Nicole's School of Dance

For families in Ankeny, Iowa, searching for a dance studio that truly feels like an extension of their community, Nicole's School of Dance stands as a beacon of kindness, support, and professional instruction. This beloved local establishment is more than just a place to learn dance steps; it’s a nurturing environment where students are encouraged to grow in confidence, coordination, and self-esteem, all while embracing the joy of movement. The studio’s commitment to a warm and welcoming atmosphere is evident even to "outsiders," as one grateful reviewer shared, "I stopped by Nicoles and she helped me with no hesitation. So very kind and wonderful to help me as an outsider. Nicole embodies community and for that I am grateful!" This spirit of generosity and community truly sets Nicole's School of Dance apart in the Iowa dance landscape.

Since its founding in 2001, Nicole's School of Dance has been dedicated to providing high-quality dance education for dancers of all ages and levels. Whether your child is just starting their dance journey in a pair of tiny tap shoes or is an aspiring competitive dancer, the experienced and trained instructors at Nicole's School of Dance take pride in nurturing and challenging each student. Their mission is simple yet profound: to provide every student the encouragement and resources to be their best, both on and off the dance floor, all within a Christian-based environment.

This article will delve into what makes Nicole's School of Dance an exceptional choice for locals across Iowa, exploring its convenient Ankeny location, the comprehensive range of services it offers, and the standout features that contribute to its well-earned reputation as a truly special place for dance education.

Location and Accessibility:

Nicole's School of Dance is conveniently located at 311 SW Walnut St, Ankeny, IA 50023, USA. This address places the studio in the historic Uptown area, the original heart of Ankeny, making it a familiar and accessible landmark for many local residents. Ankeny is a thriving city in central Iowa, and its central location allows for easy access from various neighborhoods within Ankeny and surrounding communities in the greater Des Moines metropolitan area.

The studio’s presence in Uptown Ankeny offers a charming setting, and its multiple studio spaces are designed to accommodate a vibrant schedule of classes. For parents, the accessibility of the location, often coupled with straightforward parking options in the vicinity, simplifies the logistics of daily or weekly class attendance. This practical convenience ensures that enrolling a child in dance classes can be a seamless part of a family’s routine, without adding unnecessary travel burdens.

The studio's roots in Ankeny's historic district also connect it deeply to the local community, contributing to the town's cultural vibrancy. Nicole's School of Dance is not just a business; it's a part of the local fabric, serving as a hub where community members can come together through the shared love of dance.

Services Offered:

• Extensive Dance Class Offerings: Nicole's School of Dance provides a wide range of dance styles suitable for dancers from age 3 through High School, and even adult options. Class categories include:
  • Tap: Offered for ages 3 through High School, focusing on rhythm and intricate footwork. Classes for ages 3-5 are 20 minutes, while ages 6 & up have 30-minute classes.
  • Ballet & Lyrical: Ballet classes are foundational and offered for ages 3 through High School, emphasizing technique, posture, grace, flexibility, and balance. Once a dancer turns 9 years old, Lyrical dance is incorporated into Ballet class.
  • Jazz & Hip Hop: Jazz classes are offered for ages 6 through Adult, focusing on free movement and high energy. Hip Hop is incorporated into Jazz classes once a dancer turns 9 years old.
  • Pointe: Offered for eligible, advanced ballet dancers who have developed sufficient strength and technique.
  • Tumbling: Teaches acrobatic skills and floor gymnastics that complement dance training.
  • Competition Dance: For dedicated dancers looking for more performance opportunities and challenges, Nicole's School of Dance has competition teams that compete at regional and national levels.
  • Combo Classes: For younger dancers, combination classes introduce movement, ballet for coordination, and tap for rhythm, focusing on fun and a positive self-image.
  • Couples Dance Lessons: Private or small group sessions for adults (4-6 week sessions) in various partner dance styles.
  • Hula Hooping: Adult fitness sessions (4-6 week sessions).
  • Line Dancing: Adult group sessions (4-6 week sessions).
  • Drums Alive: Adult fitness sessions combining drumming with movement (4-6 week sessions).
• Age-Appropriate Curriculum: Classes are specifically designed with the physical and emotional levels of children in mind, ensuring a positive and effective learning experience.
• Performance Opportunities: Students have the opportunity to showcase their skills at an annual recital, making it a special event for dancers and their families.
• Competitive Team Program: For students aspiring to a higher level of performance, competition teams offer opportunities to participate in regional and national events.
• Flexible Class Scheduling & Pricing: The studio offers various pricing tiers for 1, 2, 3, or 4 classes per week, making it flexible for families to choose the commitment level that suits them. They also do not charge for snow cancellations, holidays, or school vacations unless it's a makeup class.
• Experienced and Dedicated Instructors: The faculty are highly trained, professional, and respected teachers, eager to share their love and knowledge of dance with students.

Features / Highlights:

• Christian-Based Environment: The studio's mission includes delivering instruction in a Christian-based environment, reflected in student expectations, music, costume selection, and class styles. This provides a values-aligned choice for many Iowa families.
• Incredibly Supportive and Kind Community: As highlighted by a review, Nicole's School of Dance embodies community and is "So very kind and wonderful to help me as an outsider." This welcoming nature extends to all students, fostering a strong sense of belonging.
• Focus on Holistic Development: Beyond dance technique, the mission is to provide encouragement and resources for students to be their "best, on and off the dance floor," building confidence, coordination, self-esteem, and social skills.
• Small Class Sizes: Classes are kept small to ensure each dancer receives more individual attention, leading to faster progress and personalized feedback.
• Affordable Classes & Costumes: The studio strives to make dance accessible, emphasizing "affordable classes & costumes," a significant benefit for local families.
• Balance of Dance and Life: With classes typically once a week, the schedule is designed to allow students time for homework, other sports, and family time, acknowledging that life doesn't revolve solely around dance.
• No Tryouts for Competition (for some programs): While competition teams exist, the approach seems designed to be inclusive, allowing serious dancers to opt into competitive opportunities without rigid tryouts for some tiers.
• Experienced Owner & Staff: Nicole herself has a rich dance background, studying at renowned institutions like Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago and Broadway Dance Center, bringing a high level of expertise and passion to the studio. Her instructors are also highly trained and committed.
• Historic Uptown Location: Being located in "historic Uptown, the original heart of Ankeny," adds a unique charm and accessibility, with the atmosphere reminiscent of famous dance centers.

Contact Information:

Address: 311 SW Walnut St, Ankeny, IA 50023, USA

Phone: (515) 321-4967

Mobile Phone: +1 515-321-4967

Conclusion: Why Nicole's School of Dance is Suitable for Locals

For families in Ankeny, Iowa, and the surrounding communities, Nicole's School of Dance offers an exceptional blend of professional dance instruction and a truly heartfelt, community-focused environment. Its prime location in historic Uptown Ankeny makes it easily accessible, seamlessly fitting into the busy lives of local families.

What truly makes Nicole's School of Dance highly suitable for locals is its unique combination of quality dance education with a strong emphasis on character development and a supportive, Christian-based atmosphere. The anecdote from the "outsider" who received "kind and wonderful" help perfectly illustrates the spirit of community and genuine care that Nicole embodies and instills in her studio. This welcoming nature ensures that every dancer, regardless of their background or experience level, feels important, included, and part of a larger dance family.

The studio's commitment to affordability and flexible scheduling acknowledges the realities of family life, making high-quality dance training accessible without overwhelming parents' budgets or children's schedules. The diverse range of dance styles, from foundational ballet and tap to energetic jazz and hip hop, along with tumbling and competitive opportunities, ensures that every child can find their passion and progress at their own pace. The focus on individual attention through small class sizes further enhances the learning experience, allowing instructors to nurture each student's unique talents.

Ultimately, Nicole's School of Dance is more than just a place to learn dance steps; it is a community where confidence is built, friendships are forged, and valuable life lessons are learned in a positive and encouraging setting. For any Iowa family looking for a dance home that prioritizes holistic development, a nurturing environment, and professional instruction with a heart for service, Nicole's School of Dance in Ankeny is an outstanding and highly recommended choice.

Nicole's School of Dance

311 SW Walnut St, Ankeny, IA 50023, USA