The Dance Element: Wilmington's Home for Happy Dancing

The Dance Element Introduce

Introduction / Overview

The Dance Element in Wilmington, North Carolina, is a unique and highly-regarded dance studio dedicated to fostering a love for dance in a "happy & healthy atmosphere." More than just a place to learn steps, it aims to be a "home away from home" for its students, providing a supportive and welcoming environment for dancers of all ages, "shapes, sizes, skin tones, & skill levels." The studio's philosophy centers on promoting healthy minds and bodies, nurturing lifelong friendships, and cultivating an appreciation for the arts through quality dance education. With a focus on camaraderie over competition, The Dance Element encourages students to believe in themselves and support one another, building confidence and strong foundational techniques. Their commitment to professional instruction, diverse class offerings, and community engagement makes them a vibrant cornerstone of Wilmington's performing arts scene, inviting everyone to discover the joy and benefits of dance.

Location and Accessibility

The Dance Element is conveniently situated at 7211 Ogden Business Ln STE 205, Wilmington, NC 28411, USA. This location within the Ogden Business Park, near the intersection of Market Street and adjacent to Ogden Park, makes it easily accessible for residents throughout Wilmington and the surrounding communities, including Porters Neck and Wrightsville Beach. Being located in a business park often means ample parking is available, which significantly contributes to a hassle-free experience for parents during drop-off and pick-up, and for adult students attending classes. Its proximity to major roadways ensures straightforward navigation, allowing for seamless integration of dance lessons into busy schedules for local families. The strategic placement of The Dance Element reinforces its role as a central hub for dance in the greater Wilmington area, inviting everyone to partake in their programs with ease.

Services Offered

Comprehensive Dance Classes for Children & Teens: The Dance Element provides weekly dance classes for girls and boys across various age groups (e.g., ages 3-5, 6-8, 9-12, teenagers), offering progressive learning and skill development.
Diverse Dance Styles: Students can explore a wide array of popular classical and contemporary dance styles, including Preschool Ballet, Hip Hop, Jazz, Tap, Acrobatics, Modern Dance, Lyrical, and Contemporary Dance.
Adult Dance & Fitness Classes: The studio offers a weekly schedule of fun dance and fitness classes specifically for adults and seniors, including Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Modern Dance, Line Dance, Ballroom Dance, and Zumba Fitness, catering to various interests and fitness levels.
Boys' Dance Program: A unique feature is their dedicated "All Boys Hip Hop & Dance Classes" led by professional male dance teachers, providing a nurturing and encouraging atmosphere specifically designed for male dancers to build confidence and skills.
Professional and Formally Educated Teachers: Classes are led by an inspiring team of professionally trained and formally educated dance teachers who utilize correct French terminology and age-appropriate exercises to build strong bodies and proper technique.
Element Productions Inc. (Non-profit Performance Company): The Dance Element is home to Element Productions Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit Ballet & Dance Performance Company. This company provides pre-professional dance training focused on classical ballet & contemporary dance, offering performance, musicality, and artistry.
Unique Performance Opportunities: Through Element Productions, students have the chance to participate in spectacular stage productions, including uniquely themed annual showcases and original adaptations of famous stories, offering invaluable training experiences.
Workshops with Professional Guest Artists & Master Teachers: The studio regularly invites professional guest artists and master dance teachers to Wilmington, hosting unique workshops and master classes that expose students to diverse dance cultures and disciplines, and preparing serious students for potential professional careers.
"Happy Dancing" Experiences: The studio's overarching goal is to provide "Happy Dancing experiences," fostering an appreciation for the arts and nurturing lifelong friendships in a positive and supportive classroom setting.
Focus on Camaraderie, Not Competition: The Dance Element emphasizes fostering camaraderie among students rather than direct competition, promoting a collaborative and supportive learning environment where students help each other learn and succeed.
Yoga for Children: In addition to dance, the studio offers specialized yoga classes for children.
Pageant Coaching & Home School Dance: Further demonstrating their diverse offerings, the studio provides specialized coaching and programs tailored to specific needs.

Features / Highlights

Exceptional Cleanliness: As noted in a prominent review, The Dance Element is "by far the cleanest dance studio I’ve ever been to." This dedication to cleanliness creates a hygienic and comfortable environment for all students and visitors, which is a significant highlight.
Highly Supportive and Welcoming Community: Multiple reviews praise the studio as a "home away from home" with "welcoming and supportive" teachers, parents, and students. This strong sense of community fosters a positive and encouraging atmosphere, making it ideal for new and returning dancers alike.
Talented and Professional Instructors: The teaching staff is consistently lauded for being "talented" and effective in developing "proper techniques and skills." Their "inspiring professional teachers" are formally educated and dedicated to guiding students effectively.
Non-Competitive Philosophy: A key feature is the studio's emphasis on camaraderie over intense competition, providing a more nurturing environment for artistic growth and enjoyment, which can be particularly appealing to those seeking a less pressure-filled experience.
Dedicated Boys' Dance Program: The inclusion of weekly "All Boys Hip Hop & Dance Classes" led by male instructors is a significant highlight, offering a unique and encouraging space for boys to explore dance.
Opportunities for Advanced Training & Performance (Element Productions Inc.): While not a competitive studio in the traditional sense, their affiliation with Element Productions Inc., a non-profit performance company, provides serious students with pre-professional training and opportunities to participate in high-quality, theatrical stage productions, offering invaluable performance experience.
Focus on Holistic Development: The studio is dedicated to promoting "healthy minds & bodies" and fostering "lifelong friendships," indicating a comprehensive approach to development that goes beyond just dance steps, instilling valuable life lessons.
Versatile Class Offerings for All Ages: The extensive range of classes for children, teens, and adults—including various styles and even fitness options like Zumba and Tai Chi—makes it a truly versatile performing arts center catering to the entire Wilmington community.
Inviting Guest Artists & Master Teachers: The regular hosting of workshops with national guest artists and master teachers provides unique opportunities for students to learn from top professionals, enriching their dance education.

Contact Information

Address: 7211 Ogden Business Ln STE 205, Wilmington, NC 28411, USA

Phone: (910) 685-3787

Mobile Phone: +1 910-685-3787

For detailed information on class schedules, registration, performance opportunities, or any other inquiries, residents of Wilmington and the surrounding North Carolina areas are encouraged to contact The Dance Element directly. Their dedicated and caring staff will be delighted to assist you in exploring their diverse programs and finding the perfect fit for your dance journey or that of your loved ones.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For the vibrant community of Wilmington, North Carolina, The Dance Element stands out as an exceptionally suitable performing arts destination, offering much more than just dance lessons. Its convenient location at 7211 Ogden Business Ln in the Ogden Business Park ensures easy accessibility for families across Wilmington, Porters Neck, and Wrightsville Beach, making it a practical choice for incorporating dance into busy local schedules. Ample parking further enhances this convenience.

What truly sets The Dance Element apart for locals is its deeply ingrained philosophy of nurturing and support, creating a "home away from home" environment. The consistently praised "amazing and caring owners staff" contribute to an atmosphere where every student, regardless of age or ability, feels welcomed, encouraged, and valued. This is particularly vital for young dancers, as a positive and non-competitive start can ignite a lifelong passion for the arts. For adults, the availability of "great dance classes" provides a fantastic local outlet for fitness, creative expression, and social connection.

The commitment to high standards is evident not only in the "talented instructors" who teach proper technique but also in the remarkably "cleanest dance studio" experience, as noted by a satisfied parent. While one review highlighted some organizational challenges with a specific recital, the overall positive sentiment regarding the studio's daily operations, teaching quality, and supportive community remains strong. The studio's dedication to providing comprehensive dance education across various styles, including a unique program for boys, coupled with opportunities for high-quality stage productions through Element Productions Inc., ensures that students receive a well-rounded and enriching artistic experience right here in Wilmington. For local families seeking a place where their children and even they themselves can thrive in a fun, supportive, and clean environment while developing a love for dance and contributing to the local arts scene, The Dance Element is an ideal choice.

The Dance Element Photos

The Dance Element Location

The Dance Element

North Carolina New Hanover County Wilmington Ogden Business Lane

7211 Ogden Business Ln STE 205, Wilmington, NC 28411, USA

The Dance Element Reviews

I LOVE this dance studio! My daughter and I have both been taking classes here for the past three years. It has become our home away from home. All the teachers, parents and students are so welcoming and supportive. The talented instructors have really helped me and my daughter thrive, developing proper techniques and skills. It is also by far the cleanest dance studio I’ve ever been to. I highly recommend it!
May 13, 2025 · Kimberly Brumsey
I am a grandparent of one of the younger dancers who will not be returning to this company next year. I leave two stars to get the attention of the owner. I appreciated the obvious preparation that went into the recent recital I attended. Changes could be made so that preparation is not overshadowed by the issues below. Audience members nearby spoke similar feelings as well as a mention of grandparents attending last year and would not attend this year because of the same reasons.POV this is not a competitive dance company. It’s a company for all levels of dancers, but mostly amateur.1. $20 ticket to watch the recital! Toooo much!2. Mandatory rehearsal for 15 hours the week of. Parents next to us said their 3-4 year old was at mandatory 7 hr rehearsal the day prior, no parents allowed.3. The recital was over 4.5 HOURS LONG for the following reasons…**3pm start time - started 20 min late. Why? Dancers arrived over an hour prior to start time. Seating was 10 min before start time. 30 min would have helped.**The program had MANY teacher dances. We trust that the teachers know how to dance!! ONE dance number that included all of the teachers together would be so enjoyable. The hip hop number with a teacher (perfect because he got to shine a bit but the students were the focus) was appropriate and fun to watch. A teacher or helper in all younger dancers’ numbers was very appropriate/adorable. If there are teacher dances, let the students come watch the program. Or have the teacher perform a dance for their students during class, or for students and parents at the end of a class. Or just none.**The change between each # was sometimes several minutes long. With organization and backstage help, the next # should be right off stage ready to go. 20-30 could have been cut out by having the dancers on deck. Don't turn lights off between #s or close curtains, just bring the props right out on stage in front of the audience.**A 25 min intermission is unnecessary! Most dancers are in 2/32 numbers, didn’t need a rest and would have cut 30 min. Audience members got up to leave for the restroom as needed throughout the performance anyway. Skip the intermission next time please.**We thought it was ending after the all-dancer finale, but suddenly there was an awards presentation which included 20 attendance awards, announced 1 at a time, while the owner searched for that 1 among the 150+ dancers onstage to hand it out. Suggestions: 1. do it during class, 2. Have helpers to hand them out, 3. read all names and have all recipients come up together.**THEN after the awards, announced a special presentation w a speech and 5+ min slideshow for a dancer who had been at the studio for many years, was leaving, graduating, as an adult. It was special for her but wouldn't have felt as frustrating to the audience if the recital was a decent length.**Just when we thought it was really truly over, and we could get our little dancer to get a photo (as a grandparent who had flown across the country to watch this recital, this was very important!), each dancer had to be checked out ONE AT A TIME! This process didn’t start immediately and a long line of parents formed. Once it did start, one name was called, the search for that one dancer began. When they were found and released, the search for the next dancer began. Waited for 20 minutes outside while my daughter/dancer's mom (who was in the front 10% of the line) waited in line to pick up our dancer. One by one we saw dancers come out in their regular clothes, carrying their costumes in dress bags. AFTER ALL THAT, WE COULDN’T EVEN GET A PHOTO WITH OUR DANCER IN COSTUME! This was incredibly disappointing and so unnecessary. Leave the dancer's in costume please!**It was almost 8pm by the time we got our dancer, took a couple of photos, and got to the car. Way past dinner time. There was no food or drink offered for purchase (missed opportunity there!)***Suggestion: A fantastic recital format you could adopt - have 1 hour recitals for different age groups with a 15 min break between them.
Jun 24, 2025 · Julie Hallsted
Out of all the studios that I danced at throughout my years of dance, The Dance Element is by far my favorite. The friendly, positive environment truly allowed my technique to flourish. I became a much better dancer in the 3 years I spent dancing for Ashley Barnes than I had seen in my previous 15 years of dance. The instruction is amazing, but what makes The Dance Element special is the relationship that the dancers form together. I am proud to say that I met my very best, most genuine friends during my years here. It is very rare to find a studio where all of the dancers (especially the older ones) like each other, but at The Dance Element, that is honestly the case. I may have graduated last year, but I will continue to come back to my favorite place on the planet for many years to come.
Jun 24, 2017 · Jillian Prentis
Erin was such a friendly dance instructor. She put together our wedding dance, and it was a blast working with her. She made us feel right at home and even danced with both my fiancé and I. It was a comfortable experience and she was very encouraging. We'd definitely recommend Erin if you're looking for a dance instructor!
May 07, 2024 · Alicia Pait
I took one "drop in" class and I'm never going again. The dance classes for adults are not for beginners or people who've been out of dance for a long time. While the other dancers were welcoming, the instructor sped through everything and expected that I already knew the steps and the combinations they were doing. I left the class trying very hard not to cry because I felt so embarrassed being in that class with people who came every week and already knew the combinations and steps.
Apr 25, 2024 · Elise C