Fun Girl Dance Company & School

For families and individuals across Ypsilanti and the broader Michigan landscape, finding a dance studio that truly embodies inclusivity, fosters artistic expression, and cultivates a strong sense of community is a remarkable find. Fun Girl Dance Company & School, a vibrant institution nestled in the heart of Ypsilanti, is precisely that place. Since its opening in September 2018 under the direction of Chloé Gray, this unique studio has been dedicated to providing affordable community dance education and producing impactful artistic works. It’s a space where passion for dance thrives, regardless of age, background, or skill level. This article delves into what makes Fun Girl Dance Company & School a highly cherished and recommended destination for dance enthusiasts in our Michigan community.

What truly sets Fun Girl apart, and is frequently highlighted by local patrons, is its unwavering commitment to creating a "body positive space" that champions "community, working together and being inclusive of all." In an industry that can sometimes lean towards intense competitiveness, Fun Girl Dance Company & School intentionally moves in a different direction, fostering an environment where artistic freedom and empowerment take precedence. Parents consistently share their love for the "incredible" teachers and staff who teach "so much more than dance," creating a nurturing atmosphere where even the youngest dancers, like two-year-olds, feel happy and engaged from their very first class. This dedication to holistic development and a supportive learning environment makes Fun Girl Dance Company & School a truly special part of Michigan's artistic fabric.

Fun Girl Dance Company & School is conveniently located at 117 Pearl St, Ypsilanti, MI 48197, USA. This prime address places it in downtown Ypsilanti, making it easily accessible for residents throughout Washtenaw County and surrounding areas in Southeast Michigan. Pearl Street is a well-known thoroughfare in Ypsilanti, ensuring a straightforward commute for families and students traveling from various parts of the city and nearby communities like Ann Arbor. Being situated in a vibrant downtown area also means it's often within walking distance or a short drive from other local businesses, restaurants, and amenities, adding to the convenience of attending classes. The central location of Fun Girl Dance Company & School reinforces its role as a community hub for accessible dance education right here in our Michigan home.

• Diverse Dance Class Offerings: Fun Girl Dance Company & School provides a broad curriculum in various dance styles, including Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Musical Theatre, Tap, and even unique offerings like Capoeira.
• Classes for All Ages: The school caters to a wide age range, with specific programs designed for:
  • Ages 2-4 (e.g., toddler dance classes encouraging movement, rhythm, and self-expression)
  • K-1st Grade (creative dance lessons focusing on basic steps, musicality, and coordination)
  • 2nd-5th Grade (energetic programs enhancing technique, creativity, and confidence)
  • 6th-12th Grade (dynamic curriculum blending technique, choreography, and self-expression)
  • Adults (various classes for grown-ups looking to learn or continue their dance journey)
• Performance Opportunities: Students have the chance to showcase their hard work and creativity through annual performances, including successful recitals and contributions to professional dance films and live shows by the associated dance company.
• Community-Focused Education: The curriculum centers on compassion, artistic freedom, and empowerment, fostering a supportive, inclusive, and fun environment where students build lasting connections.
• Professional Dance Company: Beyond the school, Fun Girl Dance Company is a professional queer contemporary dance company that produces bold, innovative, and culturally affirming dance works, often featuring students from the school.
• Ypsi Dance Swap: Fun Girl is proud to have founded and launched the Ypsi Dance Swap, a local dance festival that provides a platform for other companies and choreographers to showcase their work, further building community.

• Highly Inclusive and Body Positive: A standout feature, as highlighted by reviews, is the studio's commitment to being an "inclusive" and "body positive space," ensuring all dancers feel welcome, comfortable, and celebrated, regardless of their background or body type.
• Exceptional and Caring Staff: Teachers and staff are consistently praised as "incredible," "so nice, caring and patient," and demonstrating a genuine love for what they do. This nurturing approach is key to the studio's positive atmosphere.
• Focus on Community Over Competition: Unlike many dance studios, Fun Girl Dance Company & School intentionally moves away from excessive competitiveness, prioritizing "community, working together and being inclusive of all," which is a huge draw for many families.
• Holistic Development: The school teaches "so much more than dance," focusing on building character, confidence, and collaborative skills alongside dance technique.
• Early Childhood Engagement: The willingness to accept and successfully engage very young children, such as two-year-olds, and ensure they are "happy and laughing," speaks volumes about their pedagogical approach and patience.
• Diverse Curriculum: Offering a wide array of dance styles, from traditional ballet and tap to contemporary and even Capoeira, provides varied artistic avenues for students.
• Community Impact and Artistic Vision: Beyond classes, their associated professional company produces visibly queer, culturally affirming, and innovative dance films and live performances, contributing significantly to the local arts scene.
• Non-Profit Status: Having achieved 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, Fun Girl Dance Company & School solidifies its commitment to providing accessible, high-quality dance education to the community.

To learn more about class schedules, registration, or to immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Fun Girl Dance Company & School, please use the following contact details:

Address: 117 Pearl St, Ypsilanti, MI 48197, USA

Phone: (734) 383-8566

Mobile Phone: +1 734-383-8566

You can also visit their official website to view their schedule, register for classes, and explore their professional company's work.

For Michigan residents, particularly those in Ypsilanti and the surrounding communities, Fun Girl Dance Company & School stands as an exceptionally suitable and enriching local resource. Its convenient downtown Ypsilanti location on Pearl Street makes it easily accessible, allowing local families to integrate high-quality dance education into their lives without significant travel. This local presence is a tremendous advantage, fostering a stronger community bond.

What truly distinguishes Fun Girl Dance Company & School and makes it ideal for our Michigan community is its core philosophy. In a world that often emphasizes competition, this studio provides a refreshing "body positive space" that prioritizes "community, working together and being inclusive of all." This nurturing environment ensures that every dancer, from a happy two-year-old taking their first steps to an adult rediscovering their passion, feels welcomed, supported, and truly seen. The passionate and caring instructors go beyond teaching dance steps; they instill confidence, foster artistic freedom, and build a sense of belonging, which is invaluable for personal development.

Moreover, the diverse range of dance styles offered, coupled with programs for all ages, means that Fun Girl Dance Company & School can cater to the entire family's needs and interests. The ability to start children as young as two years old, with proven success in keeping them engaged and joyful, highlights their specialized approach to early childhood development through movement. As a nonprofit organization, their commitment to providing accessible and high-quality dance education further solidifies their role as a vital community asset. For anyone in Michigan seeking a dance experience that is not only professionally enriching but also deeply inclusive and community-focused, Fun Girl Dance Company & School in Ypsilanti is undoubtedly a top choice.

You can get a glimpse into the company's vision and work by watching (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZOvfNbdnwY).

Fun Girl Dance Company & School

117 Pearl St, Ypsilanti, MI 48197, USA