Spotlight Dance Works Introduce
For families and aspiring dancers across Michigan, particularly in Chesterfield and the surrounding Metro Detroit area, Spotlight Dance Works stands as a beacon of excellence in dance education. Celebrating over 25 years of nurturing talent, this esteemed studio has built a profound reputation for providing not just exceptional dance training but also for instilling confidence, fostering a love for the art form, and preparing students for potential professional journeys in dance. It's a place where dedicated teachers guide students with patience and encouragement, creating an environment where dancers truly thrive.
Under the direction of Liz Schmidt, who took the reins at just 19 years old, Spotlight Dance Works has evolved into a "hotbed of future professional concert dancers." This speaks volumes about the quality of instruction and the studio's commitment to developing well-rounded, technically proficient, and artistically expressive dancers. Beyond the rigorous training, the studio also cultivates a deeply supportive community, often described as a "dance family," where students build lasting friendships and find positive role models among their peers and instructors.
For Michigan locals, choosing a dance studio involves more than just finding classes; it's about finding a place that aligns with their values and goals. Spotlight Dance Works' philosophy emphasizes celebrating dancers' individuality and providing them with the tools to express themselves, trust their instincts, and believe in themselves. This holistic approach to dance education ensures that students not only master complex choreography but also develop crucial life skills that benefit them far beyond the stage.
The success stories emerging from Spotlight Dance Works are numerous, with many graduates advancing to prestigious college dance programs and conservatories across the country and even internationally, including institutions like Juilliard and the University of Michigan's Dance program. This testament to their preparatory capabilities makes Spotlight Dance Works a highly sought-after destination for serious dance students in Michigan.
Spotlight Dance Works is conveniently located at 45385 Marketplace Blvd, Chesterfield, MI 48051, USA. This address places the studio within a bustling marketplace area in Chesterfield Township, making it easily accessible for families residing in Chesterfield and neighboring communities across Macomb County and Southeast Michigan. Marketplace Boulevard is a well-known commercial thoroughfare, ensuring straightforward navigation for those traveling by car. As a part of a larger commercial complex, ample parking is typically available, providing convenience for parents and students during drop-offs and pick-ups.
Its strategic location allows Spotlight Dance Works to serve as a central hub for advanced dance education in the region. The ease of access helps ensure that dedicated students can consistently attend classes, engage in intensive training, and fully immerse themselves in their artistic development without excessive travel burdens.
Spotlight Dance Works offers a comprehensive and rigorous curriculum designed to cultivate highly skilled and versatile dancers, from early childhood to advanced pre-professional levels. Their programs emphasize strong technique, artistic expression, and professional readiness.
Diverse Dance Styles: The studio provides instruction in a wide array of dance genres, ensuring a well-rounded dance education. These include:
- Ballet (foundational technique, grace, precision)
- Pointe (advanced ballet technique)
- Tap (rhythmic footwork and musicality)
- Jazz (energetic, syncopated rhythms, isolations)
- Hip-Hop (high-energy street dance styles)
- Lyrical (fusion of ballet and jazz, emotional interpretation)
- Contemporary (modern dance, emphasis on expression and interpretation)
- Acro (acrobatic elements combined with dance)
Classes for All Ages and Levels: Spotlight Dance Works caters to a broad age range, from children as young as 2 years old through adults. They offer classes across various skill levels, from beginner and intermediate to advanced and pre-professional levels, ensuring a suitable placement for every dancer.
Competitive Company Teams: For advanced students generally over the age of 6, Spotlight offers additional opportunities through their Company Team. These teams compete in multiple regional and national competitions each year, providing intensive training, performance experience, and feedback from industry judges.
Pre-Professional Program (IGNITE+): A specialized program for highly dedicated dancers, including exclusive pre-professional classes and optional weekly sessions with the Pre-Professional Company. This program is designed to prepare dancers for professional careers, offering one-on-one evaluations to create personalized growth tracks.
Performance Opportunities: Students have multiple opportunities to perform, including an annual recital, competitive performances, and potentially other showcases, allowing them to gain stage experience and share their artistry.
Summer Classes and Camps: During the summer, the studio offers various camps and sessions, allowing dancers to continue their training, explore new styles, or immerse themselves in dance during the break.
Guest Artist Workshops and Master Classes: Spotlight Dance Works frequently brings in top instructors and choreographers, including former principal dancers from renowned companies and even Tony Award winners, to provide master classes and workshops, enriching the students' learning experience.
Spotlight Dance Works distinguishes itself as a premier dance institution in Michigan through several remarkable features:
Proven Track Record of Excellence: Celebrating over 25 years under the same passionate artistic director, Liz Schmidt, the studio has consistently produced highly skilled dancers, many of whom go on to attend prestigious college dance programs (like Juilliard, University of Michigan) and embark on professional careers in major dance companies.
Exceptional and Professional Faculty: The studio prides itself on having "highly trained staff" and "exceptional and professional teachers" who are not only knowledgeable in the art of dance but also incredibly patient and encouraging. Many hold Dance Masters Certifications or degrees in dance, ensuring top-tier instruction.
Outstanding and Original Choreography: Spotlight Dance Works is known for its high-quality, often award-winning, and original choreography, which provides students with stimulating and challenging routines that frequently earn top placements in competitions.
Nurturing and Supportive Environment: Testimonials consistently highlight the studio's welcoming atmosphere and the strong sense of community, often described as a "dance family." Teachers are seen as "wonderful role models" who genuinely care, fostering confidence and inclusivity.
Pre-Professional Pathway: The studio excels at preparing dancers for professional journeys, offering consistent education on what professional dance life entails (warm-ups, injury recovery, etiquette) and guiding high school seniors through college applications and auditions.
Focus on Individuality and Expression: A core philosophy is to give children "their own voice and tools to express themselves," creating an environment where dancers feel safe to take risks, try new things, and be their authentic selves, fostering unique artistry.
State-of-the-Art Facility: With 9,500 square feet of clean studio space, including 6 large dance rooms equipped with dance-specific flooring, full-height mirrors, modern sound systems, a student homework area, parent lounge, and kitchen, the facility is designed for optimal learning and comfort.
For Michigan residents interested in enrolling in classes or learning more about Spotlight Dance Works, here's how to get in touch:
Address: 45385 Marketplace Blvd, Chesterfield, MI 48051, USA
Phone: (586) 949-5630
Mobile Phone: +1 586-949-5630
For the most current class schedules, registration information, tuition details, and specifics on upcoming events or auditions for competitive programs, it is highly recommended to visit their official website at www.spotlightdanceworksmi.com.
For Michigan families, particularly those in Chesterfield and the surrounding Metro Detroit area, Spotlight Dance Works represents an unparalleled opportunity for dance education and personal development. Its suitability for locals is evident in its long-standing reputation for excellence, its commitment to professional training, and its deeply nurturing community environment.
The studio offers a rare blend of rigorous, high-quality instruction delivered by experienced and certified teachers, alongside a supportive atmosphere where students feel encouraged and valued. This balance is crucial for fostering not just technical dance skills across a wide range of styles, but also for building immense confidence, discipline, and a strong sense of self. The impressive track record of its alumni, many of whom go on to prestigious dance programs and professional careers, speaks volumes about the effectiveness of their training and mentorship.
Beyond the exceptional dance training, Spotlight Dance Works provides a true "dance family" experience, where students forge lifelong friendships and find positive role models. The studio's commitment to celebrating individuality and providing a safe space for artistic expression makes it a unique and enriching environment. For Michigan residents seeking a dance studio that will truly empower their children, guide them toward their full potential, and provide a pathway to professional opportunities while building strong character, Spotlight Dance Works is undoubtedly a top choice and a cherished local asset.
Spotlight Dance Works Photos




Spotlight Dance Works Location
Spotlight Dance Works
45385 Marketplace Blvd, Chesterfield, MI 48051, USA
Spotlight Dance Works Reviews
My daughter is about to complete her 5th year at Spotlight Dance Works.Since starting Dance we have seen her gain so much confidence. She couldn't have done it without the amazing teachers. They have all been so patient and encouraging. My daughter adores all the teachers. She looks up to the Pre Pro Dancers. They are all wonderful role models.Looking forward to many more years at Spotlight Dance Works.
May 06, 2025 · LizMy daughter had the best experience at SDW. She had exceptional and professional teachers guiding and teaching them consistently all the way through. Choreography was outstanding and they won first/second place most of the time. I know it’s not about winning but it sure feels good for as hard as they all work, :-)The teachers, staff and students were so welcoming. Friends for life she built there. 80% of my daughter’s senior class went on to further their love and talent for dance: schools in NYC, University of Michigan’s Dance program. SDW prepares their dancers for their professional journey. TY SDW❤️.
Nov 05, 2024 · Melanie OlsonMy daughter danced here last season with Ms. Stephanie who was a fantastic preschool ballet & tap teacher. This place is run extremely well from online registration to picture day to the recital they are a well oiled machine and emails were always answered very quickly. A fun and professional studio, it was a fabulous first dance experience for my daughter and I! ~Nicole
Jul 30, 2019 · Justin DelisiThis studio is amazing! My daughter took her first year of lessons and loved her teacher! We were welcomed by a FABULOUS staff and loved the dance at the end of the year. She will be returning for many years of dance with Spotlight Dance Works.
Aug 31, 2018 · Jackie McwilliamsYou really can’t find better training or staff for dance in SE Michigan! Our family has been a part of the SDW family for 10+ years, and making the choice to dance at Spotlight was the best decision we made for our dance training! My sister and I both made lifelong friends and professional connections through the studio. I highly recommend trusting SDW for your child’s dance training!
Aug 30, 2018 · Erica Matti
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