Happendance

For Michigan residents passionate about dance, or those simply looking to explore the world of movement, Happendance in Okemos, MI, stands as a truly significant and long-standing point of interest. Since its founding in 1976, Happendance has been a pivotal force in the Mid-Michigan arts scene, renowned for its commitment to exceptional dance performance, comprehensive education, and impactful community service. It’s more than just a dance studio; it's a hub for artistic expression, professional development, and community engagement. While a recent review highlighted a communication concern regarding text lists, the overall reputation and decades of operation speak to a deep-rooted dedication to the art form and its accessibility. This article will provide a detailed overview of Happendance, covering its convenient location, the diverse services it offers, its unique features, and why it remains a cherished resource for the Michigan community.

Happendance was born from a simple idea in 1976 when founder Diane Newman organized a free summer performance on the banks of the Red Cedar River. People would "happen by" to watch the dancers rehearse, giving the organization its distinctive name. This grassroots beginning evolved into Michigan's longest-running professional modern dance company. Happendance operates with a holistic philosophy, viewing dance as a developmentally-appropriate process that connects technical skills with creative expression. Their mission is to "stimulate support for the art of dance through performances and educational programs" and to "broaden the accessibility of dance to a diverse community and promote dance for lifelong physical and mental fitness." This dual focus on artistic excellence and community well-being is evident in their three core areas: Performance, Education, and Engagement. With highly-credentialed faculty and a learning-centered environment, Happendance strives to provide personalized attention, helping students achieve goals that align with their interests, age, and physical development.

For Michigan residents, particularly those in the greater Lansing area, the accessibility of a cultural institution like Happendance is a key advantage. Happendance is conveniently located at 3448 Hagadorn Rd Suite C, Okemos, MI 48864, USA. This address places it centrally within Okemos, a vibrant community nestled between Lansing and East Lansing. Hagadorn Road is a well-known artery, making the studio easily reachable from various parts of Ingham County and beyond. The ease of access extends to practical considerations: public information indicates the studio is available for rent, suggesting a well-maintained facility conducive to dance activities. Its location within Okemos also means it’s often a short drive from Michigan State University and other key community landmarks, making it a practical choice for students, families, and professionals alike. The studio's commitment to accessibility is further evidenced by its involvement in various community projects and performances across Mid-Michigan, bringing dance to a wider audience.

Happendance offers a comprehensive suite of services, encompassing various aspects of dance performance, education, and community engagement. Their offerings are designed to cater to a wide range of ages and skill levels, fostering a love for dance in a structured and supportive environment.

• Happendance School Programs: The school provides a learning-centered environment with classes of reasonable size. Offerings include:
  • Creative Dance (ages 3-4): Uses music, props, and poetry to develop basic motor and locomotor skills.
  • Creative Dance and Technique (ages 5-6): Introduces basic dance skills and vocabulary with an emphasis on self-expression.
  • Introduction to Ballet, Jazz, and Contemporary (ages 6-7): Formally introduces ballet and modern dance technique while emphasizing the creative process.
  • Formal Technique Classes: Available at beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels in styles such as Ballet (including Pointe prep and Pointe), Contemporary/Modern (drawing from Laban/Bartenieff, Graham, Horton, Dunham, Limón techniques), Jazz, Hip Hop/Jazz/Funk, and Tap.
  • Specialized Classes: Includes Jumps, Leaps, and Turns (focused on body alignment and strength) and Acro (incorporating dance with acrobatic/gymnastic elements).
  • Ageless Dancer: A class designed for mature dancers to rediscover flexibility, strength, balance, and joyful dance.
  • Private and Semi-Private Lessons: Available for personalized instruction in any dance style.
• Happendance Professional Company: As Michigan's longest-running professional modern dance company, they offer captivating concerts of original work by local and nationally known choreographers.
• Happendance Education Exchange: Professionals bring high-quality dance performances and workshops to area schools, serving thousands of school children each year and often completing longer-term residencies.
• Community Dance Project (CDP): Administered by Happendance in collaboration with community partners, CDP develops and supports emerging and professional choreographers and dancers through diverse performing, choreographic, and educational opportunities, including a Summer Dance Festival.

Happendance distinguishes itself through several key features and highlights that underscore its enduring value to the Michigan performing arts community. These aspects reflect its deep commitment to both artistic excellence and broad accessibility.

• Legacy and Professionalism: Founded in 1976, Happendance is home to Michigan's longest-running professional modern dance company. This long history speaks to their sustained artistic excellence and professional standards in performance and education.
• Holistic Dance Education: The Happendance School emphasizes a learning-centered environment where dance is taught as a holistic, developmentally-appropriate process. This connects technical skills with creative expression, ensuring a well-rounded dance education.
• Highly-Credentialed Faculty: The school is led by professionally-trained faculty who provide personalized attention, helping students set and achieve goals that match their personal interests and physical development.
• Diverse Performance and Engagement Opportunities: Happendance offers inspiring, frequent, and diverse performance opportunities through its professional company, educational outreach to schools via the Happendance Education Exchange, and community projects like the Summer Dance Festival. These initiatives bring high-quality dance to a wide audience across Mid-Michigan.
• Community Leadership: Happendance is deeply involved in community service, mentorship of emerging artists, and outreach. Their collaborative efforts, such as the Community Dance Project, foster a vibrant dance ecosystem in the region.
• Variety of Classes for All Ages and Levels: From "Creative Dance" for preschoolers to "Ageless Dancer" for mature individuals, and a wide array of formal technique classes (Ballet, Modern, Jazz, Hip Hop, Tap, Acro), Happendance caters to a broad demographic, making dance accessible to everyone.
• Commitment to Accessibility: While one review mentioned a text list issue, Happendance's overall mission emphasizes broadening the accessibility of dance to a diverse community, including initiatives like sensory-friendly performances and school outreach.

For Michigan residents interested in connecting with Happendance, whether to enroll in classes, inquire about performances, or learn about community programs, the following contact information is available:

Address: 3448 Hagadorn Rd Suite C, Okemos, MI 48864, USA

Phone: (517) 333-3528

Mobile Phone: +1 517-333-3528

For specific school-related inquiries, emailing the Happendance School Director (chloeg@happendance.org) or Operations Manager (JennahQG@happendance.org) is recommended for timely assistance regarding classes, studio rentals, or general operations. While one customer reported difficulty with text list removal, the organization's broad engagement and public-facing roles suggest a general commitment to responsiveness.

In conclusion, Happendance stands as an invaluable local point of interest for Michigan residents, particularly those in the Okemos and greater Lansing area, seeking a high-quality and enriching dance experience. Its convenient location on Hagadorn Road makes it easily accessible, serving as a hub for dance education and performance. Despite a minor concern about communication on a text list, the overwhelming evidence points to Happendance being a well-established, professional, and community-minded organization. Its decades of history, its status as Michigan's longest-running professional modern dance company, and its comprehensive range of classes for all ages and levels truly set it apart.

For locals, Happendance offers not just dance lessons but a chance to be part of a vibrant artistic community, benefiting from expert instruction, diverse performance opportunities, and engaging outreach programs. Whether you're an aspiring young dancer, an adult looking to stay active, or simply an arts enthusiast, Happendance provides a unique blend of performance, education, and engagement that contributes significantly to the cultural landscape of Mid-Michigan. Choosing Happendance means choosing a legacy of dance excellence and a commitment to fostering a love for movement across generations in your own community.

Happendance

3448 Hagadorn Rd Suite C, Okemos, MI 48864, USA