Highland School of Dance

For discerning families in Lakeland and across Central Florida seeking top-tier dance education, Highland School of Dance stands as a long-established and highly respected institution. Since its opening in 1974, Highland School of Dance has been a cornerstone of the local performing arts community, providing comprehensive, technique-based dance training that nurtures talent from the basics to pre-professional levels. This isn't just a place where children learn steps; it's an environment dedicated to instilling discipline, fostering a love for dance, and guiding students toward achieving their fullest artistic potential.

Despite its perhaps unassuming exterior, as one reviewer aptly notes, "Don't let the little tucked away building fool you." Inside, Highland School of Dance is a hub of professional instruction and artistic rigor. The studio prides itself on its commitment to offering a well-rounded dance education, covering a vast array of styles, all taught by instructors who are truly masters of their craft. This dedication to high-caliber teaching is evident in the success of its alumni, many of whom have gone on to dance in college programs and professionally with renowned companies and entertainment giants like Disney and Busch Gardens.

The owner fosters a positive and professional environment, ensuring that while the training is demanding and focused on technical excellence, the atmosphere remains supportive and encouraging. For Floridians looking for a dance school that combines serious training with a nurturing approach, Highland School of Dance offers an unparalleled opportunity to grow as an artist and as an individual.

Highland School of Dance is conveniently located at 6929 Old Rd 37, Lakeland, FL 33811, USA. This location offers practical accessibility for families throughout Lakeland and the surrounding communities within Polk County. Old Rd 37 provides straightforward access, connecting easily to major thoroughfares in the area, ensuring a relatively smooth commute for parents and students.

While some might perceive it as "tucked away," its placement within Lakeland makes it a local and convenient option for many residents. The surrounding area is residential and well-established, contributing to a sense of community. Ample parking is typically available at the facility, reducing any logistical stress during peak class times. For families in Lakeland seeking consistent, high-quality dance training, the studio's location provides the necessary ease of access without being in an overly congested area, making it a practical choice for regular attendance.

• Comprehensive Dance Training: Highland School of Dance offers a wide range of dance styles, focusing on strong technical foundations. Classes are available for various age groups and skill levels, from beginners to pre-professional dancers.
  • Ballet: Foundational classical ballet technique, including barre work, center practice, and progressions.
  • Pointe: Advanced ballet training for eligible students, focusing on dancing en pointe.
  • Partnering: Specialized classes for developing skills in partner work within ballet.
  • Tap: Teaches rhythm, musicality, and intricate footwork.
  • Jazz: Energetic and dynamic classes covering various jazz styles, including turns, leaps, and improvisation.
  • Modern: Explores expressive movement, floor work, and contemporary dance principles.
  • Hip-Hop: High-energy classes focusing on urban dance styles, rhythm, and body isolations.
  • Acrobatics (Acro): Combines dance with gymnastic elements, focusing on flexibility, strength, and tumbling skills.
  • Musical Theater: Integrates acting, singing, and dancing for performance-oriented students.
• Technique-Based Instruction: A core focus across all disciplines is on providing strong, well-rounded, and technique-based dance training.
• Pre-Professional Programs: Pathways for dedicated students aiming for collegiate dance programs or professional careers.
• Summer Camps: Intensive workshops and camps offered during the summer months, providing concentrated training and performance opportunities.
• Dance Intensives: Focused periods of rigorous training designed to accelerate skill development.
• Performance Opportunities: Students typically have opportunities to perform, allowing them to showcase their progress and artistry on stage.
• Age-Appropriate Curriculum: Classes are structured to suit the developmental needs of students, from young beginners (starting at early ages, although specific minimum age for regular classes isn't detailed, typical dance schools start around 3-5 years) through advanced teen levels.

• Long-Standing Reputation: Established in 1974, Highland School of Dance boasts a long history of providing quality dance education in Lakeland, indicating stability and experience.
• Emphasis on Technical Excellence: The school is renowned for its "well rounded, technique based dance training," ensuring students develop a strong foundation regardless of the dance style.
• Highly Qualified Instructors: The teaching staff comprises "masters in their craft" with impressive "Dance backgrounds," including former students who have gone on to professional success, ensuring high-caliber instruction.
• Positive and Professional Environment: The owner fosters an atmosphere that is both professional in its training standards and positive, creating a supportive learning space.
• Comprehensive Curriculum: Offers a broad spectrum of dance styles from classical ballet and pointe to dynamic hip-hop and engaging musical theater, providing diverse opportunities for artistic exploration.
• Alumni Success Stories: Former students have achieved significant accomplishments, including dancing professionally with major entertainment companies (Disney, Busch Gardens) and attending prestigious university dance programs (FSU for a Bachelor's of Fine Arts), serving as a "testament to how amazing it truly is."
• Nurturing All Levels: The program is designed to "nurture all levels of dance," from basics for beginners to pre-professional training for advanced students.
• Focus on Discipline and Joy: The school's objectives include instilling high moral standards and discipline, while also ensuring students "enjoy the freedom that dance brings."

Address: 6929 Old Rd 37, Lakeland, FL 33811, USA

Phone: (863) 644-4124

Mobile Phone: +1 863-644-4124

For families in Lakeland and the surrounding communities of Florida who are seeking a truly exceptional dance education, Highland School of Dance is an ideal and highly suitable choice. Its long-standing presence in the community, since 1974, speaks volumes about its stability, reputation, and deep roots within the local artistic landscape. This established history provides a sense of trust and reliability that is highly valued by local parents.

The core strength of Highland School of Dance lies in its unwavering commitment to "well rounded, technique based dance training." For parents who want their children to receive a thorough and disciplined artistic education, rather than just recreational classes, this focus is paramount. The expertise of their instructors, many of whom have impressive professional dance backgrounds, ensures that students are learning from the best, preparing them not just for performances but potentially for collegiate or professional dance careers, as evidenced by their successful alumni.

Despite the rigorous technical focus, the studio maintains a "positive and professional environment." This balance is crucial for nurturing young dancers, allowing them to develop discipline and resilience without sacrificing their love for the art form. This supportive yet demanding approach aligns well with the values of many Florida families who seek holistic development for their children.

Furthermore, the diverse range of dance styles offered means that children can explore various forms—from classical ballet and pointe to dynamic hip-hop and captivating musical theater—all under one roof. This comprehensive curriculum allows for continuous growth and exploration within a familiar and trusted environment, saving parents the hassle of coordinating multiple studios for different interests.

The convenient Lakeland location on Old Rd 37, with good accessibility, also makes it a practical choice for daily commutes. Ultimately, Highland School of Dance is more than just a place to learn dance; it's a cherished institution in Lakeland that builds character, fosters artistic excellence, and creates a lasting passion for the performing arts. For any Florida family serious about providing a top-tier dance education for their child, Highland School of Dance stands as a testament to quality and dedication.

Highland School of Dance

6929 Old Rd 37, Lakeland, FL 33811, USA