Mary Lorraine's Dance Center

For families across Nebraska, particularly those in the Omaha metropolitan area, Mary Lorraine's Dance Center (MLDC) stands as a trusted and beloved institution in the world of dance. With over three decades of experience, MLDC has firmly established itself as one of Omaha's top dance studios, offering high-quality instruction in a nurturing and supportive environment. It’s a place where children and young adults not only learn dance technique but also develop invaluable life skills such as kindness, teamwork, self-confidence, and discipline.

MLDC is more than just a dance studio; it's a vibrant community that prides itself on fostering a deep love for the art form while maintaining strong values. The consistent positive feedback from parents, many of whom have had children dancing at MLDC for years, speaks volumes about the studio's unique approach. One parent, whose children have been dancing there for over a decade, passionately stated, "I can honestly say, we love MLDC and every one of the teachers so, so much!"

What truly sets Mary Lorraine's Dance Center apart, as highlighted by loyal families, is its unwavering commitment to inclusivity and age-appropriateness. Unlike some studios where competitive dancers might be prioritized, MLDC ensures that "there has never once been an insistence where one path was either elevated or looked down on by the teachers or other dancers." Mary Lorraine and her dedicated staff make a concerted effort to connect with, praise, and encourage every single dancer, regardless of their skill level or whether they choose a recreational or competitive path. This creates an empowering and non-judgmental atmosphere where every child feels valued and supported.

Furthermore, MLDC is renowned for its strict adherence to age-appropriate costumes, choreography, and music. This is a significant relief for many parents who observe less wholesome trends in other dance environments. As one parent eloquently put it, "Mary Lorraine has always made sure that costumes, choreography and song lyrics are appropriate for the kids performing. This is especially evident as a parent watching other studios perform at competitions. You can frequently find kids clad in bras and hot pants sans tights, faces caked in thick makeup and fake eyelashes while they twerk, grind, shimmy and pelvic thrust to vulgar music. This is simply not representative of MLDC or what they teach their dancers. I think it is especially empowering and reassuring to a young teenager that they are able to perform and be awarded while still remaining decent." This commitment to decency and appropriateness ensures that young dancers can perform with pride and confidence.

MLDC’s focus on providing quality dance at affordable rates is another distinguishing factor. With options like quarterly tuition payments (and individual arrangements), family discounts for multiple children, and transparent annual expense layouts, Mary Lorraine actively works to keep dance accessible for families. The recent switch to a one-time per family media fee for downloadable recital videos further exemplifies their dedication to convenience and affordability.

Ultimately, Mary Lorraine's Dance Center is celebrated for being a "safe haven" where children not only learn to dance but also grow into well-rounded individuals, building friendships and finding solace in their passion. The personal care from teachers like Kellie, Brianna, Katelyn, Megan, Maddy, and Mr. Kevin "Lorraine" truly nurtures each child's love for dance and their overall well-being. For any family in Nebraska seeking a dance home that offers exceptional instruction, strong values, and a loving community, MLDC is an outstanding choice.

Mary Lorraine's Dance Center is conveniently located at 5330 S 136th St, Omaha, NE 68137, USA. This accessible location in the Millard area of Omaha makes it an ideal choice for families residing in West Omaha, Millard, Papillion, Elkhorn, Gretna, Ralston, and Bellevue. Its position on S 136th Street, a well-trafficked route, ensures straightforward navigation for parents and guardians driving to the studio.

The studio boasts excellent facilities designed to enhance the learning experience. It features three large studios, with one featuring a Marley-covered sprung floor to help prevent injuries, and two with wood floors, providing optimal surfaces for various dance styles. All rooms are fully mirrored and equipped with custom ballet barres, creating professional and inspiring spaces for training. For parents, viewing windows into the studios and a spacious lobby area offer comfort and the ability to observe classes, while a snack area caters to students.

Ample parking is available at the location, significantly contributing to the convenience for busy families during drop-off and pick-up times. This ease of access helps alleviate common logistical challenges, making it simpler for students from across the Omaha metropolitan area to attend classes regularly. While specific public transportation routes would need to be checked with Omaha’s Metro Transit, the general area is a developed part of the city. However, for most Nebraska families, private vehicle transportation remains the most common and convenient way to reach the studio. The clear address ensures that navigation systems can accurately guide visitors directly to Mary Lorraine's Dance Center, facilitating a smooth arrival for every class.

Mary Lorraine's Dance Center offers a comprehensive and thoughtfully structured curriculum designed for dancers of all ages and levels, typically operating on a September to May school-year schedule with quarterly tuition payments and separate summer sessions. Their services include:

• Preschool Dance (Ages 3-5): A 45-minute class focusing on movement skills, beginning ballet, rhythm work, creativity exercises, and some tumbling, perfect for introducing young children to dance.
• Ballet/Tap Combo (Ages 5-10): These classes include ballet technique at the barre and center floor, along with 20 minutes dedicated to tap technique, providing a well-rounded foundation.
• Ballet (Ages 11+): Progressive ballet classes for middle schoolers and teens, covering barre work, center floor exercises, and classical variations.
• Pointe (Age 11+): An advanced ballet technique requiring special shoes. This class necessitates prior completion of a pre-pointe class for proper strength and placement and requires teacher approval.
• Contemporary/Lyrical (Ages 7+): Expressive dance forms that blend ballet and jazz techniques, allowing dancers to interpret music through fluid movements.
• Tap (Kindergarten+): Classes focusing on rhythm, timing, and footwork, exploring different styles of tap. Tap is typically taken in combination with Ballet until Level 5.
• Jazz (Age 10+): Emphasizes flexibility, isolation work, turns, kicks, leaps, and combinations of various jazz styles. Must be taken with ballet for foundational technique.
• Musical Theater Jazz (Ages 5-10): Classic jazz moves inspired by musical theatre productions.
• Acrobatics (Ages 6+): Focuses on flexibility and tumbling skills such as rolls, cartwheels, back bends, round-offs, walkovers, and back handsprings.
• Hip Hop (Kindergarten+): High-energy classes that teach current pop dance moves with groove and style, using age-appropriate music and moves.
• Leaps and Turns (Various Ages): Specialized classes to refine and improve specific dance techniques.
• Stretch and Strengthen: Conditioning classes designed for dancers but also beneficial for non-dancers, offered during summer sessions.
• Private Lessons: Available for individualized coaching, preparing for high school dance teams, or general skill refinement.
• Adult Classes: Offerings such as Adult Tap and Barre Class, providing opportunities for adults to exercise and enjoy dance.
• Wedding Couple Dances: Customized choreography services for first dances.
• Recreational and Competitive Programs: MLDC offers both recreational classes for the love of dance and a more intensive competitive course of study for enthusiastic and focused dancers, with team options as early as first grade.

Mary Lorraine's Dance Center is highly regarded in Nebraska for several distinctive features and highlights:

• Decades of Experience & Reputation: With over 30 years in business, MLDC has a long-standing history of providing quality dance instruction in Omaha, earning numerous awards including "Best of Omaha" multiple times, and recognition as one of the "Three Best" dance schools.
• Inclusive Environment for All Dancers: A key differentiator is the complete lack of separation or hierarchy between "competition dancers" and "recreational dancers." Every student is equally known, praised, and encouraged, fostering a truly supportive atmosphere.
• Strict Age-Appropriateness: Mary Lorraine ensures that all costumes, choreography, and music are appropriate for the age of the dancers, a significant and highly appreciated feature by parents concerned about modern dance trends.
• Financial Transparency and Affordability: The studio is committed to keeping costs reasonable for families. They offer quarterly tuition, flexible payment arrangements, multi-child discounts, and transparent annual expense layouts on their website, allowing parents to plan ahead.
• Convenient Media Access: The shift to a one-time annual, per-family media fee for downloadable recital videos is a modern and appreciated convenience, replacing the hassle of managing individual DVDs.
• Holistic Child Development: Beyond dance technique, MLDC focuses on instilling vital life skills such as kindness, caring, manners, teamwork, and self-confidence, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience.
• "Safe Haven" and Emotional Support: Many parents describe the studio as a "safe haven" where children can find solace and support from teachers and friends during challenging times, highlighting the deep personal connection fostered.
• Dedicated and Caring Staff: Instructors like Kellie, Brianna, Katelyn, Megan, Maddy, and Mr. Kevin "Lorraine" are consistently praised for taking the time to know and show personal love and care for each child, nurturing their passion for dance.
• Professional Facilities: The studio features three large, well-equipped rooms, including a Marley-covered sprung floor for safety, custom barres, mirrors, and parent viewing windows, providing an optimal learning environment.
• Organized Communication: Parents appreciate the clear and helpful communication from the studio regarding classes, schedules, and recitals, which assists busy families in balancing multiple activities.
• Well-Organized Recitals: The annual end-of-year recitals are consistently described as well-organized, showcasing the hard work of dancers and teachers, providing a rewarding performance experience.

For inquiries about class schedules, registration, or any other information, please use the following contact details for Mary Lorraine's Dance Center:

Address: 5330 S 136th St, Omaha, NE 68137, USA

Phone: (402) 593-9051

Mobile Phone: +1 402-593-9051

For locals in Nebraska, particularly those in the Omaha metropolitan area, Mary Lorraine's Dance Center is an unequivocally outstanding choice for dance education. Its long-standing reputation of over 30 years is built on a foundation of quality instruction, unwavering values, and a deep commitment to its students and their families. The studio’s unique approach to fostering an inclusive environment where both recreational and competitive dancers are equally valued sets it apart, ensuring every child feels celebrated.

Parents can rest assured knowing that MLDC prioritizes age-appropriate content in every aspect, from costumes to choreography, allowing their children to perform with dignity and pride. The transparent and affordable financial structure, with options like quarterly tuition and family discounts, further demonstrates Mary Lorraine's dedication to making dance accessible to more families across Nebraska. Beyond the technical skills, the studio serves as a "safe haven" where children develop confidence, kindness, teamwork, and lasting friendships, nurtured by a truly caring and dedicated team of instructors.

The excellent facilities, organized communication, and well-executed recitals all contribute to a seamless and rewarding experience for both dancers and their parents. For any Nebraska family seeking a dance studio that blends professional training with strong moral principles, financial transparency, and a genuine family-like atmosphere where every child's passion for dance is nurtured with love and care, Mary Lorraine's Dance Center in Omaha is highly recommended as a premier local destination.

Mary Lorraine's Dance Center

5330 S 136th St, Omaha, NE 68137, USA