Southern Grace Dance Company

For families across Lakeland and the vibrant communities of Central Florida, finding a dance studio that truly embodies both exceptional instruction and a deep sense of community can be a truly rewarding discovery. Southern Grace Dance Company, nestled conveniently in Lakeland, Florida, stands as a testament to this ideal, offering a welcoming and nurturing environment where dancers of all ages and abilities can flourish. This isn't just a place to learn steps; it's a supportive family where confidence is built, passion is ignited, and every individual is celebrated.

What sets Southern Grace Dance Company apart is its heartfelt dedication to each student's journey. Kaley, the owner and lead instructor, along with Michelle, who manages reception and administration, are consistently praised for their "extremely accommodating and patient" approach. This personalized care extends to all students, including those with special needs, making it truly "a place for everyone." Parents marvel at how their shy children transform into confident performers, even at a young age, demonstrating "mindful dance 'technique'" and a newfound self-assurance.

The studio's philosophy centers on balancing rigorous technical training with the sheer joy of dance. Instructors skillfully guide students, providing individual feedback on form while simultaneously fostering cooperation and fun among the dancers. The ability of the teaching staff to coordinate large groups of children effectively, ensuring their safety on stage, is a testament to their professionalism and dedication. For Floridians seeking a dance home where compassion meets professional instruction, and where children are treated with dignity and respect, Southern Grace Dance Company offers an unparalleled and truly heartwarming experience.

Southern Grace Dance Company is conveniently located at 1704 E Edgewood Dr, Lakeland, FL 33803, USA. This accessible address places the studio in a well-established area of Lakeland, making it a practical choice for families residing across the city and in surrounding Polk County communities. East Edgewood Drive is a familiar thoroughfare, providing straightforward access from various residential sectors and connecting easily to other main routes within Lakeland.

The studio's location is a significant advantage for parents managing busy schedules, ensuring a relatively smooth commute for drop-offs and pick-ups. Ample parking is typically available at the facility, which helps alleviate any concerns regarding accessibility during peak class times. Being situated centrally within Lakeland's community means Southern Grace Dance Company is an integral part of the local landscape, easily found and convenient for consistent attendance. This strategic placement underscores the studio's commitment to being a central and accessible resource for quality dance education for the entire family within the Florida community.

• Comprehensive Dance Programs: Southern Grace Dance Company welcomes dancers of all ages, from 2 years old through adulthood, offering a wide range of dance styles.
  • Pre-Dance: Specifically designed for the youngest dancers (ages 2 and 3) to explore movement and creativity, laying foundational steps for ballet, tap, and jazz. Includes balance, coordination, and rhythm.
  • Ballet/Tap Combo: An hour-long class for children aged 4-6 or 6-8, structured with 30 minutes of ballet warm-up and technique, and 30 minutes dedicated to tap dancing.
  • Ballet: Classical ballet training, serving as the basis for all other dance styles, with a universal vocabulary. Encouraged as an accompaniment to other dance forms. Pointe is offered by invitation only for advanced students.
  • Contemporary: Combines elements of modern, jazz, lyrical, and classical ballet, focusing on fluid movements and creative expression. Requires accompanying ballet study.
  • Hip-Hop: Energetic classes exploring urban dance, rhythm, and freedom. For young dancers, it's fused with jazz technique for a solid foundation.
  • Jazz: Builds on dance technique with dynamic movements.
  • Tap: Focuses on rhythmic sounds and intricate footwork.
  • Homeschool Program: Tailored dance classes that can integrate into a homeschool curriculum.
  • Competition Teams (SG Elite): For dedicated dancers seeking intensive training and performance opportunities in competitive settings.
• "Joyful Soles" Special Needs Program: A specialized program for teens and adults with individual learning differences. This class provides a safe, encouraging environment to interact, build friendships, and express themselves through Jazz/Hip-Hop dance. It focuses on "dance-ability" over disability, with tailored curriculum and "buddies" (other students) for support.
• Advanced Placement Dance Classes: Designed for experienced dancers demonstrating high technical skill and performance quality. Placement is determined through formal assessment by experienced instructors.
• Recitals: Students participate in annual recitals (e.g., Christmas Recital) to showcase their progress and gain stage experience.
• Individualized Instruction: Instructors take time to help each individual dancer with form during class, ensuring personalized attention.

• Incredibly Supportive and Family-Oriented Environment: Consistently highlighted by reviews, the studio fosters a genuine "family" atmosphere, where staff (owner Kaley and administrator Michelle) are "extremely accommodating and patient" and treat kids with "dignity and respect."
• Inclusive for All Abilities: A standout feature is the "Joyful Soles" program, specifically designed for teens and adults with special needs, making dance accessible and encouraging for a wider community. The studio is truly "a place for everyone."
• Emphasis on Both Technique and Fun: Southern Grace Dance Company believes in a balance, ensuring "proper form and superior technique" are taught, but also that "the value in keeping classes enjoyable is often overlooked." They strive for a passion-driven learning experience where students "catch on very quickly" and "have fun!"
• Highly Engaging and Patient Instructors: Kaley and her assistants are praised for their patience, positivity, and ability to help individual dancers with form, making students "confident and mindful." They also excel at coordinating many children and ensuring their safety, even practicing stage entries/exits in the dark.
• Holistic Child Development: The studio goes beyond dance steps, helping children build confidence, social skills, and self-assurance, as seen in the transformation of shy students.
• Community Support and Compassion: Demonstrated by the owner's extraordinary support for a family who lost their home to Hurricane Milton, extending gifts of continued classes and recital attendance. This highlights a truly caring and compassionate community.
• Experienced Instructors: The team includes experienced instructors who have played active roles in the dance world, bringing "superior instruction with grace and integrity."
• Variety of Dance Styles: Offers a comprehensive range of dance genres, allowing students to explore different interests from classical ballet to hip-hop and contemporary.

Address: 1704 E Edgewood Dr, Lakeland, FL 33803, USA

Phone: (863) 370-5357

Mobile Phone: +1 863-370-5357

For families across Lakeland and the surrounding Central Florida region, Southern Grace Dance Company is an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended local institution. Its profound commitment to fostering a positive, family-like environment, coupled with its dedication to both dance excellence and individual well-being, makes it a standout choice for parents seeking more than just dance lessons.

The studio's welcoming and patient approach, exemplified by Kaley and Michelle, is a significant draw for local families. In a busy and diverse state like Florida, finding a place where every child, including those with special needs, feels truly accommodated, respected, and encouraged to thrive is invaluable. The "Joyful Soles" program, specifically designed for individuals with learning differences, underscores Southern Grace's deep commitment to inclusivity, setting it apart as a compassionate leader in the local dance community.

Furthermore, the balance between technical instruction and fun ensures that children not only learn proper form and technique but also maintain their joy and passion for dance. Parents frequently observe rapid progress and increased confidence in their children, a testament to the engaging and effective teaching methods employed by the experienced instructors. This focus on holistic development – building self-assurance alongside dance skills – resonates strongly with families looking for a well-rounded extracurricular activity.

The convenient Lakeland location on East Edgewood Drive provides easy accessibility for residents, making daily commutes manageable for busy family schedules. The diverse range of dance styles, from foundational ballet to energetic hip-hop and contemporary, ensures that children can explore various artistic interests within a consistent and trusted environment.

Perhaps most importantly, the genuine care and community support demonstrated by Southern Grace Dance Company, as shown by their extraordinary assistance to a family affected by a hurricane, speak volumes about their character. They are not just a business but an integral, compassionate part of the Lakeland community. For any Florida family seeking a dance studio that offers professional training, a nurturing environment, and a true sense of belonging, Southern Grace Dance Company is an outstanding and highly recommended local choice.

Southern Grace Dance Company

1704 E Edgewood Dr, Lakeland, FL 33803, USA