The Dance Konnection

For families and aspiring dancers across Iowa, especially in the tight-knit community of Montour, discovering a local institution that offers comprehensive and professional dance education is a true gift. The Dance Konnection stands as a cornerstone of artistic expression, providing a vibrant and nurturing environment where individuals of all ages can discover their passion for movement, refine their skills, and grow as artists. With a remarkable 35 years of excellence, The Dance Konnection has built a legacy of "building dancers from the inside out," offering a rich and diverse curriculum right here in your community. Whether your child is just taking their first steps in a creative movement class, or you're looking for advanced technical training, this studio is dedicated to fostering a lifelong love for dance.

The Dance Konnection's philosophy is rooted in a deep commitment to personal excellence, offering innovative technique in a fun and exciting atmosphere supported by highly qualified teachers. Their mission is clear: to provide each student with a quality dance education that extends beyond just steps. They aim to teach excellence through dance, develop strong minds and open hearts, and create passionate dancers. This holistic approach ensures that students not only become skilled performers but also gain invaluable life skills such as poise, grace, self-confidence, and teamwork. These attributes will undoubtedly stay with them for many years to come, making The Dance Konnection a truly impactful presence in the lives of local Iowa youth.

The academy's long-standing reputation and dedication to a supportive, family-like environment are consistently highlighted by local patrons. As one delighted parent shared, "My daughter has danced at The Dance Konnection for several years. I highly recommend this studio." This sentiment reflects the trust and satisfaction that the Montour community places in The Dance Konnection, solidifying its role as an indispensable resource for cultivating artistic talent and personal growth right here in Iowa.

Location and Accessibility

The Dance Konnection is conveniently located at 305 W Jacob St, Montour, IA 50173, USA. This accessible location places the studio within easy reach for residents throughout Montour and from surrounding communities in Tama County and the wider central Iowa region. Being situated on West Jacob Street ensures straightforward navigation and convenient access, which is a significant benefit for parents managing busy schedules and for students attending classes regularly.

While the studio is officially located in Montour, it also maintains a strong presence and offers classes at the YMCA-YWCA Cultural Center of Marshalltown, located at 108 Washington Street, Marshalltown, Iowa. This dual presence extends its accessibility, allowing families from both Montour and the larger Marshalltown area to benefit from its renowned programs. The ease of access to The Dance Konnection, whether in Montour or Marshalltown, underscores its commitment to serving the local Iowa community, making high-quality dance education attainable and enjoyable for a broader audience.

Services Offered

The Dance Konnection offers an extensive and diverse range of dance classes and programs, thoughtfully designed to cater to various ages, skill levels, and interests. Their comprehensive curriculum ensures a well-rounded and engaging dance experience for everyone.

• Ballet: Foundational classical dance training emphasizing correct posture, weight placement, alignment, control of turnout, spatial awareness, and rhythm. The Dance Konnection integrates the Cecchetti, Vaganova, and Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) techniques, providing a robust classical foundation. Classes range from primary and elementary levels (ages 3-8) to advanced ballet and ballet technique for ages 9 and up.
• Pointe: Advanced ballet training for qualified students (requiring prerequisites from Miss Kimi), focusing on dancing on the tips of the toes, with Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced levels. Pointe dancers must also attend advanced ballet classes for additional technique.
• Jazz: Dynamic and energetic classes focusing on turns, leaps, and combinations, with Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced levels (ages 7 and up).
• Tap: A percussion-like dance form focusing on technical footwork and musicality. Classes range from combination classes for younger dancers (ages 3-8) to All Level Tap classes (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced) exploring various genres like hoofing, soft-shoe, folk, Irish, and Broadway tap.
• Lyrical/Contemporary: Expressive classes that combine elements of ballet and jazz with modern movements, encouraging storytelling and emotional expression through dance. Offered for advanced levels (ages 7 and up).
• Acrobatics: Combines gymnastics and dance choreography, with various levels (Beginner, Advanced) focusing on flexibility, strength, and acrobatic tricks.
• Creative Movement & Combination Classes: For the youngest dancers (ages 3-4), these classes combine creative movement activities with basic beginner steps of tap and ballet, encouraging growth of motor skills and musicality through props, songs, and games.
• Turns and Leaps: Specialized classes focusing on improving technique for these specific dance elements.
• Stretch and Strength: Classes dedicated to enhancing physical conditioning, flexibility, and muscle strength for dancers.
• Summer Camps and Intensives: Seasonal programs offering focused training and fun dance experiences, such as "KA-MOTION SPIRIT CAMP" (cheers, pom-pom, stunts), "ANIMAL SAFARI DANCE PARTY" (dance, crafts, snacks), "FAIRYTALE DANCE PARTY" (imaginative play, storytelling), "SUMMER BEACH DANCE PARTY" (Jazz dance, crafts), and "BALLET INTENSIVE" (master teachers in ballet).
• Performance Opportunities: Students have opportunities to perform in various showcases and events, demonstrating their skills and building stage presence.

Features / Highlights

The Dance Konnection distinguishes itself as a premier dance studio in Iowa through several key features that underscore its long-standing commitment to excellence and student development.

• 35 Years of Excellence: This extensive history signifies a proven track record of quality dance education and a deep understanding of student needs, building trust and reputation within the community.
• "Building Dancers from the Inside Out" Philosophy: This motto highlights a holistic approach to dance education, focusing not just on physical technique but also on developing strong minds, open hearts, and nurturing a lifelong passion for dance. Students learn poise, grace, self-confidence, and teamwork.
• Highly Qualified and Passionate Teachers: The studio is supported by instructors who are not only skilled in their art form but also have a passion to positively enhance children's lives. Miss Kimi (Kimberlee Kups-Benson), with over 30 years of instruction experience at the Y, leads the Marshalltown branch, emphasizing a focus on classical ballet with correct posture and weight placement.
• Diverse and Comprehensive Curriculum: Offering a wide array of styles including Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Tap, Lyrical/Contemporary, and Acrobatics, the studio caters to diverse interests and provides a well-rounded dance education from beginner to advanced levels.
• Strong Foundational Training: The integration of Cecchetti, Vaganova, and RAD ballet techniques ensures students receive a robust and internationally recognized classical foundation.
• Age-Appropriate Programs: From "Twinkle Toes" and "Tutu Cute Ballet" for the youngest dancers to advanced classes for teens and adults, the curriculum is carefully tailored to suit various developmental stages.
• Positive and Family-Oriented Environment: Testimonials emphasize that dancers are "truly loved and cared for, and treated like a part of their dance Family." The environment is "wonderful, friendly, family-oriented," fostering confidence and strong friendships.
• Focus on Personal Growth: Beyond dance skills, the studio helps students like introverts "come out of shyness and develop confidence in their dance ability," teaching valuable life lessons about commitment, hard work, time management, and teamwork.

Contact Information

For residents of Montour, IA, and the surrounding areas, including Marshalltown, who are interested in enrolling or learning more about the programs at The Dance Konnection, here's how to connect:

Address: 305 W Jacob St, Montour, IA 50173, USA

Phone: (641) 485-3939

Mobile Phone: +1 641-485-3939

Email: You can reach out via their website's contact form or directly via email (thedanceconnection95@outlook.com, though this seems to be for a different "The Dance Connection" based in Michigan, so it's best to use the website or phone for the Iowa location).

Social Media: Stay updated by connecting with them on Facebook and Instagram.

These contact details provide direct lines for inquiries about class schedules, registration, and specific program details, ensuring a smooth and informative process for joining The Dance Konnection family.

Conclusion: Why This Place Is Suitable for Locals

For families and individuals across Iowa, particularly within the communities of Montour and Marshalltown, The Dance Konnection stands as an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended choice for dance education. Its profound suitability for locals is rooted in several key factors that align perfectly with community needs and values.

Firstly, the studio's dual locations in Montour and at the Marshalltown YMCA-YWCA Cultural Center ensure remarkable accessibility for a broad range of residents. This convenient local presence minimizes travel time for parents and students, making consistent participation practical and enjoyable for busy Iowa families. Having such a high-caliber dance program within easy reach is a significant advantage.

Secondly, The Dance Konnection's impressive "35 years of excellence" and its philosophy of "building dancers from the inside out" provide strong assurances of quality and a nurturing environment. The consistent positive reviews from local parents, such as "My daughter has danced at The Dance Konnection for several years. I highly recommend this studio," powerfully affirm the studio's ability to deliver on its promise. These testimonials highlight that students are not only loved and cared for but also genuinely thrive, developing confidence and a deep passion for dance.

Furthermore, the comprehensive range of classes—from foundational Ballet and Tap, integrating various world-renowned techniques, to dynamic Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, and Acrobatics—caters to every age group and interest. This diversity ensures that children can begin their dance journey early (as young as 2.5 years old) and continue to grow, explore different styles, and receive advanced technical training within the same supportive institution. The focus on developing poise, grace, self-confidence, and teamwork beyond just dance steps aligns perfectly with the holistic development valued by Iowa families. For any Montour or Marshalltown resident seeking a professional, deeply experienced, and truly community-focused dance program that invests in the artistic and personal growth of its students, The Dance Konnection is undoubtedly a premier local choice, contributing significantly to the cultural richness and well-being of our Iowa community.

The Dance Konnection

305 W Jacob St, Montour, IA 50173, USA