The Dance Avenue

Introduction / Overview

For families and individuals across the Iowa region seeking a dance studio that truly feels like home, The Dance Avenue (TDA) in Des Moines stands out as a vibrant, supportive, and exceptionally welcoming community. TDA believes that dance is for everyone, regardless of skill level or age, and they are passionately committed to providing quality dance training in an atmosphere that is both fun and comfortable. Under the dedicated direction of co-owners Amber and Chad Martin, who collectively bring decades of experience to the dance industry, TDA has cultivated a reputation for excellence. Amber, with over 25 years in dance, is driven by a passion for mentoring youth and a commitment to providing top-notch dance education, while Chad, as Office Manager and co-owner, handles the logistics, building, and even motivational speaking. Together, they lead a studio where every dancer is valued and considered an important part of their "dance family." As enthusiastically expressed by a proud parent, "We are PROUD to be a part of this dance family!" This commitment extends beyond dance steps, integrating vital life lessons such as commitment, respect, hard work, and self-discipline into every class. If you're looking for a place where your child (or even you!) can truly love to dance and grow, The Dance Avenue is highly recommended to anyone in Iowa.

Location and Accessibility

The Dance Avenue is conveniently located at 200 Army Post Rd Unit 8, Des Moines, IA 50315, USA. This accessible address places the studio in the heart of Des Moines, making it an ideal choice for residents within the city limits and those commuting from surrounding communities throughout the larger Iowa metropolitan area. Situated on Army Post Road, a well-known thoroughfare, the studio offers straightforward navigation and easy access. The location typically provides ample parking, which is a significant convenience for drop-offs and pick-ups for busy families. TDA's strategic placement ensures that a high-quality dance education is readily available to a wide range of students across Central Iowa, minimizing travel time and making consistent attendance manageable.

Services Offered

The Dance Avenue provides a comprehensive and diverse array of dance and movement classes, meticulously designed to cater to all skill levels and ages, from young children to adults. Their curriculum balances rigorous learning with high-energy, motivational fun, ensuring that dancers develop both technical skill and a deep passion for the art form. Here's a detailed list of their offerings:

• Ballet: Fundamental to all dance forms, focusing on grace, strength, precision, and classical technique.
• Pointe: Specialized instruction for advanced ballet students, focusing on the strength and technique required for dancing en pointe.
• Tap: Develops rhythm, musicality, and intricate footwork through percussive sounds.
• Jazz: Dynamic and energetic, covering various jazz styles with an emphasis on flexibility, turns, and leaps.
• Tumbling/Acrobatics: Classes focused on developing strength, flexibility, balance, and acrobatic skills, often complementing dance training.
• Hip Hop: High-energy classes featuring popular street dance styles, emphasizing rhythm, coordination, and individual expression.
• Lyrical: Blends elements of ballet and jazz, focusing on emotional expression and storytelling through fluid movement.
• Pom: Combines sharp, synchronized movements with cheer and dance elements, often utilizing poms.
• Boys Only: Dedicated classes designed specifically for male dancers, fostering camaraderie and catering to their unique movement styles.
• Adult Dance and Fitness: Opportunities for adults to enjoy dance, stay active, and learn new skills in a welcoming environment.
• Recreational Classes: Designed for students who wish to enjoy dance as a hobby, for exercise, and for social interaction, without the commitment of competitive dance.
• Competitive Teams: For dedicated dancers, TDA offers competitive teams that involve intensive training and opportunities to perform and compete at various events, fostering discipline and advanced performance skills.
• Student Staff and Student Assistants Programs: Developed to mold future leaders, these programs empower youth to share their love of dance by assisting in classes, teaching responsibility and commitment.

Features / Highlights

The Dance Avenue is distinguished by several key features and highlights that make it a standout choice for dance education in the Des Moines and broader Iowa area:

• Supportive and Understanding Environment: Numerous customer reviews emphasize the studio's caring nature, highlighting that they are "very supportive, understanding, and always willing to work with you through anything." This creates a safe and nurturing space for dancers.
• Safety First Approach: TDA prioritizes the safety of its dancers, ensuring that procedures and protocols are in place to provide a secure learning environment. This was particularly evident during challenging times, where they were "one step ahead and getting procedures in place."
• Passionate and Experienced Leadership: Led by co-owners Amber and Chad Martin, the studio benefits from over 25 years of combined experience in the dance industry. Their dedication to mentoring youth and commitment to excellence is a driving force behind the studio's success.
• Inclusive "Dance Family" Atmosphere: The studio fosters a strong sense of community, where dancers feel "loved and special," and families are proud to be part of the "dance family." This welcoming environment encourages social connection and peer support.
• Emphasis on Life Lessons: Beyond dance steps, TDA integrates important life lessons into its curriculum, teaching commitment, respect, hard work, and self-discipline, thus contributing to the holistic development of its students.
• Adaptability and Flexibility (e.g., during COVID-19): The studio demonstrated remarkable adaptability by offering both in-person and virtual classes during challenging times, ensuring continuity of learning and accommodating diverse needs.
• Wide Variety of Classes for All Skill Levels: From recreational classes for beginners to competitive teams for experienced dancers, and offerings for all ages including "Boys Only" and "Adult Dance," TDA caters to a broad spectrum of interests and abilities.
• High-Energy and Motivational Classes: The teaching approach balances "a lot of learning with a lot of fun," utilizing motivational and high-energy techniques to keep dancers engaged and passionate about their craft.
• Focus on Inspiring Passion: TDA is dedicated to "growing our dancers in their skill as well as developing their passion for dance and music," ensuring a lasting love for the art form.

Contact Information

To learn more about The Dance Avenue, explore their class schedules, or inquire about registration, you can use the following contact details:

• Address: 200 Army Post Rd Unit 8, Des Moines, IA 50315, USA
• Phone: (515) 256-0970
• Mobile Phone: +1 515-256-0970

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For families and individuals throughout the Des Moines area and across the wider Iowa region, The Dance Avenue presents an outstanding and highly recommended choice for dance education. The consistently glowing reviews from local customers powerfully attest to its suitability. Parents "absolutely adore dancing with TDA," praising their supportive, understanding nature and commitment to dancer safety, which has made their children's dance experience "so amazing!" The ability to adapt and offer both in-person and virtual classes, even during challenging times, further highlights their dedication to serving the community effectively. The core philosophy of TDA—that dance lessons are life lessons, fostering commitment, respect, and self-discipline—resonates deeply with parents seeking more than just dance instruction. The diverse range of classes, catering to all ages and skill levels from recreational dancers to competitive teams, ensures that every individual can find their place and thrive. With passionate, experienced leadership and a truly inclusive "dance family" atmosphere, The Dance Avenue in Des Moines stands as a premier local destination for anyone in Iowa looking to embrace the joy of dance, develop valuable life skills, and become part of a welcoming community.

The Dance Avenue

200 Army Post Rd Unit 8, Des Moines, IA 50315, USA