Encore Dance Academy

For families across Ankeny, Iowa, and the broader Central Iowa region, Encore Dance Academy stands as a highly recommended and cherished institution for dance and tumbling education. More than just a place to learn steps, Encore Dance Academy, under the guidance of Miss Evie and her dedicated staff, has cultivated a vibrant "dance family" where students not only grow in skill but also learn invaluable life lessons, develop confidence, and feel truly welcomed and loved. This commitment to a positive and nurturing environment sets Encore apart as a beacon of artistic and personal development in the community.

With a reputation built over years of dedicated service, Encore Dance Academy is celebrated for its excellent instruction, beautiful choreography, and a strong emphasis on age-appropriate music and costuming. From the youngest dancers taking their first tentative steps to advanced performers refining complex routines, the academy caters to all ages and skill levels, ensuring every student finds their place to shine. This article will provide a comprehensive look at what makes Encore Dance Academy a standout choice for local residents, detailing its convenient location, the wide array of services it offers, its unique features and highlights, and why it consistently garners such heartfelt praise from its dance family.

Encore Dance Academy is conveniently located at 801 S Ankeny Blvd Suite 2, Ankeny, IA 50023, USA. This prominent address places the studio along a key thoroughfare in Ankeny, making it easily accessible for families residing not only within Ankeny but also from surrounding communities in the greater Des Moines metropolitan area, such as Des Moines, Johnston, Altoona, and Bondurant. The location on South Ankeny Boulevard ensures straightforward navigation, even for those who might be visiting for the first time.

For parents and guardians, the accessibility of the studio's physical location is a significant practical advantage. The presence in a commercial suite typically suggests ample parking, facilitating smooth drop-offs and pick-ups for classes. Being situated in a well-trafficked area integrates the academy into the local community, making it a familiar and convenient destination for many local families seeking high-quality dance and performing arts education. This ease of access contributes significantly to consistent class attendance and full participation in all the academy's programs. The facility itself is described as beautiful, well-kept, and clean, providing an inviting and professional space for learning.

• Comprehensive Dance Programs: Encore Dance Academy offers a diverse range of dance classes for students from 1.5 years old (Parent & Tot) up through teens, catering to various age groups and skill levels.
• Diverse Dance Styles: Instruction is provided in a wide array of popular genres, including:
  • Ballet: Emphasizing strong classical technique, incorporating varied styles like Balanchine, Royal Academy of Dance, Vaganova, and Cecchetti. Required for Encore Dance Company members.
  • Pre-Pointe/Pointe: Designed for students with previous ballet training, focusing on strengthening and proper alignment for pointe work.
  • Jazz: Covering classic, contemporary, Broadway, and Commercial styles, with focus on isolations, contractions, and individual expression.
  • Tap: Exposing students to both Broadway and Rhythm Tap styles, focusing on musicality, weight shifts, and rhythmic awareness.
  • Contemporary: Rooted in classic modern dance techniques, emphasizing body awareness, fluidity, and dynamic quality, including improvisation and floor work.
  • Hip Hop: High-energy classes covering street styles like breaking, locking, and popping, encouraging individual style.
  • Musical Theatre: Learning dance technique and acting for musical performances, focusing on jazz fundamentals and character work.
  • Acrobatics: Focusing on acrobatic arts skills specific to dance, building strength, enhancing choreography, and ensuring safety through proper progressions (e.g., cartwheels, aerials, handsprings).
  • Ballroom: Learning multiple styles including rumba, foxtrot, tango, swing, and waltz, suitable for couples or individuals.
  • Combo Classes: For younger dancers, combining genres like ballet and tap to introduce fundamentals in a nurturing environment.
• Performance and Competition Teams: Opportunities for dancers to join performance and competition teams, with multiple levels to match age, ability, and commitment. These teams provide chances to grow technically, gain stage experience, and build friendships.
• Parent and Tot Classes: Designed for tiny dancers aged 1.5-3 to explore dance fundamentals with a parent/guardian.
• Birthday Parties: High-energy, hassle-free birthday parties with customized themes, led by instructors, perfect for all ages.
• On-Site Dance Boutique: "The Barre Boutique" is attached to the studio, offering convenient access to dance shoes and appropriate attire.

• Exceptional Family Environment: Consistently praised by reviews, Miss Evie and her staff have created an "amazing environment" and a true "Encore dance family" where dancers feel "welcomed and loved." This strong sense of community is a significant highlight.
• Balance of Training and Family Building: The studio strikes a perfect balance between rigorous dance training and fostering a supportive, family-like atmosphere, contributing to the holistic development of students.
• Excellent Instruction in Dance and Tumbling: Customers rave about the "excellent" instruction provided in both dance and tumbling, indicating high-quality teaching across disciplines.
• Beautiful and Modern Choreography: The choreography is frequently described as "beautiful and modern," showcasing the studio's commitment to contemporary and engaging routines.
• Age-Appropriate Music and Costuming: A key feature highlighted by parents is the consistent use of "age appropriate and tasteful" music and costuming, ensuring a wholesome and respectful environment for all dancers.
• State-of-the-Art Facility: The Encore facility is described as "beautiful," "well kept," and "clean," providing an optimal and inviting space for dance instruction. It also boasts floor-to-ceiling mirrors, wood sprung floors, and great sound systems.
• Focus on Life Lessons: Beyond technical skills, the academy instills "immeasurable life lessons" such as teamwork, commitment, confidence, and positive self-image, preparing dancers for success both on and off the stage.
• Experienced and Loving Staff: Instructors are described as "mentors and role models" who are passionate about nurturing every child's growth and building genuine connections with dancers and families.
• Amenities for Dancers: The studio offers cubbies for belongings, a homework bar, USB charging stations, a dining area, and a lounge, enhancing the comfort and convenience for students.
• Consistently Voted Ankeny's Best: Encore Dance Academy has been "Voted Ankeny's Best Dance and Tumbling Studio for 7 Consecutive Years," according to their website, reflecting strong local recognition and satisfaction.

For families in Ankeny, Iowa, and the surrounding areas interested in enrolling in dance and tumbling classes or learning more about the programs offered by Encore Dance Academy, please use the following contact details:

Address: 801 S Ankeny Blvd Suite 2, Ankeny, IA 50023, USA

Phone: (515) 974-4074

Mobile Phone: +1 515-974-4074

Front Desk Hours: Monday-Thursday 3:30 PM - 7:00 PM (Miss Marcia is typically available at the front office).

It is highly recommended to visit the official Encore Dance Academy website (likely 1eda.com) or contact them directly via phone for the most current information regarding class schedules, registration periods, specific program details, and any updates. You can also explore their FAQs section online for common inquiries.

Encore Dance Academy, located at 801 S Ankeny Blvd Suite 2 in Ankeny, IA, is an outstanding and highly suitable choice for local families seeking a comprehensive and nurturing dance education. Its long-standing reputation, consistently being voted "Ankeny's Best Dance and Tumbling Studio for 7 Consecutive Years," speaks volumes about the high level of satisfaction among local residents. For families in Ankeny and the surrounding Iowa communities, this means access to a proven institution that genuinely prioritizes student well-being and artistic growth.

The core strength of Encore Dance Academy lies in the "amazing environment provided by Miss Evie and her staff," which fosters a true "dance family." This goes beyond technical instruction, instilling "immeasurable life lessons" such as teamwork and confidence, as highlighted by long-term students and parents. The commitment to age-appropriate and tasteful choreography, music, and costuming ensures a wholesome and respectful experience, which is a significant factor for many Iowa families.

Furthermore, the diverse array of dance styles offered—from classical ballet and jazz to energetic hip hop and acrobatic tumbling—caters to every interest and skill level, ensuring that each dancer finds their passion. The beautiful, well-kept facility, complete with amenities like a homework bar and an attached dance boutique, enhances the overall convenience and comfort for students and parents alike. For Iowans seeking a local dance studio that combines excellent instruction with a deeply supportive, family-friendly atmosphere, Encore Dance Academy stands as a truly exceptional and beloved community asset.

Encore Dance Academy

801 S Ankeny Blvd Suite 2, Ankeny, IA 50023, USA