Perry Woodard School of Dance

For an impressive 67 years and counting, Perry Woodard School of Dance has been a cornerstone of dance education in Mid-Michigan. Founded by Perry Woodard Conway in 1958, this esteemed institution in Bay City has consistently shared its love of dance with generations of students. If you're a Michigan resident looking for a dance studio that blends professional instruction with a warm, family-like atmosphere, where dancers of all ages and aspirations can thrive, Perry Woodard School of Dance offers a rich legacy and a welcoming home for artistic expression.

The philosophy at Perry Woodard School of Dance is centered on providing a comprehensive and nurturing environment for every student. They believe in fostering a love for dance that goes beyond just learning steps, emphasizing discipline, creativity, and self-expression. Whether a student is a beginner seeking recreational classes, an advanced dancer with dreams of the stage, or somewhere in between, the studio aims to meet their needs with tailored instruction. This commitment to individual growth within a supportive community is a hallmark of their approach.

Students at Perry Woodard School of Dance often find a second family within its walls, building lifelong friendships and developing a passion that extends beyond their weekly lessons. The longevity of the studio is a testament to its consistent quality, dedicated staff, and the positive impact it has had on countless lives in the Bay City area and across the wider Michigan region. While some feedback regarding recital experiences notes areas for improvement in audience management, the overwhelming sentiment from long-term patrons reinforces the studio's strong foundation, excellent staff, and a truly supportive community for dancers and their families.

Perry Woodard School of Dance is conveniently located at 1403 Columbus Ave, Bay City, MI 48708, USA. This well-established address places the studio centrally within Bay City, making it easily accessible for families residing throughout the city and its surrounding communities in the Mid-Michigan area. Columbus Avenue is a prominent street, ensuring straightforward navigation for students and parents traveling to and from classes.

The studio's location is designed to be practical for local families, often featuring convenient parking options that facilitate smooth drop-offs and pick-ups. Being situated in a familiar part of Bay City contributes to its accessibility and integrates it seamlessly into the daily routines of Michigan residents. This ease of access ensures that more students can participate in quality dance education without excessive travel, enhancing their overall experience at the studio.

Perry Woodard School of Dance offers a wide and comprehensive range of dance classes, catering to students from as young as two years old all the way through adulthood. Their curriculum is designed to provide a well-rounded dance education, supporting both recreational dancers and those with competitive aspirations.

• Creative Movement: Specifically designed for the youngest dancers (ages 2), introducing them to movement, rhythm, and basic dance concepts in a playful and engaging manner.
• Ballet: Foundational classical ballet training, emphasizing proper technique, posture, grace, and discipline. Classes are offered for ages 3 and up, with progressive levels including Pre Ballet and advanced Ballet levels.
• Pointe: Specialized instruction for more advanced ballet students, focusing on strengthening and technique for dancing en pointe, offered at the discretion of the teacher.
• Jazz: Energetic classes that explore various jazz styles, focusing on rhythm, flexibility, and expressive movement, available for ages 6 and up.
• Tap: Classes that develop intricate footwork, rhythm, and musicality through percussive movements, for ages 5 and up.
• Hip-Hop: High-energy classes utilizing contemporary street dance styles and popular music, encouraging individual expression, for ages 7 and up.
• Lyrical: A blend of ballet and jazz, focusing on emotional expression and storytelling through fluid movement, typically for junior high ages and up (with prior ballet experience).
• Acrobatics: Classes focusing on flexibility, strength, balance, and tumbling skills, suitable for ages 4 and up.
• Adult Classes: Programs designed for adults who wish to learn or continue their dance journey in various styles.
• Competitive Dance Program: For serious dancers, a program focusing on advanced technique, choreography, and performance for competitive events.
• Performance Opportunities: Students have opportunities to showcase their skills in annual recitals, which are a major highlight of the studio's calendar.

Perry Woodard School of Dance boasts several key features and highlights that underscore its long-standing reputation and appeal to Michigan families seeking quality dance education.

• Extensive History and Legacy: Established in 1958, the studio has over 67 years of experience in teaching dance. This longevity signifies its deep roots in the Bay City community and its proven ability to consistently deliver quality instruction across generations.
• Professional Teaching Environment: The studio maintains a high standard of instruction, offering a professional setting where students can learn proper technique and artistry in various dance forms.
• Family Atmosphere: Despite its professional approach, Perry Woodard School of Dance is celebrated for its warm and welcoming "family atmosphere." This balance creates a supportive and encouraging environment where students feel comfortable and connected, often forming "lifelong friendships."
• Comprehensive Curriculum: With classes ranging from Creative Movement for two-year-olds to advanced Pointe and Lyrical, and incorporating styles like Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Hip-Hop, and Acrobatics, the studio offers a well-rounded dance education for all ages and skill levels.
• Catering to Diverse Aspirations: Whether a student aims for a recreational experience or dreams of a professional dance career ("dancing on Broadway"), the studio is equipped to support their individual goals.
• Dedicated Staff: The staff, including teachers and parents involved in the community, are described as "wonderful people," highlighting a strong, positive, and supportive team environment.
• Recital Performances: Students gain valuable stage experience through annual recitals, which serve as a culmination of their hard work throughout the year. While some audience behavior at recitals may vary, the core purpose of showcasing student talent remains.
• Affordable Tuition Structure: The studio offers flexible tuition payment plans, breaking down yearly tuition into monthly installments, and provides family discounts for multiple classes, making dance education more accessible.
• Size and Scope: As "one of the area's largest dance studios," it indicates a capacity to offer a wide range of classes and accommodate a significant number of students.

For Michigan residents interested in enrolling themselves or their children in dance classes at Perry Woodard School of Dance, or for any general inquiries, here is their contact information:

Address: 1403 Columbus Ave, Bay City, MI 48708, USA

Phone: (989) 892-5131

For specific inquiries regarding class availability, it is recommended to email them at office@perrywoodard.com. You can also visit their official website for detailed information on class schedules, registration procedures, and faculty bios. It is always best to contact the studio directly for the most current information.

For families and individuals in the Michigan region, particularly in Bay City and the surrounding Mid-Michigan area, Perry Woodard School of Dance stands as an exceptionally suitable choice for dance education. Its remarkable legacy of over 67 years in the community is a testament to its enduring quality, stability, and deep commitment to fostering a love for dance across generations. The convenient location on Columbus Avenue makes it easily accessible for local residents, minimizing commute times and simplifying involvement in weekly classes.

What truly distinguishes Perry Woodard School of Dance for Michigan locals is its unique combination of a "professional teaching environment" and a "family atmosphere." This balance ensures that students receive top-tier instruction while feeling supported, encouraged, and part of a welcoming community. As one long-time patron aptly put it, after six years, they "would highly recommend PWSD to any family looking for a dance school," citing the "wonderful staff and parents." While concerns about recital audience conduct may arise, the core experience within the studio itself is consistently praised for its positive and nurturing environment.

The comprehensive curriculum, offering everything from Creative Movement for toddlers to advanced Pointe and competitive programs, caters to a wide spectrum of ages and abilities. This breadth of offerings means that whether a child is just beginning their dance journey or an aspiring professional, they can find their place and thrive at Perry Woodard. The studio's commitment to creating lifelong friendships, combined with its flexible tuition options, further solidifies its position as a valuable and accessible resource for artistic development in Bay City. For anyone in Michigan seeking a reputable, caring, and long-established dance studio, Perry Woodard School of Dance offers a vibrant community where passion for movement is ignited and nurtured.

Perry Woodard School of Dance

1403 Columbus Ave, Bay City, MI 48708, USA