Gaby Lucas House of Dance

Nestled in the welcoming community of Olathe, Kansas, at 18845 W 158th St, Olathe, KS 66062, USA, stands Gaby Lucas House of Dance – a vibrant and beloved institution where the art of dance comes alive. More than just a studio, "Gaby's dance studio" is celebrated by local families as a nurturing environment where students of all ages and abilities can discover their passion for movement, build confidence, and truly thrive. Under the inspiring leadership of Miss Gaby, this academy is dedicated to providing high-quality dance education in a positive and inclusive atmosphere, ensuring that every student feels special and empowered. As one parent enthusiastically shared, "I absolutely love Gaby's dance studio! She is so wonderful with the students, and they love her back... our daughter wouldn't miss her weekly lessons for anything!" This sentiment underscores the studio's profound impact on its students.

Gaby Lucas House of Dance operates on the principle that "Dance is for Everyone!" Whether a student dreams of becoming a competitive dancer or simply loves to dance for the sheer joy of it, the studio offers a place for them. Miss Gaby herself brings over 20 years of experience teaching various genres of dance and fitness to children and young adults across a broad spectrum of levels and abilities. She is a passionate advocate for programs that include the talents of children with special needs, further emphasizing the studio's commitment to inclusivity. This dedication to building "strong, healthy communities of people who share a universal love of dance" makes Gaby Lucas House of Dance an invaluable asset to the Olathe and wider Kansas City metropolitan area.

Gaby Lucas House of Dance is conveniently situated at 18845 W 158th St, Olathe, KS 66062, USA. This location places the studio within easy reach for families residing in Olathe and neighboring communities across Johnson County, Kansas. Its position on West 158th Street, a well-trafficked road, makes the studio easily identifiable and accessible.

For those commuting by car, the studio's Olathe address provides straightforward access from major local roadways and highways, ensuring a smooth journey from various parts of the Kansas City metropolitan area. The studio offers dedicated "Parking for customers," which is a significant convenience for parents during drop-off and pick-up times, and for adult students attending classes. While specific public transportation options directly serving this exact spot may vary, Olathe, like many suburban communities, relies heavily on private vehicle transport. However, its placement within an established part of Olathe means it’s integrated into the local infrastructure. The overall accessibility makes Gaby Lucas House of Dance a practical and appealing choice for families seeking quality dance instruction without extensive travel hassles within the Kansas region. The studio's operating hours, typically Monday through Thursday afternoons/evenings and Friday mornings, also cater to common after-school and weekend schedules.

Gaby Lucas House of Dance provides a comprehensive and diverse curriculum designed to engage students of all ages and abilities in the art of dance. Their offerings are structured to accommodate various developmental stages and interests:

• Early Childhood Programs:

  • Tiny Combo (Pre-Tap/Pre-Ballet): For dancers aged 3-4 years, focusing on fundamental skills for Pre-Ballet and Tap. Requirements include pink ballet shoes, tan tap shoes, leotard, and tights or dance pants.

  • Mini Combo (Tap/Pre-Ballet/Pre-Jazz): For Kindergarten to 1st graders, offering an introductory level for Jazz, Tap, and Ballet, including progressions and preparations for turns and leaps. Requirements include tan jazz shoes, tan tap shoes, leotard, and tights or dance pants.

• Core Dance Styles (Levels 1-7, typically 1st-12th Grade):

  • Ballet: Comprehensive training with barre warm-ups, floor progressions, and recital choreography. Focuses on classical technique, grace, and strength.

  • Hip-Hop: Explores various hip-hop styles, including floor tricks and energetic recital choreography. Emphasizes rhythm and personal expression.

  • Jazz/Tap (Level 1 and up): Beginner level skills in Tap and Jazz, focusing on progressions and providing two recital choreography numbers per class.

  • Lyrical Dance: For students typically 4th-12th grade, focusing on technical skills, floor progressions, and expressive recital choreography. Combines elements of ballet and jazz.

• Specialized Dance Programs:

  • POM POM SKILLS: For 4th-6th grade students, focusing on precision Jazz and Drill Team Pom skills, progressions, and recital choreography.

  • Acro-skills: Taught by instructors like Brock Maze, integrating acrobatic elements into dance.

  • Musical Theatre: Taught by instructors like Francois Des Marteau, combining dance with acting and singing.

• Performance and Competition Opportunities:

  • House of Dance Company (HODC): A selected performance group that represents the studio at community events, dance competitions, and dance conventions. Auditions are typically integrated into a Company Intensive Week.

  • Extra Ordinary Troupe (EOT): A group of joyful dancers, including those with diverse abilities, who meet weekly for practice and perform at community events and the annual Spring Recital. This troupe emphasizes dance, music, and friendships with no monthly fees, only a one-time registration fee.

  • Annual Recitals: All students participate in an annual Spring Recital, providing a platform to showcase their learned skills and choreography.

• Private Instruction: While not explicitly detailed on the public schedule, private lessons for specific technique or competition preparation are often available by arrangement with instructors.

Gaby Lucas House of Dance stands out as a premier dance destination in Olathe, Kansas, thanks to several key features that contribute to its glowing reputation and student success.

• Nurturing and Positive Atmosphere: Consistently highlighted by parents, the studio fosters an incredibly warm, positive, and "great" atmosphere. Miss Gaby herself is praised for being "so wonderful with the students," ensuring they "love her back." This supportive environment is particularly beneficial for younger dancers or those new to group activities, helping them feel included and special. One review beautifully illustrates this, noting how Gaby's personalized attention helped a struggling daughter "get her over the hump."

• Experienced and Talented Instructors: The studio boasts a team of highly qualified instructors, including Miss Gaby, who has over 20 years of experience. Other notable instructors like Brock Maze (Jazz, Hip-Hop, Lyrical, Acro) and Francois Des Marteau (Tap, Musical Theatre) bring impressive professional backgrounds, including competitive dance, collegiate training, and performance credits with major companies like Disney Cruise Line and Tokyo Disney Resort. This ensures high-caliber instruction across all genres.

• Comprehensive Dance Curriculum: Gaby Lucas House of Dance offers a wide array of dance styles for various age groups, from "Tiny Combo" (3-4 years old) to advanced "Ballet- (Levels 1-7)" and "Hip-Hop- (Levels 1-7)" classes for older students. The inclusion of specialized classes like Lyrical, Jazz/Tap, and POM POM SKILLS ensures a diverse and engaging learning experience for all interests.

• Commitment to Inclusivity: A significant highlight is the studio's dedication to inclusivity. Miss Gaby is a "passionate advocate for programs that include the talents of children with special needs." This commitment is embodied in the "Extra Ordinary Troupe (EOT)," a free tuition program for "Dancers with diverse abilities," fostering joy, friendship, and performance opportunities for all. This makes the studio truly accessible to "everyone."

• Performance and Competitive Opportunities: Students have multiple avenues to showcase their talents, from the annual Spring Recital for all students to the audition-based "House of Dance Company (HODC)" which represents the studio at "community events, Dance Competitions and Dance Conventions." This provides valuable performance experience and a pathway for competitive dancers.

• Holistic Development: The studio's philosophy, "Dance is for Everyone!", underscores its focus on more than just dance technique. It aims to build "strong, healthy communities" and foster a universal love of dance, emphasizing personal growth, confidence, and discipline alongside artistic skill.

For those in the Olathe, Kansas area interested in enrolling in classes, learning more about specific programs, or visiting the studio, please use the following contact details for Gaby Lucas House of Dance:

Address: 18845 W 158th St, Olathe, KS 66062, USA

Phone: (913) 636-2640

Alternatively, you can contact Miss Gaby directly via email at

glucas75@yahoo.com

For families and individuals across Olathe, Kansas, and the wider Kansas City metropolitan area, Gaby Lucas House of Dance is an exceptionally suitable and enriching local establishment for dance education. Its profound suitability stems from its deeply rooted commitment to creating a positive, inclusive, and highly effective learning environment for dancers of all ages and abilities. The heartfelt testimonials from local parents, such as "Love Miss Gaby and her school! Such a great and positive atmosphere. Our little dancer looks forward to class every week," are a powerful indicator of the studio's success in fostering a genuine love for dance.

The comprehensive curriculum, offering everything from "Tiny Combo" classes for preschoolers to advanced levels in Ballet, Hip-Hop, Jazz, Tap, and Lyrical, ensures that every child can find their place and grow within the studio. The unique inclusion of "POM POM SKILLS" and specialized training from instructors with professional performance backgrounds broadens the scope of learning, providing diverse avenues for artistic expression. Crucially, Gaby Lucas House of Dance is a leader in inclusivity, exemplified by the "Extra Ordinary Troupe" which welcomes dancers with diverse abilities, ensuring that "Dance is for Everyone!" This commitment to accessibility and support truly sets it apart within the local community.

Furthermore, the studio offers ample opportunities for students to shine, whether through the annual Spring Recital or by joining the highly regarded "House of Dance Company" for competitive and community performances. This focus on performance experience, combined with the nurturing mentorship from Miss Gaby and her team, empowers students to build confidence, discipline, and lasting friendships. The convenient Olathe location with customer parking makes it easily accessible for busy local families. In essence, Gaby Lucas House of Dance is more than just a place to learn steps; it's a community hub that cultivates joy, fosters personal growth, and ignites a lifelong passion for dance, making it an invaluable asset for locals in Kansas.

Gaby Lucas House of Dance

18845 W 158th St, Olathe, KS 66062, USA