Gilliam Dance Project

In Smyrna, Delaware, the Gilliam Dance Project (GDP) stands as a testament to the transformative power of dance, nurturing both individual talent and a vibrant community spirit. From the moment its doors opened, GDP has cultivated an environment where children and adults alike can explore the dance world, fostering a deep love for movement, enhancing physical well-being, and building unwavering confidence. It’s more than just a dance studio; it’s a place where passion meets professionalism, and every dancer is encouraged to shine.

The dedication of the entire staff at GDP is consistently highlighted by those who experience its unique atmosphere. As one parent beautifully articulated, "Our daughter came to GDP a few years ago just to try it for the summer. From the moment she stepped into the studio she loved it immediately. Almost 4 years later, she is still excited about going to the studio. This dance studio really supports a child's creativity and builds a great foundation for the love of dance. The entire staff at GDP are amazing and all love what they do." This commitment to individual growth and a genuine love for dance permeates every class and interaction, making Gilliam Dance Project a true gem on the Delaware dance scene.

Gilliam Dance Project is conveniently situated at 228 E Glenwood Ave, Smyrna, DE 19977, USA. This address places the studio in the heart of Smyrna, a thriving town in Kent County, Delaware. Smyrna's location, easily accessible via major routes, makes GDP a convenient destination for families residing throughout Kent County and even those in neighboring areas of New Castle and Sussex counties. East Glenwood Avenue is a well-known local street, ensuring straightforward navigation for parents and students.

As a dedicated dance studio, the facility is designed to provide ample space for various classes and activities. While specific parking details are not always explicitly noted, businesses of this nature typically offer sufficient on-site or nearby parking to accommodate clients, ensuring a smooth arrival and departure process. The studio's presence in Smyrna allows it to serve as a central hub for dance education, offering a high-quality option without the need for extensive travel to larger metropolitan areas. This accessibility is a key factor in why Gilliam Dance Project is a suitable and appealing choice for Delawareans seeking enriching dance experiences.

• Comprehensive Youth Dance Classes: Gilliam Dance Project offers a wide array of classes for children and youth, typically starting from young ages (e.g., 2-year-olds for Creative Movement, 3-4 for Pre-Combo, and ages 4-17 for various styles). Styles include:
  • Ballet (including Pointe)
  • Jazz
  • Tap
  • Hip Hop
  • Lyrical
  • Contemporary
  • Acro (Acrobatic Dance)
  • Musical Theatre
  • Latin Dance (Bilingual options may be available)
  • Afro-Pop Dance
  • Breakdance
  • West African Drum & Dance
• Adult Dance Classes: A robust selection of adult classes designed for various interests and skill levels. These classes are often "pay-what-you-can" to ensure accessibility and offer opportunities to improve flexibility, balance, posture, or simply explore new styles like ballet or hip hop for fitness and fun. Examples include:
  • Ballet Level 1
  • Contemporary Dance
  • Open Level Hip Hop
  • Latin Dance (Beginner and Advanced Beginner)
  • Afro-Pop Dance
• Competitive Dance Teams: For dedicated students, GDP boasts an "amazing champion dance team," providing an opportunity to be part of a team, build friendships, and learn valuable lessons in winning and losing with grace.
• Performance Ensembles: Junior Performance Ensemble, Senior Performance Ensemble, and Latin Dance Ensemble provide structured opportunities for more intensive training and performance.
• Private and Group Instruction: Options for both one-on-one personalized feedback and group classes that foster social interaction and camaraderie.
• Summer Camps & Workshops: Seasonal programs, such as the "RADIATE 2025 Summer Series," offer themed weeks, new styles, dance history, and workshops in related areas like anatomy and nutrition.
• Flexible Enrollment and Payment: Offers various enrollment options, including "add to the cart" for individual classes, no long-term commitment beyond what's chosen, and flexible payment plans (upfront or monthly installments) with a "pay-what-you-can" option for Community Level tuition.
• Trial Classes and Studio Tours: Welcomes prospective students with free trial classes and studio tours to experience the environment firsthand.

• Incredibly Supportive and Welcoming Environment: Consistently praised by parents for creating an atmosphere where children "love it immediately" and feel "so glad to be a part of this studio where you can see and feel the love of the dancers and the community." All sizes and shapes are welcome, and everyone can feel supported.
• Highly Dedicated and Passionate Staff: The "entire staff at GDP are amazing and all love what they do." Instructors like "Miss Kara" are described as more than just teachers; they are "a mentor, counselor, friend and family" and the "biggest cheerleader" for the students.
• Focus on Holistic Child Development: Beyond dance technique, GDP emphasizes building creativity, confidence, resilience, and essential life skills like learning "to win and lose with grace," as well as discipline, accountability, and responsibility.
• Tremendous Progress in Technique and Confidence: Parents rave about seeing their children "make so much progress since day one" and how classes encourage them to "step out of their comfort zone and shine," growing in both dance technique and confidence in life.
• Diversity of Dance Styles and Levels: With over 20 different dance styles offered, from classical ballet and tap to contemporary, hip hop, and even Afro-Pop and Latin Dance, there is truly something for every interest and skill level, from babies (5-18 months) to adults.
• Commitment to Accessibility and Inclusivity: The "pay-what-you-can" tuition model and willingness to discuss financial barriers demonstrates a strong commitment to making dance accessible to everyone in the community, regardless of financial circumstances.
• "Amazing Champion Dance Team": For those interested in competitive dance, GDP offers a highly successful team, providing an enriching experience of team participation and competitive growth.
• Modern Amenities and Communication: The availability of a smartphone app for registration, tuition payments, photo sharing, and event information showcases a modern, organized approach to studio management.

Address: 228 E Glenwood Ave, Smyrna, DE 19977, USA

Phone: (302) 423-0787

For families and individuals throughout Delaware, especially those in Smyrna and the surrounding Kent County area, Gilliam Dance Project (GDP) offers an unparalleled dance experience that is exceptionally suited for local residents. Its convenient location on East Glenwood Avenue in Smyrna ensures easy accessibility, providing a practical and stress-free option for busy schedules and allowing more time to be dedicated to the joy of dance itself. The welcoming atmosphere, combined with the comprehensive range of programs, makes it an ideal local hub for artistic growth.

What truly makes GDP outstanding and deeply suitable for locals, as evidenced by heartfelt testimonials, is its profound commitment to fostering not just dance technique, but also vital life skills and a strong sense of community. The "amazing" and passionate staff, led by "Miss Kara," are celebrated for their dedication, acting as mentors and cheerleaders who help children "bloom" and make "tremendous progress" in both dance and confidence. The studio's philosophy ensures that all "sizes and shapes are welcome and can feel supported here," creating an inclusive environment where friendships blossom and lessons in grace, whether in winning or losing, are learned.

Furthermore, GDP's diverse offerings, from engaging Creative Movement classes for the youngest dancers to challenging competitive teams and fun, flexibility-enhancing adult classes, mean there's an opportunity for everyone in a Delaware family to explore their inner dancer. The innovative "pay-what-you-can" tuition model underscores their commitment to making dance accessible to all, reflecting a genuine dedication to the well-being and artistic enrichment of the local community. For Delawareans seeking a dance studio that truly feels like family, where growth, creativity, and a lifelong love for dance are passionately nurtured, Gilliam Dance Project in Smyrna is undoubtedly the perfect choice.

Gilliam Dance Project

228 E Glenwood Ave, Smyrna, DE 19977, USA