Motivate Dance

For families in Ankeny, Iowa, seeking a dance studio that goes beyond just steps and routines, Motivate Dance stands out as a true community gem. This vibrant studio is built on a philosophy of encouragement, personal growth, and creating a joyful space where every dancer feels valued. It's a place where children, from their very first plié in a tutu to advanced dancers refining their technique, can truly flourish, not just as performers but as confident individuals.

Motivate Dance, as its name suggests, is dedicated to inspiring its students. They believe that dance is a powerful tool for self-expression, physical development, and building crucial life skills. The studio's commitment to a "fun and positive environment" is consistently highlighted by its community, with one long-time dancer, Kinsey, sharing, "I love all my instructors. They all make me feel so proud and they make sure I work hard enough, but I don't burn myself out. I used to dance at an old studio really young and whenever I went to motivate I just felt happy." This sentiment perfectly encapsulates the nurturing atmosphere that Motivate Dance cultivates.

Whether you're looking for an introductory class for your preschooler, rigorous technical training for a budding performer, or even a fun way for adults to stay active, Motivate Dance offers a diverse range of programs. This article will explore what makes Motivate Dance an exceptional choice for locals across Iowa, from its convenient Ankeny location to its comprehensive services and the outstanding features that set it apart.

Location and Accessibility:

Motivate Dance is conveniently located at 2803 SW Oralabor Rd, Ankeny, IA 50023, USA. This address places the studio in a readily accessible area within Ankeny, a rapidly growing and vibrant city in central Iowa. Oralabor Road is a well-traveled route, making the studio easy to find for residents coming from various parts of Ankeny and the broader Des Moines metropolitan area.

For parents juggling busy schedules, the studio's location is a significant advantage, often a straightforward drive from homes and schools within Ankeny. Ample parking facilities are typically available, which eases the logistics of drop-offs and pick-ups. This practical accessibility ensures that dance can be a seamless and enjoyable part of a child's weekly routine without adding undue stress for families.

The choice of Ankeny as its home base further strengthens Motivate Dance's connection to the local community. The studio is positioned to serve a large population of young families and individuals interested in the arts and physical activity, making it a central hub for dance education in this thriving Iowa city.

Services Offered:

• Diverse Dance Class Offerings: Motivate Dance provides a wide array of dance styles for students ages 2.5-18, as well as adult sessions. Their class offerings include:
  • Ballet: Emphasizing fundamental technique, grace, and classical form.
  • Tap: Focusing on rhythm, musicality, and intricate footwork.
  • Jazz: High-energy, dynamic movements often set to popular music.
  • Lyrical: Blending ballet and jazz with expressive, fluid movements to convey emotion.
  • Hip Hop: Energetic and modern, featuring contemporary moves and upbeat music.
  • Acro (Acro-Dance): Combines dance technique with acrobatics, focusing on flexibility, balance, and tumbling skills.
  • Technique & Conditioning: Classes specifically designed to improve overall dance technique, strength, and flexibility.
  • Wee Dance (Caretaker and Me): For the youngest dancers (e.g., 18 months+), often involving a parent or guardian.
  • Introductory Classes: Designed for beginners of all ages, allowing them to try dance in a less formal atmosphere.
• Age-Appropriate Curriculum: All classes are carefully curated to be age and developmentally appropriate, ensuring students receive instruction that is both effective and enjoyable for their specific age group.
• Pre-Professional Training Track: For more committed and ambitious dancers (typically ages 7-18), an audition-based program offers comprehensive dance education with individualized attention and mentorship, preparing them for potential college dance programs, commercial work, or concert/Broadway ambitions.
• Adult Dance Classes: Motivate Dance also offers drop-in classes for adults, including styles like Ballet, Jazz, Modern, Heels, Hip Hop, Yoga, and Open Motion, providing a physical and artistic outlet for adults in the community.
• Performance Opportunities: Students have opportunities to showcase their skills in recitals, typically held annually (e.g., June recital), allowing families and friends to celebrate their progress. Competition team members also have additional performance events.
• Summer Camps & Clinics: During the summer months, Motivate Dance offers themed camps (e.g., Bluey Camp, Princess Academy) and clinics (e.g., Acro Clinic: Aerials, Technique Week) to keep dancers engaged and learning.
• Parent Portal & Online Registration: For convenience, the studio provides an online parent portal for easy registration, account management, and communication regarding schedules, news, and updates.
• Supportive Mentorship: Instructors go beyond teaching dance, offering personal mentorship to guide dancers in accomplishing their personal goals.

Features / Highlights:

• Exceptional, Kind, and Helpful Instructors: Consistently praised in reviews, the instructors are highlighted for their kindness, helpfulness, and ability to make students feel proud while ensuring they work hard without burning out. As Kinsey shared, "my instructors are very kind and helpful."
• Positive and Supportive Community: A core strength of Motivate Dance is its "supportive and kind community." The studio fosters an environment where "I've never heard someone talking bad about someone," creating a safe space for children to open up and build confidence.
• Focus on Individuality and Self-Appreciation: The studio's mission is to "provide a space for Ankeny's youth to express their individuality through dance in a fun and positive environment," and to "motivate students to love and appreciate themselves."
• Fun and Engaging Choreography: Reviews mention "Fun choreography," indicating that classes are not only technically sound but also enjoyable and captivating for the dancers.
• Holistic Development: Motivate Dance supports students beyond dance skills. Instructors serve as mentors for personal growth, allowing children a "place to open up" if they need to.
• Comprehensive Training: The curriculum is designed to create "well-rounded dancers" with a strong technical foundation in ballet, modern, and jazz, supplemented by various other styles. The inclusion of the AMERICAN BALLET THEATRE® National Training Curriculum for certain levels (taught by ABT® Certified Teachers) indicates a commitment to high-quality ballet training.
• Accessibility for All Levels: Whether it's a child's very first class or they are pursuing a pre-professional track, Motivate Dance has a place for them, emphasizing that "dance is for everyone."
• Professionalism: While creating a fun environment, the studio is committed to "quality and professional dance instruction."
• Owned and Operated by Experienced Professional: The studio is owned by Sam Nicol, who has over two decades of dance experience and has performed in lead roles with prestigious companies, bringing a high level of expertise to the studio.

Contact Information:

Address: 2803 SW Oralabor Rd, Ankeny, IA 50023, USA

Phone: (515) 381-1628

Mobile Phone: +1 515-381-1628

Conclusion: Why Motivate Dance is Suitable for Locals

For families in Ankeny, Iowa, and the surrounding central Iowa region, Motivate Dance offers an unparalleled experience in dance education. Its core philosophy of fostering individuality, confidence, and a genuine love for dance within a fun and profoundly supportive community makes it an ideal choice for parents seeking a holistic and enriching activity for their children. The studio's convenient location on SW Oralabor Rd ensures easy access for local residents, integrating seamlessly into the busy lives of Iowa families.

What truly sets Motivate Dance apart, and why it's so suitable for locals, is its unwavering commitment to its students' well-being and growth beyond just dance technique. The testimonials from dancers like Kinsey, who felt "happy" and "proud" and found a "supportive and kind community" where instructors act as trusted mentors, speak volumes. This deep care for each student ensures that dance is not just an activity but a foundational experience that builds character and self-esteem.

The wide array of dance styles available, from ballet to hip hop and even acro, caters to diverse interests, allowing every child to find their niche. The thoughtful curriculum, including pathways for both recreational dancers and those aspiring to pre-professional levels, means that students can progress at their own pace within a structured yet encouraging environment. Furthermore, the inclusion of adult classes means that dance truly is for the entire family, offering opportunities for all ages to enjoy movement and community.

In a world where children face numerous pressures, Motivate Dance provides a refreshing haven where positivity thrives, talent is nurtured, and confidence blossoms. It's a place where "amazing experience, fun choreography, kind teachers, and much more" come together to create "the best you can get!" For any Iowa family looking for a dance home that champions personal growth as much as artistic skill, Motivate Dance in Ankeny is an exceptional and highly recommended choice.

Motivate Dance

2803 SW Oralabor Rd, Ankeny, IA 50023, USA