Pat Barton Dance Studio

Hello, Iowa families and aspiring dancers! Are you searching for a dance studio where your child can not only learn incredible dance skills but also become part of a supportive and caring community? Look no further than Pat Barton Dance Studio in Altoona, IA. For decades, this esteemed studio has been a cherished institution, dedicated to nurturing young talent and instilling a lifelong love for dance in a welcoming, family-like environment.

Pat Barton Dance Studio, under the ownership of Pat Dickey, has been a cornerstone of dance education in the Altoona area since 1969. With a rich history of growth and adaptation, the studio has expanded its facilities to include multiple large dance rooms with brand new dance floors, parent viewing windows, and comfortable waiting areas. Their philosophy centers on providing exceptional choreography, strong technical skills, and age-appropriate costumes and music, all while maintaining a fun atmosphere for students aged 3 through 12th grade. The confidence gained through class work and performances at Pat Barton Dance Studio extends far beyond the stage, benefiting students in all aspects of their lives. If you're looking for a dance home where your child can thrive, make amazing friends, and truly feel like family, Pat Barton Dance Studio is highly recommended by those who call it their dance home.

Pat Barton Dance Studio is conveniently located at 629 8th St SE C, Altoona, IA 50009, USA. This accessible address places it on the east side of Altoona, directly across from Fareway, a recognizable local landmark. This prime positioning ensures that the studio is easy to find and reach for families residing not only within Altoona but also from surrounding communities throughout Iowa. The clear landmark of Fareway nearby helps with navigation, making drop-offs and pick-ups straightforward for busy parents.

The studio's building is described as a red brick building, with parking conveniently available on the east side. This thoughtful consideration for accessibility is a significant advantage for local users, minimizing any potential stress related to travel or parking. Being easily accessible from various parts of the Greater Des Moines area underscores Pat Barton Dance Studio's commitment to serving a broad segment of the Iowa dance community. This practical location allows more families to participate in their programs without logistical hurdles, ensuring that a high-quality dance education is within reach for many aspiring dancers.

Pat Barton Dance Studio offers a diverse and comprehensive range of dance classes tailored to various age groups and skill levels, ensuring that every student finds a pathway to artistic growth and enjoyment. Their services are designed to provide a strong foundation in dance technique while fostering creativity and self-expression.

• Classes for Ages 3 through 12th Grade: The studio provides a wide spectrum of classes, catering to young children taking their first dance steps all the way through advanced high school dancers. This allows for continuous progression and growth within the same supportive environment.
• Diverse Dance Styles: Pat Barton Dance Studio offers instruction in a variety of popular dance genres. These include:
  • Ballet: Considered the foundation for all dance styles, focusing on strength, grace, and providing a well-rounded technical dancer.
  • Jazz: An energetic and fun style that evolves from ballet, using fast and upbeat music with a focus on turns, leaps, and movement.
  • Tap: A percussive style where dancers make music with their feet, focusing on coordinated footwork and rhythm.
  • Hip Hop: A popular, high-energy class for those who enjoy contemporary moves, combining break-dancing with freestyle and street/urban dancing.
  • Lyrical/Contemporary: Often offered in combination with other styles, these classes emphasize emotional expression through fluid movement, blending elements of ballet and jazz.
  • Pointe/Pre-Pointe: For more advanced ballet students (typically 4th grade or 9 years old with at least 4 consecutive years of ballet experience), focusing on developing strength and technique for dancing on pointe shoes.
  • Tumbling/Acrobatics: Classes that provide acrobatic mat work, focusing on strength, flexibility, and various tumbling skills.
  • Stretch/Conditioning/Tricks Class: Designed for students wanting to improve flexibility, stamina, and work on advanced trick techniques.
• Combination Classes: For younger students, combination classes (e.g., Ballet and Jazz, or Ballet, Jazz, and Tap) are often available, providing exposure to multiple styles and a well-rounded introduction to dance.
• Performance Team (Competition Team): The studio offers an award-winning Performance Team for dancers in 2nd through 12th grade, who desire a more intensive training and performance experience. This team is described as a "FAMILY" that works and trains hard, building lifelong friendships and achieving success in competitive dance.
• Annual Recitals: Students participate in yearly recitals, providing opportunities to showcase their hard work and talents on stage. These performances are often lauded as "wonderful."
• Online Registration and Parent Portal: The studio provides an online registration system and a Parent Portal (via CompuDance) for convenience in managing class enrollments and accessing information.

Pat Barton Dance Studio stands out as a highly recommended dance home in Altoona, IA, due to several distinctive features and highlights that resonate deeply with its students and families.

• "Family" Atmosphere and Deep Care: A consistently praised highlight is the studio's ability to "make you feel like family" and their genuine love for "working with kids." This nurturing and supportive environment is crucial for fostering a sense of belonging and encouraging students to thrive both personally and artistically.
• Experienced and Passionate Staff: The long-standing presence of the studio since 1969, coupled with the dedication of owner Pat Dickey (who took over from Pat Barton), signifies a deep level of experience and commitment. The instructors are passionate about dance and dedicated to their students' growth.
• Strong Technical Skills and Age-Appropriate Curriculum: The studio prides itself on teaching "strong technical skills" that students need, ensuring proper form and development. Simultaneously, they maintain age-appropriate costumes and music, which is highly valued by parents for maintaining a wholesome and professional image.
• Building Confidence and Life Skills: Beyond dance steps, a core feature is the emphasis on how "the confidence gained through class work and performances will benefit the student in all aspects of their life." This holistic approach to development is a significant draw for local families in Iowa.
• Award-Winning Competition Team: The "Performance Team" is not just about winning; it's highlighted as a "FAMILY" that "WORK hard, TRAIN hard, and PLAY hard." Their success in receiving "many awards from judges across the country" confirms the high quality of their training and the dedication of the dancers.
• State-of-the-Art Facilities: The studio's continuous growth and remodels are a highlight, including "three very large dance rooms" (and a fourth added in 2012), "brand new dance floors," parent viewing windows, and expanded waiting areas. These well-maintained facilities provide an optimal and comfortable learning environment.
• Dedication to Student Support and Advancement: Instructors work "intensely with each and every team member to ensure their success, continue their advancement, and to nurture their self-esteem," showcasing a profound commitment to individual student growth.

For all inquiries, class registration, or to learn more about the diverse programs offered at Pat Barton Dance Studio, please use the following contact information:

Address: 629 8th St SE C, Altoona, IA 50009, USA

Phone: (515) 967-3454

Mobile Phone: +1 515-967-3454

For the most current class schedules, specific program descriptions, tuition information, and online registration, prospective students and parents are highly encouraged to visit their official website (patsdancestudio.com) or reach out directly via email at patbartondance@gmail.com. Their website is typically the best resource for up-to-date session information and online registration portals, as well as secretary hours for in-person inquiries.

Pat Barton Dance Studio is an exceptionally suitable place for locals in the Iowa region, particularly those in Altoona, for a myriad of compelling reasons. Its long-standing reputation, tracing back to 1969, signifies a proven track record of excellence and a deep understanding of dance education. For families in Iowa, this means choosing a studio with decades of experience in nurturing young talent.

The paramount reason for its suitability is the consistently praised "family" atmosphere. In a rapidly growing community like Altoona, finding a place where children feel loved, supported, and truly part of a larger family is invaluable. This nurturing environment extends beyond dance technique, fostering friendships and building strong character, which are crucial for a child's overall development. The genuine passion of the staff for "working with kids" ensures that every student feels valued and motivated.

Furthermore, the studio's commitment to "strong technical skills" combined with "age-appropriate costumes and music" provides a balanced approach to dance education. Parents in Iowa can be confident that their children are receiving professional training in a wholesome and respectful environment. The opportunities for significant progression, whether through regular classes or joining the award-winning Performance Team, cater to diverse aspirations, allowing dancers to achieve their personal best.

Finally, the convenient location in Altoona, coupled with state-of-the-art facilities that have grown with the community, makes Pat Barton Dance Studio easily accessible and comfortable for local families. For any individual or family in Iowa seeking a dance home that prioritizes community, quality instruction, and holistic development in a positive setting, Pat Barton Dance Studio is undeniably an ideal and enriching choice.

Pat Barton Dance Studio

629 8th St SE C, Altoona, IA 50009, USA