The Dance Refinery

For families across Indiana seeking a top-tier facility for dance, gymnastics, and even cheerleading, The Dance Refinery in Indianapolis is a well-established and highly regarded destination. Known as Indiana's largest dance, gymnastics, and cheer facility, it offers a comprehensive range of programs for students as young as 18 months through adulthood. If you're a parent looking for a structured, professional, yet incredibly nurturing environment where your child can explore their artistic talents, build confidence, and develop essential life skills, The Dance Refinery has been a cornerstone of the Indianapolis community for over 47 years.

Many local families have found The Dance Refinery to be a true "gem" after experiences elsewhere. As one parent shared, "After another experience at different dance studio that was somewhat disorganized and chaotic, we were so grateful to find this gem! From the very beginning, everything about this studio has been professional, warm, and incredibly well-run. The communication is clear and timely, the schedule is reliable, and the instructors are not only talented but truly care about the kids." This sentiment reflects the academy's commitment to providing a high-quality, organized, and positive learning environment. It’s a place where children "look forward to every class and have grown so much in confidence and skill in such a short time," highlighting the impactful and supportive atmosphere that makes all the difference. While one negative review expressed concerns regarding certain administrative aspects and costume issues, the overwhelming consensus points to a studio that is well-run and cares deeply about its students' development and happiness.

The Dance Refinery is conveniently located at 8335 Shelby St, Indianapolis, IN 46227, USA. This central Indianapolis location makes it easily accessible for families residing throughout the city and surrounding areas, especially those in the southern part of the metropolitan region. Situated on Shelby Street, a major thoroughfare, the facility is straightforward to reach by car, and visitors will typically find ample parking available on-site. Its prominent address ensures that finding the studio is not a challenge, making it a convenient choice for busy parents managing their children's schedules. For many Indiana residents, driving is the primary mode of transportation, and the studio's accessibility by road contributes significantly to its appeal as a local activity hub. The strategic placement of The Dance Refinery means less time commuting and more time dedicated to the enriching activities offered within its walls.

The Dance Refinery offers an extensive array of services across dance, gymnastics, and cheer, catering to a wide range of ages and skill levels. Their diverse programs ensure that there's something for nearly every aspiring performer or athlete.

• Dance Programs:

  • Recreational Dance Classes: For ages 18 months through adult, including popular styles like Ballet & Jazz Fundamentals, Tap & Hip-Hop, and Acro-Dance Integration. These classes focus on skill development, confidence building, and fun.

  • Competitive Dance Programs: Designed for students seeking more intensive training and performance opportunities.

  • All-Boys Dance Program (Gladiators): A unique program specifically designed for boys interested in dance.

  • Adaptive Dance: Programs tailored to meet specific needs, ensuring dance is accessible to all.

  • Private Dance Lessons: One-on-one instruction for personalized growth and skill refinement.

• Gymnastics Programs:

  • Recreational Gymnastics & Tumbling: Classes for children aged 4 and up, developing strength, flexibility, and body awareness through fundamental skills like handstands, cartwheels, and progressive tumbling.

  • Competitive Gymnastics Programs: For those aiming for higher levels of athletic achievement.

• Cheer Programs:

  • Complete recreational and competitive cheer programs for various age groups.

• Voice Lessons: Private instruction available for students interested in developing their vocal talents.

• Acting Classes: Opportunities for students to explore their theatrical side and enhance their performance skills.

• Free Skill-Level Evaluations: Complimentary evaluations for new students (ages 5+) to ensure proper class placement, available Monday–Thursday, 7:30–9:00 PM without an appointment.

The Dance Refinery distinguishes itself through a variety of notable features and highlights that contribute to its long-standing success and strong reputation within the Indiana community:

• Indiana's Largest Facility: Boasting a beautiful 25,000 sq. ft. facility, it offers extensive space with 6 dance rooms, a complete gym, a snack bar, a study hall, a voice room, and a full dancewear store, providing a comprehensive experience under one roof.

• Highly Experienced Leadership: Executive Director Lynn Herrick has over 45 years of experience in teaching and performing, including professional musical theater and extensive judging, ensuring a high level of expertise and dedication to the arts.

• Professional and Caring Instructors: Reviews consistently praise the instructors for being not only talented but also genuinely caring about the students, fostering a positive and supportive environment. This commitment "shows in how happy and engaged all the dancers are."

• Exceptional Organization and Communication: Many parents appreciate the studio's "professional, warm, and incredibly well-run" operations, with "clear and timely" communication and "reliable" schedules, eliminating the "disorganized and chaotic" experiences sometimes found elsewhere.

• Focus on Confidence and Skill Growth: The studio's positive and supportive environment is noted for helping children grow "so much in confidence and skill in such a short time," making a significant difference in their development.

• Diverse Program Offerings: Beyond dance, the inclusion of gymnastics, cheer, voice, and acting provides a well-rounded artistic and athletic development opportunity for students of all interests. The "Gladiators" all-boys program is a notable unique offering.

• Longevity and Legacy: With over 47 years of excellence, The Dance Refinery has a proven legacy of training performers and champions, demonstrating its deep roots and commitment to the arts in Indiana.

• Community and Nurturing Environment: Despite its large size, the studio manages to maintain a nurturing atmosphere where "the staff puts their hearts into what they do," making it a place where "every child grow."

For direct inquiries, class registration, or to schedule a free skill-level evaluation, please use the following contact information:

Address: 8335 Shelby St, Indianapolis, IN 46227, USA

Phone: (317) 881-1905

Mobile Phone: +1 317-881-1905

For locals in Indianapolis and throughout the broader Indiana region, The Dance Refinery stands out as an exceptionally suitable choice for dance, gymnastics, and cheer education. Its nearly five decades of operation underscore a deep commitment to the community and a proven track record of excellence. The sheer scale of its "25,000 sq. ft. facility" means it can offer an unparalleled range of programs and resources, from multiple dance rooms to a full gym and even a dedicated dancewear store, providing convenience and quality under one roof that few other local establishments can match.

Perhaps most importantly, despite its size, the studio consistently receives praise for maintaining a "professional, warm, and incredibly well-run" environment. This combination of top-tier facilities with caring instructors who "truly care about the kids" is a significant draw for parents who want their children to thrive in a supportive yet challenging setting. The emphasis on clear communication, reliable scheduling, and the visible growth in student confidence and skill makes it clear why so many families are "so grateful to find this gem" and "couldn't be happier with our decision to switch studios." For any Indiana family seeking a comprehensive, organized, and truly nurturing artistic and athletic home for their children, The Dance Refinery comes highly recommended as a local institution dedicated to fostering passion and potential.

The Dance Refinery

8335 Shelby St, Indianapolis, IN 46227, USA