Jan's School Of Dance

For over four decades, Jan's School of Dance has been a cornerstone of the arts community in Hastings, Minnesota, enriching the lives of countless dancers and their families. What began in 1982 as a lifelong dream of Jan Tripp, opening in two small, rented racquetball courts, has blossomed into a thriving studio that feels like a second home to generations. This beloved institution, now under the ownership of former student Kayla Sohn, continues its legacy of providing exceptional dance instruction while fostering confidence, resilience, and integrity in every student.

At Jan's School of Dance, the mission is to inspire a love for dance in a fun, engaging, and safe atmosphere. While dedicated to providing the best possible dance instruction, the studio's overarching goal is to help raise good people. This commitment to holistic development is evident in the warm, supportive environment cultivated by the passionate and highly skilled staff. Parents and long-time dancers consistently praise the friendly welcome, challenging yet enjoyable classes, and the genuine care shown by instructors. For anyone in the Minnesota region looking for a dance family that nurtures both artistic talent and strong values, Jan's School of Dance in Hastings truly stands out.

Hastings is a welcoming community, and the studio's location within it ensures straightforward navigation for local residents. For those traveling from outside the immediate Hastings area, the proximity to major roads facilitates a manageable commute. The very design of their current studio building, which they built in the Fall of 1993, prioritized a lobby where parents could watch classes and safe parking, reflecting Jan's original commitment to accessibility and convenience for families. This thoughtful consideration contributes to the overall positive experience for anyone choosing Jan's School of Dance.

• Toddler Movement & Creative Movement: Specially designed for the youngest dancers (as young as 18 months), these classes introduce movement, music, and social interaction in a fun and engaging way, often allowing parents or caregivers to participate with their little ones.

• Combination Classes: Popular for younger students (ages 3-6), these classes typically combine foundational styles like Ballet, Tap, and Jazz, providing a broad introduction to dance and developing versatile skills.

• Recreational Dance Program: This program offers a fun, engaging, and safe atmosphere for children to discover and cultivate a love for dance without the intense commitment of competitive training. It's designed for enjoyment and skill development.

• Pre-Competitive Dance Program: Geared towards 1st and 2nd graders, this line introduces dancers to the world of competition dance, allowing them to experience performing in a competitive setting while building a foundation for more advanced levels.

• Competitive Dance Program: For serious and dedicated dancers, this program offers intensive training and performance opportunities at a higher level of competition. Jan's School of Dance has a history of winning hundreds of national championships, showcasing the caliber of this program.

• Technique Training: Dedicated classes focusing on strengthening, flexibility, leaps, turns, and other fundamental dance skills across various levels (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced). These often meet twice a week to build a strong foundation.

• Style-Specific Classes: The studio offers specialized classes in a wide array of dance styles, allowing students to explore their interests and specialize. These include:

  • Ballet (including Pre-Pointe & Pointe): Core classical training for grace, strength, and discipline, with instructor approval required for advanced pointe work.
  • Tap: Focuses on rhythmic footwork, developing musicality and intricate sounds.
  • Jazz: Energetic and expressive, emphasizing dynamic movements and popular styles.
  • Hip Hop: High-energy classes, including "Kinder Hop" for younger children, teaching contemporary street dance styles.
  • Lyrical & Contemporary: Explore emotional expression through fluid movements, combining elements of ballet, jazz, and modern dance.
  • Acrobatic Dance (Acro): Seamlessly integrates balance, contortion, tumbling, and aerial skills, with instructors certified through Acrobatic Arts, ensuring safe and professional training. Beginner Tumbling is also offered.
  • Clogging Technique (Beginner, Int I/II, Super/Irish Clog): Focuses on percussive dance, teaching various steps and combos.
  • Dance Team Prep: Designed to prepare dancers for high school dance team try-outs and performances.

• Performance Opportunities: All students participate in an annual recital (Holiday Show and Spring Revue), providing exciting opportunities to showcase their learned skills and experience the thrill of performing. Competitive dancers also participate in various competitions.

• Over 40 Years of Legacy and Experience: Founded in 1982 by Jan Tripp, and now under the ownership of former student Kayla Sohn, the studio carries a remarkable legacy. This extensive experience ensures a well-established curriculum and a deep understanding of dance education, having shaped generations of dancers in the Hastings area. Kayla's own journey from student to professional dancer (Minnesota Swarm, Vikings Cheerleader, Pro Bowl Cheerleader) and now owner, embodies the potential fostered at Jan's.

• Highly Skilled and Passionate Instructors: Reviews consistently highlight the instructors as "highly skilled" and "passionate about teaching." They are praised for making classes "both fun and challenging" and genuinely caring for each student, supporting them with compassion to be resilient to new challenges and lead with integrity.

• "Second Home" Atmosphere: Many long-term students and parents refer to Jan's as a "second home" or "dance family." This welcoming, friendly, and supportive environment is a key factor in its enduring popularity, fostering lifelong connections and a sense of belonging.

• Commitment to Holistic Development: Beyond dance technique, Jan's School of Dance focuses on developing the "whole person." Their mission includes helping to "raise good people," instilling values such as confidence, compassion, resilience, and integrity, which are invaluable life skills.

• Award-Winning Competitive Program: For students seeking a more challenging path, the competitive dance program has a prestigious history, having won hundreds of national championships. This provides an excellent opportunity for dedicated dancers to achieve high levels of success and gain valuable performance experience.

• Purpose-Built Facility: The studio moved to its current, purpose-built location in 1993. This facility was designed with important features in mind, such as a lobby where parents can comfortably watch classes and safe parking, enhancing the overall experience for families.

• Variety of Programs for All Ages and Levels: From "Toddler Movement" to advanced ballet and competitive lines, Jan's offers classes for virtually every age and skill level. This broad spectrum ensures that every child can find a suitable program to explore their passion for dance.

For local residents in Minnesota interested in connecting with Jan's School of Dance, here's their contact information:

Address: 2610 Industrial Ct, Hastings, MN 55033, USA

Phone: (651) 438-3690

The diverse range of programs, from engaging toddler classes to award-winning competitive lines, ensures that dancers of all ages and skill levels can find their place to thrive. The purpose-built facility, designed with parent convenience in mind, further enhances the positive experience. For anyone in Minnesota seeking a dance studio that combines top-tier instruction with a nurturing community, where children can not only learn to dance but also grow into well-rounded individuals, Jan's School of Dance in Hastings is a truly exceptional and highly recommended local gem.

Jan's School Of Dance

2610 Industrial Ct, Hastings, MN 55033, USA