Robert Thomas Dancenter West

Welcome to Robert Thomas Dancenter West, a distinguished and long-standing institution that has been shaping the dance landscape of Ames, Iowa, and the broader central Iowa region since 1978. Founded by Robert and Miyoko Thomas, who brought their extensive professional dance experience from New York City to Robert's hometown, this Dancenter was established with a clear goal: to create a professional environment where young people could truly enjoy the experience of learning the technical skills, presentation, and performance aspects of dance. With over three decades in the dance world, including half that time as professional touring dancers, the Thomases envisioned a studio that offered high-quality, professional training that was also accessible and enjoyable for students of all ages.

Today, Robert Thomas Dancenter West continues this rich legacy, embodying its core values of Quality, Integrity, and Leadership. Having trained over 10,000 Iowa dancers, the Dancenter has celebrated more than 40 years of continuous operation, a testament to its enduring commitment to excellence and its profound impact on the community. It's a place where dance education is taken seriously, yet the joy of movement and the development of well-rounded individuals are equally prioritized. For families and aspiring dancers in Iowa, Robert Thomas Dancenter West offers a truly professional and nurturing environment to explore the captivating world of dance.

Robert Thomas Dancenter West is conveniently located at 134 Dotson Drive, Ames, IA 50014, USA. This accessible location makes it a practical choice for families residing in Ames and the surrounding communities throughout central Iowa. The Dancenter also operates an Ames South location at 319 S. 17th Street, providing further convenience for a wider range of local students. The Dotson Drive studio is situated in an easily navigable area of Ames, ensuring straightforward access for students and parents. Ample parking is typically available, which helps facilitate smooth drop-offs and pick-ups for busy schedules. Being a well-established and licensed institution since 1978, Robert Thomas Dancenter West is deeply integrated into the local fabric, making it a familiar and reliable destination for anyone seeking dance education in the Iowa region. Its commitment to professional training in an accessible setting truly serves the local community's needs.

Robert Thomas Dancenter offers an extensive and diverse array of dance disciplines, programs, and classes for students ranging from Pre-Kindergarten through adults. Their offerings are designed to provide professional training across various styles, catering to different interests and skill levels.

• PreK - 12th Grade Classes: A comprehensive curriculum for young dancers, ensuring age-appropriate instruction and progression through various dance forms.
• Adult Classes: Specific programs tailored for adult dancers, including Ballet and Stretch & Strengthen, allowing adults to pursue or rediscover their passion for dance.
• Wide Variety of Dance Styles: The Dancenter prides itself on offering a vast selection of dance styles, taught by qualified professionals specializing in each, including:
  • Pre-Ballet & Ballet: Fundamental training in classical ballet technique, emphasizing grace, posture, strength, and discipline, including advanced Pointe work.
  • Tap: Focuses on rhythmic footwork and percussive sounds, enhancing musicality and coordination.
  • Jazz: Energetic and versatile, combining ballet techniques with modern steps, focusing on dynamic movements, leaps, and turns.
  • Pointe: Specialized instruction for accomplished ballet dancers, focusing on strength, balance, and technique en pointe.
  • Hip-Hop: Contemporary street-style dance, emphasizing musicality, athleticism, and individual expression.
  • Stretch & Strengthen: Classes dedicated to improving flexibility, strength, and overall physical conditioning crucial for dancers.
  • Irish Dance: Including both soft shoe and hard shoe techniques, a unique offering that delves into traditional Irish steps and rhythms.
  • Competitive Dance: Opportunities for dedicated dancers to join competitive teams and showcase their skills in various events.
  • Contemporary: Explores modern dance techniques with a focus on artistic expression, fluidity, and emotional depth.
  • Lyrical: A blend of ballet, jazz, and contemporary, where dancers express emotions and tell stories through fluid movements.
  • Acrobatics: Focuses on developing flexibility, balance, and tumbling skills that can be integrated into dance.
  • Ballroom: Learn the elegant and social dances of ballroom.
  • Character: Dance that focuses on portraying specific characters or personalities.
  • Middle Eastern, Arabic, Egyptian, East Indian (Bharatanatyam): Unique offerings that delve into diverse global dance forms.
  • Break-dance: An energetic and acrobatic street dance style.
  • Yoga & Cardio Dance: Fitness-oriented classes to enhance overall well-being and conditioning.
  • Cheer Clinics: Specialized training for cheer and drill.
  • Coming Soon: Ballet Folkloric and Flamenco, expanding their cultural dance offerings.
• Specialized Programs:
  • Iowa Youth Ballet Company: Provides pre-professional training and performance opportunities in classical ballet, including the annual Nutcracker Ballet, a cherished Ames tradition since 1981, involving over 200 dancers.
  • Dancenter Dancer Contemporary Company: A program for dancers interested in contemporary dance exploration and performance.
  • Irish Performance Team (IPT): Offers opportunities to perform traditional Irish dances at various events and festivals.
• Individual Workshops, Intensives, and Private Training: Available upon request for personalized instruction and focused skill development.

Robert Thomas Dancenter West stands out in the Iowa dance community due to several distinctive features and long-standing highlights that have cemented its reputation.

• Established Legacy (Since 1978): With over four decades of operation, the Dancenter boasts a rich history of dance education in central Iowa. This longevity speaks to its consistent quality and commitment.
• Professional Training & Educators: The studio prides itself on providing professional training delivered by certified and experienced educators. Many instructors are Dance Masters Certified, ensuring high standards of instruction.
• Small Class Sizes & One-on-One Attention: The Dancenter maintains small class sizes, allowing instructors to offer more personalized, one-on-one help to students, ensuring individual progress and attention.
• Comprehensive Dance Disciplines: An extensive array of dance styles are offered, ranging from classical ballet to diverse world dance forms, ensuring dancers can explore a wide range of interests.
• Affordable Pricing & Payment Plans: The Dancenter is committed to making dance education accessible, offering affordable pricing and convenient 12-month payment plans to fit various budgets.
• Focus on Technique & Terminology: Strong emphasis is placed on correct dance technique and terminology, providing students with a solid foundation that will be useful in any dance path.
• Proven Track Record of Success: Over 10,000 children have danced here since 1978, with many graduates pursuing dance after high school. Dancenter students have collectively earned over a million dollars in university scholarships to prestigious programs across the country (e.g., University of Utah, Milwaukee Ballet, The Ailey School at Fordham University).
• The Nutcracker Ballet: Artistic directors Robert and Miyoko have brought this beloved ballet to life each year at Stephens Auditorium since 1981, involving a cast of over 200 dancers from across Central Iowa.
• Positive Life Skills Development: The studio instills invaluable life skills such as perseverance, discipline, creativity, and confidence, preparing students for success beyond dance.

For more information about Robert Thomas Dancenter West, including class schedules, registration details, or any other inquiries, please feel free to reach out using the contact details below:

Address: 134 Dotson Dr, Ames, IA 50014, USA

Phone: (515) 292-4602

Mobile Phone: +1 515-292-4602

For families and individuals in Ames and the broader Iowa region, Robert Thomas Dancenter West stands out as an exceptionally suitable choice for dance education. Its unparalleled legacy of over four decades in the community speaks volumes about its sustained quality and dedication. Locals can trust in a studio that has professionally trained over 10,000 dancers, many of whom have gone on to achieve significant success in dance and beyond, including earning over a million dollars in university scholarships. This proven track record, coupled with their commitment to professional, high-quality instruction, ensures that students receive a truly valuable education.

The Dancenter's dedication to small class sizes and personalized attention means that each student, regardless of age or experience level, receives the guidance and support they need to flourish. The vast array of dance styles offered, from classical ballet and diverse cultural dances to contemporary and competitive programs, ensures that every interest is catered to. Moreover, the emphasis on developing vital life skills like perseverance, discipline, and confidence, alongside technical proficiency, makes it an investment in a child's holistic development. For locals seeking an affordable, professional, and established dance institution that prioritizes both artistic excellence and personal growth, Robert Thomas Dancenter West remains a premier destination in Iowa, fostering a lifelong love for dance and building foundational skills for future success.

Robert Thomas Dancenter West

134 Dotson Dr, Ames, IA 50014, USA