Just For Kix

For families in Little Falls and across the greater Minnesota area, when it comes to youth dance, Just For Kix is a name that often comes up with glowing recommendations. This isn't just a dance studio; it's a program deeply rooted in building not only exceptional dancers but also confident, disciplined, and well-rounded individuals. Founded nationally over 40 years ago by Cindy Clough in Brainerd, Minnesota, Just For Kix has grown to become a leader in youth dance instruction, with over 200 locations nationwide and engaging over 21,000 dancers. The Little Falls program, under the dedicated leadership of Director Amy Gunderson, truly embodies this national mission on a local level.

As one parent eloquently put it, "Our family would never have stayed in a program that was not top notch." This sentiment highlights the high standards and consistent quality that Just For Kix maintains. It’s a place where children from as young as 18 months through high school can explore various dance styles, from the precision of kick to the energetic movements of hip hop. The program emphasizes teamwork, proven dance technique, and confidence building, ensuring that every student, regardless of skill level, feels valued and has the opportunity to shine. Let's explore why Just For Kix in Little Falls is such a treasured local resource for dance education and personal growth.

Just For Kix in Little Falls is conveniently located at 15870 MN-27, Little Falls, MN 56345, USA. This location makes it easily accessible for families residing in Little Falls and the surrounding communities in Central Minnesota. Situated along a state highway, the studio offers straightforward navigation for those traveling from nearby towns.

The accessibility of Just For Kix is a significant advantage for local families. Whether you're coming from within Little Falls, or from towns like Brainerd, St. Cloud, or other smaller communities in the region, the location on MN-27 simplifies travel. This ease of access contributes to the program's ability to serve a wide range of students, ensuring that more children have the opportunity to participate in their high-quality dance programs without excessive travel burdens. Ample parking is typically available at such locations, providing a hassle-free experience for parents dropping off and picking up their children. The physical presence of Just For Kix in Little Falls underscores its role as a dedicated local institution committed to serving the Minnesota community directly.

Just For Kix offers a comprehensive range of dance services and classes designed to foster skill, confidence, and a love for dance across various age groups and experience levels.

• Youth Dance Programs: Just For Kix specializes in dance programs for youth, ranging from preschool (as young as 18 months) through high school. They offer classes specifically designed for different age groups (e.g., Dance With Me, Tiny Kix, Wee Petite, Wee/Mini Kix, Mini, Junior, Senior), ensuring age-appropriate instruction and development.

• Diverse Dance Styles: The core of their offering includes various popular dance genres:

  • Kick Dance: Known for precision, uniformity, intricate formation changes, and impressive kick lines. This is a foundational element in many of their programs.
  • Jazz Dance: Combines footwork and movement with technical elements like leaps and turns. Often requires enrollment in a core kick class or a combo class.
  • Hip Hop Dance: A fun, upbeat style characterized by hard-hitting movement and body isolations.
  • Pom Dance: Focuses on group unison, showmanship, precision of motions, and the visual use of poms.
  • Lyrical Dance: A blend of ballet, jazz, and contemporary styles, emphasizing storytelling through powerful and expressive movement.
  • Ballet: Often integrated into core classes, providing fundamental basis for strength, flexibility, and technique, which is the cornerstone for other dance styles.

• Skill Development and Life Lessons: Beyond dance technique, the program is explicitly designed to instill valuable life skills. As a parent review noted, dancers gain "Skills, Self-Esteem, Confidence, Leadership, Dedication, Teamwork, Time Management, and lifelong friendships."

• Performance Opportunities: Just For Kix provides numerous opportunities for dancers to perform, including annual winter and spring shows, regional competitions (like the United We Dance - UWD Competition), and community performances and events. Some programs also offer performance tours, such as college bowl game performances.

• Camps and Special Sessions: Throughout the year, they offer various short-term dance sessions, one-day themed camps, and specialized workshops (e.g., "Better Your Turns," "Better Your Leaps/Jumps," "Better Your Kicks") to enhance specific skills.

• Non-Audition Based Enrollment: For their weekly dance classes, there are no auditions, making the program accessible to all children regardless of their initial skill level. Dancers are primarily divided by age group to foster confidence.

Just For Kix in Little Falls stands out due to several distinctive features and highlights that contribute to its success and positive impact on local families.

• Exceptional Leadership by Amy Gunderson: The reviews consistently highlight Amy Gunderson as an "AMAZING Director and Coach" with over twenty years of experience, who was also a dancer herself. Her knowledge, organization, and genuine care for her staff, students, and appreciation for parent involvement are key factors in the program's success. This strong leadership ensures a high-quality and consistent experience for all participants.

• Focus on Holistic Development: Beyond teaching dance steps, Just For Kix emphasizes the development of critical life skills. Parents enthusiastically share how their children gain "Skills, Self-Esteem, Confidence, Leadership, Dedication, Teamwork, Time Management, and lifelong friendships." This holistic approach ensures that the program benefits dancers far beyond the stage.

• Proven Dance Technique and Curriculum: Backed by over 40 years of national experience, the program offers "proven dance technique." Classes are structured with specific curricula for each age group, from preschool through high school, ensuring progressive learning and skill advancement. This structured approach, combined with the focus on precision in styles like kick, provides a solid foundation for dancers.

• Supportive and Positive Environment: The program is praised for its "great family friendly environment" where "kids will love dancing." Just For Kix strives to build a supportive atmosphere where every child feels valued and empowered. This positive reinforcement and team-centric format help foster a love for dance and encourage individual improvement.

• Preparation for High School Dance Teams: As noted by parents, the skills and experience gained at Just For Kix directly assist dancers on their high school teams and even in coaching younger kids. This practical application of their training is a significant highlight for many aspiring dancers and their families.

• Value for Investment: While dance programs involve costs for classes and uniforms, parents affirm that the expense is "definitely fair for what is gained under such a competent and experienced Director/Coach and other coaching staff." This indicates that families perceive excellent value in the long-term benefits derived from the program.

• Community Involvement and Performance Opportunities: Dancers get numerous opportunities to perform in winter and spring shows, regional competitions, and community events, which builds confidence and provides valuable stage experience.

If you're in the Little Falls area of Minnesota and interested in enrolling your child in a high-quality dance program, or if you simply have questions about Just For Kix, here's how you can get in touch:

Address: 15870 MN-27, Little Falls, MN 56345, USA

Phone: (320) 266-0515

Mobile Phone: +1 320-266-0515

It is always recommended to check their official website or contact them directly via phone for the most current information regarding class schedules, registration details, specific program offerings, and any upcoming special events or performances. Their responsive team, as indicated by positive customer experiences, should be able to provide all the necessary guidance for enrolling your child in this enriching dance program.

For families residing in Little Falls and throughout Minnesota, Just For Kix represents an outstanding opportunity for children to engage with the sport and art of dance. Its suitability for locals stems from several key aspects. Firstly, the program's long-standing national reputation, coupled with the exceptional local leadership of Amy Gunderson, ensures a consistently high standard of instruction and program management. Parents repeatedly praise Amy's dedication, knowledge, and care, which are crucial for a positive learning environment.

Secondly, Just For Kix offers far more than just dance steps. The emphasis on developing essential life skills such as self-esteem, confidence, leadership, teamwork, and time management makes it an invaluable investment in a child's overall development. These are qualities that will serve them well far beyond the dance studio, whether in high school teams, future college pursuits, or simply in life. The comprehensive range of dance styles, from kick and jazz to hip hop and lyrical, caters to diverse interests and provides a well-rounded dance education.

Finally, the convenience of a local presence in Little Falls, combined with accessible program fees that are perceived as fair for the extensive benefits, makes Just For Kix an ideal choice for Minnesota families. The numerous performance opportunities further enhance the experience, allowing dancers to build confidence and showcase their hard work. In essence, Just For Kix is not just a dance studio; it's a community asset that cultivates well-rounded individuals through the power of dance, making it an excellent fit for any local family looking to enrich their children's lives.

Just For Kix

15870 MN-27, Little Falls, MN 56345, USA