St. Cloud School of Dance Ultimate Gymnastics

For over seven decades, St. Cloud School of Dance Ultimate Gymnastics has been a cornerstone of movement education in Central Minnesota. If you're looking for a place where your child can explore the joy of dance, develop strength and agility through gymnastics, and build crucial life skills in a supportive environment, this established institution in St. Cloud is a local treasure.

Founded in 1953 by Ruth Babler in the basement of her south St. Cloud home, the school has grown from humble beginnings into a recognized leader in the dance and gymnastics community. Now run by Ruth's daughter, Sue Arnold, St. Cloud School of Dance & Ultimate Gymnastics continues a rich family legacy of passion for teaching. The philosophy centers on fostering self-confidence and self-discipline in every student, regardless of their skill level. Whether your child is taking their very first steps in a ballet class or is an advanced gymnast aiming for competition, the experienced instructors are dedicated to nurturing talent and a love for movement. With a history spanning more than 70 years, this facility has consistently provided a space where generations of Minnesotans have learned, grown, and achieved their personal best in dance and gymnastics.

St. Cloud School of Dance Ultimate Gymnastics is conveniently located at 3027 Southway Dr, St Cloud, MN 56301, USA. This easily accessible location in St. Cloud makes it a prime destination for families not only within the city but also from surrounding communities in Central Minnesota, such as Sartell, Sauk Rapids, Waite Park, and other nearby towns. Its position offers straightforward access by personal vehicle, and the facility typically provides ample parking space, ensuring a smooth and convenient experience for parents dropping off and picking up their children. The strategic location allows the school to serve a wide demographic of local users seeking high-quality dance and gymnastics instruction without extensive travel.

St. Cloud School of Dance Ultimate Gymnastics offers a comprehensive range of programs designed to cater to various ages, skill levels, and interests in both dance and gymnastics. Their diverse offerings ensure that every student can find a program that fits their goals and helps them thrive.

• Dance Classes: A wide variety of dance styles are offered, including:

  • Classical Ballet: Providing fundamental technique and grace.

  • Lyrical: A blend of ballet and jazz, emphasizing emotional expression.

  • Contemporary: Incorporating elements of modern dance with unique movements.

  • Jazz: Energetic and dynamic, focusing on rhythm and style.

  • Hip-Hop: High-energy, urban dance forms.

  • Tap: Rhythmic footwork and sound production.

  • Recreational Dance and Gymnastics Combination Classes: Introductory courses, often meeting one hour per week, that allow students to explore a mix of ballet, jazz, hip-hop, tap, and basic gymnastics.

• Gymnastics Programs: Catering to all levels, from beginners to competitive gymnasts:

  • Preschool Gymnastics: Classes for ages 2-5, focusing on basic skills, gross motor abilities, confidence building, and comfort with equipment on bars, beam, and floor (Beginners I for ages 2-4, Beginners II for ages 4-5).

  • Recreational Gymnastics: Progressing through various levels (Intermediate I, II, III, Advanced I, II) for second-year gymnasts and beyond, focusing on independence, flexibility, strength, and body awareness on all four events (vault, bars, beam, and floor).

  • Team Gymnastics: Highly specialized training for competitive athletes, including:

    • Cubs Prep Team: Designed to prepare female gymnasts for competitive Junior Tiger Gymnastics (JTG) Team, requiring try-outs and coach's permission.

    • Junior Tiger Gymnastics (JTG) Team: The highest level of gymnastics, involving year-round practice, learning routines for all four events, and participation in the MAGA competitive winter season. This also requires try-outs and coach's permission.

• Competitive Dance Programs: For dancers with existing skills or intermediate abilities, including:

  • 1-Day Competition Dance Lines: Classes meeting once a week for two hours, performing at the Winter Show, Spring Recital, and one regional dance competition in the spring.

  • 2-Day Competition Dance Lines: For highly talented dancers, meeting twice a week for two hours each time. These lines often win top awards and learn ballet, jazz, lyrical, tap, contemporary, and hip-hop, performing at local shows, Winter Show, Spring Recital, and up to three regional competitions.

• Performances and Recitals: Students in both dance and gymnastics programs have multiple opportunities to showcase their skills in various shows, including a Winter Show in December, a Spring Recital in May (often at Ritsche Auditorium on the St. Cloud State University campus), and participation in dance competitions.

• Special Events: While specific details may vary, the school often hosts or participates in special events, further engaging the community.

St. Cloud School of Dance Ultimate Gymnastics has several key features and highlights that set it apart as a leading institution for dance and gymnastics in the Central Minnesota area.

• Decades of Experience and Legacy: With over 70 years of operation, the school carries a rich history and a proven track record of nurturing talent. Its foundation by Ruth Babler and continued leadership by her daughter, Sue Arnold, signify a deep-rooted commitment to the community and the arts, ensuring a consistent and evolving approach to instruction.

• Dual Focus on Dance and Gymnastics: Unlike many studios that specialize in one discipline, St. Cloud School of Dance Ultimate Gymnastics excels in both. This unique combination allows families to consolidate their children's activities in one location and provides opportunities for cross-training, benefiting overall physical development and artistry.

• Comprehensive Program Progression: From introductory preschool classes to advanced competitive teams, the school offers a clear pathway for students to progress. This structured approach, particularly evident in their gymnastics levels (Beginners I to Advanced II, and competitive teams like Cubs Prep and JTG), ensures continuous learning and skill development at appropriate paces.

• Emphasis on Self-Confidence and Discipline: Beyond physical skills, the core philosophy of the school is to build essential life attributes. Students are taught valuable lessons in self-confidence and self-discipline, which extend far beyond the dance floor or gymnastics mat, preparing them for future endeavors.

• Opportunities for Performance and Competition: The school provides numerous avenues for students to showcase their talents, from local recitals and winter shows to regional dance and gymnastics competitions. The participation of their 2-Day Competitive Dance Lines in high-level competitions, often winning awards, highlights the quality of their training.

• Experienced and Dedicated Staff: While specific staff details beyond the owner are not extensively publicized, the longevity and reputation of the school suggest a team of experienced and committed instructors who are passionate about teaching and mentoring young artists and athletes.

• Community Integration: Through its long history and participation in local events, the St. Cloud School of Dance Ultimate Gymnastics is deeply integrated into the Central Minnesota community, enriching the local arts and sports scene.

For detailed information on class schedules, registration, or any inquiries, you can reach St. Cloud School of Dance Ultimate Gymnastics using the following contact details:

Address: 3027 Southway Dr, St Cloud, MN 56301, USA

Phone: (320) 251-3110

Mobile Phone: +1 320-251-3110

St. Cloud School of Dance Ultimate Gymnastics stands as an excellent choice for local residents in Central Minnesota looking for quality dance and gymnastics instruction. Its extensive history, offering over 70 years of experience, underscores its stability and dedication to the community. For families, the dual focus on both dance and gymnastics is a significant advantage, providing diverse opportunities for physical activity and artistic expression all under one roof. While one review mentioned a concern regarding cancellation policies, another highlighted positive experiences over many years, praising the welcoming staff and knowledgeable instructors, and emphasizing the strong friendships and community built within the studio. This suggests that for many, the benefits of community and consistent positive experiences outweigh potential administrative challenges. The comprehensive range of classes, from recreational to competitive levels, ensures that children of all ages and abilities can find a suitable program to foster their growth, build confidence, and develop important life skills. For those in St. Cloud and surrounding areas seeking a structured, supportive, and long-standing institution for their children's movement education, St. Cloud School of Dance Ultimate Gymnastics offers a compelling and trusted local option.

St. Cloud School of Dance Ultimate Gymnastics

3027 Southway Dr, St Cloud, MN 56301, USA