Kerri's Dance Studio

For over three decades, Kerri's Dance Studio (KDS) has been a beloved institution in Council Bluffs, Iowa, serving as much more than just a place to learn dance steps. It's a vibrant community, often described by its members as a "home away from home" and "like a second family." Since its opening in the fall of 1992 by creative director Kerri Jo (Richardson) Watts, KDS has been dedicated to inspiring and educating dancers of all ages and levels across Western Iowa. If you're a local resident seeking exceptional dance training that nurtures talent, builds character, and fosters lifelong friendships, Kerri's Dance Studio stands as a premier choice.

At KDS, the philosophy extends beyond mastering choreography; it's about instilling core values. The dedicated staff, many of whom are current or former professional dancers themselves, believe in teaching younger dancers a strong base in terminology, technique, and strength training. All of this is delivered within a fun, energetic learning environment where creativity and enjoyment are always welcome. This holistic approach ensures that students not only develop their physical abilities but also gain invaluable life skills such as discipline, confidence, and the perseverance to set and achieve goals.

Kerri's Dance Studio welcomes dancers of all levels of experience, from toddlers taking their first creative movement class to advanced teens honing their competitive skills. They even offer a free trial class for new students, allowing you to experience the supportive and dynamic atmosphere firsthand. While some administrative aspects have received feedback regarding communication and billing processes, the overwhelming sentiment from many families consistently points to the exceptional quality of instruction and the warm, family-based environment that makes KDS a truly special place for dance education in Council Bluffs.

Kerri's Dance Studio is conveniently located at 1851 Madison Ave #500, Council Bluffs, IA 51503, USA. This central location within Council Bluffs ensures easy accessibility for families residing throughout the city and surrounding areas in Western Iowa. Madison Avenue is a well-known thoroughfare, making navigation to the studio straightforward whether you're coming from nearby neighborhoods, or from communities like Omaha across the river. The ease of access helps busy parents manage their schedules, making it simple to drop off and pick up dancers for their classes.

The studio itself houses a renovated space, designed to accommodate multiple classes simultaneously with various dance rooms. This allows for a wide array of classes to be offered six days a week, providing flexibility for different schedules and preferences. Parking is generally available, contributing to a hassle-free experience for visitors. Being situated in Council Bluffs, Kerri's Dance Studio is part of a vibrant local community, easily reachable for aspiring dancers across the region, reinforcing its role as a key hub for dance education in Western Iowa.

Services Offered:

• Comprehensive Dance Classes: A wide variety of styles including Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Lyrical, Hip Hop, Modern, and Acrobats.
• Classes for All Ages: Programs catering to toddlers (e.g., Creative Movement, Princess Ballet for ages 18-36 months and 3-7 years), children, teens, and adults.
• Introductory Classes: Specifically designed classes for first-season dancers (ages 3-5) to introduce fundamental elements of various dance styles.
• Technique & Strength Training: Focused classes on core strength, flexibility, proper terminology, and dance technique across all levels.
• Adaptive Dance Class: A special program, often offered through grants, focusing on fine and large motor skills, balance, core strength, socialization, and music for those who qualify.
• Competitive Dance Teams: Opportunities for more advanced and dedicated dancers to join competitive teams that have achieved national recognition.
• Free Trial Class: New students are welcome to try a class for free to experience the studio's environment and offerings before committing.
• Annual Dance Recitals: Beautiful and affordable annual performances showcasing student progress and hard work, often considered a "blissful experience" for families.
• In-House Dancewear and Shoes: Conveniently offers dancewear and shoes for sale at affordable prices directly at the studio.
• Summer Camps and Intensives: Seasonal programs to continue dance training and exploration during the summer months.
• Masterclass Offerings: Occasional workshops with guest instructors to expand students' dance knowledge and skills.

Features / Highlights:

• Family-Based Environment: Consistently described by parents and students as a "home away from home" and "like a second family," fostering strong bonds and a supportive community.
• Dedicated and Dynamic Staff: Highly experienced and caring instructors, led by owner Kerri Jo (Richardson) Watts, who are committed to inspiring and educating dancers.
• Focus on Holistic Development: Beyond dance technique, the studio emphasizes teaching valuable life skills such as goal setting, hard work, discipline, and confidence.
• Inclusive for All Ages and Levels: Welcomes dancers from toddlers to adults, regardless of their prior experience, providing a customizable experience for every student.
• Award-Winning Competitive Team: Has maintained a twelve-time national champion competitive team, showcasing the high caliber of training available.
• Renovated Studio Space: Offers a clean, well-maintained, and spacious environment with multiple dance rooms conducive to effective learning.
• Affordable and Beautiful Recitals: Annual performances are celebrated for their quality and affordability, allowing families to enjoy the culmination of their child's hard work without excessive costs.
• Convenient In-House Dancewear: Simplifies the process of acquiring necessary dance attire and shoes for students.
• Long-Standing Reputation: Celebrating over 32 years of operation, indicating a well-established and trusted presence in the Council Bluffs community.
• Free Trial Class for New Students: An excellent opportunity for prospective dancers to experience the studio's atmosphere without commitment.

Contact Information:

Address: 1851 Madison Ave # 500, Council Bluffs, IA 51503, USA

Phone: (712) 323-7396

Mobile Phone: +1 712-323-7396

Kerri's Dance Studio is an eminently suitable choice for locals in Council Bluffs, Iowa, and the broader Western Iowa region for numerous compelling reasons. While some feedback points to administrative challenges, the overwhelming consensus from long-term families and newer patrons consistently highlights the studio's most valuable assets: its exceptional dance training and its profound sense of community.

For parents in Iowa, finding an activity that provides more than just skill development is often a priority. Kerri's Dance Studio delivers precisely this, creating a "home away from home" where children not only learn to dance but also forge lasting friendships and become part of a supportive "second family." This strong community aspect is invaluable, fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie that enriches the entire experience for students.

Furthermore, the emphasis on teaching discipline, confidence, and perseverance—beyond just dance steps—aligns perfectly with the values many local families seek to instill in their children. The dedicated and caring instructors are instrumental in this process, guiding students to set goals and work hard to achieve them. This focus on character development ensures that time spent at KDS contributes positively to a child's overall growth and well-being, preparing them with life skills that extend far beyond the studio.

The wide variety of classes offered, catering to all ages and skill levels, ensures that every child in a local family can find their place, from adaptive dance to competitive teams. The availability of a free trial class significantly lowers the barrier to entry, allowing curious families to experience the positive environment firsthand without commitment. Coupled with affordable and beautiful recitals, KDS makes quality dance education accessible and enjoyable.

In conclusion, despite minor administrative concerns, Kerri's Dance Studio stands as a cherished and highly recommended institution in Council Bluffs. Its long-standing dedication to cultivating talent, building confidence, and fostering a strong, supportive community makes it an ideal and beneficial choice for any local family in Iowa looking for a transformative dance experience for their children.

Kerri's Dance Studio

1851 Madison Ave # 500, Council Bluffs, IA 51503, USA