Grace Ballet & Acrobatics Studio

For families in Des Moines, Iowa, seeking a dance studio that goes beyond just teaching steps, Grace Ballet & Acrobatics Studio offers a truly distinctive and enriching experience. With a foundational belief in "Teaching Character Through Dance," this studio has cultivated a reputation for fostering not only technical excellence but also essential life values in its students. It provides a welcoming and nurturing environment where children and young adults can grow in confidence, kindness, and discipline, all while developing their passion for movement.

Grace Ballet & Acrobatics Studio stands out in the Iowa dance community for its commitment to a Christian-based philosophy, which is woven into every aspect of its teaching and studio culture. This approach creates a supportive atmosphere where students feel loved, welcomed, and encouraged to strive for their personal best, rather than competing against others. As a studio that has served Iowa families for over two decades, Grace Ballet & Acrobatics is a testament to its dedication and the positive impact it has on the lives of its students. This article will explore what makes Grace Ballet & Acrobatics Studio a suitable choice for local residents, delving into its convenient location, the wide range of services offered, its unique features and highlights, and how it truly contributes to the holistic development of its dancers.

Grace Ballet & Acrobatics Studio is conveniently located at 1380 NE 66th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50313, USA. This address places the studio strategically on the southern edge of Ankeny, making it easily accessible for families residing in Des Moines, Ankeny, Johnston, and other surrounding communities in the greater Des Moines metropolitan area. Its position on NE 66th Avenue typically indicates straightforward navigation and potentially ample parking, which is a significant practical advantage for parents during drop-off and pick-up times.

The studio's location within a well-established area contributes to its accessibility for families coming from various parts of the region. Being centrally located for a broad audience within the metro ensures that consistent attendance is feasible and convenient. This accessibility is key for a dance studio, as it allows more families to participate in their programs and benefit from their unique approach to dance education within the Iowa community.

• Comprehensive Dance Programs: Grace Ballet & Acrobatics Studio offers a wide array of dance classes for students of all ages, starting as young as 1.5 years old (Parent & Me classes) up to advanced levels for teens.
• Classical Ballet: Instruction in ballet based on the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) curriculum, providing rigorous technique and artistic development. Grace Ballet is noted as the only school in Iowa registered with the Royal Academy of Dance.
• Acrobatics (Acro Dance): Classes combining dance with acrobatic and gymnastic elements, using the certified AcrobaticArts program to ensure safe progression and skill development (e.g., cartwheels, bridge, walkovers). Grace Ballet is also the first school in Iowa certified in AcrobaticArts.
• Jazz Dance: Classes focusing on dynamic and expressive movements, rhythm, and personality, typically starting at age 5.
• Tap Dance: Instruction in rhythmic footwork and percussive sounds, teaching basic rhythm and musicality, offered from age 3.
• Modern Dance: Exploration of movement to express ideas and concepts, incorporating abstract and technical movement, often including improvisation, starting at age 7.
• Hip Hop: High-energy classes using appropriate movement and teaching musicality and hip-hop style, suitable for self-expression and confidence building, starting at age 7.
• Baton Twirling: An artistic style that combines dance with manipulating one or more batons, working with a level card system for progression, starting at age 7.
• Aerial Hoops: Offered to acro students who have progressed through certain acro levels, requiring arm and core strength to perform skills in the hoop.
• Combo Classes: For younger dancers (e.g., ages 3-4), combining styles like Pre-Ballet and Tap to introduce foundational movements.
• Princess Level Classes: Specifically mentioned for younger children, designed to make dance fun and engaging for preschoolers.
• Performance Opportunities: Students participate in annual recitals held in a large venue, providing opportunities to showcase their progress. Recital costumes, participation fees, and production DVDs are often included in tuition for easy budgeting.
• Summer Camps and Workshops: Providing opportunities for intensive learning and fun during school breaks.

• Christian-Based Philosophy: A cornerstone of the studio is its Christian foundation, actively "sharing the Gospel of grace through the splendor of dance." This permeates the studio culture, creating an environment of kindness, support, and wholesome education.
• "Teaching Character Through Dance": This core mission emphasizes developing virtues like kindness, patience, and initiative, going beyond just dance technique to build well-rounded individuals. As one review states, it's about making students "better than what I did last time."
• Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) Curriculum: Grace Ballet & Acrobatics is the only school in Iowa registered with the RAD, an international standard of excellence for ballet education, ensuring high-quality classical training.
• AcrobaticArts Certified: As the first studio in Iowa certified in AcrobaticArts, they offer a safe and progressive international program for acrobatics, minimizing injury risk while maximizing skill development.
• Positive and Encouraging Environment: Consistently highlighted in reviews, the studio is praised for making students feel "loved and welcomed," fostering confidence and self-esteem without judgment or a "toxic culture of competition."
• Inclusive Tuition Model: A unique feature is that many additional costs like production costumes, performance fees, studio T-shirts, and even production DVDs are budgeted into the monthly tuition, making financial planning easier for families.
• Modesty and Wholesome Education: The studio holds modesty in high regard, applying it to costumes, class attire, and movement, ensuring a wholesome and appropriate environment for all ages. They actively "redefine dance as innocent" in a world that can sexualize it.
• Experienced and Passionate Director and Instructors: Led by Anna G Johnson, Director since 1998, and other passionate teachers, the staff are committed to uplifting and encouraging students.
• Community and Family Focus: Testimonials repeatedly emphasize the feeling of being part of the "Grace Ballet Family," highlighting the strong sense of community and care provided by the studio. They aim to "redefine dance moms" by fostering support over gossip.

For families in Des Moines, Iowa, and the surrounding areas who are interested in enrolling in dance and acrobatics classes or learning more about the unique programs offered by Grace Ballet & Acrobatics Studio, please use the following contact details:

Address: 1380 NE 66th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50313, USA

Phone: (515) 289-2884

Mobile Phone: +1 515-289-2884

Email: graceballetoffice@gmail.com

It is highly recommended to visit the official Grace Ballet & Acrobatics Studio website or contact them directly via phone or email for the most current information regarding class schedules, registration periods, specific program details, and any updates. They also offer a "100% Happiness Guarantee" for their Princess level classes, allowing for a refund if not completely satisfied within the first 30 days, which demonstrates their confidence in their program.

Grace Ballet & Acrobatics Studio is an outstanding and highly suitable choice for local families in Des Moines, Iowa, and the surrounding communities who are seeking a dance and acrobatics education rooted in strong values and a supportive environment. Its unique Christian-based philosophy, which emphasizes "Teaching Character Through Dance," resonates deeply with parents looking for a program that cultivates not only artistic skills but also kindness, confidence, and discipline. The heartfelt testimonials from long-term families, describing the studio as a "wonderful Christian based dance studio" where students "feel loved and welcomed," underscore the genuine and positive atmosphere that sets Grace Ballet & Acrobatics apart.

The studio's commitment to excellence is evident in its exclusive affiliations as the only school in Iowa registered with the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) and the first to be certified in AcrobaticArts. This means local students have access to internationally recognized curricula, ensuring high-quality training in both classical ballet and progressive acrobatics, all delivered in a safe and structured manner. For parents, the inclusive tuition model, which incorporates costs like costumes and performance fees directly into monthly payments, offers transparent and stress-free budgeting—a practical benefit often overlooked by other studios.

Furthermore, the studio's dedication to modesty in attire and movement, along with its focus on wholesome performances, provides a comfortable and appropriate environment for children of all ages. The emphasis on individual growth ("better than what I did last time") rather than fierce competition ensures that every child, regardless of their natural aptitude, feels encouraged and valued. For Iowa locals prioritizing a nurturing, values-driven, and professionally accredited dance and acrobatics program that truly cares for the holistic development of their children, Grace Ballet & Acrobatics Studio is an unparalleled and cherished local gem.

Grace Ballet & Acrobatics Studio

1380 NE 66th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50313, USA