Harbourtown Dance Studio

Welcome to Harbourtown Dance Studio, a vibrant and dedicated space where the love of dance is nurtured and perfected right here in Vermilion, Ohio. Nestled within the historic Harbourtown Fine Arts Center, our studio has been a cherished part of the local community since its founding by Brittany Drost in 2013. At Harbourtown Dance Studio, we believe that dance is more than just a series of steps; it's an art form that allows for profound self-expression and personal growth. Our mission is to inspire all students to embrace the joy and emotion of dancing, while providing them with superior technical training in a professional, yet incredibly nurturing environment.

Our philosophy centers on the idea that true artistry comes from feeling the music and expressing emotion through movement. While strong technique is a foundational element of our curriculum, we equally prioritize creative freedom and encourage students to explore their unique artistic voices at all levels. This balanced approach ensures that every dancer, from the youngest beginner to the most advanced performer, finds a fulfilling and enriching experience within our walls.

Harbourtown Dance Studio has grown tremendously since its inception, becoming a significant cultural contributor to the Erie and Lorain County areas. We are proud to present multiple shows annually, participate in national competitions, and actively engage in various community events. This commitment to both high-quality training and community involvement makes Harbourtown Dance Studio a truly special place for families in Ohio. We invite you to experience the passion, dedication, and inspiring atmosphere that defines our studio and discover why so many local families choose us for their dance education.

Harbourtown Dance Studio is proudly located at 736 Main St, Vermilion, OH 44089, USA. This address places us directly in the heart of Vermilion's historic Harbourtown district, a charming and easily recognizable area for locals and visitors alike. Our studio is situated within the Harbourtown Fine Arts Center, housed in the historic Old Town Hall, which adds a unique character and rich history to our learning environment. This central location on Main Street ensures exceptional accessibility for families throughout Vermilion and the surrounding communities in Ohio.

Being in the core of a historic district means our studio is not only easy to find but also benefits from the vibrant atmosphere of downtown Vermilion. The area is well-trafficked and familiar to residents, making commutes to and from classes straightforward and convenient. Ample parking is typically available in the vicinity, which is a practical advantage for parents during busy drop-off and pick-up times. This ease of access encourages consistent attendance and seamless integration into family routines, a crucial factor for many Ohio residents seeking local activities.

The historical significance of our building within the Harbourtown Fine Arts Center also offers a unique and inspiring backdrop for our students, connecting them to the rich cultural heritage of Vermilion. We are thrilled to provide a high-quality dance education in such a distinctive and accessible location for the Ohio community.

Harbourtown Dance Studio offers a comprehensive array of dance programs designed to cultivate skill, creativity, and a lifelong love for dance. Our services are structured to accommodate various age groups and skill levels, ensuring every student finds their perfect class:

• Varied Dance Disciplines: We provide superior technical training in a range of dance forms including Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Acro, Hip Hop, Musical Theatre Jazz, and Tap. This allows students to explore different styles and develop a versatile skill set.
• Age-Appropriate Classes: Our schedule includes classes specifically tailored for different age groups, from young beginners (ages 3-5 in Beginner Ballet/Tap/Jazz) to elementary (ages 6-11) and intermediate/advanced dancers (ages 12+).
• Ballet Focus: We emphasize classical ballet as a fundamental basis for all dance forms, teaching proper technique, alignment, body awareness, and injury prevention.
• Contemporary and Jazz Exploration: Classes delve into expressive movement, incorporating techniques from modern dance pioneers like Martha Graham and Lester Horton, alongside contemporary jazz and hip-hop influences.
• Acrobatic Training: Taught by experienced gymnastics instructors, our Acro classes build strength, flexibility, and coordination with movements like rolls, cartwheels, and handstands, progressing to more advanced acrobatic elements integrated with dance.
• National Competition Opportunities: For dedicated students, the studio offers opportunities to compete at a national level, providing advanced training and performance experience.
• Community Performances: In addition to studio shows, students participate in various community events in the Erie & Lorain County area, showcasing their talents to a wider audience.
• Private Lessons: Available for students seeking to advance their skill level beyond regular classes or for those preparing solo/duet performances for recitals.
• Flexible Session Enrollment: Classes are offered in convenient 8-week sessions throughout the year (e.g., Fall, Winter, Spring), allowing families flexibility in commitment.

Harbourtown Dance Studio is distinguished by several key features and highlights that contribute to its unique appeal and strong reputation within the Ohio dance community:

• Founding Vision and Leadership: Founded by Brittany Drost in 2013, who serves as the executive and artistic director, the studio benefits from her over 20 years of dance experience and her passion for making fine arts accessible. Her personal desire for a local dance studio for her own children speaks to a deep, genuine commitment.
• Unique Historic Venue: Being located in the "great old building" of the Harbourtown Fine Arts Center (Vermilion Old Town Hall) provides a distinctive and inspiring atmosphere. The facility includes open ballroom space for large classes, smaller studios with Marley flooring, and even access to a historic opera house on the second floor for in-house performance opportunities, enhancing the overall experience.
• Balanced Training Philosophy: A core highlight is the studio's commitment to inspiring "all students in the love of dance" while providing "superior technical training." This balance ensures that dancers develop strong skills but also maintain their passion and creative freedom.
• Community Engagement: Harbourtown Dance Studio is not just a place for classes; it actively contributes to the local culture by presenting two different shows annually, competing nationally, and participating in numerous community events in the Erie & Lorain County areas.
• Comprehensive Curriculum: The detailed schedule shows a thoughtful progression of classes from Beginner Ballet (ages 3-5) to Intermediate/Advanced Ballet (ages 12+) and specialized classes like Elementary Acro/Jazz, Intermediate/Advanced Contemporary/Jazz, and Advanced Pointe, catering to a wide spectrum of development.
• Experienced and Passionate Instructors: The schedule lists instructors like Rachel, Brittany, Maddie, Juliet, and Alicia, indicating a team of dedicated teachers who guide students through their dance journeys.
• Positive Student Experience: The simple yet powerful review, "My granddaughter loves it!", encapsulates the positive and enjoyable environment the studio creates for its young dancers.

For inquiries, class registration, or more information about our programs, please feel free to contact Harbourtown Dance Studio. Our team is ready to assist you.

Address: 736 Main St, Vermilion, OH 44089, USA

Phone: (440) 315-1467

For locals in the Ohio region, particularly in Vermilion and the surrounding Erie and Lorain counties, Harbourtown Dance Studio presents itself as an ideal choice for dance education. The studio’s deep roots in the community, established by Brittany Drost in 2013, signify a long-standing commitment to nurturing local talent and contributing to the arts scene. This strong local foundation means families can rely on a consistent and dedicated institution for their children's artistic development.

The unique setting within the historic Harbourtown Fine Arts Center offers an inspiring and culturally rich environment that goes beyond a typical dance studio. Learning in such a distinctive "old building" can foster a deeper connection to the local history and culture of Vermilion, making the dance experience even more special for Ohio students. While one review mentioned a need for a better sound system, the overall positive sentiment and emphasis on the building's charm suggest this is a minor point compared to the significant benefits of the location and atmosphere.

Crucially, the studio's philosophy of balancing "superior technical training" with fostering a genuine "love of dance" ensures a holistic educational experience. For Ohio parents who want their children to develop strong skills but also enjoy the process and express themselves creatively, this approach is highly appealing. The fact that "My granddaughter loves it!" speaks volumes about the positive, engaging, and enjoyable atmosphere created for young dancers. Furthermore, the studio's active participation in national competitions and local community events provides invaluable performance opportunities and a sense of belonging to a wider artistic community.

In summary, Harbourtown Dance Studio offers a blend of professional instruction, a nurturing environment, a unique historical setting, and strong community ties, making it an excellent and truly local choice for dance enthusiasts in Ohio.

Harbourtown Dance Studio

736 Main St, Vermilion, OH 44089, USA