at facilities in such areas, contributing to a stress-free arrival and departure experience, allowing students and parents to focus on the joy of dance.

Des Dance offers a comprehensive and dynamic curriculum tailored to students of all ages and skill levels, from toddlers taking their first steps to advanced competitive dancers. Their programs are designed to provide both strong technical foundations and opportunities for creative expression across various dance genres.

• Pre-Ballet (Ages 3-5): These introductory classes are perfect for the youngest dancers, focusing on basic ballet movements, fun activities, and engaging methods to foster a love for dance and improve motor skills, grace, and poise.
• Ballet: Des Dance emphasizes Cecchetti method ballet technique. Classes focus on flexibility, strength, and learning French terminology. Ballet is taught as a foundational discipline, crucial for developing precision and artistry in all dance forms.
• Tap: An engaging African-American art form that evolved with jazz music. Tap classes at Des Dance improve rhythm and coordination, teaching students to create beats, rhythms, patterns, and choreography.
• Hip-Hop: Students learn the newest dance trends and combinations set to popular music. Hip-Hop classes are described as a great way to exercise while having fun, focusing on energetic movement and contemporary styles.
• Jazz: This class focuses on proper dance technique, including body isolations, improving performance quality, and developing complex rhythms and patterns. Students are exposed to various styles of jazz, such as Broadway, Street, and Contemporary, for a well-rounded dance education. The curriculum includes a proper warm-up, stretches, isolations, across-the-floor progressions, and combinations.
• Tumbling: Offered for various ages and levels, from "Tumble Tots" and "Tumble Tykes" for younger children to advanced tumbling. These classes focus on acrobatic skills and body control.
• Recreational Dance Classes (Ages 6 & up): These are ideal for beginners and those looking to improve technique and develop a love for dance in a once-a-week format. Students can choose to focus on specific genres.
• Competitive Dance & Hip Hop Team Programs: For dedicated students (often requiring an audition and significant time commitment), these programs involve weekly technique classes in Ballet, Jazz Technique (turns, leaps, flexibility), Team Choreography, Hip Hop, Tap, and Tumbling. Older, more advanced dancers may also require an additional ballet class. These teams compete regionally and nationally.
• "Technique Only" Non-Performing Classes & "Drop-In" Classes: For students who want to focus purely on technical training, including high school/college-aged dancers preparing for auditions or maintaining skills.
• Annual Performances: Students participate in significant productions such as the Annual Spring Recital and the Winter Spectacular, often held at local venues like the beautiful Goshen Theater, providing valuable stage experience.

Des Dance distinguishes itself through several key features and highlights that contribute to its strong reputation and make it a highly regarded institution in the Goshen, Indiana community:

• Positive and Disciplined Training Environment: This core philosophy, established by founder Desiree Lantz, ensures that students receive rigorous technical instruction within an encouraging and supportive atmosphere. It's a balance that fosters both skill development and personal growth.
• Highly Qualified and Passionate Instructors: The studio prides itself on having a team of "highly qualified and professional instructors" who are not only talented dancers but also deeply passionate about teaching. They are committed to inspiring, training, and developing students of all ages and abilities.
• Commitment to Technical Excellence: Des Dance is known for its strong emphasis on proper technique, body placement, and safe execution of both dance and tumbling skills. This dedication has led to "numerous 1st overall placements, choreography awards, and technique honors at regional competitions" for their competitive teams.
• Comprehensive Curriculum: With a wide array of genres from classical ballet and tap to energetic hip-hop and jazz, and specialized tumbling, the studio offers a well-rounded dance education. They also keep up with "cutting edge" techniques and developments in the dance world.
• Focus on Life Skills: Beyond dance steps, Des Dance is committed to teaching vital life skills such as "commitment, hard work, self-discipline, high self-esteem, independence, positivity, and confidence." This holistic approach helps to shape well-rounded, successful individuals.
• Age-Appropriate and Modest Approach: The studio explicitly states its belief in "modesty in dress, movement & music" and strives for "morality, ethical work practices, and honesty." They promise that costumes, music, movement, and choreography will always be age-appropriate and modest, which is a significant consideration for many families.
• Strong Performance Opportunities: Students regularly perform in major showcases like the Spring Recital and Winter Spectacular at local venues such as the Goshen Theater, providing valuable stage experience and showcasing their talents to the community.
• Community Engagement: Participation in local events and using Goshen Theater for their recitals demonstrates their active involvement within the Goshen community.

For more information about Des Dance, including specific class schedules, registration details, or any other inquiries, please use the following contact information:

Address: 65529 IN-15, Goshen, IN 46526, USA (Please note that their website also lists 212 S Main St, Suite 5, Goshen, IN 46526. It is advisable to verify the current primary studio location or specific class location with them directly.)

Phone: (574) 364-0705

You can also visit their official website for the most up-to-date calendar, class descriptions, and registration information. Their team is ready to assist you in finding the perfect dance program.

Des Dance is an exceptionally suitable place for locals in Indiana, particularly families in the Goshen area, for a myriad of compelling reasons. Its foundational commitment to providing a training environment that is both positive and disciplined makes it a truly unique and effective choice for dance education. Parents can be confident that their children will not only receive high-quality technical instruction across various dance styles but will also develop crucial life skills such as self-discipline, confidence, and a strong work ethic.

The studio's dedication to maintaining age-appropriate and modest choreography, music, and costumes is a significant advantage for many families, aligning with community values and ensuring a comfortable learning experience. Furthermore, the expertise of their "highly qualified and professional instructors," coupled with their genuine passion for teaching, inspires students to reach their full dance potential, whether they aspire to competitive success or simply wish to enjoy dance recreationally.

By choosing Des Dance, locals are investing in a thriving community asset that contributes positively to the artistic and personal development of Goshen's youth. The consistent performance opportunities at local venues like the Goshen Theater allow students to showcase their hard work and build confidence, strengthening their connection to the local arts scene. For any Hoosier seeking a dance studio that truly cares about its students' growth, both as dancers and as individuals, Des Dance offers an unparalleled experience.

Des Dance

65529 IN-15, Goshen, IN 46526, USA