Devine Dancers

Introduction / Overview

For families throughout the Iowa region, especially those in Des Moines and surrounding areas like West Waukee, Devine Dancers stands as an absolutely amazing and truly unique dance studio. Founded on June 1st, 2009, by Kelli Devine-Woods, this studio has blossomed from humble beginnings into a beloved "dance family" for countless students. Devine Dancers is far more than just a place to learn dance steps; it’s a vibrant community led by Kelli, one of the most decorated choreographers in the Midwest, who brings both a degree in dance and professional international dance experience to her teaching. Their philosophy, encapsulated by their motto "RISE" (Respect, Integrity, Servitude, and Excellence), aims to enrich character in ways essential for success in every aspect of life. As one thrilled parent expressed after trying two other studios, "nothing compares! The teaching staff & owner Kelli, instruction of learning, and the facility are hands down the best we have been involved with. It truly feels like family!" This deep sense of belonging and exceptional instruction makes Devine Dancers a cherished "forever dance family" for those seeking a supportive and high-quality dance education in Iowa.

Location and Accessibility

Devine Dancers is conveniently located at 2913 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312, USA. This prime location on Ingersoll Avenue, right off the 31st Street I-235 exit, makes the studio exceptionally accessible for families across Des Moines and from many surrounding communities in Iowa, including Waukee, Ankeny, Van Meter, Winterset, Cumming, West Des Moines, Indianola, and Altoona. The easy highway access simplifies commutes, even for those making a dedicated drive from areas further out. Situated in a well-known and vibrant part of Des Moines, the studio is straightforward to find, and its surrounding area typically offers convenient parking solutions, ensuring a hassle-free experience for drop-offs and pick-ups. This strategic placement ensures that a top-tier dance education and a welcoming community are within reach for a wide range of local Iowa residents.

Services Offered

Devine Dancers offers a comprehensive and diverse range of dance classes catering to students from ages 2 to 100, providing a wide array of genres to ensure every dancer finds their passion. Their curriculum is designed to develop well-rounded dancers, focusing on both artistic expression and technical proficiency. Here's a detailed list of the services and class types available:

• Jazz: Focuses on technique, movements, and theory with various styles explored.
• Hip-Hop: Introduction to advanced levels, building flexibility, rhythm, strength, and artistic expression, including various styles like Pop and Lock, Funk, and Krump. Emphasizes attitude and confidence through disciplined tricks and animated movement.
• Tap: Beginning to intermediate tap technique, movements, and theory, including fun combinations.
• Lyrical: Intermediate to advanced lyrical technique, movements, and theory, often using a ballet-lyrical and/or jazz-lyrical fusion to learn combinations and abstract movements.
• Ballet (Classical Ballet/Pointe): Classical ballet techniques and terminology from beginner to advanced levels, including barre exercises, center floor work, and across-the-floor combinations. Pointe classes focus on technique to enhance footwork, strength, and flexibility, with advanced movements like Adagio and Petite Allegro.
• Contemporary: Explores various styles of ballet including contemporary and modern techniques, movements, and theory.
• Convention Prep: Classes designed to prepare dancers for dance conventions, focusing on audition skills and fast learning.
• Strength & Stretch: Basic dance conditioning and toning class, combining Ballet, Yoga, Aerobics, and Pilates for cross-training.
• TRIX: Specialty classes focusing on a range of jumps, kicks, leaps, and turns to develop sophisticated dancers through advanced tricks.
• Baton: Intermediate and advanced levels of baton twirling, exploring hand twirls, rolls, tosses, and various catches and releases. Private lessons are also available.
• Choreography: Classes or opportunities for dancers to explore the art of creating dance.
• Poms: Classes focusing on synchronized movements and pom-based routines.
• Pi-Yo: A popular conditioning and toning class blending Pilates and Yoga dance fusion.
• Combination Classes (e.g., Tap, Ballet, & Jazz): Working on beginning and intermediate levels of multiple genres for comprehensive training.
• Adult Classes: Offered in Tap, Hip-Hop, and Lyrical, with possibilities for other genres based on participant interest, providing a focus on the physical form and fun combinations.
• Competition Team: A dedicated program for competitive dancers who will compete and perform throughout the U.S. Team members are required to take specific combination classes, genre team pieces, Classical Ballet, and Tumbling & Trix weekly. Teams include Mini (ages 6-8), Junior (ages 9-11), Pre-Teen (ages 10-14), Teen (ages 12-15), and Senior (ages 13-18), with placement based on skill level.
• Private Lessons: Offered by request, allowing for personalized instruction and accelerated progress.

Features / Highlights

Devine Dancers is celebrated for several distinctive features and highlights that make it a premier dance studio and a cherished institution in the Iowa dance scene:

• Exceptional Director and Faculty: Kelli Devine-Woods, the owner and director, is highly decorated and has a unique background with a dance degree and professional international experience. The teaching staff includes a remarkable mix of professionals with dance/choreography awards and advanced degrees, including three doctors on staff (a physical therapist, an occupational therapist, and a professor of sports psychology), emphasizing the studio's commitment to holistic dance education.
• "Dance Family" Atmosphere: Repeatedly highlighted by customers, the studio genuinely feels like a family. It’s a place where girls "have a big village supporting them" and "never want to go home," fostering strong connections and a supportive community among dancers and their families.
• Holistic Development Philosophy ("RISE"): The studio's motto, "RISE" (Respect, Integrity, Servitude, Excellence), underpins its approach, focusing on enriching character and developing life skills essential for success beyond dance. They believe confidence is built through "personal progress and measurable achievement," not just compliments.
• Comprehensive and Diverse Curriculum: With classes for all ages (2-100) and a wide array of styles including jazz, hip-hop, tap, lyrical, ballet, contemporary, TRIX, baton, and more, the studio aims to train well-rounded dancers and ensure every person, regardless of ability level, can enjoy the benefits of dance.
• Cutting-Edge Training and Research: The director and teachers are committed to continuous learning, staying updated on the latest research in coaching, dance training, and sports psychology to provide the "absolute best" instruction and adapt new techniques.
• Convenient Location and Accessibility: Situated on Ingersoll Avenue with easy access from I-235, the studio is conveniently located for dancers from various surrounding communities in the Des Moines metro area.
• Emphasis on Performance and Celebration: Devine Dancers works with Light This Production and the Hoyt Sherman staff to ensure dancers feel like stars during performances, celebrating their achievements.
• Inclusivity: The studio embraces diversity, welcoming dancers from "every background, faith, and socioeconomic status," from pre-professional dancers to those just starting their journey.

Contact Information

For more information about Devine Dancers, including class schedules, enrollment, and team inquiries, you can reach them using the following contact details:

• Address: 2913 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312, USA
• Phone: (515) 783-6401
• Mobile Phone: +1 515-783-6401
• Email for Team Inquiries: kelbeldanz@gmail.com

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For families throughout Des Moines and the wider Iowa region, Devine Dancers offers an unparalleled and highly suitable environment for dance education. The fervent testimonials from local customers speak volumes: one parent lauded it as "Absolutely Amazing!!" and stated, "We even make the drive from West Waukee just for devine dancers angel rise!!" This highlights the studio’s magnetic appeal and the dedication it inspires. The consistent praise for the "incredible staff that takes their time and actually teaches" and the feeling of having found a "forever dance family" underscores the profound impact Devine Dancers has on its students. Beyond its extensive range of classes catering to all ages and skill levels—from classical ballet and hip-hop to specialized TRIX and baton—the studio’s commitment to character development through its "RISE" philosophy sets it apart. The emphasis on fostering respect, integrity, servitude, and excellence, combined with its highly qualified and continually learning staff (including doctors in related fields), ensures a holistic and enriching experience. For any Iowa resident seeking a professional, nurturing, and truly family-oriented dance studio where their child can thrive, build confidence, and develop a lifelong passion for dance, Devine Dancers on Ingersoll Avenue is undoubtedly the premier choice.

Devine Dancers

2913 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312, USA