LaShelle's School of Dance

For over two decades, LaShelle's School of Dance has been a cornerstone of dance education and artistic development right here in Oak Park, Michigan. If you're a local resident or family in the Metro Detroit area seeking a dance studio that offers not just exceptional training but also a deeply nurturing and supportive environment, then you've found your dance home. LaShelle's School of Dance is more than just a place to learn steps; it's a community dedicated to fostering a love for dance, instilling confidence, and developing valuable life skills that extend far beyond the stage. From the youngest aspiring dancer to adults rekindling their passion, LaShelle's provides a welcoming space where artistry, discipline, and personal growth flourish.

Founded in 2004 by Wilkanda "LaShelle" Goodman, a passionate educator who recognized the need for accessible dance opportunities in the inner-city, LaShelle's School of Dance began with humble origins and a lot of heart. This foundational commitment to quality dance education at affordable costs continues to drive the studio's mission today. We believe that dance is a powerful avenue for self-expression, discipline, and building lifelong friendships. Through a comprehensive curriculum and the guidance of gifted instructors, we aim to inspire our students to not only master various dance techniques but also to cultivate crucial life lessons such as teamwork, respect, and professionalism, as echoed by countless satisfied families. Whether your goal is competitive performance, recreational enjoyment, or simply to embrace a new creative outlet, LaShelle's School of Dance is dedicated to supporting you on your unique dance journey.

LaShelle's School of Dance is conveniently located at 21330 Coolidge Hwy, Oak Park, MI 48237, USA. This prime location in Oak Park makes the studio highly accessible for families and individuals throughout Metro Detroit, including neighboring cities such as Southfield, Ferndale, Royal Oak, and Detroit itself. Our address on Coolidge Highway, just north of 8 Mile Road, ensures easy navigation and a straightforward commute for students coming from various parts of the region. The accessibility of our studio is a key factor in our ability to serve a wide and diverse community, making it simpler for busy families to integrate dance education into their schedules.

Being situated in Oak Park means that LaShelle's School of Dance is embedded within a vibrant local community, offering the convenience of a neighborhood studio without compromising on quality or opportunities. Ample parking is typically available in the vicinity, adding to the ease of access for parents during drop-off and pick-up times, and for adult students attending classes. The studio facilities are designed to provide a comfortable and conducive environment for learning, with spaces that cater to a variety of dance styles and age groups. Our commitment to a convenient and welcoming location underscores our dedication to making dance education accessible and enjoyable for everyone in Michigan, fostering a strong connection between the studio and the local community it serves.

LaShelle's School of Dance offers a comprehensive and diverse range of services designed to cater to dancers of all ages, skill levels, and interests. Our programs are meticulously developed to provide both foundational training and advanced instruction, ensuring every student finds their place and opportunity to grow.

• Diverse Dance Styles: We offer instruction in a wide array of dance forms, including Cecchetti ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, modern, contemporary, lyrical, praise dance, and acro. This broad spectrum allows students to explore various styles and develop a well-rounded dance education.
• Age-Inclusive Programs: Our classes welcome students aged 3 through 83, ensuring that dance is accessible to toddlers taking their first steps, school-aged children, teens, and adults looking to learn or continue their passion.
• Skill-Level Progression: Whether a student is a complete beginner, has previous training, or is an advanced dancer, we offer classes at various skill levels to accommodate individual progress and ensure appropriate placement.
• Cecchetti Method Training: As proud members of the Cecchetti Council of America, we offer specialized training in the rigorous and respected Cecchetti method of ballet, providing a strong technical foundation.
• LSODance Company Program: For dedicated students seeking advanced training and performance opportunities, our Company program provides extensive training, national and international travel for competitions, master classes, and performances in prestigious venues.
• Life Skills Integration: Beyond dance technique, our curriculum emphasizes the development of crucial life skills such as teamwork, respect, and professionalism, preparing students for success both on and off the dance floor.
• Performance Opportunities: Students have numerous opportunities to showcase their talents, including annual recitals, community performances, and competitive events, providing invaluable stage experience.
• Cultural and Historical Education: We integrate the history and culture of dance into our teaching, enriching the students' understanding and appreciation of the art form. This includes an annual Black History Month live action show, "S.H.I.N.E." (Strong Heritage Inspiring a New Era), which educates through dance.
• Summer Classes and Dance Camps: We offer engaging summer programs and dance camps to keep students active and learning during breaks from regular sessions.

LaShelle's School of Dance is highly regarded in the Michigan dance community, and its exceptional qualities are consistently highlighted by satisfied students and their families.

• Dedicated and Caring Instructors: Customers consistently praise the "amazing" instructors and staff who are genuinely "amazing with the children." The sentiment that an instructor "has a heart of gold" speaks volumes about the nurturing and supportive environment cultivated at the studio.
• Positive Influence on Student Development: One grandparent noted how the instruction "definitely is a positive influence which is displaying in her performance in her dance course she is attending at this time in high school!" This indicates that the teaching goes beyond technical skills, fostering long-term success and passion.
• Path to Advanced Placement and Leadership: Testimonies reveal that students from LaShelle's are well-prepared for higher levels of dance. One student was "placed in advance and she just started the course! She also just recently performed and was placed as a lead!" This demonstrates the effectiveness of the training provided.
• Comprehensive Education Beyond Steps: The studio not only teaches "how to dance, but they learn about the history and culture of dance." This holistic approach enriches the students' understanding and appreciation for the art form.
• Emphasis on Core Life Skills: Beyond dance, students "learn about teamwork, respect and professionalism." These are invaluable lessons that contribute to a student's overall character development and future success.
• Strong Community and Parental Support: The studio fosters a supportive network among families. A parent highlighted, "It's great to have the support of the other dance parents, too," indicating a positive and collaborative community atmosphere.
• Long-Standing Dedication: With a track record spanning over two decades, families have committed to LaShelle's for many years. One parent proudly stated, "My daughter started here when she was 3 years old and we are now in our 10th year of dance. Needless to say, we love it here!!" This longevity is a testament to consistent quality and satisfaction.
• Commitment to Affordability: Rooted in its founding mission, LaShelle's School of Dance is committed to providing "high-quality dance education and training at affordable costs," making dance accessible to a wider range of families in the Metro Detroit area.

For more information about class schedules, registration, or to speak with a member of our team, please use the following contact information:

Address: 21330 Coolidge Hwy, Oak Park, MI 48237, USA

Phone: (248) 414-3243

We encourage prospective students and their families to reach out to us directly with any questions they may have. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff is always ready to provide detailed information about our diverse programs, enrollment procedures, and how LaShelle's School of Dance can best support your or your child's dance aspirations. You are also welcome to visit our studio during operational hours to get a firsthand feel for our welcoming environment. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you become a part of the LaShelle's dance family!

For locals across Michigan, particularly those residing in Oak Park and the wider Metro Detroit area, LaShelle's School of Dance stands out as an ideal and highly suitable choice for dance education. Its convenient location at 21330 Coolidge Hwy in Oak Park ensures easy accessibility for daily classes and rehearsals, significantly reducing travel time for busy families in the region. This local presence means that residents don't have to venture far to access high-quality dance training, making it a practical and appealing option for integrating artistic development into their lives.

Moreover, the studio's profound commitment to providing "high-quality dance education and training at affordable costs" directly addresses a common concern for local families, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent passionate dancers from pursuing their dreams. The testimonials from long-term families, like the one celebrating their "10th year of dance," highlight the consistent satisfaction and enduring positive experience that locals can expect. The emphasis on teaching not just dance steps but also invaluable life lessons such as teamwork, respect, and professionalism, creates well-rounded individuals who contribute positively to the community. LaShelle's School of Dance isn't just a place to learn to dance; it's a supportive, family-oriented environment where local children and adults can grow, gain confidence, and truly find a sense of belonging, making it a cherished asset for the Michigan community.

LaShelle's School of Dance

21330 Coolidge Hwy, Oak Park, MI 48237, USA