Robert Thomas Dancenter South

Hello, fellow Iowans! If you or your family are passionate about dance, or perhaps looking to embark on a new artistic journey right here in the heart of our state, then Robert Thomas Dancenter South in Ames is a name you absolutely need to know. This esteemed dance studio has been a cornerstone of the Central Iowa arts community for decades, renowned for its exceptional instruction, diverse offerings, and the incredibly positive environment it cultivates for dancers of all ages and levels.

As enthusiastic patrons consistently attest, Robert Thomas Dancenter South truly stands out. One glowing review highlights "Great teachers and staff, along with an amazing owner," while another simply, yet profoundly, states, "I love dancing 💃." These heartfelt sentiments encapsulate the studio's success in not just teaching dance, but in fostering a genuine love for the art form. Since 1978, Robert Thomas Dancenter has been a licensed institution offering children's education, providing professional training by professional educators. They are dedicated to bringing out the dancer in every student and providing the fundamentals needed for excellence, ensuring that each individual gains skills useful in any career, learning that hard work pays off, and that teamwork is essential for success.

Robert Thomas Dancenter South is conveniently located at 319 S 17th St, Ames, IA 50010, USA. This easily accessible address places the studio centrally within Ames, making it a practical and straightforward destination for families residing throughout Ames and the wider Central Iowa region. Its prime location typically ensures convenient parking and easy navigation, which is a considerable advantage for parents with busy schedules.

Being situated within Ames allows for seamless integration into daily routines, reducing travel time and making it easier for students to commit to their dance training. This accessibility firmly establishes Robert Thomas Dancenter South as a vital local resource, providing top-tier dance education within easy reach for Iowans passionate about the performing arts.

Robert Thomas Dancenter offers an incredibly comprehensive and diverse range of dance services, catering to students from PreK through adulthood, across all skill levels. Their extensive curriculum is designed to provide professional training and foster a deep appreciation for various dance forms.

• Extensive Dance Styles: The studio offers a vast array of dance styles, including:
  • Pre-ballet: Introductory classes for the youngest dancers.
  • Ballet & Pointe: Classical ballet training across graded levels, with pointe classes for eligible students (typically age 10+ with 2 years of ballet training and instructor approval).
  • Tap: Focusing on rhythmic precision and musicality through intricate footwork.
  • Jazz: Energetic and expressive, incorporating turns, leaps, and contemporary movements.
  • Hip-hop: Dynamic street dance styles for rhythm and self-expression.
  • Stretch & Strengthen: Classes dedicated to enhancing flexibility, conditioning, and overall physical strength.
  • Irish Dance (Soft Shoe & Hard Shoe): Traditional Irish dance, including a dedicated Irish Performance Team.
  • Competitive Dance: Opportunities for serious dancers to join the "Dancenter Dancers" company, participating in auditions and competitive events.
  • Contemporary & Lyrical: Blending elements of ballet and jazz, focusing on emotional expression and fluid movement.
  • Acrobatics: Integrating gymnastic and tumbling elements into dance.
  • Ballroom & Character: Exploring social and theatrical dance forms.
  • Middle Eastern, Arabic, Egyptian, East Indian: Unique cultural dance offerings, including specialized "Belly Dance."
  • Break-dance: Dynamic and acrobatic street dance.
  • Yoga & Cardio Dance: For fitness and wellness, enhancing strength and stamina.
  • Cheer Clinics: Specialized training relevant to cheerleading.
  • Soon to be offered: Ballet Folkloric and Flamenco, expanding their cultural dance offerings.
• Youth Programs (PreK - 12 Classes): Structured classes designed for various age groups within this range, ensuring age-appropriate instruction and progression.
• Adult Classes: Opportunities for adults (18+) to engage in dance for fitness, enjoyment, or to revisit a passion.
• Specialized Programs:
  • Iowa Youth Ballet: A dedicated program for aspiring ballet dancers, as highlighted in previous information, often connected to the Dancenter.
  • Dancenter Dancer Company: A premier competitive dance company for ages 6-18, with auditions held annually.
  • Irish Performance Team: A specialized group for Irish dance performances.
  • XL Ballet Training: Advanced ballet training, often a prerequisite for pointe.
• Performance Opportunities: Regular opportunities for students to perform, including annual events like the Dancenter Expo and a large-scale production of "The Nutcracker Ballet."
• Retail Store: A convenient on-site retail store offering a full line of dance shoes, accessories, and clothing from top brands like Capezio, Bloch, Grishko, and Sansha.
• Workshops, Intensives, and Private Training: Periodically scheduled or available upon request for concentrated learning and individualized instruction.

Robert Thomas Dancenter South stands out through a multitude of key features and highlights that solidify its reputation as a leading dance institution in Iowa. These aspects contribute to its long-standing success and the positive experiences of its students.

• Decades of Experience and Established Reputation: Founded in 1978, the Dancenter has over 40 years of experience in dance education, having trained over 10,000 dancers in Iowa. This long history speaks to its stability, expertise, and trusted place within the community.
• Professional and Caring Instructors: Reviews consistently praise the "great teachers and staff." The studio emphasizes "Professional Training by Professional Educators," ensuring that students receive high-quality instruction from experienced and dedicated mentors who also focus on nurturing a love for dance.
• Comprehensive Curriculum and Progressive Training: The vast array of dance styles offered, coupled with graded levels and specialized technique classes (like Pointe and XL Ballet Training), ensures a well-rounded and progressive dance education tailored to individual growth.
• Emphasis on Life Skills: Beyond dance technique, the studio is dedicated to imparting crucial life lessons. As one review notes, students gain skills useful in any career, learning that "hard work pays off, team work is essential for success, and that you aren't always going to get the role or opportunity that you want." This holistic approach is invaluable.
• The Nutcracker Ballet Production: A significant highlight is their annual production of "The Nutcracker Ballet" at Stephens Auditorium since 1981, featuring a cast of over 200 dancers from Central Iowa. This grand performance provides an unparalleled opportunity for students to experience a professional-level production.
• Variety of Performance Opportunities: Beyond "The Nutcracker," students have multiple avenues to perform, including the Dancenter Expo and participation in the Dancenter Dancer Company, allowing them to gain valuable stage experience.
• On-Site Retail Store: The convenience of having a full line of dance shoes, accessories, and clothing available on-site simplifies the process for parents and ensures dancers have access to proper attire and equipment.
• Community Engagement: The Dancenter is deeply integrated into the Central Iowa community, providing cultural enrichment through its performances and educational programs.

For those in the Iowa area interested in enrolling or learning more about Robert Thomas Dancenter South, here is their contact information:

Address: 319 S 17th St, Ames, IA 50010, USA

Phone: (515) 233-0826

Mobile Phone: +1 515-233-0826

For locals across Iowa, especially those in Ames and the surrounding Central Iowa region, Robert Thomas Dancenter South is an exceptionally suitable choice for dance education. Its decades-long history and proven track record of nurturing thousands of dancers underscore its reliability and commitment to excellence. The consistent praise for its "great teachers and staff" and "amazing owner" ensures a supportive and professional learning environment where students feel valued and inspired to "love dancing."

The sheer breadth of dance styles offered, from classical ballet and pointe to vibrant hip-hop, traditional Irish dance, and even unique cultural forms like Middle Eastern dance, means that every individual, regardless of age or interest, can find their passion here. This comprehensive curriculum, combined with a focus on correct technical placement, ensures that dancers not only learn steps but truly understand the art form and develop a strong foundation.

Furthermore, the Dancenter's dedication to imparting "priceless" life lessons—such as hard work, teamwork, and resilience—makes it much more than just a dance studio; it's a place for holistic personal development. The unparalleled opportunity to participate in a large-scale production like "The Nutcracker Ballet" provides a truly memorable and professional experience for young dancers. With its convenient Ames location and a legacy of fostering talent and passion, Robert Thomas Dancenter South truly is a premier destination for dance in Iowa, making it an ideal choice for any local family.

Robert Thomas Dancenter South

319 S 17th St, Ames, IA 50010, USA