Monona Academy of Dance

Hello, fellow Wisconsinites! Are you looking for a place where your child can develop grace, discipline, and a passion for dance, all within a studio that boasts a rich history in our community? Then discover Monona Academy of Dance, a long-standing dance institution conveniently located in Madison, WI. Since its founding as Jean's School of Dance in 1948 and its renaming in 1973 under the partnership of Jean and her daughter JoJean, Monona Academy of Dance has been dedicated to providing comprehensive dance education.

Monona Academy of Dance's mission is to "create an atmosphere which fosters self-esteem, discipline, and positive influences, all of which can be carried into many other aspects of the student's life." This foundational philosophy guides their programs, which aim to teach much more than just dance steps. The studio emphasizes the interconnectedness of physical movement with musicality, creativity, science, mathematics, and physics, offering a holistic approach to dance education. They cater to a wide range of ages, from 3 to "103," welcoming adult students to rediscover the joys of dance or learn a new skill.

One positive review from a local parent truly highlights the studio's strengths: "My daughter has been dancing at Monona Academy of Dance for the past three years. I have been super impressed with how she has grown as a dancer. The teachers do a great job of creating a balance between having discipline to be a great dancer and having fun. She has gained a ton of confidence and loves going to class. The end of the year recitals are very professional and enjoyable. I’m so happy we found this studio." This testimony speaks to the effective balance of rigorous training and enjoyable learning that the academy strives for, leading to tangible growth in students' skills and confidence.

It is important for prospective families to be aware of all perspectives when choosing a dance studio. While many students and families have positive experiences, one older review detailed a particularly challenging incident involving the owner, JoJean, and an instructor during a "Nutcracker" performance for a 7-year-old. The parent reported that their daughter was denied the opportunity to perform despite arriving before the show started, and they felt communication was poor and the interaction unkind. This review also mentioned hearing other reports of children being yelled at. While this is a single account from some time ago, it highlights the importance of open communication with any educational institution. Monona Academy of Dance's commitment to "providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all our dancers, members of our staff, clients, subcontractors and vendors" as stated on their 'About Us' page indicates their stated aspiration for a positive environment for all.

Monona Academy of Dance continues to be a part of the Madison community, offering a variety of classes and performance opportunities. They pride themselves on preparing dancers for "the world of hard work, higher education and/or professional dance." With a wide array of dance styles and a long history, they aim to be a comprehensive resource for dance education in Wisconsin.

Monona Academy of Dance is conveniently situated at 2605 S Stoughton Rd, Madison, WI 53716, USA. This accessible location on South Stoughton Road, a significant thoroughfare in Madison, ensures ease of access for families throughout the city and its surrounding communities in Dane County. The studio's position means straightforward navigation, whether you're coming from central Madison or from nearby towns. Ample parking is typically available in the vicinity of such commercial locations, offering convenience for parents and students during drop-off and pick-up times. Additionally, Monona Academy of Dance maintains a second location in Sun Prairie, within the Sun Prairie Ice Arena at 838 Grove St, Sun Prairie, WI 53590. This dual-location presence further enhances accessibility for residents across a wider area of Wisconsin. The Madison studio is also home to La Boutique, their dancewear store, providing a one-stop shop for dance attire and shoe fittings, adding to the convenience for local dancers and their families.

• Ballet Classes: From Pre-Ballet (Ages 3-6) focusing on motor skills and coordination, to Beginning Ballet (Ages 6-8), and advanced levels (Ballet I-V) up to pre-professional, with Pointe work in higher levels (placement by instructor approval).
• Tap Classes: Beginning Tap (Ages 5 & Up) for rhythm awareness and basic vocabulary, progressing to Tap I-V for technique, musicality, and complex patterns (placement by instructor approval).
• Jazz Classes: Instruction focusing on dynamic movement, technique, and various jazz styles.
• Modern Dance: Exploring expressive and conceptual movement.
• Hip Hop Classes: Energetic classes covering contemporary street styles.
• Contemporary Ballet: Blending classical ballet with modern dance elements for expressive performance.
• Classes for All Ages: Programs for dancers aged 3 to 103, including youth and adult classes.
• Performance Opportunities: Students participate in end-of-year recitals, noted for their professional and enjoyable nature.
• La Boutique: An on-site dancewear store at the Madison location, offering proper shoe fittings for ballet flats, jazz shoes, and pointe shoes, and stocking available dancewear.
• Summer Classes & Camps: Seasonal programs to keep dancers engaged and active during school breaks.
• Studio Rental: Space available for rent (contact for details).

• Long-Standing Community Presence: Operating since 1948, showing a deep root in the Wisconsin dance community.
• Holistic Dance Education: Aims to foster self-esteem, discipline, and positive influences, connecting physical movement with musicality, creativity, and even scientific principles.
• Balance of Discipline and Fun: Teachers strive to create an environment where students grow as dancers while also enjoying their classes.
• Professional Recitals: End-of-year performances are noted for their high quality and enjoyability.
• Confidence Building: Students are reported to gain significant confidence through their participation.
• Experienced Ownership and Staff: Under the direction of JoJean, who has a background in performance and education, and a dedicated team.
• Multiple Locations: Studios in Madison and Sun Prairie offer greater accessibility for diverse Wisconsin communities.
• On-Site Dancewear Store (La Boutique): Provides convenience for students to get fitted for and purchase dance attire.
• Wide Age Range Accommodation: Offers classes for preschoolers, school-age children, teens, and adults.
• Diverse Dance Styles: Provides a comprehensive curriculum in ballet, tap, jazz, modern, hip hop, and contemporary ballet.

Address: 2605 S Stoughton Rd, Madison, WI 53716, USA

Phone: (608) 221-4535

For Wisconsin families, especially those in the Madison and Sun Prairie areas, Monona Academy of Dance presents a well-established option for dance education. With a history stretching back to 1948, this academy has deep roots in our community, dedicated to cultivating not just dancers but well-rounded individuals. The mission to foster self-esteem, discipline, and positive influences through dance is a commendable aim, and many families have clearly experienced the benefits, praising the balance of fun and rigorous instruction that leads to significant growth in skill and confidence.

The academy's comprehensive curriculum, offering a wide array of styles from classical ballet and tap to jazz, hip hop, and modern dance, caters to a broad spectrum of interests and age groups, from young children just beginning their dance journey to adults seeking to revisit a passion or learn something new. The professional end-of-year recitals provide invaluable performance experience, creating memorable moments for both dancers and their families.

While an isolated past incident regarding communication and student treatment was noted, the studio's stated commitment to an "inclusive and welcoming environment" and its long-standing presence suggest a strong foundational dedication to its students. The convenience of two locations and an on-site dancewear store further enhances its suitability for busy local families. For those seeking a dance studio with a rich history, a diverse program offering, and a stated focus on holistic student development, Monona Academy of Dance remains a significant resource for the performing arts community here in Wisconsin.

Monona Academy of Dance

2605 S Stoughton Rd, Madison, WI 53716, USA