Manhattan City Park Roundhouse Dance Studio

For individuals and families in Manhattan, Kansas, seeking accessible and engaging dance opportunities, the Manhattan City Park Roundhouse Dance Studio, home to the Manhattan Parks and Recreation Department (MPD) Dance Academy, stands as a valuable community resource. Nestled within the historic charm of City Park, this unique venue provides a welcoming space for dancers of all ages and skill levels to explore various genres, develop their talents, and enjoy the benefits of physical activity and artistic expression. Whether you have a budding ballerina taking their first steps or a teenager eager to learn hip-hop moves, the MPD Dance Academy is designed to cater to a diverse range of interests within a supportive and inclusive environment.

The MPD Dance Academy's commitment to year-round programming ensures that dance remains a consistent and enriching part of the local community's offerings. Their focus on providing instruction for all levels of experience underscores their dedication to making dance accessible, from play-based choreography for the youngest participants to more structured techniques for older students. For Kansas locals looking for a convenient, community-driven option to engage with dance, the Manhattan City Park Roundhouse Dance Studio offers a blend of historical charm and contemporary dance education, all under the umbrella of the trusted Manhattan Parks and Recreation Department.

The Manhattan City Park Roundhouse Dance Studio is notably located at 1101 Fremont St, Manhattan, KS 66502, USA. This prominent address places the studio directly within Manhattan's beloved City Park, a central and easily recognizable landmark for residents across the city and surrounding areas. Fremont Street, a key thoroughfare, ensures straightforward access and convenient navigation for parents and students traveling to classes.

The historical significance of the "Round House," also known as Floral Hall, adds a unique dimension to its accessibility. Constructed of limestone in 1875, this octagonal structure was originally built for the Riley County Fair and has a rich history of community use, evolving into a dance studio, classroom, and storage space for the Manhattan Parks and Recreation Department. Its enduring presence in City Park, as the oldest fair building in the county, makes it a culturally significant and easily identifiable location. This central and historic placement within City Park enhances its accessibility for locals, making it a familiar and convenient destination for dance education and recreational activities in Manhattan, Kansas.

The Manhattan Parks and Recreation Department (MPD) Dance Academy, housed within the Manhattan City Park Roundhouse Dance Studio, offers a structured yet diverse range of dance programs for the local community. Their year-round program comprises four distinct seasons, with specific sessions (winter and spring) often preparing dancers for an annual spring recital. The services offered cater to various ages and skill levels, ensuring an inclusive environment for all who wish to participate. Key offerings include:

• Beginning Dance (Ages 3-5): Introduces young dancers to fundamental movement concepts through play-based choreography, basic steps, and short, engaging combinations. This program is designed to be a fun and gentle introduction to dance.
• Ballet-Jazz Combo (Ages 5-7): Provides students with a taste of both classical ballet and energetic jazz dance. Participants progress through barre and center work, as well as various floor combinations, building foundational skills in both genres.
• Ballet (Ages 6 & Up): Dancers are immersed in the classical art form of ballet. Classes focus on developing confidence, grace, strength, and coordination through formal ballet techniques and exercises.
• Modern Jazz (Ages 6 & Up): Students learn formal modern and jazz dance elements. This class incorporates repetitive steps and choreography combinations to build skill and expressive movement.
• Hip Hop (Ages 8 & Up): Dancers engage in popular hip-hop styles, learning to pop, lock, and moonwalk, along with various hip-hop steps and choreography. This is a high-energy and fun class.
• Irish Dance: The MPD Dance Academy indicates that more information on Irish Dance classes will be coming soon, suggesting an expansion of their diverse offerings.
• Summer Intensive Dance Camps: Summer programs are available, such as the Beginner Dance Camp (ages 6-9) and Intermediate Dance Camp (ages 10-18). These camps introduce or enhance jazz, ballet, and tap techniques, focusing on dance terminology, flexibility, balance, and strength.
• Adult Broadway Dance (Ages 18+): This program explores music theater concepts and teaches iconic dances from well-known Broadway musicals (e.g., A Chorus Line, Newsies, West Side Story). It offers a unique and engaging dance experience for adults.

The Manhattan City Park Roundhouse Dance Studio, as part of the Manhattan Parks and Recreation Department (MPD) Dance Academy, boasts several notable features and highlights that make it a compelling choice for locals in Kansas:

• Historic and Unique Venue: The studio is housed within the "Round House" (Floral Hall), a limestone structure built in 1875. Its octagonal shape and rich history as the oldest fair building in Riley County provide a unique and inspiring setting for dance, adding character to the learning environment.
• Accessible Community Programming: As a program of the Manhattan Parks and Recreation Department, the dance academy offers accessible pricing and structured programs that are designed to serve the broader community. This makes quality dance instruction more attainable for local families.
• Diverse Dance Genres for All Ages: The MPD Dance Academy provides a wide range of dance genres, from classical ballet and jazz to energetic hip-hop and even new offerings like Irish dance. Classes are available for various age groups, starting from 3 years old, extending to adults, ensuring there's something for everyone.
• Focus on Foundational Skills: Programs like "Beginning Dance" and "Ballet-Jazz Combo" emphasize play-based choreography and basic steps for young dancers, ensuring a strong foundation for future progression. Older students delve into formal elements and choreography, building confidence, grace, strength, and coordination.
• Year-Round and Seasonal Programs: The academy operates year-round with four program seasons, providing consistent opportunities for dance education. The winter and spring sessions specifically prepare dancers for an annual spring recital, offering valuable performance experience.
• Adult Class Offerings: The inclusion of "Adult Broadway Dance" classes caters to older individuals who wish to engage in dance for recreation, fitness, or to explore musical theater concepts, highlighting the academy's broad appeal.
• Integration with Parks and Recreation: Being part of the city's Parks and Recreation Department often implies a focus on community well-being, accessibility, and potentially more affordable rates compared to private studios, making it an attractive option for local families.

For more information on class schedules, registration, or any other inquiries, please refer to the Manhattan Parks and Recreation Department's official channels, as the dance studio operates under their umbrella. While a specific direct phone number for the dance studio isn't publicly listed as separate from the main Parks and Recreation contact, the central number for general inquiries is typically the best way to reach them.

Address: 1101 Fremont St, Manhattan, KS 66502, USA (Manhattan City Park)

General Parks and Recreation Phone: (785) 587-2757 (This is often the main number for inquiries related to MPD programs, including dance.)

You can also typically find information through the Manhattan Parks and Recreation Department's official website.

Reaching out through these channels is the most effective way to get current class listings, registration details, and answers to any specific questions you may have about the dance programs offered at the Roundhouse Dance Studio.

The Manhattan City Park Roundhouse Dance Studio, as a vital part of the Manhattan Parks and Recreation Department, is an excellent choice for locals in Kansas due to its inherent accessibility and community-focused approach. Firstly, its unique and historic location within Manhattan City Park makes it a recognizable and convenient landmark, reducing travel time for busy families across the city. This central placement ensures that quality dance instruction is readily available to a wide demographic, aligning with the public service mission of the Parks and Recreation Department.

Secondly, the MPD Dance Academy’s diverse range of class offerings, from foundational movements for toddlers to specialized hip-hop and even adult Broadway dance, caters to virtually every age and interest. This broad appeal, combined with a commitment to making dance accessible and enjoyable for all levels of experience, makes it a perfect fit for locals seeking an inclusive and affordable artistic outlet. By providing structured, year-round programming and performance opportunities within a trusted community framework, the Manhattan City Park Roundhouse Dance Studio truly enriches the lives of Manhattan residents, fostering a love for dance and contributing to the vibrant local arts scene.

Manhattan City Park Roundhouse Dance Studio

1101 Fremont St, Manhattan, KS 66502, USA